I wanted to say Merry Christmas. I include everyone in this, Muslim, Jew, Atheist, Pagan, Agnostic, Atheist. I hope everyone has an excellent day tomorrow. I know it will be hard, it's a pretty stressful day for those of us who celebrate, and for those who don't, you are probably pretty tired of hearing about it.
For my fellow Christians I hope and pray that you will find yourself renewed after this holiday, it doesn't have to be a new year to start something new. I pray that everyone who believes how I do will proclaim that Jesus meant for us to love everyone, he excluded no one. If we all start acting in love, imagine the revival that could happen. If anything this holiday should remind us that gifts come in all sorts of ways. I have nothing to give others, monetarily, but I try and give my time and support. I hope that we can all give some sort of gift this year, something not in a wrapping. It sounds silly, but the most important gift we can give is to those who don't believe as us. We can give love and acceptance. We can practice what we preach. We can also show that our lives can be joyous through Jesus. We can accept the Atheist who lives next to us, or the Muslim who assures us that they want nothing but peace. I hope we can all change our ways.
To those who don't celebrate. I know some Pagan's do, but I include you in this. I am sorry for every Christian who has ever been rude, hurtful, forceful, or just mean. I pray that everyone around you accepts you for who you are. I pray that people learn all about you before they say anything negative. I pray that people can find peace with themselves so they can stop hating people because they are different. I hope that those around you can see that they can think you are wrong, while still showing the respect that all people deserve.
I pray for my best friend who is now Muslim, that everyone accepts you, and that I continue to see that new light you have. I know we don't believe the same, but what you have done is amazing. I pray for other friends of mine who have lost touch with the religion of your childhood. I am so sorry that people made you hate something that is meant to be a beautiful gift. I know in my heart that one day whoever jaded you against Jesus will have to answer for that. I also pray for them, sometimes people think they are doing what is right, even when they are making a tragic mistake.
I know some people may not like the idea that I am praying for them, but why not, I don't think it can hurt anything. I hope that even if you don't celebrate you get to spend a nice day with your families, or with whoever you choose to celebrate with. I hope that soon people can educate themselves before condemning those who choose to do something different on December 25th. I would also like to apologize to anyone who I have offended, I hope I can fix it.
Merry Christmas, I hope that doesn't offend you. :) Sara
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Intolerant of Intolerance
Judgement is wrong... no matter who you worship. This is a solid belief I have developed over many years. As humans we judge on face value, it is pretty natural, although some people have disciplined themselves through the years to see past this. I have been in many conversations lately where the subject of ALL Muslims being one way, or ALL Christians being one way, has been brought up. The fact is that people who are religious are just as diverse as those who aren't. There are Christians who are militant loonies that hate everyone who doesn't believe in Jesus, there are Christians who don't really give a crap what you believe, and their are Christians who will fight for the respect of everyone, no matter the affiliation. The same can be said for people of any faith, or lack of.
I have in fact been judged on some of my Facebook posts, and this blog. People of my own faith say that I may be leading people astray. I didn't want to have to put at the end of every post a disclaimer that says *Hey, still believe in Jesus*. I didn't know my faith was in question. The point of this whole thing was to talk about me and my friends mutual dislike of religious intolerance. That said we dislike all intolerance, gay, black, Muslim... who cares. Why must people fight the same battle for equal rights over and over.
I am honestly interested in the points of view of most people. I enjoy stories about why people became Atheist, Jewish, and on and on. I like to learn about other peoples perspectives and ways of life. I however do not like people mocking me for mine. It is better to be respectful, offering comfort and support will win over more friendships than anything else. I once again bring up the Muslim community. It is wrong to assume that all Muslims hate everyone but people of their own religion. It's not fair to assume that when they say they are moderate they are always lying. Did you read the Quran, cause I did, I saw little hate, even towards the end. People assured me it was there, I must of missed it. How many Muslims do you personally know? Where they grinning gleefully on September 12th, 2001? Does Fox news tell us what to think now, do the members of the GOP. I think not, I have the ability to draw my own conclusions, and I conclude that most people treat others as they want to be treated. If I show enough respect, people will eventually begin to respect me. If people see a change in me because of my faith, they will eventually ask why if they care to know. I don't have to pop em in the head with the Bible every morning. It is hard to not show biased towards Christianity, it's part of who I am, but I want to show that some Christians can be moderate. For anyone from my family or church who reads this blog... *Hey I still believe in Jesus*. I won't condemn others though. I have never said that I believe other religions or correct, I just believe that they deserve respect and consideration.
I have in fact been judged on some of my Facebook posts, and this blog. People of my own faith say that I may be leading people astray. I didn't want to have to put at the end of every post a disclaimer that says *Hey, still believe in Jesus*. I didn't know my faith was in question. The point of this whole thing was to talk about me and my friends mutual dislike of religious intolerance. That said we dislike all intolerance, gay, black, Muslim... who cares. Why must people fight the same battle for equal rights over and over.
I am honestly interested in the points of view of most people. I enjoy stories about why people became Atheist, Jewish, and on and on. I like to learn about other peoples perspectives and ways of life. I however do not like people mocking me for mine. It is better to be respectful, offering comfort and support will win over more friendships than anything else. I once again bring up the Muslim community. It is wrong to assume that all Muslims hate everyone but people of their own religion. It's not fair to assume that when they say they are moderate they are always lying. Did you read the Quran, cause I did, I saw little hate, even towards the end. People assured me it was there, I must of missed it. How many Muslims do you personally know? Where they grinning gleefully on September 12th, 2001? Does Fox news tell us what to think now, do the members of the GOP. I think not, I have the ability to draw my own conclusions, and I conclude that most people treat others as they want to be treated. If I show enough respect, people will eventually begin to respect me. If people see a change in me because of my faith, they will eventually ask why if they care to know. I don't have to pop em in the head with the Bible every morning. It is hard to not show biased towards Christianity, it's part of who I am, but I want to show that some Christians can be moderate. For anyone from my family or church who reads this blog... *Hey I still believe in Jesus*. I won't condemn others though. I have never said that I believe other religions or correct, I just believe that they deserve respect and consideration.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
The modern day disbeleiver
It has recently been brought to my attention that all Christians are arrogant about their faith... In response to this I will do a blog about Atheism, the facts as I know them, and the fact that I don't believe ALL Christians are arrogant.
Some Questions
What do Atheists believe in?
Do Atheists have a certain book they follow more than others?
Do any Atheists doubt their faith?
So where did we come from?
What if you are wrong?
Are Atheist moral, good people?
Don't you believe all faiths are valid?
Why, if it's not a religion, do some Atheists seem to feel the need to make me believe like them?
So Atheism is a nutshell, they don't believe that any Gods exist. When someone is healed, thank the doctor not God. This seems to be another principle that they believe in. I for one think that both need a thanks, that doctor did attend medical school, residency, and many other upkeep courses, Christian, Wicca, Atheist, the doctor should get his due. They generally believe that the death of their brain means that when they die they are just gone. They believe that if you live a fulfilling life this is no tragedy.
They obviously have no Holy book, but one of the top books seems to be The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins. He intelligently defends evolution, and blames Religion for much of the troubles in our world.
Imagine, with John Lennon, a world with no religion. Imagine no suicide bombers, no 9/11, no 7/7, no Crusades, no witch-hunts, no Gunpowder Plot, no Indian partition, no Israeli/Palestinian wars, no Serb/Croat/Muslim massacres, no persecution of Jews as ‘Christ-killers’, no Northern Ireland ‘troubles’, no ‘honour killings’, no shiny-suited bouffant-haired televangelists fleecing gullible people of their money (‘God wants you to give till it hurts’). Imagine no Taliban to blow up ancient statues, no public {2} beheadings of blasphemers, no flogging of female skin for the crime of showing an inch of it. Incidentally, my colleague Desmond Morris informs me that John Lennon's magnificent song is sometimes performed in America with the phrase ‘and no religion too’ expurgated. One version even has the effrontery to change it to ‘and one religion too’
The author goes on to say that of course religion doesn't cause all violence and war. Many other factors can incite violence. I can agree with him on that. I read a good portion of the book, it is fairly interesting, but it didn't change my mind any.
Some Atheists believe that people are allowed to have their own point of view, they validate other beliefs. There are however Atheists who believe that any other view is stupid. They say that praying to God is equal to praying to a milk jug, it has the same odds of making something happen. I'm sure that some doubt their faith just like people of other religions do. A friend told me that they are probably inclined to doubt their faith in foxholes and on deathbeds. I say that if they are so convinced of their faith that they won't admit to any doubt, that they are either lying, or crazy.
Most Atheists seem to subscribe to the no one knows answer when asked about where we came from. This I feel is an honest answer, since no one really knows. Science has theory, so does religion, but it is impossible to prove. Most believe in some form of evolution. Atheist subscribe to science as a sort of belief structure and belief that religion is like science backwards. Science works from data to find an answer, religion starts at the Bible and works back to the building blocks. I believe that not all Christians are disbelievers (after all you can't really dispute some science) when it comes to science, they can be compatible on most points. Atheists reject all ideas of intelligent design.
I have heard it said that if an Atheist is wrong, they hope that whatever God happens to exist judges them on their merit and not lack of faith in said God. I think this is sort of circular logic since they don't believe in God. I guess that if they are wrong it just sucks to be them. However if they are right the people who are religious around the world still face no punishment, so I guess if they are right then we are still good.
Are Atheists moral? I guess the answer would obviously be, that depends. Like Judaism or Paganism there is the good and the bad. Stephen (Sara's husband) is moral, yet he has no book or belief structure telling him to be. He is a great father, and is helpful to those in need. If an Atheist is logical they will see that being kind to others has the best payoff. They also seem for the most part to follow the Golden Rule. Of course there are Atheist murderers, pedophiles, and bigots, but I figure the majority are just nice people who don't believe in God.
at least be kind to me. I can respect you without believing as you do, it is possible. Atheists who act as zealots are no better than any other zealot.
So Atheism isn't a religion? If its not, why do they have such a need to make me disbelieve in God. An Atheist zealot who says that all religious people are stupid is as bad as a Christian who calls Atheists names and attacks them. I understand that some religious people shove their belief on you, but not all of us are like that. I can hear you are Atheist once, and get it, you don't have to say it 20 times. You probably aren't going to change my mind, just like I'm not going to change yours. I am of the opinion that most Atheists have had some sort of falling out with religion.They may have grown up in a fire and brimstone household, and told their questions where dumb. In that case I can see where you are coming from, all questions of a child should be addressed with the most logical answer that they can understand. Some Atheists I'm sure just come to the logical (to them) answer that there is no God, others are raised that way.
I think the understanding is that most people have different opinions, and a fight is not the same as a debate.
de·bate (d-bt) f
v. de·bat·ed, de·bat·ing, de·bates
v.intr.
1. To consider something; deliberate.
2. To engage in argument by discussing opposing points.
3. To engage in a formal discussion or argument.
fight (f
t)
1. A confrontation between opposing groups in which each attempts to harm or gain power over the other, as with bodily force or weapons.
2. A quarrel or conflict.
I do think Atheists are wrong, but I don't think that they are bad people, or that they should be talked down to. I believe that Jesus was God and that he came down to save me from sin. It may seem silly to some, but if it helps me through hard times and makes me happy, then how is it wrong. Also come judgement day I get to do an I was right dance <joke>. I do hope through this blog that I can maybe make people think, realize that everyone is a person, and maybe hate less. Some of the smartest people I know don't subscribe to a religion, but religious people are intelligent to. All points have validity and should be considered, bigotry is never the answer.
Some Questions
What do Atheists believe in?
Do Atheists have a certain book they follow more than others?
Do any Atheists doubt their faith?
So where did we come from?
What if you are wrong?
Are Atheist moral, good people?
Don't you believe all faiths are valid?
Why, if it's not a religion, do some Atheists seem to feel the need to make me believe like them?
So Atheism is a nutshell, they don't believe that any Gods exist. When someone is healed, thank the doctor not God. This seems to be another principle that they believe in. I for one think that both need a thanks, that doctor did attend medical school, residency, and many other upkeep courses, Christian, Wicca, Atheist, the doctor should get his due. They generally believe that the death of their brain means that when they die they are just gone. They believe that if you live a fulfilling life this is no tragedy.
They obviously have no Holy book, but one of the top books seems to be The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins. He intelligently defends evolution, and blames Religion for much of the troubles in our world.
Imagine, with John Lennon, a world with no religion. Imagine no suicide bombers, no 9/11, no 7/7, no Crusades, no witch-hunts, no Gunpowder Plot, no Indian partition, no Israeli/Palestinian wars, no Serb/Croat/Muslim massacres, no persecution of Jews as ‘Christ-killers’, no Northern Ireland ‘troubles’, no ‘honour killings’, no shiny-suited bouffant-haired televangelists fleecing gullible people of their money (‘God wants you to give till it hurts’). Imagine no Taliban to blow up ancient statues, no public {2} beheadings of blasphemers, no flogging of female skin for the crime of showing an inch of it. Incidentally, my colleague Desmond Morris informs me that John Lennon's magnificent song is sometimes performed in America with the phrase ‘and no religion too’ expurgated. One version even has the effrontery to change it to ‘and one religion too’
The author goes on to say that of course religion doesn't cause all violence and war. Many other factors can incite violence. I can agree with him on that. I read a good portion of the book, it is fairly interesting, but it didn't change my mind any.
Some Atheists believe that people are allowed to have their own point of view, they validate other beliefs. There are however Atheists who believe that any other view is stupid. They say that praying to God is equal to praying to a milk jug, it has the same odds of making something happen. I'm sure that some doubt their faith just like people of other religions do. A friend told me that they are probably inclined to doubt their faith in foxholes and on deathbeds. I say that if they are so convinced of their faith that they won't admit to any doubt, that they are either lying, or crazy.
Most Atheists seem to subscribe to the no one knows answer when asked about where we came from. This I feel is an honest answer, since no one really knows. Science has theory, so does religion, but it is impossible to prove. Most believe in some form of evolution. Atheist subscribe to science as a sort of belief structure and belief that religion is like science backwards. Science works from data to find an answer, religion starts at the Bible and works back to the building blocks. I believe that not all Christians are disbelievers (after all you can't really dispute some science) when it comes to science, they can be compatible on most points. Atheists reject all ideas of intelligent design.
I have heard it said that if an Atheist is wrong, they hope that whatever God happens to exist judges them on their merit and not lack of faith in said God. I think this is sort of circular logic since they don't believe in God. I guess that if they are wrong it just sucks to be them. However if they are right the people who are religious around the world still face no punishment, so I guess if they are right then we are still good.
Are Atheists moral? I guess the answer would obviously be, that depends. Like Judaism or Paganism there is the good and the bad. Stephen (Sara's husband) is moral, yet he has no book or belief structure telling him to be. He is a great father, and is helpful to those in need. If an Atheist is logical they will see that being kind to others has the best payoff. They also seem for the most part to follow the Golden Rule. Of course there are Atheist murderers, pedophiles, and bigots, but I figure the majority are just nice people who don't believe in God.
at least be kind to me. I can respect you without believing as you do, it is possible. Atheists who act as zealots are no better than any other zealot.
So Atheism isn't a religion? If its not, why do they have such a need to make me disbelieve in God. An Atheist zealot who says that all religious people are stupid is as bad as a Christian who calls Atheists names and attacks them. I understand that some religious people shove their belief on you, but not all of us are like that. I can hear you are Atheist once, and get it, you don't have to say it 20 times. You probably aren't going to change my mind, just like I'm not going to change yours. I am of the opinion that most Atheists have had some sort of falling out with religion.They may have grown up in a fire and brimstone household, and told their questions where dumb. In that case I can see where you are coming from, all questions of a child should be addressed with the most logical answer that they can understand. Some Atheists I'm sure just come to the logical (to them) answer that there is no God, others are raised that way.
I think the understanding is that most people have different opinions, and a fight is not the same as a debate.
de·bate (d-bt) f
v. de·bat·ed, de·bat·ing, de·bates
v.intr.
1. To consider something; deliberate.
2. To engage in argument by discussing opposing points.
3. To engage in a formal discussion or argument.
fight (f
t) 1. A confrontation between opposing groups in which each attempts to harm or gain power over the other, as with bodily force or weapons.
2. A quarrel or conflict.
I do think Atheists are wrong, but I don't think that they are bad people, or that they should be talked down to. I believe that Jesus was God and that he came down to save me from sin. It may seem silly to some, but if it helps me through hard times and makes me happy, then how is it wrong. Also come judgement day I get to do an I was right dance <joke>. I do hope through this blog that I can maybe make people think, realize that everyone is a person, and maybe hate less. Some of the smartest people I know don't subscribe to a religion, but religious people are intelligent to. All points have validity and should be considered, bigotry is never the answer.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
A History of Violence
We all know that religion has a history of violence... fact is atheism does too, look at Russia before the fall of communism when they declared Atheism not the national religion, but the only scientific fact. I guess they didn't count it as a religion even though it takes faith, and the followers seem so vehement when told about anyone's religious beliefs. I wanted to do a blog that was pretty much just strait verses from Holy Books, since comparatively they are all pretty angry. I guess I can throw in some real life stories from now and past. I've already shown some of the history, such as the Crusades, and Constantine's dislike of the Pagans, and of course some of the Muslim community has always had a problem with Christians. Seems to me that the Jews are the most peaceful religion, my research may prove me wrong, if you have info let me know.
Actual stories of religious violence in the present.
I'll start with 9/11, call it an inside job, but I don't really want to hear it. The same people calling it an inside job by President Bush are the people saying he was a retard. No retard masterminded 9/11. No one in congress was laughing, and it just made their jobs harder. Sure some people say they just wanted a war of distraction, but the government knew it would hurt their popularity. In life as in football, the best defense is a good offence.
I think the reasoning behind it was this... lets remember that I was 16 when this happened, and I don't remember their actual logic... I was just reading the last few books of the Quran. It says specifically that if you are rich, instead of counting your money, you should give it to the poor. Basically if you are rich, and you aren't spreading it around Allah dislikes it. I'm not downing Islam, but lets face it, Socialism is the way for them. I do stand behind this in that if you are rich you should feel a draw on your heart to give. I however do not think that the government should take, but things don't work like they should, people don't ALL have the draw to give, so the government takes because they have to fund themselves, but I know someone who makes 120,000 a year, one third of her money was going in taxes, I believe that is too much. I believe that the Muslims who believe in the external Jihad wanted to take us down, I never doubted that. They believe Allah told them to do it, but then again pretty much everyone hates America, there are Muslims who want peace, and there are those who would like to forcefully convert or kill everyone else, they fight each other too.
Next example can be Ireland. Two bands have songs about this conflict... Zombie, and Sunday bloody Sunday. I had to research this, as I've said before history, politics, and religion are new areas of interest to me. (So any attacks on my knowledge base will be well met, I don't claim to know everything). As I understand it, Northern Ireland didn't exist until 1920, when the British Government divided Ireland. Before that the north and south had been divided not only geographically, but economically too. In the 1800s the Catholics had a generally low standard of living, while the protestants enjoyed relative wealth. In the south, even after England separated them the Catholics continues to want complete independence. Armed conflict subsided after that agreement, but in the 1960s it started up again. It continued into the 90s and was referred to as "The Troubles". It was considered terrorism, and that was between Christians, just different types, which confuses me a little. Same Bible, why so much hate? It just goes to show that Holy Books can be interpreted 20 different ways. This includes the Quran, for those who say it preaches violence and only violence, I just finished it and that's not what I gleaned from it at all. Safe to say that Christianity is a religion of violence too, whether you like it or not.
I have a few other examples... Jerusalem and Palestine, The shootings at Ft. Hood, Current persecution of Muslims in the US... the list goes on and on, and no one is perfect. I don't understand why some of the Christians I know fail to see that we are at fault too, everyone is.
Okay, for some scripture from the Holy Books of the big 3 Abrahamic faiths. If the quote is from the Bible and the Torah, since they are partially the same thing I'll just put both.
The problem with the Quran is this... verse from the Internet taken out of context..."Slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, arrest them, besiege them, and lie in ambush everywhere for them," Allah instructs the Prophet Muhammad (Quran, 9:5)
When reading this the verses before and after show that the book is talking about idolaters or polytheists who they had a treaty with who broke the treaty, so basically treason. Violent yes, without provocation no. The rest of these will be out of context, I suggest you look them up.
Bible
2 John
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
Titus 1
1:10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:(Jews)
1:11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
1 Thessalonnians 2
Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
2:15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
Matthew 10
10:21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
Bible/Torah
Exodus 23
23:24 Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images.
Exodus 31
31:14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people
Leviticus 20
20:9 For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him.
Leviticus 24
24:16 And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the Lord, shall be put to death
Quran
Quran (66:9) - "O Prophet! Strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be stern with them. Hell will be their home, a hapless journey's end."
Quran (9:123) - "O you who believe! fight those of the unbelievers who are near to you and let them find in you hardness."
Quran (40:22) - "That was because their messengers kept bringing them clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty) but they disbelieved; so Allah seized them. Lo! He is Strong, severe in punishment."
Quran (2:10) - "In their hearts is a disease, and Allah increaseth their disease. A painful doom is theirs because they lie."
*Try as I might I can't find anything in the Quran about the Muslims beheading, stoning, or otherwise hurting non-believers, infidels, whatever (except when talking about people who invade their lands, or stories in the book of a historical nature). I know people keep saying it, but I read the whole darn thing, and it just isn't in there. There is a lot about non-believers burning in hell, but that isn't really the same thing. I haven't read the Sunni or some other Muslim texts, but from what I hear the Quran is considered a stand alone book like the Bible.*
In church today we learned some about the Lord's Supper and Baptism, my preacher is very theologically minded, and has agreed to meet with me and answer my questions. Since there are so many questions I have about my religion I hope he doesn't get overwhelmed. My Dad is going to talk to me too, he is a music minister, but also very into history and logic, I think he will have a very moderate but intelligent perspective. If anyone has any questions that they want answered let me know... A few people who read this tend to ask questions in an almost mocking way (I believe you know who you are) I know you don't mean it that way, but if you do have questions that I may be able to get answered try to word them as nice as possible. I do want to add that I'm still Christian, I do believe that Jesus in necessary in my life, he is like one of my oldest friends, if anyone would ever like to talk to me about that shoot me an e-mail.
Actual stories of religious violence in the present.
I'll start with 9/11, call it an inside job, but I don't really want to hear it. The same people calling it an inside job by President Bush are the people saying he was a retard. No retard masterminded 9/11. No one in congress was laughing, and it just made their jobs harder. Sure some people say they just wanted a war of distraction, but the government knew it would hurt their popularity. In life as in football, the best defense is a good offence.
I think the reasoning behind it was this... lets remember that I was 16 when this happened, and I don't remember their actual logic... I was just reading the last few books of the Quran. It says specifically that if you are rich, instead of counting your money, you should give it to the poor. Basically if you are rich, and you aren't spreading it around Allah dislikes it. I'm not downing Islam, but lets face it, Socialism is the way for them. I do stand behind this in that if you are rich you should feel a draw on your heart to give. I however do not think that the government should take, but things don't work like they should, people don't ALL have the draw to give, so the government takes because they have to fund themselves, but I know someone who makes 120,000 a year, one third of her money was going in taxes, I believe that is too much. I believe that the Muslims who believe in the external Jihad wanted to take us down, I never doubted that. They believe Allah told them to do it, but then again pretty much everyone hates America, there are Muslims who want peace, and there are those who would like to forcefully convert or kill everyone else, they fight each other too.
Next example can be Ireland. Two bands have songs about this conflict... Zombie, and Sunday bloody Sunday. I had to research this, as I've said before history, politics, and religion are new areas of interest to me. (So any attacks on my knowledge base will be well met, I don't claim to know everything). As I understand it, Northern Ireland didn't exist until 1920, when the British Government divided Ireland. Before that the north and south had been divided not only geographically, but economically too. In the 1800s the Catholics had a generally low standard of living, while the protestants enjoyed relative wealth. In the south, even after England separated them the Catholics continues to want complete independence. Armed conflict subsided after that agreement, but in the 1960s it started up again. It continued into the 90s and was referred to as "The Troubles". It was considered terrorism, and that was between Christians, just different types, which confuses me a little. Same Bible, why so much hate? It just goes to show that Holy Books can be interpreted 20 different ways. This includes the Quran, for those who say it preaches violence and only violence, I just finished it and that's not what I gleaned from it at all. Safe to say that Christianity is a religion of violence too, whether you like it or not.
I have a few other examples... Jerusalem and Palestine, The shootings at Ft. Hood, Current persecution of Muslims in the US... the list goes on and on, and no one is perfect. I don't understand why some of the Christians I know fail to see that we are at fault too, everyone is.
Okay, for some scripture from the Holy Books of the big 3 Abrahamic faiths. If the quote is from the Bible and the Torah, since they are partially the same thing I'll just put both.
The problem with the Quran is this... verse from the Internet taken out of context..."Slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, arrest them, besiege them, and lie in ambush everywhere for them," Allah instructs the Prophet Muhammad (Quran, 9:5)
When reading this the verses before and after show that the book is talking about idolaters or polytheists who they had a treaty with who broke the treaty, so basically treason. Violent yes, without provocation no. The rest of these will be out of context, I suggest you look them up.
Bible
2 John
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
Titus 1
1:10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:(Jews)
1:11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
1 Thessalonnians 2
Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
2:15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
Matthew 10
10:21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
Bible/Torah
Exodus 23
23:24 Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images.
Exodus 31
31:14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people
Leviticus 20
20:9 For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him.
Leviticus 24
24:16 And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the Lord, shall be put to death
Quran
Quran (66:9) - "O Prophet! Strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be stern with them. Hell will be their home, a hapless journey's end."
Quran (9:123) - "O you who believe! fight those of the unbelievers who are near to you and let them find in you hardness."
Quran (40:22) - "That was because their messengers kept bringing them clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty) but they disbelieved; so Allah seized them. Lo! He is Strong, severe in punishment."
Quran (2:10) - "In their hearts is a disease, and Allah increaseth their disease. A painful doom is theirs because they lie."
*Try as I might I can't find anything in the Quran about the Muslims beheading, stoning, or otherwise hurting non-believers, infidels, whatever (except when talking about people who invade their lands, or stories in the book of a historical nature). I know people keep saying it, but I read the whole darn thing, and it just isn't in there. There is a lot about non-believers burning in hell, but that isn't really the same thing. I haven't read the Sunni or some other Muslim texts, but from what I hear the Quran is considered a stand alone book like the Bible.*
In church today we learned some about the Lord's Supper and Baptism, my preacher is very theologically minded, and has agreed to meet with me and answer my questions. Since there are so many questions I have about my religion I hope he doesn't get overwhelmed. My Dad is going to talk to me too, he is a music minister, but also very into history and logic, I think he will have a very moderate but intelligent perspective. If anyone has any questions that they want answered let me know... A few people who read this tend to ask questions in an almost mocking way (I believe you know who you are) I know you don't mean it that way, but if you do have questions that I may be able to get answered try to word them as nice as possible. I do want to add that I'm still Christian, I do believe that Jesus in necessary in my life, he is like one of my oldest friends, if anyone would ever like to talk to me about that shoot me an e-mail.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
If you don't like it stop reading
At 6 am this morning I realized no sleep was coming to me. Andrew had been awake off and on with his awful cough (I can't believe he is almost a year old). Kaitlyn was asleep in our bed, constantly contorting into a position that allowed her to kick me in the head no matter how many times I righted her... and I got to thinking. Thinking about my kids, and the future of their world.
I read an essay today that really moved me, it is by a man named Qasim Rashid, a man who truly has my respect... please don't continue with my blog until you have read the link.
http://thisibelieve.org/essay/84654/
What I didn't know before I started this whole blog thing is that there are 4 types of Muslims, kind of like Catholic vs. Baptist vs. Church of Christ. There is the Sunni comprising somewhere around 80% of Muslims. The Shi'a... about 10% of Muslims. The Sufi, which are like a mystic movement in the Muslim community, like the Kabbalah and Judaism. There are also the Amadiyya Muslims, their motto seems to be Peace for All, Hate for None. Unfortunately they suffer great persecution because in their home of Pakistan they aren't considered 'real' Muslims. These are the basic basics as I understand them. I think it must sometimes be sad to be one of the Amadiyya Muslims though, persecuted in your home country, and in America where people lump you in with the terrorist set, especially if your skin happens to be brown.
When I grew up I was sheltered from most of the hate in the world, and I am thankful for this. It is hard however to go to sleep as a child in a accepting, hopeful, loving country, and to wake as an adult in the bigoted, hateful, scared place America has become. It hurts me because I love this country so much.
There is hope out there though, hope that our next set of leaders will be led by God, and not just use him as another stepping stone to get into office. Hope that more people like the man who wrote that essay are out there, writing, and praying, to whatever God they believe in, and in whatever way they believe they should. Praying that the pen really is mightier than the sword.
I hope my children wake up as adults in a world where the government doesn't make all our decisions for us, like who should be allowed to get married. Into a country where your skin color doesn't matter, after all how long have we been fighting that same battle. I'm scared that the return to extreme racism is right around the corner, the difference will be the skin pigmentation of the people drinking out of the 'colored' water fountain. A segregation of religion along with color may be coming.
I am no one, I never have been, I try to be a good person, but I don't even give that 100% of the time. It seems to me though that the meaning of having good morals has been lost, and that other Christians are reading a different Bible than I am, because we have been showing people our worst side. Why would people want to be Christian when we show them alcoholism, drug use, promiscuity, hatefulness, bigotry, pride, and a number of other sins.
In this country fear mongering has taken the place of kindness and hope. I don't want to sit in a drum circle and sing Kumbaya, but I'm worried that if this crap continues one day my kids will wake up in a place where people are having to hide behind bookcases in secret rooms like Anne Frank.
First they came for the communists,
I read an essay today that really moved me, it is by a man named Qasim Rashid, a man who truly has my respect... please don't continue with my blog until you have read the link.
http://thisibelieve.org/essay/84654/
What I didn't know before I started this whole blog thing is that there are 4 types of Muslims, kind of like Catholic vs. Baptist vs. Church of Christ. There is the Sunni comprising somewhere around 80% of Muslims. The Shi'a... about 10% of Muslims. The Sufi, which are like a mystic movement in the Muslim community, like the Kabbalah and Judaism. There are also the Amadiyya Muslims, their motto seems to be Peace for All, Hate for None. Unfortunately they suffer great persecution because in their home of Pakistan they aren't considered 'real' Muslims. These are the basic basics as I understand them. I think it must sometimes be sad to be one of the Amadiyya Muslims though, persecuted in your home country, and in America where people lump you in with the terrorist set, especially if your skin happens to be brown.
When I grew up I was sheltered from most of the hate in the world, and I am thankful for this. It is hard however to go to sleep as a child in a accepting, hopeful, loving country, and to wake as an adult in the bigoted, hateful, scared place America has become. It hurts me because I love this country so much.
There is hope out there though, hope that our next set of leaders will be led by God, and not just use him as another stepping stone to get into office. Hope that more people like the man who wrote that essay are out there, writing, and praying, to whatever God they believe in, and in whatever way they believe they should. Praying that the pen really is mightier than the sword.
I hope my children wake up as adults in a world where the government doesn't make all our decisions for us, like who should be allowed to get married. Into a country where your skin color doesn't matter, after all how long have we been fighting that same battle. I'm scared that the return to extreme racism is right around the corner, the difference will be the skin pigmentation of the people drinking out of the 'colored' water fountain. A segregation of religion along with color may be coming.
I am no one, I never have been, I try to be a good person, but I don't even give that 100% of the time. It seems to me though that the meaning of having good morals has been lost, and that other Christians are reading a different Bible than I am, because we have been showing people our worst side. Why would people want to be Christian when we show them alcoholism, drug use, promiscuity, hatefulness, bigotry, pride, and a number of other sins.
In this country fear mongering has taken the place of kindness and hope. I don't want to sit in a drum circle and sing Kumbaya, but I'm worried that if this crap continues one day my kids will wake up in a place where people are having to hide behind bookcases in secret rooms like Anne Frank.
First they came for the communists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.
and there was no one left to speak out for me.
This is a famous statement made during the Nazi rise to power, and it still speaks volumes. Christian persecution (even by other Christians) is just a blink away, and if we don't stand up for others, then why would they ever stand up for us...
Sara
Sara
Monday, December 5, 2011
Law and Order... Bump Bump
Sharia Law (meaning path in Arabic)
These words seem to have become synonymous with evil in our society. What people don't understand is that other religions, and cultures on American soil sometimes have their own laws and courts. Oklahoma recently ran into some trouble by banning Sharia Law, what they didn't realize is that this new rule prevented sovereign Indian reservations from operating their system of law. What confuses me is why people are so fearful of Sharia Law, yet they know nothing of Canon Law or Halakha Law, if you are going to fear one, you should really fear all three.
Sharia Law is the system of law and punishment meant to govern the Islamic religion. It is not only for middle easterners, but also the many Muslims of other nationalities, including the many white American Muslims on our own soil. It has been mutilated and made into something sickening by regional laws, such as that of the Taliban, but the actual rules aren't any worse than something strait out of the Bible. Don't let the zealots from the middle east confuse you, the actual rules of Sharia are a lot like Mosaic law. In many Muslim countries, and here, Sharia is only for inter community disputes. In the Quran it says that there should always be a separation of church and state, and also no compulsion in religion (I have personally read the Quran, so don't tell to go read it).
The laws govern worship, contracts, morals, manners, beliefs, and punishments. A lot of Sharia Law is basically about the necessity of pilgrimage and prayer, it also goes in depth about inheritances and marital dowry's. Marriage is also a big section of Sharia, most of the rules are like that of the Bible, no adultery, no sex outside of marriage, you are supposed to marry someone of your own religion (these things are also stated in the New Testament of the Bible). A lot of it is just common sense, basically, have good morals, treat others right, and so on.
Sharia Law empathises cleanliness, you are supposed to be physically clean when you pray, so that you can become spiritually clean. This is also part of Mosaic law in the Old Testament. Fasting is covered in the laws, like during the month of Ramadan, you fast from food, drink, and sex from dawn till dusk. (Pregnant women, nursing women, prepubescent children, and sick people don't have to fast).
Polygamy is allowed if there is more women than men in the area who need to be supported, but one of the laws in the Quran is to follow the law of the land you live in, so this isn't allowed in many areas. Divorce is allowed under certain circumstances, as is remarriage.
One of the things that westerners fear about Sharia is the punishments. Sharia law is very strict, and many things are punishable by death under this set of laws, but if you read the Bible you will find that punishments are usually swift and severe under Mosaic and New Testament law. The death sentence is used, and works pretty well as a deterrent.
From a link In sharia, there are categories of offenses: those that are prescribed a specific punishment in the Quran, known as hadd punishments, those that fall under a judge's discretion, and those resolved through a tit-for-tat measure (ie., blood money paid to the family of a murder victim). There are five hadd crimes: unlawful sexual intercourse (sex outside of marriage and adultery), false accusation of unlawful sexual intercourse, wine drinking (sometimes extended to include all alcohol drinking), theft, and highway robbery. Punishments for hadd offenses--flogging, stoning, amputation, exile, or execution--get a significant amount of media attention when they occur. These sentences are not often prescribed, however. "In reality, most Muslim countries do not use traditional classical Islamic punishments," says Ali Mazrui of the Institute of Global Cultural Studies in a Voice of America interview. These punishments remain on the books in some countries but lesser penalties are often considered sufficient
http://www.cfr.org/religion/islam-governing-under-sharia/p8034
However honor killings are against the holy law of the Quran. Also laws for sexual indiscretion are the same for male and female. It is purely the regional acts of countries like Pakistan and Jordan that have so thoroughly terrified Americans.
I understand that people tend to twist things the way they want them to be, Muslims do it and so do we. I am not saying that I think Sharia law should be allowed to govern our country, a separation of church and state is a must have. I'm saying that you should do more actual research before you look at a girl with a scarf on her head and feel pity for her, she has chosen her own way, at least she has in this country, of course we should pray for women in other countries who aren't allowed to make these decisions. I just hope that people can come to understand that you shouldn't believe everything you are told, it is almost impossible to find an actual FACT on the internet, don't hate just because people tell you to.
Halakha Law (the path that one walks in Hebrew)
The Torah (and some Rabbinical laws, also laws from the Mishna and Talmud) is the basis for Halakha law, it is based on God's covenant law. Jewish citizens are only bound to Halakha law by their own consent, this differs from Cannon and Sharia law. Currently in Israel certain areas are under the authority of Rabbinic law which is much the same of Halakha law. In the U.S. it is sometimes used to cover inter community disputes. Here in Texas we don't hear much about this, Judaism doesn't seem to be very popular in south, so we had to do a lot of research, I couldn't seem to find a real Jew to ask about this stuff.
Another difference between these 3 systems are that Canon and Sharia are only for the followers of their religion. Halakha law is actually meant to be universal, or for everyone who survived the flood (meaning a descendant of Noah). There is no central Halakhic authority, instead it is used on it's own in Jewish communities. This is especially true since for a millennium the Jews had no country. Sharia and Canon law had the benefit of a country to unite the people and standardize the rules.
Finding facts about this governing system was really hard. There are so many rules that it is insane, so we posted a link that shows them. They have rules on how to eat meat, how to diet, how to have sex.... pretty much everything. Due to the difficulty we had researching this we may have to add more about it when we start our study on Judaism. So this is quite a bit shorter than the others.If anyone reads this and can find a link, or knows a Jew, that would be really helpful. If you have any info please comment or email us.
Here is a link, because they have tons of laws.
http://www.jewfaq.org/613.htm
Canon Law
Pope John Paul II said that canon law "is in no way intended as a substitute for faith, grace, charisms, and especially charity in the life of the Church and of the faithful. On the contrary, its purpose is rather to create such an order in the ecclesial society that, while assigning the primacy love, grace, and charisms, it at the same time renders their organic development easier in the life of both the ecclesial society and the individual persons who belong to it."
This is the body of laws that the catholic church follows. I find this law to be the worst of them, but that's mainly because when a priest commits a sexual crime they just shuttle them off to a new parish and forget about it. That is my own personal opinion about it, and it's probably just because it is so often in the media. Like Sharia, Canon law is not voluntary, all Catholics are subject to this system of laws.
Canon law began with rules known as "canons" adopted by the apostles at the council of Jerusalem in the first century. Since then it has developed into a highly complex legal system. Including not just the New Testament, but also elements of the Old Testament, Roman law, Visgothic ideals, Saxon, and Celtic legal traditions. In the early church the first canons where decreed by Bishops that had united in separate councils. Over time they became a united council and started meeting in Rome. Basically if people had problems with their laws the response was 'Rome has spoken so shove it'. Later the Canons where gathered into collections, some official (from Rome itself), and some unofficial (from different Diocese). The first truly systematic collection was assembled in the 11th century. By the 19th century this body of legislation included 10,000 different laws, which is difficult to follow due to constant changes in circumstances and in practice.
The problem with Canon law is that it is sometimes allowed to trump criminal laws in a lot of countries, ours being one of them. While everyone is pitching a hissy fit about Sharia, catholics who commit crimes are allowed to get off with almost no punishment. The courts of the Vatican have no DNA testing, no enforcement mechanisms, and no public hearings. The most severe punishment is excommunication, which really is not comparable to imprisonment or the death penalty. Those found guilty of child molestation have to undergo spiritual exercises, which really doesn't cut it at all in our opinion. Why our country continues to turn these people over to Canon law is a mystery to me.
Saints and Canon Law
The saints have to be canonized under this same set of laws. The catholic church investigates the persons life, then they send their information to a panel of theologians. If the panel approves then the pope proclaims that person venerable. Then comes beatification, for this it must be shown that the person has to have done a miracle, or been a martyr. After those (I really condensed these steps) steps, that person is then canonized and considered a saint.
On a side note
In Arizona there was actually a bill introduced to ban all of these laws, plus Karma law(how can you ban Karma?).
Here is the link, some of the comments are funny... http://gaveltogavel.us/site/2011/02/04/az-effort-to-ban-court-use-of-sharia-law-canon-law-halacha-and-karma-under-threat-of-impeachment-reintroduced/
To Sum it all up
Obviously Halakha law is nothing to be worried about, Sharia and Canon are the main concerns. The fact about Sharia law is that it is very misunderstood, and is frequently taken out of context and mixed with regional law. I don't understand why people are so concerned with Sharia, but we continue to turn disgusting child molesters over to the Vatican. We are so concerned with a problem that may exist in the future, that are ignoring the problem that is a reality in our present.
Really none of these systems should ever trump the law of the land, one of this great countries founding principles was separation of church and state. We were founded by people seeking religious freedom, not a purely Christian government. Pushing religion and politics together always creates an ugly mixture. You shouldn't base how you vote on a candidates religion, I don't even believe that they should be allowed to use it as a way to get people to vote for them. I personally don't want any politician using the God I believe in as a spring board for their campaign, because most politicians really aren't what I want people to think of my religion. If you believe in one all powerful God, then you also have to believe that he is stronger than any politician.
Some links
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/qasim-rashid/shariah-law-the-five-things-every-non-muslim_b_1068569.html
http://www.alislam.org/egazette/updates/demystifying-shariah/
These words seem to have become synonymous with evil in our society. What people don't understand is that other religions, and cultures on American soil sometimes have their own laws and courts. Oklahoma recently ran into some trouble by banning Sharia Law, what they didn't realize is that this new rule prevented sovereign Indian reservations from operating their system of law. What confuses me is why people are so fearful of Sharia Law, yet they know nothing of Canon Law or Halakha Law, if you are going to fear one, you should really fear all three.
Sharia Law is the system of law and punishment meant to govern the Islamic religion. It is not only for middle easterners, but also the many Muslims of other nationalities, including the many white American Muslims on our own soil. It has been mutilated and made into something sickening by regional laws, such as that of the Taliban, but the actual rules aren't any worse than something strait out of the Bible. Don't let the zealots from the middle east confuse you, the actual rules of Sharia are a lot like Mosaic law. In many Muslim countries, and here, Sharia is only for inter community disputes. In the Quran it says that there should always be a separation of church and state, and also no compulsion in religion (I have personally read the Quran, so don't tell to go read it).
The laws govern worship, contracts, morals, manners, beliefs, and punishments. A lot of Sharia Law is basically about the necessity of pilgrimage and prayer, it also goes in depth about inheritances and marital dowry's. Marriage is also a big section of Sharia, most of the rules are like that of the Bible, no adultery, no sex outside of marriage, you are supposed to marry someone of your own religion (these things are also stated in the New Testament of the Bible). A lot of it is just common sense, basically, have good morals, treat others right, and so on.
Sharia Law empathises cleanliness, you are supposed to be physically clean when you pray, so that you can become spiritually clean. This is also part of Mosaic law in the Old Testament. Fasting is covered in the laws, like during the month of Ramadan, you fast from food, drink, and sex from dawn till dusk. (Pregnant women, nursing women, prepubescent children, and sick people don't have to fast).
Polygamy is allowed if there is more women than men in the area who need to be supported, but one of the laws in the Quran is to follow the law of the land you live in, so this isn't allowed in many areas. Divorce is allowed under certain circumstances, as is remarriage.
One of the things that westerners fear about Sharia is the punishments. Sharia law is very strict, and many things are punishable by death under this set of laws, but if you read the Bible you will find that punishments are usually swift and severe under Mosaic and New Testament law. The death sentence is used, and works pretty well as a deterrent.
From a link In sharia, there are categories of offenses: those that are prescribed a specific punishment in the Quran, known as hadd punishments, those that fall under a judge's discretion, and those resolved through a tit-for-tat measure (ie., blood money paid to the family of a murder victim). There are five hadd crimes: unlawful sexual intercourse (sex outside of marriage and adultery), false accusation of unlawful sexual intercourse, wine drinking (sometimes extended to include all alcohol drinking), theft, and highway robbery. Punishments for hadd offenses--flogging, stoning, amputation, exile, or execution--get a significant amount of media attention when they occur. These sentences are not often prescribed, however. "In reality, most Muslim countries do not use traditional classical Islamic punishments," says Ali Mazrui of the Institute of Global Cultural Studies in a Voice of America interview. These punishments remain on the books in some countries but lesser penalties are often considered sufficient
http://www.cfr.org/religion/islam-governing-under-sharia/p8034
However honor killings are against the holy law of the Quran. Also laws for sexual indiscretion are the same for male and female. It is purely the regional acts of countries like Pakistan and Jordan that have so thoroughly terrified Americans.
I understand that people tend to twist things the way they want them to be, Muslims do it and so do we. I am not saying that I think Sharia law should be allowed to govern our country, a separation of church and state is a must have. I'm saying that you should do more actual research before you look at a girl with a scarf on her head and feel pity for her, she has chosen her own way, at least she has in this country, of course we should pray for women in other countries who aren't allowed to make these decisions. I just hope that people can come to understand that you shouldn't believe everything you are told, it is almost impossible to find an actual FACT on the internet, don't hate just because people tell you to.
Halakha Law (the path that one walks in Hebrew)
The Torah (and some Rabbinical laws, also laws from the Mishna and Talmud) is the basis for Halakha law, it is based on God's covenant law. Jewish citizens are only bound to Halakha law by their own consent, this differs from Cannon and Sharia law. Currently in Israel certain areas are under the authority of Rabbinic law which is much the same of Halakha law. In the U.S. it is sometimes used to cover inter community disputes. Here in Texas we don't hear much about this, Judaism doesn't seem to be very popular in south, so we had to do a lot of research, I couldn't seem to find a real Jew to ask about this stuff.
Another difference between these 3 systems are that Canon and Sharia are only for the followers of their religion. Halakha law is actually meant to be universal, or for everyone who survived the flood (meaning a descendant of Noah). There is no central Halakhic authority, instead it is used on it's own in Jewish communities. This is especially true since for a millennium the Jews had no country. Sharia and Canon law had the benefit of a country to unite the people and standardize the rules.
Finding facts about this governing system was really hard. There are so many rules that it is insane, so we posted a link that shows them. They have rules on how to eat meat, how to diet, how to have sex.... pretty much everything. Due to the difficulty we had researching this we may have to add more about it when we start our study on Judaism. So this is quite a bit shorter than the others.If anyone reads this and can find a link, or knows a Jew, that would be really helpful. If you have any info please comment or email us.
Here is a link, because they have tons of laws.
http://www.jewfaq.org/613.htm
Canon Law
Pope John Paul II said that canon law "is in no way intended as a substitute for faith, grace, charisms, and especially charity in the life of the Church and of the faithful. On the contrary, its purpose is rather to create such an order in the ecclesial society that, while assigning the primacy love, grace, and charisms, it at the same time renders their organic development easier in the life of both the ecclesial society and the individual persons who belong to it."
This is the body of laws that the catholic church follows. I find this law to be the worst of them, but that's mainly because when a priest commits a sexual crime they just shuttle them off to a new parish and forget about it. That is my own personal opinion about it, and it's probably just because it is so often in the media. Like Sharia, Canon law is not voluntary, all Catholics are subject to this system of laws.
Canon law began with rules known as "canons" adopted by the apostles at the council of Jerusalem in the first century. Since then it has developed into a highly complex legal system. Including not just the New Testament, but also elements of the Old Testament, Roman law, Visgothic ideals, Saxon, and Celtic legal traditions. In the early church the first canons where decreed by Bishops that had united in separate councils. Over time they became a united council and started meeting in Rome. Basically if people had problems with their laws the response was 'Rome has spoken so shove it'. Later the Canons where gathered into collections, some official (from Rome itself), and some unofficial (from different Diocese). The first truly systematic collection was assembled in the 11th century. By the 19th century this body of legislation included 10,000 different laws, which is difficult to follow due to constant changes in circumstances and in practice.
The problem with Canon law is that it is sometimes allowed to trump criminal laws in a lot of countries, ours being one of them. While everyone is pitching a hissy fit about Sharia, catholics who commit crimes are allowed to get off with almost no punishment. The courts of the Vatican have no DNA testing, no enforcement mechanisms, and no public hearings. The most severe punishment is excommunication, which really is not comparable to imprisonment or the death penalty. Those found guilty of child molestation have to undergo spiritual exercises, which really doesn't cut it at all in our opinion. Why our country continues to turn these people over to Canon law is a mystery to me.
Saints and Canon Law
The saints have to be canonized under this same set of laws. The catholic church investigates the persons life, then they send their information to a panel of theologians. If the panel approves then the pope proclaims that person venerable. Then comes beatification, for this it must be shown that the person has to have done a miracle, or been a martyr. After those (I really condensed these steps) steps, that person is then canonized and considered a saint.
On a side note
In Arizona there was actually a bill introduced to ban all of these laws, plus Karma law(how can you ban Karma?).
Here is the link, some of the comments are funny... http://gaveltogavel.us/site/2011/02/04/az-effort-to-ban-court-use-of-sharia-law-canon-law-halacha-and-karma-under-threat-of-impeachment-reintroduced/
To Sum it all up
Obviously Halakha law is nothing to be worried about, Sharia and Canon are the main concerns. The fact about Sharia law is that it is very misunderstood, and is frequently taken out of context and mixed with regional law. I don't understand why people are so concerned with Sharia, but we continue to turn disgusting child molesters over to the Vatican. We are so concerned with a problem that may exist in the future, that are ignoring the problem that is a reality in our present.
Really none of these systems should ever trump the law of the land, one of this great countries founding principles was separation of church and state. We were founded by people seeking religious freedom, not a purely Christian government. Pushing religion and politics together always creates an ugly mixture. You shouldn't base how you vote on a candidates religion, I don't even believe that they should be allowed to use it as a way to get people to vote for them. I personally don't want any politician using the God I believe in as a spring board for their campaign, because most politicians really aren't what I want people to think of my religion. If you believe in one all powerful God, then you also have to believe that he is stronger than any politician.
Some links
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/qasim-rashid/shariah-law-the-five-things-every-non-muslim_b_1068569.html
http://www.alislam.org/egazette/updates/demystifying-shariah/
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Homeschooling, is it for me?
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Let us clarify that I don't look down on anyone who has decided to homeschool. Both homeschooling and public schools are imperfect, it is your right as a parent to choose. There are 2 main reasons to homeschool, but religious reasons are definitely the most common. In fact 75% of all homeschooling families do it because of religion. The state of our schools is the other main reason, poor teaching, bullying, and school shootings contribute to this trend. Some Islamic families do it to avoid persecution. Some families participate it something called unschooling, basically learning through life, no formal studies. About 2.1 million children are estimated to be homeschooled at any time in the U.S. You ask why this made it into our blog about religion, I think the stat on why most people homeschool show why it is here. Some people use homeschooling to indoctrinate their kids with outlandish religious beliefs. Most people I know have the best of intentions when they homeschool, but there are some real wackos out there.
You can't argue that it provides flexibility, and a better parent/child bond. It has the other side too, lack of socialization in the melting pot that is American school, lack of ability to handle some situations involving peers, and poor development of leadership skills when applied to a peer group. I personally know an adult who was homeschooled through most of his childhood, and he hated it. At the mere mention of homeschooling my kids he made me promise not to. I wouldn't anyway, I don't believe that my academic level (or patience level) is up to this task.
Me and my husband are going to work on this one together since Allie is working all weekend, keep in mind that I currently have a kidney stone and am on a bunch of pain pills, so let me know if some of this doesn't make sense.
Is it good?
Homeschooling is better in part because the education of the child can be tailored to suit their specific needs. This is something you can't get at either public or private schools due to the amount of students. Homeschooling can provide a more solid and fulfilling relationship between parent and child. They spend more time with the family, and their lack of time with a peer group means that most of life's questions have to be directed at a parent. There is also a lack of bullying and peer pressure, some would say that you also don't have to worry about fitting in, but some kids don't fit in with their family, so I guess in some cases it's a pro, and in others a con. Parent also don't have to worry about their children wanted to have name brand clothes or other expensive items just so they can fit in.
About 91% of homeschoolers that do it for religious reasons are evangelical Christians, and they do it to provide strong morals for their kids. They don't have to worry about their child being taught something that they don't believe they should know. Sex Ed, the theory of evolution, and other public school teachings, go against the morals of some Christians. The kids aren't spending 8 hours a day talking with people of other religions who could influence their beliefs.Some people who homeschool for religious reasons are pretty mellow, they just want their kid to get the best chance in life. Some use it to make sure their kid doesn't have
a chance to form their own opinions. Homeschooling allows for the incorporation of religion and bible knowledge into daily teachings. If you believe that boys and girls are meant to fulfill certain rolls this can be taught better in a homeschool environment. Girls can be taught home ec., household mathematics, and child care; boys can be taught leadership, household repair, and various academic skills they need for college. If you have very strong religious beliefs, and you think a public school environment doesn't cultivate these beliefs, then homeschooling may be for you.
Studies show that well rested children learn better. Homeschool can start whenever you want it to during the day, so you will most likely have a well rested and happy student. Another thing is that all schoolwork has a purpose, no busywork is thrown at the students just to keep them busy. Your child will never miss out on learning because one kid in the class just doesn't get it, and the teacher has to spend time catching them up. In general homeschooling is faster paced, the student learns more, and generally scores better on standardized testing.
Is it bad?
I guess the socialization thing is the biggest con on the homeschooling scene, parents that homeschool would argue that their kids go to church, spend time with a group of homeschoolers, and play sports in the community, but some think that this just isn't enough. When homeschooling you must go to great lengths to socialize your children, and even then the sports opportunities kind of dry up when they get to a certain age. We believe that kids need time, alone, with their peer group. Another thing homeschool lacks is the specialty classes that schools have. Without a hugely extensive network of homeschooling families the kids will miss out on band, choir, athletics, journalism, debate, auto shop, home ec., languages, photography, and other classes that students can take if they are so inclined.
As any married couple can tell you, being with someone 24 hours a day 7 days a week can be taxing. I love my kids but after constant contact the kids may get on my nerves a bit. Homeschooling can also be quite expensive. All books, field trips, and extra activities have to be paid for by the parent. One parent must also forgo a full time job so they can be at home teaching. So really unless you live comfortably in a single income home it may be difficult to home school your kids. Lastly you can't get a high school diploma if you are homeschooled. Some colleges make it very difficult on you if you don't have one. There are many
hoops you have to jump through to get enrolled in college and getting a grant to do so is also very difficult.
My biggest worry for homeschooled kids is the lack of a qualified teacher. Not to say that parents are dumb, but everyone has their strong suits. I can't learn math, so how could I teach my kid to do it, even with a book that simplifies everything. There is no federal regulation on how smart a parent needs to be, or what education level a parent has to have, to homeschool. So while some parents may be well rounded in academics, sometimes you get idiots trying to teach their kids.
Why we don't do it
We don't homeschool our children because we aren't teachers. Stephen can't teach anyone anything without getting mad, and as I've said I believe that knowledge base prevents me from teaching. We also believe that homeschooled children, at least in our personal experience, are more naive, and this isn't always a good thing. We want our kids to know that not everyone is a good person, and not everyone believes like you do. It also just wouldn't suit my daughter, I don't know about my son yet, but my daughter thrives on having a structured day with her peers, she just learns better that way. Before she started Kindergarten I sat down and tried to teach her some basic math and reading. To say the least it ended in disaster, and more than a few tears on both ends, yet in just a few months at her public school she has already mastered basic math, and is well on her way to reading. We always try to take opportunities to teach our daughter, at the store, at the park, and even at home, she learns a ton. I try to teach her something out of the Bible everyday, and answer any questions to the best of my ability, so some of the schooling is done at home.
To sum it up it can be good or bad based on the parent. If you are using homeschooling as a method for brainwashing your kids to believe strictly what you do it will probably turn out badly. On the other hand if you are using it to make sure your kid is intelligent and kind it will probably work out well. If you go to the lengths of making sure they are socialized they won't be missing out on much, except the diploma, I'm not sure what homeschooling parents do about this... Eventually, homeschooled or not, children will grow up and learn how the world works, whether you like it or not, and sometimes they may not turn out to have the religious beliefs as you. A daughter who you wanted to be a mother and homemaker may turn out to be a lawyer or doctor, the son you wanted to be a strong Christian may turn out to be an Atheist. The hope is that no matter what you will always love and support them, even though you may be praying every night for them to change.
Another bonus to homeschooling... whenever you want a hug, there is always someone around to give you one.
Let us clarify that I don't look down on anyone who has decided to homeschool. Both homeschooling and public schools are imperfect, it is your right as a parent to choose. There are 2 main reasons to homeschool, but religious reasons are definitely the most common. In fact 75% of all homeschooling families do it because of religion. The state of our schools is the other main reason, poor teaching, bullying, and school shootings contribute to this trend. Some Islamic families do it to avoid persecution. Some families participate it something called unschooling, basically learning through life, no formal studies. About 2.1 million children are estimated to be homeschooled at any time in the U.S. You ask why this made it into our blog about religion, I think the stat on why most people homeschool show why it is here. Some people use homeschooling to indoctrinate their kids with outlandish religious beliefs. Most people I know have the best of intentions when they homeschool, but there are some real wackos out there.
You can't argue that it provides flexibility, and a better parent/child bond. It has the other side too, lack of socialization in the melting pot that is American school, lack of ability to handle some situations involving peers, and poor development of leadership skills when applied to a peer group. I personally know an adult who was homeschooled through most of his childhood, and he hated it. At the mere mention of homeschooling my kids he made me promise not to. I wouldn't anyway, I don't believe that my academic level (or patience level) is up to this task.
Me and my husband are going to work on this one together since Allie is working all weekend, keep in mind that I currently have a kidney stone and am on a bunch of pain pills, so let me know if some of this doesn't make sense.
Is it good?
Homeschooling is better in part because the education of the child can be tailored to suit their specific needs. This is something you can't get at either public or private schools due to the amount of students. Homeschooling can provide a more solid and fulfilling relationship between parent and child. They spend more time with the family, and their lack of time with a peer group means that most of life's questions have to be directed at a parent. There is also a lack of bullying and peer pressure, some would say that you also don't have to worry about fitting in, but some kids don't fit in with their family, so I guess in some cases it's a pro, and in others a con. Parent also don't have to worry about their children wanted to have name brand clothes or other expensive items just so they can fit in.
About 91% of homeschoolers that do it for religious reasons are evangelical Christians, and they do it to provide strong morals for their kids. They don't have to worry about their child being taught something that they don't believe they should know. Sex Ed, the theory of evolution, and other public school teachings, go against the morals of some Christians. The kids aren't spending 8 hours a day talking with people of other religions who could influence their beliefs.Some people who homeschool for religious reasons are pretty mellow, they just want their kid to get the best chance in life. Some use it to make sure their kid doesn't have
a chance to form their own opinions. Homeschooling allows for the incorporation of religion and bible knowledge into daily teachings. If you believe that boys and girls are meant to fulfill certain rolls this can be taught better in a homeschool environment. Girls can be taught home ec., household mathematics, and child care; boys can be taught leadership, household repair, and various academic skills they need for college. If you have very strong religious beliefs, and you think a public school environment doesn't cultivate these beliefs, then homeschooling may be for you.
Studies show that well rested children learn better. Homeschool can start whenever you want it to during the day, so you will most likely have a well rested and happy student. Another thing is that all schoolwork has a purpose, no busywork is thrown at the students just to keep them busy. Your child will never miss out on learning because one kid in the class just doesn't get it, and the teacher has to spend time catching them up. In general homeschooling is faster paced, the student learns more, and generally scores better on standardized testing.
Is it bad?
I guess the socialization thing is the biggest con on the homeschooling scene, parents that homeschool would argue that their kids go to church, spend time with a group of homeschoolers, and play sports in the community, but some think that this just isn't enough. When homeschooling you must go to great lengths to socialize your children, and even then the sports opportunities kind of dry up when they get to a certain age. We believe that kids need time, alone, with their peer group. Another thing homeschool lacks is the specialty classes that schools have. Without a hugely extensive network of homeschooling families the kids will miss out on band, choir, athletics, journalism, debate, auto shop, home ec., languages, photography, and other classes that students can take if they are so inclined.
As any married couple can tell you, being with someone 24 hours a day 7 days a week can be taxing. I love my kids but after constant contact the kids may get on my nerves a bit. Homeschooling can also be quite expensive. All books, field trips, and extra activities have to be paid for by the parent. One parent must also forgo a full time job so they can be at home teaching. So really unless you live comfortably in a single income home it may be difficult to home school your kids. Lastly you can't get a high school diploma if you are homeschooled. Some colleges make it very difficult on you if you don't have one. There are many
hoops you have to jump through to get enrolled in college and getting a grant to do so is also very difficult.
My biggest worry for homeschooled kids is the lack of a qualified teacher. Not to say that parents are dumb, but everyone has their strong suits. I can't learn math, so how could I teach my kid to do it, even with a book that simplifies everything. There is no federal regulation on how smart a parent needs to be, or what education level a parent has to have, to homeschool. So while some parents may be well rounded in academics, sometimes you get idiots trying to teach their kids.
Why we don't do it
We don't homeschool our children because we aren't teachers. Stephen can't teach anyone anything without getting mad, and as I've said I believe that knowledge base prevents me from teaching. We also believe that homeschooled children, at least in our personal experience, are more naive, and this isn't always a good thing. We want our kids to know that not everyone is a good person, and not everyone believes like you do. It also just wouldn't suit my daughter, I don't know about my son yet, but my daughter thrives on having a structured day with her peers, she just learns better that way. Before she started Kindergarten I sat down and tried to teach her some basic math and reading. To say the least it ended in disaster, and more than a few tears on both ends, yet in just a few months at her public school she has already mastered basic math, and is well on her way to reading. We always try to take opportunities to teach our daughter, at the store, at the park, and even at home, she learns a ton. I try to teach her something out of the Bible everyday, and answer any questions to the best of my ability, so some of the schooling is done at home.
To sum it up it can be good or bad based on the parent. If you are using homeschooling as a method for brainwashing your kids to believe strictly what you do it will probably turn out badly. On the other hand if you are using it to make sure your kid is intelligent and kind it will probably work out well. If you go to the lengths of making sure they are socialized they won't be missing out on much, except the diploma, I'm not sure what homeschooling parents do about this... Eventually, homeschooled or not, children will grow up and learn how the world works, whether you like it or not, and sometimes they may not turn out to have the religious beliefs as you. A daughter who you wanted to be a mother and homemaker may turn out to be a lawyer or doctor, the son you wanted to be a strong Christian may turn out to be an Atheist. The hope is that no matter what you will always love and support them, even though you may be praying every night for them to change.
Another bonus to homeschooling... whenever you want a hug, there is always someone around to give you one.
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