I tell people it's my schedule, fact is that's a half truth, which means it's a lie. So I apologize to everyone at my church for saying it. Here is the truth, I was mad at a sermon. This may seem petty and shallow, but after having to comfort my sobbing child after what she heard in a sermon, I just couldn't listen anymore.
It was a few months ago, I had been going pretty regularly (this is before I had my job, my schedule really does prevent most church attendance). The preacher was preaching on families. He said a few words about equal marriage rights, I thought, I don't agree, but hey, he is allowed his opinion, I don't have to agree. Then he went on, he started talking about what a family should be. I prayed right then, please take a different path, please just SHUT-UP. I thought, why don't we have a children's church... because I knew where he was going.
See, most people in my church are Christians, married to other Christians, who home school their wonderful Christian kids. They are right wing, they are in the middle class, they are the social norm in our church. Not to say anything negative, I love the people there, they are some of the nicest people I have ever met. I feel safe among them. Some of them are my friends on Face Book, they know my stance on things. Have I ever gotten one disparaging remark, no, they are the best of the Christian community, and have cemented my love of Christ, I can't say enough good things about them.
They aren't like me in one important way though, our upbringings, our families are very different. Yes, I am unequally yoked to an Atheist, yes I am liberal in my social issues. I don't home school, we are poor, and both me and my husband come from a shady past. On this Sunday the pastor said that a home should be two Christian parents. My daughter perked up, she knows Stephen isn't Christian. He said some more on the subject, I watched her. He said non-believers went to Hell, I watched as her face fell, and tears sprang to her eyes. He said the best home is one with a Christian mother and father. She whispered something to Grandma... and that was it for me, I was angry.
So what if it's true, does my 6 year old need to hear that her Father is going to Hell, or that her parents made a mistake in getting married. Anything else the pastor had said was now washed away by my daughter's tears, and all I could hear was this sermon.
We discussed it later. So I read to her out of Corinthians
1Corinthians 7:12-14
To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
She had a ton of questions, we talked for a long time, at the end of it she wasn't much better. I understand that adults can deal with things like that, but she is all but a baby, why couldn't the man have just left that part out. I'm not sure how people will feel after they read this, but the fact is, until my daughter is old enough to deal with such painful things, I can not let her hear things that will wreck her. Things that teach her fear instead of love, hurt instead of hope. We should rejoice in faith, not be sad.
I hope in the future I get up enough courage to say all this to my pastor. I feel he is a kind man, and will try to be understanding, but part of me thinks he will laugh at me... Silly heretic, of course your daughter needs to hear her Daddy is going to Hell. I really miss my church friends, and hope I can get over this fear soon. I still wouldn't be able to make it every Sunday, but at least I wouldn't be scared to go.
Showing posts with label Christianity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christianity. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
#IfGodhadTwitter :)
I was looking through old blogs this week, thinking about how much my opinions have changed in just the short time I’ve been working on this. I find myself to be less judgmental, and over all more friendly. It is interesting how a little research and much thought can change things so much. Not only have I been researching for the blog, but talking to people on social networking sites to learn about others.
One place where I have really found some friends (yeah I haven’t met them in person, but I would call them friends) is on Twitter. When I first made the Twitter account I made it my goal to talk to all types of people, different religions, different backgrounds. I’ve found the people I get along best with on this site are Atheists… That’s right, Atheists. At first I spent much of my time being offended that a majority of non-theists seemed to consider Christians, and people of other religions stupid, ignorant, hateful…the list of derogatory terms goes on and on.
After a few months I found out that it was all a reaction though. They were all nice to me, well a few weren’t, but a huge majority were. So I figured they were reacting to the way others treated them. It got me thinking, why is this group perceived as an immoral bunch of jerks? I just wasn’t seeing it. I did see debates, some got nasty, a friend of mine was actually called an abomination for being a homosexual. It made me hurt for him, and I could see why they fought back. Religion is dangerous, it’s been used to dominate, hurt, and cause hate throughout history. When done correctly it's not supposed to be like that, compassion is the key. This is not to say that Christians have the monopoly on morality. Morality transcends pretty much everything, religion included. Murderers, pedophiles, and evil people exist outside of religion, location, color, and sexual preference.
The religious people I know, whatever flavor, are usually kind, so I was taken aback by the behavior on the net. Christians calling out Atheists, Muslims, Pagans, and people of all sorts, just because of what? I had no clue why anyone would do that, that’s not really the way to show Christian love and compassion. Don’t get me wrong, I have talked to some awesome Christians on Twitter, but the mean ones are just so vocal, and horribly nasty.
I had assumed that it would be all about what shows people are watching, what they were having for diner, but most of what I see is arguing/debating. I have joined in on a few, trying to be a voice of Christian moderation, but it doesn’t always work. Some Atheists still just don’t like me, and of course that’s their perfect right. After years of being treated badly and told they are going to a Hell they don’t even believe in, they are leery to say the least. The amazing thing is how many people of my own faith tell me I’m not doing things right. They say I'm not right-wing enough, or that it's wrong to hope for marriage equality.
Really the main thought on this is to give people a chance, whatever side you are on. I would like to give props to the people on Twitter who have shown me a new way of looking at things, and who have been kind even when others weren’t. I have been irritated with a few conversations that have started out with people telling me I'm stupid for having faith, or that I don't value science or reality. The other end of that is fundies who butt in on conversations by telling non-believers that they are destined for Hell.
I hope my friends on Twitter keep fighting for compassion and equality. It is sad that it's not just the obvious thing, and it startles me that something as simple as a social site is such a battleground of political and religious opinion. Thank you out there in Twitterland for everything, and I hope to have many civil debates in the future, and conversations about slang in other countries :)
One place where I have really found some friends (yeah I haven’t met them in person, but I would call them friends) is on Twitter. When I first made the Twitter account I made it my goal to talk to all types of people, different religions, different backgrounds. I’ve found the people I get along best with on this site are Atheists… That’s right, Atheists. At first I spent much of my time being offended that a majority of non-theists seemed to consider Christians, and people of other religions stupid, ignorant, hateful…the list of derogatory terms goes on and on.
After a few months I found out that it was all a reaction though. They were all nice to me, well a few weren’t, but a huge majority were. So I figured they were reacting to the way others treated them. It got me thinking, why is this group perceived as an immoral bunch of jerks? I just wasn’t seeing it. I did see debates, some got nasty, a friend of mine was actually called an abomination for being a homosexual. It made me hurt for him, and I could see why they fought back. Religion is dangerous, it’s been used to dominate, hurt, and cause hate throughout history. When done correctly it's not supposed to be like that, compassion is the key. This is not to say that Christians have the monopoly on morality. Morality transcends pretty much everything, religion included. Murderers, pedophiles, and evil people exist outside of religion, location, color, and sexual preference.
The religious people I know, whatever flavor, are usually kind, so I was taken aback by the behavior on the net. Christians calling out Atheists, Muslims, Pagans, and people of all sorts, just because of what? I had no clue why anyone would do that, that’s not really the way to show Christian love and compassion. Don’t get me wrong, I have talked to some awesome Christians on Twitter, but the mean ones are just so vocal, and horribly nasty.
I had assumed that it would be all about what shows people are watching, what they were having for diner, but most of what I see is arguing/debating. I have joined in on a few, trying to be a voice of Christian moderation, but it doesn’t always work. Some Atheists still just don’t like me, and of course that’s their perfect right. After years of being treated badly and told they are going to a Hell they don’t even believe in, they are leery to say the least. The amazing thing is how many people of my own faith tell me I’m not doing things right. They say I'm not right-wing enough, or that it's wrong to hope for marriage equality.
Really the main thought on this is to give people a chance, whatever side you are on. I would like to give props to the people on Twitter who have shown me a new way of looking at things, and who have been kind even when others weren’t. I have been irritated with a few conversations that have started out with people telling me I'm stupid for having faith, or that I don't value science or reality. The other end of that is fundies who butt in on conversations by telling non-believers that they are destined for Hell.
I hope my friends on Twitter keep fighting for compassion and equality. It is sad that it's not just the obvious thing, and it startles me that something as simple as a social site is such a battleground of political and religious opinion. Thank you out there in Twitterland for everything, and I hope to have many civil debates in the future, and conversations about slang in other countries :)
Thursday, March 1, 2012
The Devil Within, Part One
It starts with a frantic call from a friend. You doubt that it is anything serious, but you grab your Bible just in case. You rush to be with her. As you pull up into the drive way, there is a heaviness in the air that makes all the hairs on your neck stand up. You say a quick prayer, and open the car door. In the back of your mind, there is doubt. This kind of stuff only happens in movies, right? As you approach the house, the air around you grows heavier and heavier, and the need to turn tail and run grows stronger. Instead, up the stairs and to the porch you go, one stair after another. Your feet seem to grow heavier, as if they were slowly turning into concrete. You get to the front door, and peer through the front window. You can see that there is a circle of people gathered around a dear friend. You also hear what sounds like chanting. Maybe they were serious, could this really be happening?
You knock on the front door, and the echo startles you, and you mentally chastise yourself for getting so worked up. A man you barely know opens the door, and lets you in. The scene would be absolutely silly, if the air wasn't so oppressive. The friend who called is crying and praying aloud, which is odd because she never cries, and you have never seen her pray which is unnerving. There are more people sitting around in the circle with Bibles, crosses, and all of them are praying and crying. The reason why they're praying, the woman in the middle, is rocking back and forth with tears streaming down her face. Her skin is shiny with perspiration and the expression on her face is desperate and sad. As you watch, she vomits into a bucket, her back arching with the severity of her heaving.
The room smells of sweat and fear, you begin to believe that something you don't understand is going on. You approach the young woman and put a hand on her shoulder. She snaps her eyes toward you and gives you a look that makes your skin crawl. In the second that you meet her eyes, you begin to realize that you aren't looking at your friend anymore. There is someone, something, looking back at you. It chills the blood to look at her. The only thing you can think to do is to pull out your Bible, and start reading.
No, this isn't a scene from a low budget horror movie, this is a scene from real life. It may seem crazy to you, but things like this happen all the time. The real question is whether or not this is a possession, or a psychological disorder.
Modern cinema is ripe with movies of haunting and possessions. Many claim to be true stories, but does this claim hold any weight? Due to recent experiences, we have decided that there are things out there that we do not understand, and perhaps we never really will.
Sara: "I don"t believe in ghosts, unlike some people. I believe in demons. I interpret scripture from the Bible to mean that people's souls usually don't hang out on Earth after they die."
Allie: "I am in agreement with Sara on the spirit thing. I don't believe in spirit possession, but I do believe that there are demons among us. I realize that this might make me absolutely insane. There are demons in this world, but if there are such beings, wouldn't that also mean that there are angels and God in this world as well?"
Saturday, February 11, 2012
A rant just for me
As most of my friends and family know, my daughter was baptised last weekend. I was, and am so very proud of her. If you aren't around her often let me tell you a few things about my little girl. She is strong willed, ornery, selfish (she is barely 6 though, so it's pretty normal), and hyper to the point of driving me insane. She is also kind, very funny, so very smart, and beautiful. I love her more than pretty much anything, her and Andrew pretty much tie. Recently when I started going back to church she was all for it. She wanted to hear out of the Bible every night, and shock... she wanted to act better because that is what God would want. Her behavior improved over the next few months, others may not see it, but it makes worlds of difference around here.
This change wasn't all her, since I had been away from the church, not just the church, but ignoring God for so long, my parenting was fairly lacking. I started to change too, no I'm not a great parent now, but I am getting better every day. Kaitlyn and Andrew are such a huge blessing, and I'm just sorry I didn't see Kaitlyn as one right from the beginning. Since she wasn't planned I failed to realize that she was still part of God's will for me, and I thank him every day.
Of course her baptism was marked with some drama. For about 3 days I was very angry about some of the people that didn't come. It amazed me that my newly Muslim friend showed up, it made my day in fact. I had to question though, why some other people weren't there. Kaitlyn asked about a few people, but I just said that they had to work (remember that I may not be specifically talking about you). I realized this was more my hurt feelings than hers though, and that these people didn't even know I was angry, so it was silly, and now forgiven, without them even knowing that there was a problem, and I guess that's best.
Matthew 18:21-22
21Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
22Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
It's funny, in the years of drinking, partying, and not showing up to church at all, no one questioned my faith. In the past 2 months, since I started this blog, my faith has been called into question on an almost daily basis, whether on Twitter, or in real life. I say things that people assume mean that I am not a Christian, well let me tell you, I may not be the same type of Christian as you. As long as I believe in God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit... As long as I believe that Jesus was born of a virgin, and died on the cross for our sins... As long as I believe that he rose again, and that the Holy Spirit lives in me, then how am I doing it wrong. I try to act right too, lets just throw that in there. If you knew me on the same level my friends know me, then you would see it.
This blog started one way, but why can't it change every now and then? Sometimes I can't research, our net has been down for almost a week. Sometimes Allie can't help me, and it's just a ton of work to do with school going on, not to mention having the kiddos :) I will continue to spend my time talking to Atheists on Twitter, not specifically to convert them, but because they give a unique perspective, and have intelligent debates. I hope to show them that most of the Christians I know aren't bigots, they are loving, caring, accepting people (not accepting of sin, but loving the person, and people always come with sin). I will continue to raise my kids to not hate anyone, and I hope they both grow up to be kind, compassionate people, who always do what they can to help others out.
Thanks again to everyone who came to the Baptism, and to everyone who couldn't make it, thank you for your prayers and the help you have given along the way <3
Psalms 8:2
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger
I struggled with the choice of letting Kaitlyn get baptised at such a young age, but she showed me that it was the right thing to do. She prays a lot, during the summer I told her that God answers prayers, I failed to mention that you don't always get what you want. My then 5 year old decided to dig up some grub worms one night, gross I know, it gets worse. She proceeded to take a bath with them that night, and all of her worms died. Kaitlyn cried, oh how she cried, then she prayed. I was about to go in to her room when I heard her say "Dear God can I please have some more grubbies". So I ended up digging up grub worms outside with my phone is a flashlight. In 30 minutes I had just found two, but that would have to do. I took them in to Kaitlyn, and she said "Wow, God works fast". To be honest I pulled a Moses, in my head I thought, hey, I got those worms, then she climbed down her bunk bed ladder and hugged me and said "God made you get me grubbies". Silly children and their ways of making you see things...
Sara Hatfield
This change wasn't all her, since I had been away from the church, not just the church, but ignoring God for so long, my parenting was fairly lacking. I started to change too, no I'm not a great parent now, but I am getting better every day. Kaitlyn and Andrew are such a huge blessing, and I'm just sorry I didn't see Kaitlyn as one right from the beginning. Since she wasn't planned I failed to realize that she was still part of God's will for me, and I thank him every day.
Of course her baptism was marked with some drama. For about 3 days I was very angry about some of the people that didn't come. It amazed me that my newly Muslim friend showed up, it made my day in fact. I had to question though, why some other people weren't there. Kaitlyn asked about a few people, but I just said that they had to work (remember that I may not be specifically talking about you). I realized this was more my hurt feelings than hers though, and that these people didn't even know I was angry, so it was silly, and now forgiven, without them even knowing that there was a problem, and I guess that's best.
Matthew 18:21-22
21Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
22Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
It's funny, in the years of drinking, partying, and not showing up to church at all, no one questioned my faith. In the past 2 months, since I started this blog, my faith has been called into question on an almost daily basis, whether on Twitter, or in real life. I say things that people assume mean that I am not a Christian, well let me tell you, I may not be the same type of Christian as you. As long as I believe in God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit... As long as I believe that Jesus was born of a virgin, and died on the cross for our sins... As long as I believe that he rose again, and that the Holy Spirit lives in me, then how am I doing it wrong. I try to act right too, lets just throw that in there. If you knew me on the same level my friends know me, then you would see it.
This blog started one way, but why can't it change every now and then? Sometimes I can't research, our net has been down for almost a week. Sometimes Allie can't help me, and it's just a ton of work to do with school going on, not to mention having the kiddos :) I will continue to spend my time talking to Atheists on Twitter, not specifically to convert them, but because they give a unique perspective, and have intelligent debates. I hope to show them that most of the Christians I know aren't bigots, they are loving, caring, accepting people (not accepting of sin, but loving the person, and people always come with sin). I will continue to raise my kids to not hate anyone, and I hope they both grow up to be kind, compassionate people, who always do what they can to help others out.
Thanks again to everyone who came to the Baptism, and to everyone who couldn't make it, thank you for your prayers and the help you have given along the way <3
Psalms 8:2
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger
I struggled with the choice of letting Kaitlyn get baptised at such a young age, but she showed me that it was the right thing to do. She prays a lot, during the summer I told her that God answers prayers, I failed to mention that you don't always get what you want. My then 5 year old decided to dig up some grub worms one night, gross I know, it gets worse. She proceeded to take a bath with them that night, and all of her worms died. Kaitlyn cried, oh how she cried, then she prayed. I was about to go in to her room when I heard her say "Dear God can I please have some more grubbies". So I ended up digging up grub worms outside with my phone is a flashlight. In 30 minutes I had just found two, but that would have to do. I took them in to Kaitlyn, and she said "Wow, God works fast". To be honest I pulled a Moses, in my head I thought, hey, I got those worms, then she climbed down her bunk bed ladder and hugged me and said "God made you get me grubbies". Silly children and their ways of making you see things...
Sara Hatfield
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Fundamentalism is a four letter word.
When we started this blog the goal was to show all different faiths in a (mostly) unbiased way. We have found that nearly impossible. Both of us identify as Christian, and it's very hard to separate that from what we read and see. Another thing we have found is that it is hard to write about something you aren't interested in, some religions are just more colorful than others. The last thing we discovered, and I guess we were fairly naive about it, is that Atheists and Fundamental Christians are fighting a very angry, and mostly pointless battle on the Internet. I have been following a diverse set of people on Twitter, I'm fairly new to it, but I wanted to see what kind of people were out there. I followed Atheists, LGBT activates, Fundamentalists, Muslims, Jews, and all sorts of other people. (Sara7133, if you want to follow mine). The fighting is fairly nasty, the folks from the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) tweet up a storm, and their tweets are as nasty as their signs. Tweets like this are very common from that set
Fred Phelps Quotes @FredPhelpsQuote
Now the sodomites have taken over America. There isn’t 1 politician that doesn’t jump every time a fag squeals. Maybe it's too late for USA.
Jonathan Phelps @GodShakes
More @US Army song: Hating God, cowards hearts, ziplock bags for body parts, and your Army goes marching to hell.
That isn't even scraping the surface of their insanity. Here is one from Godswordislaw, another evil person who has decided to embarrass Christianity.
Dr. Keith Roberts @GodsWordIsLaw
Christians are the founders of America and WE determine who gets rights in this country - and pervert homosexuals should not get any.
The other side isn't much better, it seems there are Atheist fundamentalists, and they are also pretty mean. The common belief among Atheists seems to be that Christians are stupid. It's just not true, just because the loudest Christians are ofter ignorant doesn't mean the rest of us are. I find it a little offensive, but the only way to prove it wrong is to calmly show them over time that you aren't dumb, and it does seem to take a lot of time.
Another atheist @kaimatai
Creationism died as a biological model 150 yrs ago, yet its brainless-tail keeps twitching today #atheist #atheism
Monica @Monicks
To be able to cling to your religious beliefs, you have to ignore science & facts—that's when you come across as an idiot. #atheism #atheist
The fact is that these fundamental Christians are scaring people away from Jesus. Muslim fundamentalists scare Americans, they make all Muslims look bad, but from personal experience I know that most Muslims aren't scary people. Once again though, the loudest are the scariest. Religion has a very dark side, Christians need to work as a group to dispel these attitudes, only when we start speaking kindly to those who believe differently will people see that fundamentalist are the exception, not the rule. People who are part of the LGBTQIA set seem to be common in the Atheist community, and are sometimes pretty angry. Of course they are, they are treated terribly, what do we expect? I might be angry if all through my life I had been considered a second class citizen, shoot, I'm still a little angry at how the Bible talks about women, but that's something I have been trying to sort out for years. Just because I don't like it, doesn't mean I don't believe it :)
Atheists, Muslims, Jews, Pagans, and Christians are all just people. We should all take them on a case by case basis, not as a whole. Twitter, Facebook, Google +, these seem to be the new battleground of faith. The problem is that you can't really get a good feel of how people are in real life on these sites. How can I tell sarcasm from sincere belief, unless you put the word in the message? People are also more bold online, it's easy to be loud when you remain in relative anonymity. The sad fact is that the rudeness and hate on these social forums won't end anytime soon, or ever...
Fred Phelps Quotes @FredPhelpsQuote
Now the sodomites have taken over America. There isn’t 1 politician that doesn’t jump every time a fag squeals. Maybe it's too late for USA.
Jonathan Phelps @GodShakes
More @US Army song: Hating God, cowards hearts, ziplock bags for body parts, and your Army goes marching to hell.
That isn't even scraping the surface of their insanity. Here is one from Godswordislaw, another evil person who has decided to embarrass Christianity.
Dr. Keith Roberts @GodsWordIsLaw
Christians are the founders of America and WE determine who gets rights in this country - and pervert homosexuals should not get any.
The other side isn't much better, it seems there are Atheist fundamentalists, and they are also pretty mean. The common belief among Atheists seems to be that Christians are stupid. It's just not true, just because the loudest Christians are ofter ignorant doesn't mean the rest of us are. I find it a little offensive, but the only way to prove it wrong is to calmly show them over time that you aren't dumb, and it does seem to take a lot of time.
Another atheist @kaimatai
Creationism died as a biological model 150 yrs ago, yet its brainless-tail keeps twitching today #atheist #atheism
Monica @Monicks
To be able to cling to your religious beliefs, you have to ignore science & facts—that's when you come across as an idiot. #atheism #atheist
The fact is that these fundamental Christians are scaring people away from Jesus. Muslim fundamentalists scare Americans, they make all Muslims look bad, but from personal experience I know that most Muslims aren't scary people. Once again though, the loudest are the scariest. Religion has a very dark side, Christians need to work as a group to dispel these attitudes, only when we start speaking kindly to those who believe differently will people see that fundamentalist are the exception, not the rule. People who are part of the LGBTQIA set seem to be common in the Atheist community, and are sometimes pretty angry. Of course they are, they are treated terribly, what do we expect? I might be angry if all through my life I had been considered a second class citizen, shoot, I'm still a little angry at how the Bible talks about women, but that's something I have been trying to sort out for years. Just because I don't like it, doesn't mean I don't believe it :)
Atheists, Muslims, Jews, Pagans, and Christians are all just people. We should all take them on a case by case basis, not as a whole. Twitter, Facebook, Google +, these seem to be the new battleground of faith. The problem is that you can't really get a good feel of how people are in real life on these sites. How can I tell sarcasm from sincere belief, unless you put the word in the message? People are also more bold online, it's easy to be loud when you remain in relative anonymity. The sad fact is that the rudeness and hate on these social forums won't end anytime soon, or ever...
What level Druid are you?
Druidry, or Druidism, is another form of Paganism. It is a nature based faith that is becoming fairly popular. I feel that in these times when the health of our home is in question, people are turning to faiths that show a reverence for nature. Pagan religions are perfect for this, especially Druidry. Druids can be monotheistic, polytheistic, or anything in between, they can also choose to not believe in any sort of Deity. Druidry is very old compared to some other Pagan beliefs, it started in Europe over 25000 years ago. Many Druids of the past were converted to Christianity. Their history is somewhat shady, not too much is known of them.
Christianity and Druidism are compatible, as it can be a philosophy as opposed to a faith. Some Pagans also combine it with Wicca, Buddhism, or Hinduism. Some monotheistic Druids worship the Christian God, thankful that he made animals, plants, and the wonders of nature.
There are many myths about Druids, like they have ritual killings. Many historians believe they actually practiced human sacrifice. It seems however that a prejudiced Julius Caesar recorded these stories, so this isn't believed to be accurate, however some sources would disagree. Other people through history have recorded the Druids sacrificing humans, they were burned to the deities on a wooden figure called a Wicker Man (now a terrible movie). Archaeological evidence has shown mass graves that where filled with human sacrifices. Recent findings show that old school Celtic Druids may have even practiced Cannibalism. Stonehenge is also believed to have been created by Druids. Stonehenge however is shown to be older than the beginning of Druidism, many rituals have been practiced there however.
It is hard to sort out the difference between Celtic Druidism, which is generally polytheistic, and the modern form of Druidry that can be Atheistic. Most sources don't really differentiate. They are both nature-centric, but the practice of all druids can vary greatly. Modern Druidry has some Gods, or personifications of nature, that are commonly believed in. The Green man is the God of, or personification of plants. The red man is the personification of, or God of, animals. Since modern Pagans are offshoots from Celtic paganism the history is the same.
This is the best link that someone sent to us for more information on Druidry.- http://druidry.org/
Christianity and Druidism are compatible, as it can be a philosophy as opposed to a faith. Some Pagans also combine it with Wicca, Buddhism, or Hinduism. Some monotheistic Druids worship the Christian God, thankful that he made animals, plants, and the wonders of nature.
There are many myths about Druids, like they have ritual killings. Many historians believe they actually practiced human sacrifice. It seems however that a prejudiced Julius Caesar recorded these stories, so this isn't believed to be accurate, however some sources would disagree. Other people through history have recorded the Druids sacrificing humans, they were burned to the deities on a wooden figure called a Wicker Man (now a terrible movie). Archaeological evidence has shown mass graves that where filled with human sacrifices. Recent findings show that old school Celtic Druids may have even practiced Cannibalism. Stonehenge is also believed to have been created by Druids. Stonehenge however is shown to be older than the beginning of Druidism, many rituals have been practiced there however.
It is hard to sort out the difference between Celtic Druidism, which is generally polytheistic, and the modern form of Druidry that can be Atheistic. Most sources don't really differentiate. They are both nature-centric, but the practice of all druids can vary greatly. Modern Druidry has some Gods, or personifications of nature, that are commonly believed in. The Green man is the God of, or personification of plants. The red man is the personification of, or God of, animals. Since modern Pagans are offshoots from Celtic paganism the history is the same.
This is the best link that someone sent to us for more information on Druidry.- http://druidry.org/
Friday, January 6, 2012
LGBT and some other letters.
Homosexuals getting married seems to be the new 'it' topic. I just don't get why this is a problem. It is silly to be against religious law systems like Shariah Law, or Cannon Law, and then try to legislate your Christian morals. Let's face it folks, not everyone is Christian, nor would that make things any better, judging from the way some Christians act. It hurts me to think that this kind of ridiculous bigotry is still going on. I don't know, couldn't we try just not having a whipping boy for a little while, maybe take responsibility for your own faults. What I mean by that is that people like Glen Beck, Rick Santorum, and other public fixtures blame same-sex marriage for destroying hetero marriages. HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE???
I don't think you should EVER use your religion as a stepping stone to attain moral high ground (that you probably don't deserve anyway). This should certainly be the case if you are running for president. If your marriage is failing lets go blame a gay person, that will help. It seems like the Republicans this year are debating over who can be the biggest bigot. It's sad to me, I'm a Republican, I want to have respect for the nominees, but I just can't muster any this go round.
This issue is bordering on a national obsession, are peoples lives so boring that they have resorted to hate as entertainment. If it disgusts you to think about 2 men having sex, then don't think about it. It hurts me to think about the pain it must cause when people say it's wrong for you to be with the one you love. It bothers me to think about some of my gay friends, who would be great parents, not being allowed to adopt.
Here is a great website from the LGBT community http://www.goodasgay.com
and then there is insanity like this http://christiansforamoralamerica.blogspot.com/2012/01/gaystapo-is-coming-for-our-churches.html What the heck dude, and who coined the phrase gaystapo... stupid, just stupid.
It surprises me that some Atheists are even on this bandwagon. I certainly don't get that, but here you go... http://news.change.org/stories/atheists-against-gay-marriage
For the Christians among us, and everyone else, here are some Bible verses about love... Note that none of them say except gay people, Jews, Muslims, Atheists, women who have abortions, or Liberals.
Matthew 5:43-44
43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
I'm not saying I agree with everything in this article, but I liked it http://www.believeoutloud.com/boltoday/20110928/top-5-questions-with-answers-lgbt-acceptance
This one is long (same as above, I'm not saying I'm in full agreement, but it adds some perspective http://www.believeoutloud.com/boltoday/20111230/clobbering-biblical-gay-bashing
I guess what I am trying to say is that above all show love. No matter who or what you are, it's your best bet. If you can't muster up love, do what grandma said. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.
A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave.
Mohandas Gandhi
It is easy enough to be friendly to one’s friends. But to befriend the one who regards himself as your enemy is the quintessence of true religion. The other is mere business.
Mohandas Gandhi
I don't think you should EVER use your religion as a stepping stone to attain moral high ground (that you probably don't deserve anyway). This should certainly be the case if you are running for president. If your marriage is failing lets go blame a gay person, that will help. It seems like the Republicans this year are debating over who can be the biggest bigot. It's sad to me, I'm a Republican, I want to have respect for the nominees, but I just can't muster any this go round.
This issue is bordering on a national obsession, are peoples lives so boring that they have resorted to hate as entertainment. If it disgusts you to think about 2 men having sex, then don't think about it. It hurts me to think about the pain it must cause when people say it's wrong for you to be with the one you love. It bothers me to think about some of my gay friends, who would be great parents, not being allowed to adopt.
Here is a great website from the LGBT community http://www.goodasgay.com
and then there is insanity like this http://christiansforamoralamerica.blogspot.com/2012/01/gaystapo-is-coming-for-our-churches.html What the heck dude, and who coined the phrase gaystapo... stupid, just stupid.
It surprises me that some Atheists are even on this bandwagon. I certainly don't get that, but here you go... http://news.change.org/stories/atheists-against-gay-marriage
For the Christians among us, and everyone else, here are some Bible verses about love... Note that none of them say except gay people, Jews, Muslims, Atheists, women who have abortions, or Liberals.
Matthew 5:43-44
43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
I'm not saying I agree with everything in this article, but I liked it http://www.believeoutloud.com/boltoday/20110928/top-5-questions-with-answers-lgbt-acceptance
This one is long (same as above, I'm not saying I'm in full agreement, but it adds some perspective http://www.believeoutloud.com/boltoday/20111230/clobbering-biblical-gay-bashing
I guess what I am trying to say is that above all show love. No matter who or what you are, it's your best bet. If you can't muster up love, do what grandma said. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.
A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave.
Mohandas Gandhi
It is easy enough to be friendly to one’s friends. But to befriend the one who regards himself as your enemy is the quintessence of true religion. The other is mere business.
Mohandas Gandhi
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
A shady character
Twitter has brought to my attention a player against rights for homosexuals. Godswordislaw is a WBC like character that seems to hate everyone who isn't him. http://christiansforamoralamerica.blogspot.com/
We would love to give some of our feelings on this blog post. His first point is about liberals, we certainly don't agree that liberals are the forked tongue monsters that he plays them out. I'm not one, Allie isn't either, I am personally right-wing with some liberal views IE... freedom of choice, everyone's right to marry. He seems to think that all liberals are gay-hippy-atheists, this just isn't true. Many Christians support a liberal agenda...
http://www.jesusisaliberal.org/Liberal_Christian.html
This is just one example. Also to be frank I don't believe that you can just say that abortion is wrong without a scenario. What about cases of severe retardation, where the child will have no quality of life? What if to give birth will cause maternal death? What about rape/incest cases? They don't want Muslims to have extra rights, just the same rights that any other religion has, it's laughable to say they are seen as equals in the country. Check for our views on homosexual marriage a few paragraphs down...
I'm sure some liberals are smelly hippies, but surely not all of them.
His next point was about Atheists. Now as a rule these guys our neither of our favorite groups of people. We have had some unpleasant interactions, but they have the same rights as the rest of us. Atheists are not only not irrelevant, but they seem to be necessary... who else would keep us on our toes? They make it a must for us to embrace science and try to prove our theories. Even when not given respect by a group/faith, we strive to meet their rudeness with kindness and intelligence. They deserve the respect and tolerance we are asking for. Atheism grows in population by leaps and bounds every year. Just because they are a current minority doesn't mean they they always will be, and it doesn't mean we can stomp all over them. We can really play devils advocate on the nativity scene, after all it was in front of a court house, but the Atheist group wasn't even in Texas. I can't say whether Atheists as a whole are striving for a God free America, but it's my right to strive for an America filled with God. So it is also their right to do the opposite.
Ahhh the homosexuals. These poor guys/gals/whatever can't catch a break, first off they grow up probably scared to death to be themselves. Then they are thrown into a world where they have to continually fight for the same rights that straight people have. Do I think being homosexual is Biblically wrong, yes. Me and Allie agree on this, but we both believe that it's not an offense you go to Hell for. It's no worse than anything else, and science could still show that it has a strong genetic component. If that is proven true then maybe we misread the texts, to say that we speak for God is infinitely arrogant, and sort of stupid. The same text in the Bible can be interpreted 10 different ways... and after all John 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. This doesn't mean pray for forgiveness then throw a rock. It means don't judge, and since no one is without sin, this means you.
Do we think that gay people should be allowed to get married? Of course we do, it's a basic human right to get to be with the person you love. It really isn't the governments business at all, it is one of the most personal decisions of all. Homosexuals are perfectly capable of raising children... Lets take the happy child from the gay couple, and stick em with the abusive, molesting, crazy fundamentalist family... That ought to work out perfectly. I live across from a nice lesbian couple, their child is healthy and happy, and seems to be perfectly normal. AIDS is no longer just a homosexual problem, as this guy seems to think it's the sole problem bogging down our healthcare system. Many straight people have AIDS, look at Africa, most of those dying of AIDS were strait. It's a matter of proper STD protection, and education on sexual health. They seem completely uninterested in controlling our churches, they just want to be allowed through the doors. Also the only inferiority complex they have is one that was given to them.
Muslims, first off this guy strikes on one of my pet peeves. This country was founded on the principles of religious freedom, not on Christianity, it's blatantly written into our Constitution that we are free to practice, or not practice any religion. Muslims are just looking for the right to not be fire bombed at Friday night service. They don't want to impose Shariah Law on us, they just want the right to practice it, like Catholics, and Jews. I have yet to have an unpleasant interaction with a Muslim...
Okay Feminism, and the only place where I even slightly agree with this guy. I believe Feminism started out with honorable intentions, they wanted equal rights for women. For the most part we have succeeded, for the most part. I will agree that there are still areas in which we could improve. Lately however it seems that they are making a mockery of the father figure. I'm sure this isn't true for Feminists
This guy is the subject of a petition to get him off Twitter and other social forums. I say leave him be, he is obviously not a very happy person. He is to busy picking out the wrongs in others to pick out the wrongs or rights about himself.
We would love to give some of our feelings on this blog post. His first point is about liberals, we certainly don't agree that liberals are the forked tongue monsters that he plays them out. I'm not one, Allie isn't either, I am personally right-wing with some liberal views IE... freedom of choice, everyone's right to marry. He seems to think that all liberals are gay-hippy-atheists, this just isn't true. Many Christians support a liberal agenda...
http://www.jesusisaliberal.org/Liberal_Christian.html
This is just one example. Also to be frank I don't believe that you can just say that abortion is wrong without a scenario. What about cases of severe retardation, where the child will have no quality of life? What if to give birth will cause maternal death? What about rape/incest cases? They don't want Muslims to have extra rights, just the same rights that any other religion has, it's laughable to say they are seen as equals in the country. Check for our views on homosexual marriage a few paragraphs down...
I'm sure some liberals are smelly hippies, but surely not all of them.
His next point was about Atheists. Now as a rule these guys our neither of our favorite groups of people. We have had some unpleasant interactions, but they have the same rights as the rest of us. Atheists are not only not irrelevant, but they seem to be necessary... who else would keep us on our toes? They make it a must for us to embrace science and try to prove our theories. Even when not given respect by a group/faith, we strive to meet their rudeness with kindness and intelligence. They deserve the respect and tolerance we are asking for. Atheism grows in population by leaps and bounds every year. Just because they are a current minority doesn't mean they they always will be, and it doesn't mean we can stomp all over them. We can really play devils advocate on the nativity scene, after all it was in front of a court house, but the Atheist group wasn't even in Texas. I can't say whether Atheists as a whole are striving for a God free America, but it's my right to strive for an America filled with God. So it is also their right to do the opposite.
Ahhh the homosexuals. These poor guys/gals/whatever can't catch a break, first off they grow up probably scared to death to be themselves. Then they are thrown into a world where they have to continually fight for the same rights that straight people have. Do I think being homosexual is Biblically wrong, yes. Me and Allie agree on this, but we both believe that it's not an offense you go to Hell for. It's no worse than anything else, and science could still show that it has a strong genetic component. If that is proven true then maybe we misread the texts, to say that we speak for God is infinitely arrogant, and sort of stupid. The same text in the Bible can be interpreted 10 different ways... and after all John 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. This doesn't mean pray for forgiveness then throw a rock. It means don't judge, and since no one is without sin, this means you.
Do we think that gay people should be allowed to get married? Of course we do, it's a basic human right to get to be with the person you love. It really isn't the governments business at all, it is one of the most personal decisions of all. Homosexuals are perfectly capable of raising children... Lets take the happy child from the gay couple, and stick em with the abusive, molesting, crazy fundamentalist family... That ought to work out perfectly. I live across from a nice lesbian couple, their child is healthy and happy, and seems to be perfectly normal. AIDS is no longer just a homosexual problem, as this guy seems to think it's the sole problem bogging down our healthcare system. Many straight people have AIDS, look at Africa, most of those dying of AIDS were strait. It's a matter of proper STD protection, and education on sexual health. They seem completely uninterested in controlling our churches, they just want to be allowed through the doors. Also the only inferiority complex they have is one that was given to them.
Muslims, first off this guy strikes on one of my pet peeves. This country was founded on the principles of religious freedom, not on Christianity, it's blatantly written into our Constitution that we are free to practice, or not practice any religion. Muslims are just looking for the right to not be fire bombed at Friday night service. They don't want to impose Shariah Law on us, they just want the right to practice it, like Catholics, and Jews. I have yet to have an unpleasant interaction with a Muslim...
Okay Feminism, and the only place where I even slightly agree with this guy. I believe Feminism started out with honorable intentions, they wanted equal rights for women. For the most part we have succeeded, for the most part. I will agree that there are still areas in which we could improve. Lately however it seems that they are making a mockery of the father figure. I'm sure this isn't true for Feminists
This guy is the subject of a petition to get him off Twitter and other social forums. I say leave him be, he is obviously not a very happy person. He is to busy picking out the wrongs in others to pick out the wrongs or rights about himself.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
An all inclusive Merry Christmas
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
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
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
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.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Gender Roles of different Religions
The Apathist's corner
I have no real concept of gender roles, there where times in my life where my father stayed home and my mother worked. There where also times when my Dad worked and my Mom stayed home. Personally I would kind of like to stay home and have my wife work, i do not feel demeaned or emasculated by it. To be perfectly honest I truly feel like I have accomplished something when I fold 5 loads of laundry and clean the living room... Stacking a pallet of batteries in 110 degree heat doesn't give me that same feeling. My wife on the other hand feels the opposite.
No matter how you look at it, some things are clearly male, and some are clearly female. In my opinion these are things that are tied to our biology. I can't give birth, and even with modern technology I am not going to breastfeed. As far as anything else, it's completely up to personal preference.
I think the Religious rules where highly influenced by the time in which they where written. It was a very harsh and rough time, and the strenuous nature of existence back then dictated that the physically stronger sex did the outside work, leaving care of the hearth to the females.It doesn't take a lot of physical effort to do your average desk job, some women are even better at certain careers, i.e. anything that has to do with education, communication, or caregiving. I'm going to raise my daughter to do whatever she wants, from housewife, to construction worker, my real goal for her is to be happy. I'd like to add that I would prefer to not see her on the pole...
Religious Ideas on Gender Role
Judaism-In this religion women are equal but different, and women have held a position of respect since biblical times. the Talmud (Another Jewish Holy Book) also has many negative things to say about women. Some Rabbis have described women as lazy and jealous, and prone to occult activity. The rights of women in Judaism are greater than the rights of women in the west were just a century ago. They could buy, sell, own property, and sign contracts. Sex in marriage is the woman's right, not the man's. Rape is considered a great sin, and in their culture there is no such thing as the woman 'asking for it', as there is in modern American society. In the Synagogue men and women are separate during prayer, this is to keep everyone's mind on God, and to discourage any sexual pagan activity. Women's prayers do not count the same as a mans do, therefor they are not required to do the same things in synagogue
Islam-The Quran says that women are equal, but that is not reflected in most regional Muslim law. Muslims do not treat women as a commodity or property, they are people, allowed to enter into contracts, and hold jobs in the community. In Islam as in Christianity the woman is to be obedient to the man, but likewise the man must treat the woman with respect and love. Men and women are segregated in the Mosque, but in the home the family prays together. The man leads the prayers.
Being a mother is an honored position in Islam, they teach young children, and are respected for that. In different regions Muslims are seen as severely misogynistic, but this is not how the Quran intended it to be. Men are expected to be the main bread winner, but women can choose to stay home or work.
Christianity-In Christianity, like in Judaism, women are equal but different. Many sects of Christianity expect women to have their heads covered in the church, but men and women are not segregated for worship. In the bible a woman is revered for staying home and taking care of the house, while the man earns wages, and has the final say on big decisions. The modern church has mostly conformed with society, considering the current ideals on gender roles, and agreeing with them. Many sects of Christianity don't allow women to preach, but some do. In the Bible it says that men are supposed to treat their wives as God treats the church. It also adds that men should be respectful of their wives wishes and desires. Women are to submit, and the Bible says in a marriage you should want to submit out of love.
Hindu-In the texts of the Hindu religion women are considered inferior to men. The laws of Manu (A Hindu religious text) depicts women as being entirely subservient to men. Such as a girl is governed by her father, a married woman by her husband, and a widow by her sons. In some texts women are prohibited from hearing the Vedas (like the Hindu Bible), and from engaging in certain rituals, and holding positions or religious leadership. Some texts say that women of higher castes cannot be considered twice born, they must be reborn as men to make serious religious progress. Women are considered impure because the menstruate (this is a common theme in religion).
Pagan- Paganism endorses feminism, and they accept the fact that women now work and can be the bread winners of the household. They consider the sexes true equals, but understand the biologically we are different. Some groups of Paganism might limit their membership to one sex. Pagans celebrate the joyful ways in which both sexes can come together in friendship, love, and sexual union. While respecting that both sexes are equal they celebrate traditional roles, such as the strong male warrior, or the nurturing mother. Basically in Pagan society women can do anything a man can do, and this is celebrated, not condemned.
Here in an interesting link, about a very strong woman, who happened to be a pagan
http://www.unc.edu/celtic/catalogue/femdruids/boudica.html
I have no real concept of gender roles, there where times in my life where my father stayed home and my mother worked. There where also times when my Dad worked and my Mom stayed home. Personally I would kind of like to stay home and have my wife work, i do not feel demeaned or emasculated by it. To be perfectly honest I truly feel like I have accomplished something when I fold 5 loads of laundry and clean the living room... Stacking a pallet of batteries in 110 degree heat doesn't give me that same feeling. My wife on the other hand feels the opposite.
No matter how you look at it, some things are clearly male, and some are clearly female. In my opinion these are things that are tied to our biology. I can't give birth, and even with modern technology I am not going to breastfeed. As far as anything else, it's completely up to personal preference.
I think the Religious rules where highly influenced by the time in which they where written. It was a very harsh and rough time, and the strenuous nature of existence back then dictated that the physically stronger sex did the outside work, leaving care of the hearth to the females.It doesn't take a lot of physical effort to do your average desk job, some women are even better at certain careers, i.e. anything that has to do with education, communication, or caregiving. I'm going to raise my daughter to do whatever she wants, from housewife, to construction worker, my real goal for her is to be happy. I'd like to add that I would prefer to not see her on the pole...
Religious Ideas on Gender Role
Judaism-In this religion women are equal but different, and women have held a position of respect since biblical times. the Talmud (Another Jewish Holy Book) also has many negative things to say about women. Some Rabbis have described women as lazy and jealous, and prone to occult activity. The rights of women in Judaism are greater than the rights of women in the west were just a century ago. They could buy, sell, own property, and sign contracts. Sex in marriage is the woman's right, not the man's. Rape is considered a great sin, and in their culture there is no such thing as the woman 'asking for it', as there is in modern American society. In the Synagogue men and women are separate during prayer, this is to keep everyone's mind on God, and to discourage any sexual pagan activity. Women's prayers do not count the same as a mans do, therefor they are not required to do the same things in synagogue
Islam-The Quran says that women are equal, but that is not reflected in most regional Muslim law. Muslims do not treat women as a commodity or property, they are people, allowed to enter into contracts, and hold jobs in the community. In Islam as in Christianity the woman is to be obedient to the man, but likewise the man must treat the woman with respect and love. Men and women are segregated in the Mosque, but in the home the family prays together. The man leads the prayers.
Being a mother is an honored position in Islam, they teach young children, and are respected for that. In different regions Muslims are seen as severely misogynistic, but this is not how the Quran intended it to be. Men are expected to be the main bread winner, but women can choose to stay home or work.
Christianity-In Christianity, like in Judaism, women are equal but different. Many sects of Christianity expect women to have their heads covered in the church, but men and women are not segregated for worship. In the bible a woman is revered for staying home and taking care of the house, while the man earns wages, and has the final say on big decisions. The modern church has mostly conformed with society, considering the current ideals on gender roles, and agreeing with them. Many sects of Christianity don't allow women to preach, but some do. In the Bible it says that men are supposed to treat their wives as God treats the church. It also adds that men should be respectful of their wives wishes and desires. Women are to submit, and the Bible says in a marriage you should want to submit out of love.
Hindu-In the texts of the Hindu religion women are considered inferior to men. The laws of Manu (A Hindu religious text) depicts women as being entirely subservient to men. Such as a girl is governed by her father, a married woman by her husband, and a widow by her sons. In some texts women are prohibited from hearing the Vedas (like the Hindu Bible), and from engaging in certain rituals, and holding positions or religious leadership. Some texts say that women of higher castes cannot be considered twice born, they must be reborn as men to make serious religious progress. Women are considered impure because the menstruate (this is a common theme in religion).
Pagan- Paganism endorses feminism, and they accept the fact that women now work and can be the bread winners of the household. They consider the sexes true equals, but understand the biologically we are different. Some groups of Paganism might limit their membership to one sex. Pagans celebrate the joyful ways in which both sexes can come together in friendship, love, and sexual union. While respecting that both sexes are equal they celebrate traditional roles, such as the strong male warrior, or the nurturing mother. Basically in Pagan society women can do anything a man can do, and this is celebrated, not condemned.
Here in an interesting link, about a very strong woman, who happened to be a pagan
http://www.unc.edu/celtic/catalogue/femdruids/boudica.html
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
What Women Want?
Sara: We are probably going to have to do this one in two parts, as it is one of our favorite subjects, and one close to our hearts. I was born a girl, but if you had looked in on me when I was younger, you would have heard me say that all I wanted to be was a boy. And why not? Boys get to go out and work, they don't have to be pregnant, or cook, or clean. They get to jump ramps on their bikes and fish while I'm expected to play with dolls. Well I have always thought that dolls sucked, and I like to fish.
This is one of the most impeded upon rights I have, as my faith has pretty clear ideas on gender roles. To be honest I have always thought that those rules in the Bible where for a different time, when you were pretty much either a housewife or a whore. Some people seem to dislike that the women's rights movement even happened, and mostly they fall under the religious category as Christian. It upsets me because I am offended. I don't think God made all women to work at home, and trust me I know it's work. I have been a stay at home Mom with both my kids, save about 2 years of employment, and some scattered school. I love my kids, but it is not what I want to do with my whole life. It is a respectable career, but it's not for me.
You may say I'm willful, and ignoring what God has planned for me, but I say that isn't so. I think this is Gods way of helping me, this ability to go to school is. He made me, he knows that being at home isn't what I want to do. Obviously he thought it would be good to have me do this job for a few years, give me some perspective. Now I really know that my end goal is still the same as it always has been. I want to be a nurse, nothing crazy, not a rock star, but it's always been on my heart that that's what I need to do. Otherwise why would I love working in the ER so much, nothing says fun like a torn off limb, or a chest tube. I get super excited to be the first person on the scene of a wreck, and nothing rocked my world like the first time I preformed CPR. I hope to someday get to say that I saved some lives, and I would love to one day deliver a baby on my own.
Why would God give me these strong desires if he wanted me to squash them. I've never had any thoughts that I should Home school, guess he knows that would be a disaster. We will address this in another post, home schooling is a pretty intense topic. God has a different plan for everyone, and if I can be happy for you staying at home, why can't you just be happy for me too. Don't worry that my kids will be messed up because I had a job, it isn't your business, and it's none of mine how you raise your kids.
It does bug me a little when people raise their daughters to be everything stereotypically female. It's my problem that that bothers me, not yours, It's my own personal experience that makes me hate ideals like that.It hurts me to think that these little girls are going to grow up thinking that something is wrong with them. My opinion on the matter is that if you can do it, stay at home that is, you are a strong person, and I respect you, but it ain't for me...
Allie: So... imagine a little girl in a little pink sundress, big giant pink bow in her hair, covered in dirt and playing monster trucks on the playground. Some will see a cute little tomboy, while others see it as wrong because little girls shouldn't be dirty, and they certainly shouldn't play with 'boy' toys. That was me. I grew up being as girlie as possible on the outside, but in actions and mannerisms I really should have just been born a boy. I'm the girl climbing trees, burping the alphabet at the diner table, and dutch ovening any poor person who happens to share a blanket with me. Growing up my mother always seemed to worry about me because "this is not the way a lady should act."
What dictates what is feminine and what is not (besides the obvious)? Who decided that playing with a Barbie would make a boy gay, or that playing with trucks and farting would keep a girl from finding a husband? I have never quite understood this particular concept. Growing up I enjoyed playing with Barbies as well as matchbox cars. I also enjoyed playing baseball, and wearing make-up. Why can't girls have it both ways?
When I grew up people continued to try and put me in a box, either I was going to be totally feminine, or a butch lesbian. I have never been able to just be me, which often entails me giggling like a 12 year old boy every time I fart. I remember when I was 18 I was at my Dad's house, I had just come in from being out in the yard, I was wearing full make-up, but I was covered in dirt from head to toe. My Dad's girlfriend asked me why I couldn't act like a proper girl, stay inside, cook, clean; because acting the way I did would never attract a suitable husband. That kind of stuff really grinds my gears. I don't get why, this being the 21st century and all, it is still necessary for a woman to ready herself just to become a wife. (I'm not belittling people who choose this for their life.)
I don't think it is a woman's sole lot in life to just become a wife, and if I marry, I want my husband to accept me for who I am, boyish behavior and all. I can understand that's how it worked centuries ago when women had no career prospects out of the home, and almost no independence whatsoever. It's just not for me. I've always wanted to stand on my own feet before I can share my life with someone else, then and only then will I be ready to happily settle down. Unfortunately being 25, unmarried, and having no children, still makes you some sort of old maid. Sometimes I feel pressured by certain people to hurry up, find a man, and get knocked up as quickly as possible. It is as if my eggs are going to dry up tomorrow, and I will never get to fulfill my 'role' as a woman. Why is it so devastating that I may not ever want to have kids or get married, maybe I don't want that life at all. I've always shown respect for women who have children, and have gotten married, why can't people just respect that it's not for me right now, and I don't know if it will ever be right for me... Does this make me less of a woman?
This is one of the most impeded upon rights I have, as my faith has pretty clear ideas on gender roles. To be honest I have always thought that those rules in the Bible where for a different time, when you were pretty much either a housewife or a whore. Some people seem to dislike that the women's rights movement even happened, and mostly they fall under the religious category as Christian. It upsets me because I am offended. I don't think God made all women to work at home, and trust me I know it's work. I have been a stay at home Mom with both my kids, save about 2 years of employment, and some scattered school. I love my kids, but it is not what I want to do with my whole life. It is a respectable career, but it's not for me.
You may say I'm willful, and ignoring what God has planned for me, but I say that isn't so. I think this is Gods way of helping me, this ability to go to school is. He made me, he knows that being at home isn't what I want to do. Obviously he thought it would be good to have me do this job for a few years, give me some perspective. Now I really know that my end goal is still the same as it always has been. I want to be a nurse, nothing crazy, not a rock star, but it's always been on my heart that that's what I need to do. Otherwise why would I love working in the ER so much, nothing says fun like a torn off limb, or a chest tube. I get super excited to be the first person on the scene of a wreck, and nothing rocked my world like the first time I preformed CPR. I hope to someday get to say that I saved some lives, and I would love to one day deliver a baby on my own.
Why would God give me these strong desires if he wanted me to squash them. I've never had any thoughts that I should Home school, guess he knows that would be a disaster. We will address this in another post, home schooling is a pretty intense topic. God has a different plan for everyone, and if I can be happy for you staying at home, why can't you just be happy for me too. Don't worry that my kids will be messed up because I had a job, it isn't your business, and it's none of mine how you raise your kids.
It does bug me a little when people raise their daughters to be everything stereotypically female. It's my problem that that bothers me, not yours, It's my own personal experience that makes me hate ideals like that.It hurts me to think that these little girls are going to grow up thinking that something is wrong with them. My opinion on the matter is that if you can do it, stay at home that is, you are a strong person, and I respect you, but it ain't for me...
Allie: So... imagine a little girl in a little pink sundress, big giant pink bow in her hair, covered in dirt and playing monster trucks on the playground. Some will see a cute little tomboy, while others see it as wrong because little girls shouldn't be dirty, and they certainly shouldn't play with 'boy' toys. That was me. I grew up being as girlie as possible on the outside, but in actions and mannerisms I really should have just been born a boy. I'm the girl climbing trees, burping the alphabet at the diner table, and dutch ovening any poor person who happens to share a blanket with me. Growing up my mother always seemed to worry about me because "this is not the way a lady should act."
What dictates what is feminine and what is not (besides the obvious)? Who decided that playing with a Barbie would make a boy gay, or that playing with trucks and farting would keep a girl from finding a husband? I have never quite understood this particular concept. Growing up I enjoyed playing with Barbies as well as matchbox cars. I also enjoyed playing baseball, and wearing make-up. Why can't girls have it both ways?
When I grew up people continued to try and put me in a box, either I was going to be totally feminine, or a butch lesbian. I have never been able to just be me, which often entails me giggling like a 12 year old boy every time I fart. I remember when I was 18 I was at my Dad's house, I had just come in from being out in the yard, I was wearing full make-up, but I was covered in dirt from head to toe. My Dad's girlfriend asked me why I couldn't act like a proper girl, stay inside, cook, clean; because acting the way I did would never attract a suitable husband. That kind of stuff really grinds my gears. I don't get why, this being the 21st century and all, it is still necessary for a woman to ready herself just to become a wife. (I'm not belittling people who choose this for their life.)
I don't think it is a woman's sole lot in life to just become a wife, and if I marry, I want my husband to accept me for who I am, boyish behavior and all. I can understand that's how it worked centuries ago when women had no career prospects out of the home, and almost no independence whatsoever. It's just not for me. I've always wanted to stand on my own feet before I can share my life with someone else, then and only then will I be ready to happily settle down. Unfortunately being 25, unmarried, and having no children, still makes you some sort of old maid. Sometimes I feel pressured by certain people to hurry up, find a man, and get knocked up as quickly as possible. It is as if my eggs are going to dry up tomorrow, and I will never get to fulfill my 'role' as a woman. Why is it so devastating that I may not ever want to have kids or get married, maybe I don't want that life at all. I've always shown respect for women who have children, and have gotten married, why can't people just respect that it's not for me right now, and I don't know if it will ever be right for me... Does this make me less of a woman?
Monday, November 21, 2011
It's not that scary, I promise, unless your Muslim :)
I didn't think that this would be a big deal, a few people read it, maybe we would get to the double digits, but what I didn't count on was Mom, or other family. I'm not very nice, and in response to my Moms not so subtle questioning of my faith, I want to wear a Hijab and tell her I'm converting. I know her concern is truly out of love, but why is she so worried.
Why do people see Islam, or other religions as such a threat? As in "Hey family member, I'm going to talk to a Wiccan" response "Oh no, don't do that, God wouldn't like that". I will not be sacrificing any goats or babies with em, I just want to talk. Yet they seem to not at all fear the Atheist influence... maybe I should trade the Hijab for a book on science, maybe something by Darwin, or is that not as scary?
Here is a link to show how crazy people are, and no I'm dead serious. http://motherjones.com/mojo/2011/11/pamela-geller-beware-stealth-halal-thanksgiving-turkeys
Darn Muslims taking over my turkeys, they think they can sneak in with the birdie version of a Trojan Horse... Are these people serious???
Yet here is another blog I found, that scares me way more than Jihad turkeys. http://www.christianblog.com/blog/agodlywidow/i-have-joyous-news/
No, really, go read that one. Upon reading some of her other posts I found that she plans to marry off her daughter in the next few years, her daughter is only 15. Really, what are we missing while we are freaking out about Sharia Law. This lady also says that Obama is the Antichrist, and a homosexual. It's her right to live how she wants, but she is pushing it on other people, I have been reading her comments on other blogs, she is critical of women who choose not to live like her. I greatly respect housewives and homeschooling, but I'm not going to do it, at least not forever(the housewife thing), don't treat me like crap cause it ain't my thang.
One more link http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2010/11/11/129512/oklahoma-sharia-native-americans/
They got some mad Native Americans up in Oklahoma, guess they should rethink it before they enact it.
Me and Allie are working on some research on religious persecution as we have had to put off visiting churches and talking to different people because of her new job, and the holidays.
Sara
Why do people see Islam, or other religions as such a threat? As in "Hey family member, I'm going to talk to a Wiccan" response "Oh no, don't do that, God wouldn't like that". I will not be sacrificing any goats or babies with em, I just want to talk. Yet they seem to not at all fear the Atheist influence... maybe I should trade the Hijab for a book on science, maybe something by Darwin, or is that not as scary?
Here is a link to show how crazy people are, and no I'm dead serious. http://motherjones.com/mojo/2011/11/pamela-geller-beware-stealth-halal-thanksgiving-turkeys
Darn Muslims taking over my turkeys, they think they can sneak in with the birdie version of a Trojan Horse... Are these people serious???
Yet here is another blog I found, that scares me way more than Jihad turkeys. http://www.christianblog.com/blog/agodlywidow/i-have-joyous-news/
No, really, go read that one. Upon reading some of her other posts I found that she plans to marry off her daughter in the next few years, her daughter is only 15. Really, what are we missing while we are freaking out about Sharia Law. This lady also says that Obama is the Antichrist, and a homosexual. It's her right to live how she wants, but she is pushing it on other people, I have been reading her comments on other blogs, she is critical of women who choose not to live like her. I greatly respect housewives and homeschooling, but I'm not going to do it, at least not forever(the housewife thing), don't treat me like crap cause it ain't my thang.
One more link http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2010/11/11/129512/oklahoma-sharia-native-americans/
They got some mad Native Americans up in Oklahoma, guess they should rethink it before they enact it.
Me and Allie are working on some research on religious persecution as we have had to put off visiting churches and talking to different people because of her new job, and the holidays.
Sara
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