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I have always imagined that Paradise would be a kind of library.
Jorge Luis Borges

So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?
Saint John, Letter to Galatians 4:16

Freedom of Religion - Freedom from Religion - Freedom of Public Display of Religion and Traditions

We establish no religion in this country, nor will we ever. We command no worship. We mandate no belief. But we poison our society when we remove its theological underpinnings. We court corruption when we leave it bereft of belief. All are free to believe or not believe; all are free to practice a faith or not. But those who believe must be free to speak of and act on their belief.
--
Ronald Reagan (Temple Hillel Speech, 1984)

Monday, April 23, 2012

Chapter 12: Islam - People of the Book


This chapter deals with the complicated history of a people, the brief history of a religion called Islam, which is further complicated by different factions (much like Christianity) within the groups of Moslems that is the second largest religion in the world. It is a religion founded by a prophet, deemed the Messenger of God, which was carried on by its followers who separated into factions due to philosophical disagreements, whose partial doctrine of conversion is violence (depending upon the faction), misunderstood and misrepresented by Moslem and non-Moslem alike; and whose doctrine under certain leadership within factions have led to fascism, religious fanaticism, death and destruction in the name of Allah, the Arabic word of God – despite the fact that they worship that same God as the Christians and Jews, to whom they often war with or persecute. It is because of doctrine differences that they do so, as well as believing that no person (not even their beloved prophet/founder Muhammad) or perceived deity should be worshiped instead of the one and true God; which pits them against the Christians who have deified their prophet, teacher, and reformer of the Hebrew faith, Jesus of Nazareth (Galilee) – the Christ. Other differences or similarities between the other two monotheistic religions of Christianity and Hebrew are in the rites performed, as in the Five Pillars of Islam prescribed by the founder, Mohammed.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Chapter 18: Wicca - Old Pagan Religion Renewed


Wicca is a modern neo-pagan religion that is based upon an ancient pagan religion that was common among the Celts of northern Europe, and in Britannia (so named by Julius Caesar who conquered and made it part of the Roman Empire) where the mystic cult of Druidism originated based upon the “Mother” fertility goddess whose consort was a horned god. It is a mystery religion that has different theological concepts or denominations, some monotheist, original goddess worship, such as the Dianic Wicca, Cochrane's Craft, and polytheism. Denominations are considered traditions within the Wiccans: Gardnerian and Alexandrian Wicca follow the concepts of Gerald Gardner.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Through the Looking Glass: Religious Perspective


The classic literature of Lewis Carroll (birth name: Charles Dodgson) has gone down through the ages reprinted into books, plays, and films. It began with the book Alice's Adventures in Wonderland in 1865, which was followed by Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There in 1871. Through the Looking Glass was about a world beyond a mirror (looking glass). If one looks into a mirror one sees a reflection that appears reversed; however, if one was looking from within or the other side of the “looking glass” it would be a natural view. As with the mirror, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is filled with symbolism – a world remarkably different than reality, and a world where nothing is as it seems. 
 
So it is for the so-called Religion of Peace ...

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Easter Message: April 8th 2012


Today is Easter Sunday.
I want to put out something brief and get back to family activities.
It is disturbing to know that some people believe Jesus was a “Commie”. Apparently they have not learned in school just what Marxism is. 
But after examining today's textbooks, I can see why.
To fellow Christians and anyone: I wish you blessings and peace as you spend time with your families this weekend.
From Gospel of Matthew 28:1-9 …
1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold , there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake , and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified . 6 He is not here: for he is risen , as he said . Come , see the place where the Lord lay . 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold , he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo , I have told you. 8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word . 9 And as they went to tell his disciples , behold , Jesus met them, saying , All hail . And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.