Carina

Hello and Happy Saturday!

I wish to thank Beth Chapman for her wonderful interview last week. Thank you for sharing your journey with us Beth!

This week we have a new interview so please welcome Carina.
Carina is a Christian and I know you will enjoy her interview as well!

Here Is Carina's Introduction:


Hi, my name is Carina. I am 28 years old, married, and work in communications. I love long walks on the beach and starlit nights… just kidding. I am introspective and like deep conversations, so I really enjoyed answering these questions. It was hard because I kept thinking that there is so much more to say but I have to keep it short. Well, I tried to keep it short… Thank you, Debra, for the challenge. I had fun articulating what I believe and why!

My website is www.soulchat.ca.



1) What religion do you practice?
Christianity, of the Protestant variety. I attend an Evangelical Free Church, though I have nothing against any other denomination.

2) Did you convert or were you born into this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
I was born into a Christian family, and my parents raised me to follow those values. In University, I decided that it was time to make the decision for myself whether to follow Christ or not. After looking into many different religions, such as Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism, I determined that I would choose to follow Christianity. Thus, I believe in Jesus Christ, and accept his death, resurrection, and ability to forgive sins.

3) Would you consider yourself a moderate, conservative or other.
I never really think about this! It’s a hard question to answer because most people have different ideas of what makes someone conservative vs. liberal vs. moderate. It also depends if you’re speaking politically or religiously or whatever.

I guess if I had to define myself, I would consider myself conservative because conservative implies “favouring traditional views and values, or marked by moderation or caution.” I tend to hold to the traditional values of Western culture, which originally come from Christianity.

4) In your opinion, what makes you moderate/conservative/other?
I’d rather not define myself as moderate/conservative/liberal/partisan/whatever. I’m a wholehearted follower of Jesus Christ, and so I’m always trying to become like him – this makes me Christian (if we must put a label on it).

5) In your opinion, what makes someone conservative? What makes someone moderate?
Generally, I think in political terms when someone uses the terms conservative or moderate.

According to Wikipedia, “The Conservative Party [of Canada] generally favours lower taxes, smaller government, more decentralization of federal government powers to the provinces and a tougher stand on "law and order" issues. It is also opposed to the legalization of cannabis. The party favors more spending on the military, and harmonizing standards.”

According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, moderate is “professing or characterized by political or social beliefs that are not extreme.”

I have no opinion on what makes someone religiously conservative or moderate.

6) What's your heaven/paradise like?
It is the most amazing place where people get to live forever with God. It is a place of absolute beauty and peace. There will be no more tears or pain. Everyone will have a perfect body. Each person will have a mansion in heaven, and the streets are lined with gold. It will be a place of community with God and others.

7) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
No, not everyone does, even though God’s desire is for everyone to do so.

Some people don’t because of sin. The Bible says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."(Romans 3:23) Not a single one of us could honestly say that we have never knowingly done anything wrong. This wrongdoing is called “sin”.

Because sin makes us unacceptable in the eyes of a perfect God, he sent his son Jesus Christ to take the punishment that we would otherwise have to take. Just how a prisoner must serve his time to be set free, Jesus “served our time” by being put to death. His payment for our sin makes us acceptable to God.

We can only make it into heaven, to live with God, if we acknowledge that payment for our sins, and seek to live a life that pleases God.

For a detailed explanation, check out the article called, “Why won’t living a good, moral life make me acceptable to God?” (link: http://www.greatcom.org/resources/toughquestions/tq9/tq9d.htm).

8) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
It fits my personality well: I’ve always been concerned with justice and truth, and caring for the less-fortunate. Christianity is based on the ideas of God’s justice, but tempers it with his mercy. Truth is of ultimate value. And God is distressed when the less-fortunate are taken advantage of.

9) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
My holy days are: Christmas, Easter, and Sundays.

At Christmas, we do much of the same things other people do – decorate trees (but with a star or angel on top, to signify the birth of Jesus), give presents, and have people over for dinner. But we also read the story from the Bible about the birth of Jesus Christ (on Christmas morning); we donate our money and time to less-fortunate people (with the intent of sharing about the importance of Jesus’ birth); and we attend a special Christmas church service.

10) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Yes.

11) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
I’ve never been invited to another faith’s celebration before. Depending on what would be required of me, I’d probably be willing to attend. But there are a few things I will not do, such as knowingly eat food that has been dedicated to another god.

12) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
A) The Burka: I am personally opposed to women wearing the burka in Canada. I am NOT opposed to women wearing the hijab, because it is an expression of modesty (which is to be admired). But I find the burka is culturally inappropriate here in Canada, because one’s face is equivalent to one’s identity. Forcing women to cover up their faces so they are unrecognizable in public removes their individuality, and they become faceless and often nameless.

In Canada, the importance of equality between all individuals including between men and women, is paramount. However, women themselves should have the freedom to abandon the burka. In France, legislation has been proposed to ban wearing the burka in any public place. I hope legislation like that will never be proposed in Canada. As Calgary Herald writer Naomi Lakritz said, “Stripping these women of their burkas will only cause the men oppressing them to step up their behaviours in an effort to find new ways to control them. The men are likely to take out their resentment at being made powerless by the state, by brutalizing women even more. Women's lives will be made less, not more, free as a result. The first generation of immigrants always clings stubbornly to the ways of the old country. It is the second and third generations, born in the new country, who absorb that new country's ways and shed the old ones. Hence the universal scene of immigrant parents speaking their native language to their children, who answer in English. Legislating dress codes does not speed the process. Nor should any democracy legislate what its citizens can or can't wear.”

B) Shariah Law: I do not know enough about this subject to comment on Muslim law in particular. However, I do think that in general, the extreme separation we have in Western culture between church and state is not always healthy. There are values and ideals built into religion in general that help to keep our government balanced and well-rounded. Having a plurality of religions which are able to speak into politics, or public schooling, or even health care, makes us more understanding people and increases our willingness to listen to each other.

To explain what I mean, consider euthanasia. If we truly had no religious input, it would simply make economic sense to euthanize people who make no contribution to the greater good – people who are terminally ill are only a drain on the economy. But because many religions value life, that influences our lawmakers to say that euthanasia is (as yet) unacceptable in this country. Thus people who are terminally ill still have the right to choose to live their life to the end. Without religion speaking into government issues, they would not have that choice.

13) What are your thoughts on women not being allowed to become priests?
I disagree with the concept. I can see where it comes from, and the cultural norms that made it necessary when, in the Bible, Apostle Paul stated to a particular church that women should not have spiritual authority over men (see 1 Timothy, chapter 2, verse 12). This is a complex issue within Christianity, because of the different ways the Bible can be interpreted: literally, figuratively, or contextually.

I personally believe that God calls women into spiritual leadership. My cultural context today is not the same as it was in the first century. For example, in the first century the Church allowed slavery, something we would not allow today. And the role of women in the public sphere was different in the first century than it is today. Therefore, women should now be allowed to become priests.

14) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
No.

15) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
It fully informs all my decisions. I try my best to live my life to follow God’s instructions to love your neighbor as yourself – which means going out of my way to show love and mercy to people around me. When I have a major decision to make, I often pray, asking God to guide me to the right decision.

It definitely affects my decisions on abortion, gay marriage, etc. My guiding principle is love God with all my heart and to try not to do anything that would dishonor his name. That means that because God loves women who have had abortions, and gay people, and so on, so I will too. I will not speak or act in ways that disrespect them.

16) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
I would feel distressed and upset. But my faith is not something I could ever force upon my child, otherwise that would make me a hypocrite. God allows us the ability to make our own choices in life, and I will allow my child that same freedom.

17) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell? Unfortunately, yes. I believe this because the Bible says, “God gave us eternal life; the life is in his Son. So, whoever has the Son, has life; whoever rejects the Son, rejects life.” (1 John 5:12) Everyone has the chance to accept eternal life by believing Jesus Christ died for your sins, and accepting God’s forgiveness. Jesus reiterated this, saying, “I am the way, the truth, and the life! Without me, no one can go to the Father.” (John 14:6)

18) Who do you think is not a practicing ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
There are many practicing Christians in the public domain. Some of them carry their faith well, bringing honor to my faith. Some have slipped up, (sometimes majorly) bringing disrespect to Christianity.

I greatly admire Billy Graham. He is a good example of how a Christian should live: with humility and grace, never seeking riches or power, simply doing his best to live with integrity.

19) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
No, I have not. I have experienced rudeness, judgmental people, disrespect, and mockery because of my religion, but it’s nothing that other people haven’t experienced as well, for their sexual orientation, gender, or skin colour. And nothing so bad that I would call it a crime.

20) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
No. I am made in the image of God, and for that reason I am priceless and deeply loved by Him.

21) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
Yes. I have experienced answered prayers. I have seen God work in my life. I know Him as a friend, and trust that He has the absolute best for me in mind, so when bad things happen He can use them to bring good things into my life. Especially when life is rough, He can turn those situations around, even if it’s just to change me into a more patient or more loving person.

22) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
No. I believe we have one life to live, and that we need to make the most of it while we are here on earth. The book of Hebrews in the Bible says, “We die only once, and then we are judged.” (chapter 9, verse 27). Besides, reincarnation doesn’t make sense. If you were born perfect in the first life, how did you mess it up and need to be reincarnated?

Wanda Sykes Quote

Hello and Happy Wednesday!

Today's quote is brought to you by Wanda Sykes:

If you feel like there's something out there that you're supposed to be doing, if you have a passion for it, then stop wishing and just do it.


New interview coming Saturday so be sure to check back!

Beth Chapman

Hello and Happy Saturday!

I wish to thank Irving Karchmar for his wonderfully interesting interview last week. I very much enjoyed reading and learning more of the Sufi Darvish faith. Thank you so much Irving!

Today we have a new interview so please welcome Beth Chapman.
Beth is a Non-denominational/Buddhist and I know you will enjoy her post as well!



Here Is Beth Chapman's Introduction:


I am a writer (I write) who constantly looks at the world and asks "what if?" My background is in both philosophical anthropology and accounting. I work in the operations area of a manufacturing plant where, using stories and listening, I transform spreadsheets and numbers into people who work hard and try. I am a constant observer of people, our assumptions and perceptions. Life is a Rubik's Cube which I am constantly turning, always amazed at the patterns and sequences.

Blogs
http://hopesbreath.blogspot.com/
http://soicansee.blogspot.com/

1) What religion do you practice?

I do not practice a ‘religion’. I practice, that is to say, work at every day, fail at every day, start over again every day, a belief system centered in hope, respect for all living things, and the fundamental or innate goodness in humankind.

2) Did you convert or were you born into this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
I believe we are all born into this very simple belief system. I also believe that assumptions, perceptions, experiences and education (both nature and nurture) almost force us into a type of conversion. A conversion in the sense that we believe these things but have not discovered them or recognized them as essential and important to our existence- as individuals and as a universal community.

3) Would you consider yourself a moderate, conservative or other.
Tricky one – what is the question? I will not moderate from my belief system – does that make me a conservative (smile)? I believe people need to express themselves and their experiences and should be so encouraged – does that make me a liberal or moderate (smile again). Before someone shouts ‘humanist’ or ‘relativist’ I believe that respecting all living things and the freedom to express ourselves and our experiences does not give you the right to take another’s expression away. It is not all ‘relative.’

4) In your opinion, what makes you moderate/conservative/other?
Beliefs, self expression, our very natures are so varied and unique that one must, by default, be open to other ways of doing things, the need to help others, etc.

5) In your opinion, what makes someone conservative? What makes someone moderate?
I would say you would have to ask them. I do believe, our world view and labels we are so addicted, and our assumptions about the fundamental nature of people would play a strong role.

6) What's your heaven/paradise like?
Where living out my belief system, my belief in myself and others, and others living out their belief system finds us all holding hands. The hands are different sizes, colors, unique, but able to hold hands in confidence, trust, laughter, struggles, failures and successes, and at the end of the day to look at the one we’re holding hands with and saying – “wasn’t it a grand day?”

7) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
I believe we can. There are days that I truly despair that we will or do. But in the end, my fundamental unwavering belief in hope wins out. So my answer would be we can. If we do not, if some do not, may the wonderful creative hands of life not look at me and say it was because I did not hold my hand out to them.

8) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
It is grounded in hope and readily admits that my aspirations and actions may not always align, but I will try again and again, because I can, because I must, because I want to.

9) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
Oh my, every day I am alive is a holy day. Life is not to be taken for granted. I celebrate with lots of laughter, musing and pondering, asking ‘what if?’ and watching the faces of others and wrapping them in whatever way I can in hope.

10) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Oh yes. I’m a student of other faiths.

11) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
Yes I do. I truly appreciate the ritual of setting aside days to reconnect with something fundamental. It forces us to pause and remember what is important to and in our lives. The ritual, the ceremony, the liturgy, the symbolism cries out for us all to remember, reflect and celebrate life.

12) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
I think this would fall under limiting another’s self expression and leave it at that.

13) What are your thoughts on women not being allowed to become priests?
Women have never stopped being priests – ministers, the caregivers, healers and those who have passed down the faith of hope and renewal. The fact that they cannot earn a living, or wear certain vestments or say a prayer that will transform wine and bread into the body and blood of Christ is perhaps one of the most absurd ways an organized religion has limited our hope and our ability, if you will, to pray.

14) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
I visit different organized places of worship, some do some don’t. You must remember, there are many ways to ‘segregate’ and all of them make my soul weep.

15) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
On a ‘good day’ it is my daily life in that my thoughts, the way I walk, decisions, everything is filtered through these simple core beliefs. On a ‘not so good day’ when I let my perceptions, my weariness, my own needs take over, it is what brings me home. So yes, it affects my perception on all these types of societal issues.

16) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
I’d probably say well done and then we’d have a cup of coffee and I’d become a student and listen.

17) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
No.

18) Who do you think is not a practicing ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
This one I cannot answer.

19) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
I will truthfully answer yes. The why is really not important. Whenever anyone attacks another that is the only thing important.

20) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
No.

21) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
Yes – even when I’m not listening.

Agatha Christie Quote

Hello and Happy Wednesday!

Today's quote is brought to you by Agatha Christie:


There's too much tendency to attribute to God the evils that man does of his own free will.



New post coming Saturday, so be sure to check back!

Irving Karchmar

Hello and Happy Saturday!

I wish to thank Alan Jones for his wonderful post last week. I found his interview both insightful and interesting, thank you so much for sharing Alan!

This week we have a new interview so please welcome Irving Karchmar.
Irving is a practicing Sufi Darvish and I know you will enjoy his post as well!

Here Is Irving Karchmar's Introduction:



Irving Karchmar has been a writer, editor and poet for many years, and a darvish of the Nimatullahi Sufi Order since 1992. He writes the popular Darvish blog, and is the author of Master of the Jinn: A Sufi Novel, which has been translated into seven languages.
http://www.masterofthejinn.com
http://darvish.wordpress.com

1) What religion do you practice?
I practice the religion of Love. It is the mystical aspect of all religions, though I came to know it through Islam and the Sufi path.

2) Did you convert or were you born into this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
I was born to Jewish parents who were Holocaust survivors, but did not practice any religion until I became a follower of love in 1992, and was initiated as a darvish of the Nimatullahi Sufi Order.

3) Would you consider yourself a moderate, conservative or other.
Other, if that is a liberal. I am a liberal of love.

4) In your opinion, what makes you moderate/conservative/other?
The Path of Love demands kindness and generosity towards all others, and that makes me a liberal of love :)

5) In your opinion, what makes someone conservative? What makes someone moderate?
The strictness or liberality of their upbringing, and an inclination toward a particular temperament. It is both nurture and nature.

6) What's your heaven/paradise like?
Hugging my grandchildren and kissing them on the cheek is paradise, being with the ones I love, heaven on earth.

7) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
Yes, because God is the Most Loving and the Most Merciful.

8) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
The path of love is a very large garment, and I had to grow into it after years of maturing in the sincerity and understanding of love.

9) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
The Sufis believe that each day is holy, as it is given by God, and we celebrate it by repeating out zekr with each inhalation and exhalation of the breath, which a word or phrase, usually a name of God, given to us at initiation. In that way, each breath is a prayer and blessing.

10) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Yes, all people of faith are my friends, as are atheists and agnostics :)

11) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
Yes, and I have. In each I have found the kernel of love that is the heart of them all.

12) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
I do not know enough about Shariah law to make a judgment, and I do not know any woman who wears a burka, so I will not comment.

13) What are your thoughts on women not being allowed to become priests?
That is a patriarchal holdover that is slowly being overturned, God willing. Women were the first priestesses and are much more in touch with the sacred, being the creative force of humanity, the child bearers. Women are the fountain of love from which men drink, and should definitely be allowed to become priests, ministers, imams, etc.

14) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
No it does not. Men and women are equal: they pray together, eat together, and meditate together in the circle of the Friend.

15) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
The religion of love affects every decision, in that it requires that I do what love demands. Therefore, I believe all marriage is sacred, including gay marriage, and really, no one is FOR abortion, including the women who think they have no choice but to have one.

16) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
I would be happy he or she found someone they loved. That is all that’s important to me.

17) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
No! There is no hell, except what we make here on earth. See the answer to Number 7.

18) Who do you think is not a practicing Master in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
I do follow the fashions in religion. I only can say that my late Master, Dr. Javad Nurbakhsh, exemplified loving-kindness. He wrote many books on Sufism as the religion of love, and was revered by his dervishes as a perfected Master of the Path. His son and successor, Dr. Alireza Nurbakhsh, carries on with love and joy.

19) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
Not yet.

20) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
Never

21) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
Yes, always.

22) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
What waits beyond the last breath is a mystery.

Chief Joseph Quote

Hello and Happy Thursday!

Today's quote is brought to you by Chief Joseph:


All men were made brothers. The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it. You might as well expect the rivers to run backward as that any man who was born free should be contented when penned up and denied liberty to go where he pleases.



New post coming this Saturday, so be sure to check back!

Huge Thanks!

Hello and Happy Tuesday!

I want to thank YMR participants Joanna Tzortzis, Mystic Tourist, Ven. Jo Jo, Chaviva G., Sally Coleman, Ebtesam and Alan Jones.

Thank you for sharing your faith journeys with all of us; all were unique and interesting and I thoroughly enjoyed reading and publishing each one!

A wonderful job by all, thank you!

Alan Jones

Hello and Happy Saturday!

First up I wish to thank Ebtesam for her very interesting and informative interview last week. Great job Ebtesam, thank you so much for sharing!

Today we have a new post so please welcome Alan Jones.
Alan is a Rational Mystic and I know you will enjoy his post as well!


Here Is Alan Jones's Introduction:


Alan Jones is a well respected trainer and workshop facilitator who describes himself as a ‘Rational Mystic’. He brings his broad knowledge of the western magical tradition and experience of shamanistic teaching together with his professional expertise in NLP, Transpersonal Psychology and Personal Coaching in a creative and innovative way. He has appeared on radio and television discussing various aspects of his work and travels throughout the UK as a motivational speaker, educational coach and trainer of NLP, Hypnotherapy and Communication Skills. He is Director of Inspire NLP

website link: www.alanjones.ws : http://www.aljones.net/


1) What religion do you practice?
I call myself a Rational Mystic which means that I attempt to have a rational view of all things paranormal whilst recognising that there is a spiritual side to the human experience which is purely subjective and need not be analysed, quantified or codified. I guess the Rationalist part of me makes me a Humanist and with regards the spiritual side of me, well I'm drawn to shamanic, magical traditions.

2) Did you convert or were you born into this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
For me its not about converting, it is about growing in understanding... I have studied aspects of Christainity, Buddhism, Taoism as well as other traditions. Seemed to me that the common threads running through all of the organised religions had been politicised and dogmatised out of all recognition. Religiosity is perhaps the real challenge of our time and fundamentalism of all flavours derives from an unbalanced view, interpretation and application of 'scripture'

3) Would you consider yourself a moderate, conservative or other.
A moderate - in fact bordering on being a total libertarian

4) In your opinion, what makes you moderate/conservative/other?
A willingness to accept others views, opinions and attitudes and belief in free speech, discussion, the idea of limited censorship and the right for individuals to live their lives as they wish. Certain 'occultists' will recognise the dictum "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law, love under will is the whole of the law" often abbreviated into "and harm none do what thou wilt'.

There is much in this attitude that I subscribe to.

Of course within the bounds of the need to protect the 'innocent and the weak' from the words and deeds of some of those who seem not to be able to recognise the rights of others to be..

5) In your opinion, what makes someone conservative? What makes someone moderate?
I think I've covered that above - in essence it is about behaviour and the way they treat other people, their ideas and their culture (in the broadest sense)

6) What's your heaven/paradise like?
My current thinking is that we make our heaven and hell here and now. We can be active participants in our lives and the world we live in, striving to allow peace, harmony, love, tolerance, growth, understanding or we can become indolent passengers.

In my 'cosmology' there are places or spaces beyond the here, now, past and present BUT I am not convinced that the personality that is me survives.

If God (which is a human not a divine construct) created everything then he/she/it probably did so to understand themsleves (that's a Qabbalistic view point I guess) and so everything we do, we are and we can be is a reflection of that original consciousness.

The real challenge of there being a paradise to go to is that there can be an abdication of responsibility and the need to act NOW, in this life-time-frame.

7) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
By your own actions you create personal heaven and hell and are subject to those manifestations now and in the future.

8) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
Because it speaks of fundamental human rights, responsibilities for now and the future - it celebrates life and the value of that life. There is no dogma and it has not promoted sustained conflict because of a fundamentalist acceptance of 'the word'.

9) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
The days are tied to the cycles of the year, the natural cycles. In a spiritual sense there is the desire to recognise each and every day for what it is and what it can bring.

In 'modern' traditions there are eight major 'festivals' marking astronomical events (the two solstices and equinoxes) and four major agricultural based festivals - start and end of the growing season and the two harvests

10) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Yes - why not. People are people and more than the label they are given or give themselves

11) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
Yes - out of honour and respect as well as the sense of humility of being invited.

12) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
The extent to which a 'Law' restrains or dishonour freedom bothers me. I think the current trend to outlaw the wearing of the burka is racist in both its intent and subtext. If a person wants to express their faith in ways that do not infringe the rights of others outside of their faith then they should be allowed to. Of course there are some practical considerations to be considered as well. Jewelry, clothing and certain 'fashions' may not be safe or appropriate in certain environments. There can be no absolutes just common sense and balance.

As for one faith declaring 'war' on another or seeking to subjugate it then this, I believe, has no place in a multifaith, integrated world.

13) What are your thoughts on women not being allowed to become priests?
Archaic and out of step with the now and the needs of this society - HOWEVER I accept and recognise that some religious practices do so and assume that those within that faith are there by choice not coercion and are therefore 'happy' with the system they worship within.

14) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
No - and again to create a subclass or out group is the first step towards possible persecution - HOWEVER I accept and recognise that some religious practices do so and assume that those within that faith are there by choice not coercion and are therefore 'happy' with the system they worship within.

15) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
No - it openly allows for the consideration of choices, options and possibilities recognising that one persons story and sitiuation is not the same as anothers. My attitude does call for a full exploration of these issues on all levels...

16) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
Totally understandable - again ensuring that all aspects of the decision are explored. If a religion proposes that LOVE is all and that a choice of marriage partner is based on LOVE then how can there be an honest, congruent objection?

17) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
No - they may be creating that hell for themselves and others.

18) Who do you think is not a practicing ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
There is no single spokesperson - those who offer guidance are revered for their wisdom and insight not their divinity or rulership. There are those who profess to be King of this or High Priest of that but they tend to be regarded as ego driven and seeking attention.

The true masters of any religion are the ones who offer to teach without seeking adoration; inspire by what they do and guide by how they are.

19) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
No... target of misplaced anger from ignorant, bigoted folk but little else. Possibly because there is no need to acquire followers or convert anyone

20) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
Never - it celebrates who we are. who we can be and what we seek to become

21) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
It can - it recognise the human condition and all that that is prone to

22) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
Yes - but perhaps not in the way that it is generally considered. There is possibly a part of us, an essential part, that goes on to somewhere - I'm not sure that the personality is part of that...

Bruce Lee Quote

Hello and Happy Thursday!

Today's quote is brought to you by Bruce Lee:

If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else. It will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.


If you've got a great quote you'd like to share, please email at ymr@bell.net- Thanks!

There'll be a new post coming Saturday, so be sure to check back!

A Sneak Peek into February

Hello Everyone and Happy Tuesday!

We've got some great posts coming up for you in February!

We'll hear from Tricia who is a Pagan, Michael Webb who is an Agnostic, Diana who went from Orthodox Christianity to Bahai and SJ who is a Messianic Jew.

All awesome interviews you won't want to miss!

Ebtesam

Happy Saturday and Happy 2011!

I wish to thank Sally Coleman for sharing her journey with us last week. I very much enjoyed reading and learning more about her faith. Thanks so much Sally!

This week, we have a new interview so please welcome Ebtesam.
Ebtesam is a Muslim and I know you will enjoy her interview as well!


Here Is Ebtesam's Introduction:



Thank you for having me. My name is Ebtesam. I am a Saudi Arabian born and raised in Makkah. I am also a physician in internal medicine. I run a blog called Saudi to the Core where I talk about what interests us, the Saudi Arabians, like Islam, our country, our political relations with other countries and some technology stuff like iPhones.
You can find out more at www.sauditothecore.com


1) What religion do you practice?
I practice Islam.

2) Did you convert or were you born into this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
No, I was born into this religion. I'm very happy and satisfied with myself to be a Muslim, I wouldn't choose to be from another religion if I was asked to choose.

3) Would you consider yourself a moderate, conservative or other.
I would consider myself a Muslim, I believe that there are no such categories in Islam, God meant for Muslims to be a median nation as mentioned in Koran
"And thus we have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you. And We did not make the qiblah which you used to face except that. We might make evident who would follow the Messenger from who would turn back on his heels. And indeed, it is difficult except for those whom Allah has guided. And never would Allah have caused you to lose your faith. Indeed Allah is, to the people, Kind and Merciful." Albaqara (143)

"A just or median nation " in every aspect of life. It's like the road in the middle with two roads, one road above and one below, the one in the middle will get you to your destination but if someone went to the upper road and added more to the religion and made it hard and complicated he/she might have drifted away from the true concept of Islam. It's the same if someone didn't really follow the true instructions of God or dismissed lots of it and at the end God the judge, knows what's in our heart because what's there matters

4) In your opinion, what makes you moderate/conservative/other?
I hope I am good as I try my best to follow the true guidance of God.

5) In your opinion, what makes someone conservative? What makes someone moderate?
Same as in question 4, I THINK everyone should try her/his best effort to be a just person who imply God's guidance in living a happy, productive and a just life without adding or subtracting anything in the religion.

6) What's your heaven/paradise like?
Wow that's a question we need pages and pages to answer :), but simply - Paradise aka in Arabic Jannah means gardens. It is the final destination to go for, it is the life of the Hereafter. Where we end up Jannah (Paradise) or Jahannam (Hell-fire). Paradise is the aim and the hope of every person. But like trying to attain any goal, in order to achieve success, one must have a well-defined plan, and it must be implemented to be successful.

The prophet Mohammed peace be up on him told us that within Paradise are things that no eyes have ever seen, nor ears have ever heard, and that things in it are beyond our imagination and comprehension, but we all have our own personal ideas of what eternal bliss would probably be like.

Allah has also described Paradise in many places in the Qur'an.
"In it are rivers of water, the taste and smell of which are never changed. Rivers of milk the taste of which will remain unchanged. Rivers of wine that will be delicious to those who drink from it and rivers of clear, pure honey. For them will be every kind of fruit and forgiveness form their Lord."

"And their recompense shall be Paradise, and silken garments, because they were patient. Reclining on raised thrones, they will see there neither the excessive heat of the sun, nor the excessive bitter cold. The shade will be close upon them, and bunches of fruit will hang low within their reach. Vessels of silver and cups of crystal will be passed around amongst them, crystal-clear, made of silver. They will determine the measure of them according to their wishes. They will be given a cup (of wine) mixed with Zanjabeel, and a fountain called Salsabeel. Around them will (serve) boys of perpetual youth. If you see them, you would think they are scattered pearls. When you look there (in Paradise) you will see a delight (that cannot be imagined), and a Great Dominion. Their garments will be of fine green silk and gold embroidery. They will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a pure drink."

"And those foremost (In monotheism to Allah and obedience to Allah and His Messenger in this life) will be foremost (in Paradise). They will be those nearest to Allah in the Gardens of Delight. A multitude of those (the foremost) will be from the first generation (who embraced Islam) and a few of those (the foremost) will be from the later (generations). They will be reclining, face to face, on thrones woven with gold and precious stones. They will be served by immortal boys, with cups and jugs, and a glass from the flowing wine, from which they will have neither any headache, nor any intoxication. They will have fruit from which they may choose, and the flesh of fowls that they desire. There will be Houris with wide, lovely eyes (as wives for the pious), like preserved pearls, a reward for deeds that they used to do. They will hear no vain or sinful speech (like backbiting, etc.) but only the saying of: Salam, Salam, (greetings of peace). And those on the Right Hand, who will be those on the Right Hand? They will be among thorn-less lote-trees among Talh (banana trees) with fruits piled one above another, in long-extended shade, by constantly flowing water, and fruit in plenty, whose season is not limited, and their supply will not be cut off. They will be on couches or thrones raised high. Verily, We have created for them (maidens) of equal age, loving (their husbands only). For those on the Right Hand."

A pure, joyful and peaceful life.

7) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
Well, as all people of faith we are born good in nature and we all are entitled to make it to heaven as God created the first two human beings ADAM AND EVE into heaven. But God also gave us freewill to determine our destiny, and as I said before in order to achieve success, one must have a well-defined plan, and it must be implemented to be successful. This plan is outlined in the Koran.

It's always when Allah mentions those who will attain Paradise, He mentions the believers, not "the Muslims"

So who are the believers and how do we become one of them?, Allah says,
"They believe in Allah and the Last Day, and they enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong and they strive with one another in hastening to good deeds, and those are among the good."

God also says of the believers,
"But the Apostle and those who believe with him strive hard with their property and their persons; and these it is who shall have the good things and these it is who shall be successful." [9:88]

"Paradise is not [obtained] by your wishful thinking nor by that of the People of the Scripture. Whoever does a wrong will be recompensed for it, and he will not find besides Allah a protector or a helper.4:123 Sahih International
Paradise is not [obtained] by your wishful thinking nor by that of the People of the Scripture. Whoever does a wrong will be recompensed for it, and he will not find besides Allah a protector or a helper. And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer - those will enter Paradise and will not be wronged, [even as much as] the speck on a date seed.And who is better in religion than one who submits himself to Allah while being a doer of good and follows the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth? And Allah took Abraham as an intimate friend."

Repentance erases what came before it as the Prophet, peace be up on him, said,
"The one who repents form sin is like the one who never sinned." God says
"Except such as repent and believe and do good, these shall enter the Garden, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly in any way." [19:60]

In another position Allah says " The unbelievers are those who say: 'Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary' But the Messiah said: 'Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. 'He who associates anything with Allah, Allah has indeed forbidden Paradise to him, and his abode shall be in the Fire. The harmdoers shall have no helpers."

8) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
Well, Islam does not conflict with human intellect and natural disposition. Life and the universe and destiny make sense to me when I look at them through Islam

Islam frees the mind, and encourages us to think and learn from everything. Each time I think I just fall in love all over again with God.

Also I believe that Islam is the last Divine Religion revealed to man and it recognizes previous divine revelations. On the other hand, Jews do not recognize Jesus, and the Christians do not recognize Muhammad; whereas, Muslims recognize Moses and Jesus, may Allah exalt their mention.
Islam is the only Religion which has not been distorted or changed.

Islam is the Religion for humankind at large, regardless of their education, time and place which, in contrast to previous religions were sent to a specific people during a specific time. For example, if a person wants to become a Jew, he has to be born a Jew. Jesus said about Christianity: 'I was sent to the lost sheep of the Children of Israel.'

God says:
"This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion" [Quran 5:3)

9) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
All Islamic holidays are observed according to the lunar-based Islamic calendar. There are two Muslim festivals set down in Islamic law: Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha ( Eid is a word significance for festival), both celebrated in the way Christmas celebrated, people gather and eat together, fireworks and have festivals and so on.

Eid-ul-Fitr: This marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.Its celebrationlasts for three days of celebration (or more, depending on the country) and is sometimes also known as the "Smaller Eid" as compared to the Eid al-Adha that lasts three days (or more) following the Hajj and is casually referred to as the "Greater Eid". Eid-ul-Adha: the “feast of sacrifice,” marks the anniverary of Abraham’s attempt to sacrifice his son Ishmael on God’s orders (Jews and Christians believe it was Isaac), then the angel Gabriel gave Abraham a lamb as substitute.

Fridays are like the Sabbath and Sundays in the other divine religions. In most Muslim countries Friday is the last workday before the weekend. In Islam, Friday is the day of public worship in mosques, The day is of general peace.

The above three holy days are usually considered as holy holidays but there are also several other unique days which Muslims celebrate like
Ashura day: It marks two past events: the day Nuh (Noah) left the Ark, and the day that Musa (Moses) was saved from the Egyptians by Allah Almighty.
Laylat al-Qadr - Towards the end of Ramadan, Muslims observe the "Night of Power," which is when the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to Muhammad.
Day of Arafat - One day of the Hajj, pilgrims gather at the Plain of Arafat to seek God's mercy, and Muslims elsewhere fast for the day.

10) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Yes I do, why not?! .Islam has always stressed on fairness and good treatment to all human beings without discrimination.

11) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
Islam is a religion of common sense and it reinforces what's in your heart, so there is nothing wrong with congratulating the non-Muslim holidays for those who have them, including relatives or neighbors or colleagues or other human relations, in a gesture of kindness and friendship as recognized by customary practice.

God says "Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly." Al-Mumtahinah verse 8. The prophet of Islam said: “Whoever hurts a non Muslim, I shall be his complainant and for whoever I am a complainant, I shall ask for his right on the day of Resurrection.”

But doing the special religious acts and rituals to celebrate a religious holiday is not allowed I believe, as those rituals celebrate un-Islamic concepts that might contradict with our belief otherwise it's OK.

12) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
Regarding the Burka I think if someone wants to cover her face because she believes it's the right thing to do she should be allowed to. I personally do not find veiling to be oppressive in and of itself. The oppression comes when women have no choice in the matter. Face-veiling by Muslim women concept is unique and is not seen as an "extreme", but rather is a natural extension of the principle of privacy. It's an extra degree of observance in the area of modesty and privacy and is recommended for being an extra degree, just as extra degrees of observance are recommended in other areas, like prayer or giving to charity. Burka is also the specific form of extra-modest dress established by Islam. It is part of Islam, and is the clear example of those who knew Islam best.

As for the sharia law if you mean by that the true God instructions for believers, then I believe that it is a necessary part of my commitment to God to obey His commandments. Islam is an orthopraxic religion, it sets out that there is a "preferred" way of doing things in every aspect of our lives and as a Muslim I can show you where a certain deed came from, the why and how. I also believe that Muslims who are committed to God should strive to obey the Quran and Sunna.
The word Islam means to surrender to God and part of submission to God's will involves striving to obey the commandments of the Quran and Sunna, and seeking their wisdom for ourselves.

If you mean by sharia as in state Legal systems then, Islamic law in regard for legal system always seeking that fine balance, that every other law tries to achieve. In particular, Islamic law distinguishes between a sin and a crime. A sin is a disobedience of God, and is punishable by Him. A crime is something that is punished by the state. A study of the sources of Islamic law will quickly show that although many things are mentioned as sins, only certain types of sins are designated as also being crimes, which the state is given the authority to punish. And the acts that are designated as crimes are those which harm others. For instance theft, slander, assault, and murder.

In fact, when a woman came before the Prophet (pbuh) in revealing clothing, he didn't arrest her or beat her or take any other actions. Instead, he merely advised her that God had commanded women not to display themselves in public. With the example of the Prophet (pbuh) to follow, no Muslim who is sincerely committed to his or her religion would ever force a woman to wear hijab or make failure to wear hijab a crime under the law. It's as simple as that.

13) What are your thoughts on women not being allowed to become priests?
I'm not sure what you mean, women can become religious leaders and scholars in Islam starting from the prophet times to the current time.

If you mean that she can't be an Imam, nothing against that she can be Imam but not the imam for a group of men because Islamic prayers include movements like bending and bowing and these movements are not preferable to be done by a woman Imam in front of men in a worship act that requires a humble heart, tranquilized soul and focused mind in praying to the Lord.
In other conditions women can lead. It's for the same reason a man can't lead a non related women only group in the prayer.

14) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
During the prayers yes it is segregated, and I like it actually. I feel more comfortable bowing between the hands of God. But in other worship acts it's not segregated.

15) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
Yes my religion affects every aspect of my daily life and it affects my decisions and opinions.

16) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
First, Quran Surah al-Baqarah verse 256 says, "There is no compulsion in the religion." So if I had children and they decided to do this it's their life and I can't see myself living with the guilt of making them miserable. I believe that parents should guide their kids and pray for them to be happy individuals, not enforce them and control them.

17) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
It's really up to God to decide that. As I said before God said the believers are the ones to go to paradise and I explained few points about who are those believers. But at the end it's God mercy and forgiveness that would help people reach paradise as God knows us best and knows what's really in our hearts.

18) Who do you think is not a practicing ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
As an observant Muslim I follow and obey the commandments of the Quran and Sunna, and I seek their wisdom for myself. Quran and Sunna are the only two reference we should go by.

19) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
No I've never been subjected to hate crime.

20) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
No never, I always found Islam raised my status, made me more insightful and respectful to his creatures, appreciating God's blessing and greatness.

21) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
Yes all the time

22) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
No I don't believe in reincarnation. According to the Qur’an and Sunnah, there is no reincarnation. We have only one life on this earth. After death we will be raised up again as ourselves on the Day of Judgment. There is no return to this life before the Day of Judgment.
But what will happen to the soul during this time from after death to the day of judgment?, Allah Almighty has not dealt with that subject in detail so that He Almighty gives man the chance to contemplate and ponder over his life. This understanding may be in conformity with Allah's saying: [They will ask thee concerning the Spirit. Say: The Spirit is by command of my Lord, and of knowledge ye have been vouchsafed but little.] (Al-Israa’ 17: 85) Allah's saying here: […and of knowledge ye have been vouchsafed but little] encourages one to seeking further knowledge. All that we can get from the religious teachings about the soul is that after one has died, one's soul retains cognizance in a way THAT STILL not really known; it also keeps a kind of relation to one's body. It is a kind of relation that makes it aware of him who visits one's grave and greets one and makes it also feel happy or sad.