Hello and Happy Saturday!
I wish to thank Liorah Lleucu/Myfanwy for her very interesting and enjoyable interview of last week. Thank you so much for sharing with us!
Today we have a new interview so please welcome Christopher Darren Horn. Christopher is a Noahide and I know you'll enjoy his interview as well!
Here Is Christopher Darren Horn's Introduction:
I am an ex christian. I had a strange series of events that caused me to rethink my ideas about G_D, my place in this great creation and what we can do to make it better. I don't try to push others into believing what I do, because frankly, I wouldn't know where to start. LOL. You can, if you want, go to this link; http://www.nightghost.ws/2009/06/old-post-strange-happenings.html, and read about some of the strangeness, but that is not nearly all of it. I guess, I would be a searcher of truth more than anything else. I believe in Hashem and what he has taught and will teach me. I'll stuff as much as I can in the ol' 'noggin.
Yes, if it is ok, my blog/website is at http://www.nightghost.ws. I just title it "Ponderings and Other Things from the Nightghost"
1) What religion do you practice?
I guess I would be classified as a Noahide.
2) Are you a convert/revert or were you raised within this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
I think, I could be called a convert. Strangely, I was shown this by a weird series of events. I was not raised within this "religion" I used to be christian.
3)Within your religion are there degrees of observance (ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal)? What are the defining differences between the degrees of observance?
I don't see there being degrees of observance and the acquisition of knowledge of creation, to me seems to be the defining characteristic.
4)Within your religion what degree of observance are you ((ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal) ? Why did you choose this degree of observance?
I am always looking to learn something new and meet others and hear their opinions and ways of doing things, I would think it is not about degrees of observance as it is about trying to find the truth.
5)What is the Afterlife within your religion? For example: what happens when a person dies? Are there places for reward/punishment? (such as a Heaven/Hell concept)
I am not sure, I guess I'll leave that question to the philosophers, LOL!!
6) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
I have no idea, but I would like to hope, evil is punished and good is rewarded.
7) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
The constant learning, any kind of learning and the desire to see everyone have that chance.
8) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
I guess I would have to say, any day I am alive is holy, to me, LOL.
9) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Yes, I like to learn about other faiths, some are really strange, but no reason we cannot be friends.
10) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
Sure I would. It would be interesting to see.
11) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
I think if someone wants to wear a burka, it is ok, but I do not like Shariah Law, it seems way too restrictive for my tastes.
12) Are women allowed to hold religious office (priest, minister, rabbi, iman etc) in your religion and how do you feel about it?
Yep, they sure can. I hold women in high regard. They are much better at everything, just ask my wife, she'll tell you so.
13) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
Nope, no segregation. Unless she wants to. Then I leave her alone (I don't like pain, LOL).
14) 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?
I really don't know. I don't like the idea of aborting a little baby, it is a hard thought. Concerning gay marriage, sure let them marry, as long as I can have more than one wife, that would be cool, maybe!
15) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
That would depend on the religion, but if it makes my child happy and doesn't involve hurting others, beating them on the head, or scaring them into accepting it, it is ok with me.
16) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
I think everyone will learn, not hell, but sometimes, you have to learn the hard way
17) 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?
I don't think I see anyone in the public domain who is a Noahide, so can't really answer.
18) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
Yes, my wife hates it when I act stupid and gets mad at me. I thought it was ok to leave my cigarette butts on the ground, but I guess not.
19) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
No, as a matter of fact, it has set me free.
20) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
Yes it does. There is a strange mystery in it, because of the ability to reach out and touch all things, the worry is gone.
21) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
I believe in it, but only if I get the choice to come back as someone more interesting than myself.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Irving Karchmar Poem
Hello and Happy Thursday!
Slightly different today! Instead of a quote, here is a beautiful poem written by Irving Karchmar:
The knowledge of You
Comes swift as light
To sit within the circle
Of zekr and gratitude
A presence felt in darkness
The soul’s delight
The knowledge of You
My bones remember
My blood, nerves, sinews
And my eyes, this poet’s sight
That writes only You, who
Are pen and ink and paper
You are love and turmoil
Hope and answered prayers
Fathomless as oceans
Encompassing as night
My heart’s rest as winter comes
And all the leaves take flight.
There's a new interview coming up on Saturday so be sure to check back!
Slightly different today! Instead of a quote, here is a beautiful poem written by Irving Karchmar:
Answered Prayers
Comes swift as light
To sit within the circle
Of zekr and gratitude
A presence felt in darkness
The soul’s delight
The knowledge of You
My bones remember
My blood, nerves, sinews
And my eyes, this poet’s sight
That writes only You, who
Are pen and ink and paper
You are love and turmoil
Hope and answered prayers
Fathomless as oceans
Encompassing as night
My heart’s rest as winter comes
And all the leaves take flight.
There's a new interview coming up on Saturday so be sure to check back!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
A Look Back
Hello and Happy Tuesday!
I can't believe YMR is turning 2 years old in a couple of weeks. It wouldn't have been possible without all of you!
As we enter the new year, I'd like to take a look back and thank all of the wonderful participants:
Ebtesam
Alan B. Jones
Irving Karchmar
Beth Chapman
Carina
Tricia Nolan
Michael Webb
Diana
SJ
Lily Shahar Kunning
Leah Jane
Derek Leman
Upasana
Loga Abdullah
Michelle
Sarah
Miss Grace
Hesham A. Hassaballa
G*3
AnnMarie
Wee_Beastie
Jason Hughes
CF
Kriss
KV
Stephanie
Friko
Skeptitcher Rebbe
Judy Dudich
Renee Olson (aka Sosanna)
Monica Chase
Bill Jiryu Webb
Adam
Jenny (aka The Retro-Housewife)
Justin Whitaker
Musa Talib
Umm Salihah
Joel Holopainen/Jouji Heion
Harry/Hanrei Banzan
Dalyn Robert Montgomery
Louise Rogers
Adrian Worsfold
Christina
Elinor Predota
Janie (aka Mother Moon)
Larry Tanner
Modern Girl
Vincent Enlund/VikingJack
Malwina
Navjeet Singh Sandhu
Omar Ghraieb
Liorah Lleucu/Myfanwy
and
Christopher Darren Horn
I also wish to thank all the amazing followers on the blog, twitter and facebook, as well as everyone who has contributed comments!
You are all very much appreciated and I thank you deeply.
All my best for 2012
~Debra
I can't believe YMR is turning 2 years old in a couple of weeks. It wouldn't have been possible without all of you!
As we enter the new year, I'd like to take a look back and thank all of the wonderful participants:
Ebtesam
Alan B. Jones
Irving Karchmar
Beth Chapman
Carina
Tricia Nolan
Michael Webb
Diana
SJ
Lily Shahar Kunning
Leah Jane
Derek Leman
Upasana
Loga Abdullah
Michelle
Sarah
Miss Grace
Hesham A. Hassaballa
G*3
AnnMarie
Wee_Beastie
Jason Hughes
CF
Kriss
KV
Stephanie
Friko
Skeptitcher Rebbe
Judy Dudich
Renee Olson (aka Sosanna)
Monica Chase
Bill Jiryu Webb
Adam
Jenny (aka The Retro-Housewife)
Justin Whitaker
Musa Talib
Umm Salihah
Joel Holopainen/Jouji Heion
Harry/Hanrei Banzan
Dalyn Robert Montgomery
Louise Rogers
Adrian Worsfold
Christina
Elinor Predota
Janie (aka Mother Moon)
Larry Tanner
Modern Girl
Vincent Enlund/VikingJack
Malwina
Navjeet Singh Sandhu
Omar Ghraieb
Liorah Lleucu/Myfanwy
and
Christopher Darren Horn
I also wish to thank all the amazing followers on the blog, twitter and facebook, as well as everyone who has contributed comments!
You are all very much appreciated and I thank you deeply.
All my best for 2012
~Debra
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Liorah Lleucu/Myfanwy
Hello and Happy Saturday!
First up I wish to thank Omar Ghraieb for his very interesting and informative interview of last week. Thanks so much for sharing with all of us Omar!
Today we have a new interview so please welcome Liorah Lleucu/Myfanwy. Liorah is a Jewitch and I know you'll enjoy her interview as well!
Here Is Liorah Lleucu/Myfanwy's Introduction:
I am fifty years old, a divorced mother of 3 adult children and grandmother of 6 grandchildren, with my seventh grandchild on the way. Both a registered professional nurse and a biochemist by education, I was born and currently live in the Midwest. I am a Celtic Jewish American with Welsh, British, Irish, Germanic, Jewish and Native American ancestries. My maternal ancestries are Welsh, British and Jewish. My paternal ancestries are British, Irish, German and Native American.
http://walking-on-fire.blogspot.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LiorahLleucu
1) What religion do you practice?
Jewitchery to put it into one word. I am an eclectic witch whose nature-based ritual practice combines elements of Celtic Witchcraft and quasi-traditional Kabbalistic Judaism, with splashes of Germanic Paganism and Native American Shamanism thrown into the mix - the ancient traditions of my Ancestors. My religion is idiosyncratic and doesn’t fit neatly into any category, but Jewitchery is a term that most closely describes my religious practice.
2) Are you a convert/revert or were you raised within this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
This is a complicated question for me to answer. I wasn’t raised a Jewitch, but I was indeed born one. Raised Christian, I rejected Christianity as a religious path for me in my late twenties or early thirties, and returned to Torah (the tradition of my Jewish ancestors) in 1996 (formally through a Beit Din and mikveh immersion in 1997 under the auspices of the Reform Judaism movement), from there, progressing my study of Judaic Kabbalah and Jewish Law in Liberal to Hasidic environments. Not raised Jewishly, as a Reform Jew at the time of my return to Torah, I ritually converted. My mother’s mother’s mother’s mother and father were both observant Jews, so halachically (by Jewish religious Law), I am Jewish by birth and according to Orthodox ways, conversion was actually unnecessary to reclaim my Jewish heritage as part of the Jewish people. I reclaimed my Celtic heritage, my place among the Celtic people, and returned to Witchcraft (the tradition of my Celtic ancestors) in 2006 (formally through a self-initiation ritual), combining both ancient Ancestral traditions (Judaism and Witchcraft) into a spiritual path uniquely fit to me, best described by the term Jewitch. At this point in my journey, my concept of the Divine is pantheistic-atheistic (similar to Reconstructionist Judaic conceptions of the Divine, I believe), naturalistic, earth-based and as a woman, focuses on Divine Feminine constructs. My studies and practice currently focus on traditional herbalism, artisan craftwork, meditation, Torah study, and using mystical alphabets to channel creative consciousness. Sacred alphabets I work with are Hebrew, Ogham and Runes.
3)Within your religion are there degrees of observance (ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal)? What are the defining differences between the degrees of observance?
Certainly. There are other Jewitches but many, if not most, were raised in Judaism, unlike me. However, like me, in Jewitchery they are reclaiming the pagan and shamanic heritage of our Ancestors - so in that way, we are the same but arriving as Jewitches from different angles.
4)Within your religion what degree of observance are you ((ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal) ? Why did you choose this degree of observance?
I’m a mutt. In some ways, I am all of these. I’m artistic and very mystically oriented, so I lean toward meticulous metaphysical Orthodox observance. I’m a rationalist, so I tend toward a liberal religious emphasis on ethics and critical thinking. I live in the Bible belt, so I’m a realist and recognize that my observance level is unavoidably subject to my surroundings and circumstances.
5)What is the Afterlife within your religion? For example: what happens when a person dies? Are there places for reward/punishment? (such as a Heaven/Hell concept)
I’m an anomaly. I was born remembering my soul journey into physical existence and the entire story (in a very wholistic sense) of my Being. There is more to what we are as human beings than may be discerned while within a physical body. I do not remember either a heaven or hell as commonly taught – such is not my experience of Being. More than this I will not say.
6) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
I don’t believe in heaven and hell as commonly taught, so no one, in my opinion, makes it to either of them. Based on my experience and remembrances, I do believe that every living creature is an amazingly rare and treasured spark of the Divine who made into physical existence against highly improbable odds. So, my experience of remembering informs me that the existence of every living creature is a miracle whose full value is totally beyond normative comprehension. Every living creature is an indispensable part of the Whole, and to where we are going, we will all surely arrive.
7) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
Because it allows me to be true to myself, to evolve, and to get to where I am going.
8) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
I observe all of the Traditional Jewish and Celtic Pagan holy days. It is my birthright to do so. I observe them in a myriad of ways, sometimes with ritual, sometimes not. Like I wrote earlier, I am a realist. My ritual practice has evolved and shape-shifted many times over the years. Sometimes I feel like a nut, sometimes I don't :)
9) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Yes.
10) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
It would depend on the context and purpose. I value interfaith sharing within a context of mutual respect.
11) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
I really am not qualified to make a fair comment on either of those things. These two things exist within the context of a culture and religion which is not my own.
12) Are women allowed to hold religious office (priest, minister, rabbi, iman etc) in your religion and how do you feel about it?
Yes.
13) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
I honor the Divine in private spaces generally.
14) 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 very act of breathing is a religious act for me – there is no separation between my daily life and my religious life.
15) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
My adult children do not identify as Jewitches and are raising my grandchildren a Christians. I honor the right of my children to choose their own path toward Divine consciousness. We are all different as human beings, yet even so, we all share a wonderful ultimate human Destiny, so I’m not worried.
16) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
No. I don’t believe in hell.
17) 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?
I can’t think of anyone.
18) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
A hate crime – no. Illegal discrimination – yes. I’d rather not explain. It’s complicated and not useful to any discussion here.
19) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
No.
2) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
Yes, absolutely – peace of mind and more importantly, deep joy.
21) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
Yes.
First up I wish to thank Omar Ghraieb for his very interesting and informative interview of last week. Thanks so much for sharing with all of us Omar!
Today we have a new interview so please welcome Liorah Lleucu/Myfanwy. Liorah is a Jewitch and I know you'll enjoy her interview as well!
Here Is Liorah Lleucu/Myfanwy's Introduction:
I am fifty years old, a divorced mother of 3 adult children and grandmother of 6 grandchildren, with my seventh grandchild on the way. Both a registered professional nurse and a biochemist by education, I was born and currently live in the Midwest. I am a Celtic Jewish American with Welsh, British, Irish, Germanic, Jewish and Native American ancestries. My maternal ancestries are Welsh, British and Jewish. My paternal ancestries are British, Irish, German and Native American.
http://walking-on-fire.blogspot.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LiorahLleucu
1) What religion do you practice?
Jewitchery to put it into one word. I am an eclectic witch whose nature-based ritual practice combines elements of Celtic Witchcraft and quasi-traditional Kabbalistic Judaism, with splashes of Germanic Paganism and Native American Shamanism thrown into the mix - the ancient traditions of my Ancestors. My religion is idiosyncratic and doesn’t fit neatly into any category, but Jewitchery is a term that most closely describes my religious practice.
2) Are you a convert/revert or were you raised within this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
This is a complicated question for me to answer. I wasn’t raised a Jewitch, but I was indeed born one. Raised Christian, I rejected Christianity as a religious path for me in my late twenties or early thirties, and returned to Torah (the tradition of my Jewish ancestors) in 1996 (formally through a Beit Din and mikveh immersion in 1997 under the auspices of the Reform Judaism movement), from there, progressing my study of Judaic Kabbalah and Jewish Law in Liberal to Hasidic environments. Not raised Jewishly, as a Reform Jew at the time of my return to Torah, I ritually converted. My mother’s mother’s mother’s mother and father were both observant Jews, so halachically (by Jewish religious Law), I am Jewish by birth and according to Orthodox ways, conversion was actually unnecessary to reclaim my Jewish heritage as part of the Jewish people. I reclaimed my Celtic heritage, my place among the Celtic people, and returned to Witchcraft (the tradition of my Celtic ancestors) in 2006 (formally through a self-initiation ritual), combining both ancient Ancestral traditions (Judaism and Witchcraft) into a spiritual path uniquely fit to me, best described by the term Jewitch. At this point in my journey, my concept of the Divine is pantheistic-atheistic (similar to Reconstructionist Judaic conceptions of the Divine, I believe), naturalistic, earth-based and as a woman, focuses on Divine Feminine constructs. My studies and practice currently focus on traditional herbalism, artisan craftwork, meditation, Torah study, and using mystical alphabets to channel creative consciousness. Sacred alphabets I work with are Hebrew, Ogham and Runes.
3)Within your religion are there degrees of observance (ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal)? What are the defining differences between the degrees of observance?
Certainly. There are other Jewitches but many, if not most, were raised in Judaism, unlike me. However, like me, in Jewitchery they are reclaiming the pagan and shamanic heritage of our Ancestors - so in that way, we are the same but arriving as Jewitches from different angles.
4)Within your religion what degree of observance are you ((ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal) ? Why did you choose this degree of observance?
I’m a mutt. In some ways, I am all of these. I’m artistic and very mystically oriented, so I lean toward meticulous metaphysical Orthodox observance. I’m a rationalist, so I tend toward a liberal religious emphasis on ethics and critical thinking. I live in the Bible belt, so I’m a realist and recognize that my observance level is unavoidably subject to my surroundings and circumstances.
5)What is the Afterlife within your religion? For example: what happens when a person dies? Are there places for reward/punishment? (such as a Heaven/Hell concept)
I’m an anomaly. I was born remembering my soul journey into physical existence and the entire story (in a very wholistic sense) of my Being. There is more to what we are as human beings than may be discerned while within a physical body. I do not remember either a heaven or hell as commonly taught – such is not my experience of Being. More than this I will not say.
6) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
I don’t believe in heaven and hell as commonly taught, so no one, in my opinion, makes it to either of them. Based on my experience and remembrances, I do believe that every living creature is an amazingly rare and treasured spark of the Divine who made into physical existence against highly improbable odds. So, my experience of remembering informs me that the existence of every living creature is a miracle whose full value is totally beyond normative comprehension. Every living creature is an indispensable part of the Whole, and to where we are going, we will all surely arrive.
7) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
Because it allows me to be true to myself, to evolve, and to get to where I am going.
8) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
I observe all of the Traditional Jewish and Celtic Pagan holy days. It is my birthright to do so. I observe them in a myriad of ways, sometimes with ritual, sometimes not. Like I wrote earlier, I am a realist. My ritual practice has evolved and shape-shifted many times over the years. Sometimes I feel like a nut, sometimes I don't :)
9) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Yes.
10) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
It would depend on the context and purpose. I value interfaith sharing within a context of mutual respect.
11) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
I really am not qualified to make a fair comment on either of those things. These two things exist within the context of a culture and religion which is not my own.
12) Are women allowed to hold religious office (priest, minister, rabbi, iman etc) in your religion and how do you feel about it?
Yes.
13) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
I honor the Divine in private spaces generally.
14) 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 very act of breathing is a religious act for me – there is no separation between my daily life and my religious life.
15) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
My adult children do not identify as Jewitches and are raising my grandchildren a Christians. I honor the right of my children to choose their own path toward Divine consciousness. We are all different as human beings, yet even so, we all share a wonderful ultimate human Destiny, so I’m not worried.
16) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
No. I don’t believe in hell.
17) 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?
I can’t think of anyone.
18) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
A hate crime – no. Illegal discrimination – yes. I’d rather not explain. It’s complicated and not useful to any discussion here.
19) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
No.
2) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
Yes, absolutely – peace of mind and more importantly, deep joy.
21) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
Yes.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Bob Dylan Quote
Hello and Happy Thursday!
Today's quote is brought to you by Bob Dylan:
People seldom do what they believe in. They do what is convenient, then repent.
There's a new interview coming up on Saturday so be sure to check back!
Today's quote is brought to you by Bob Dylan:
People seldom do what they believe in. They do what is convenient, then repent.
There's a new interview coming up on Saturday so be sure to check back!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Big Thanks!
I wish to thank ymr participants:
Janie (aka Mother Moon), Larry Tanner, Modern Girl, Vincent Enlund/VikingJack, Malwina, Navjeet Singh Sandhu and Omar Ghraieb.
All very interesting interviews that I very much enjoyed reading and learning more from all of you.
Thank you for sharing your unique voices with us!
Janie (aka Mother Moon), Larry Tanner, Modern Girl, Vincent Enlund/VikingJack, Malwina, Navjeet Singh Sandhu and Omar Ghraieb.
All very interesting interviews that I very much enjoyed reading and learning more from all of you.
Thank you for sharing your unique voices with us!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Omar Ghraieb
Hello and Happy Saturday!
I wish to thank Navjeet Singh Sandhu for his wonderful interview last week. Thanks so much for sharing with us Navjeet!
Today we have a new interview so please welcome Omar Ghraieb. Omar is a Muslim and I know you'll enjoy his interview as well!
Here Is Omar Ghraieb's Introduction:
I am a Journalist\Blogger\Translator from Palestine. I was born and raised in Cyprus Island, I wrote for many important international media venues and I have numerous friends around the world which all helped me to be liberal, understanding and accepting to all kinds of human beings.
Blog: www.gazatimes.blogpost.com
1) What religion do you practice?
Islam.
2) Are you a convert/revert or were you raised within this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
I was raised as a Muslim.
3)Within your religion are there degrees of observance (ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal)? What are the defining differences between the degrees of observance?
Of course, just like every other religion, Islam has degrees of observance. I am not an expert to name them or explain them but from my understanding and point of view I would say that there are 3 basic degrees:
1- Conservative: A person that includes religion in all aspects of life, practices religion in a literal way and makes sure he isn’t missing any detail.
2- Moderate: A person who finds the balance between being religious yet modern.
3- Liberal: A person who is Muslim yet very open minded and manages to balance between religion and his own thoughts.
4)Within your religion what degree of observance are you ((ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal) ? Why did you choose this degree of observance?
I consider myself liberal. My European background, personal thoughts and level of tolerance all played a role of turning myself into a liberal person that values religion and owns a broader idea of god.
5)What is the Afterlife within your religion? For example: what happens when a person dies? Are there places for reward/punishment? (such as a Heaven/Hell concept)
Islam revolves around the basic human idea of good and bad. Just like everything in life, you do good you are rewarded but if you do bad you are punished. So its heaven for good people and hell for bad people but of course with exceptions because god is all about mercy, love, compassion and tolerance.
6) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
I do believe that in the end everyone will make it eventually into heaven even bad people will make it to heaven after paying their dues.
7) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
I solemnly believe that if I wasn’t Muslim I will end up being one, from my point of view Islam is a perfect fit for me because my ideas, beliefs and values match with the concept of Islam.
8) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
We have many holy days of worship, eids and celebrations. Every holy day has its own rituals.
9) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Of course, not just because Islam asked us to accept everyone and that there is no difference between anyone except for their level of faith but because I also have a great amount of tolerance in me. Islam asked us not to be racists and I was born to be against racism anyway.
10) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
Of course, and I already did. I lived for so many years in a European country and 90% of my friends were Christia. I always celebrated their holy days with them and they always fasted Ramadan with me.
11) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
Burka isn’t obligatory in Islam, it’s a personal choice. Since I am very open minded and I accept all kinds of people I don’t mind accepting women who choose to wear burka, life is all about personal choices and if we seek respect we have to give it back.
Shariah law is something that I value and believe in, but it can't be implemented in a literal way. Yes Islam covered everything in life in the Shariah law and foresaw many stuff yet we are in 2011, and many laws have to be amended and more liberal.
12) Are women allowed to hold religious office (priest, minister, rabbi, iman etc) in your religion and how do you feel about it?
Women can play a role in spreading Islam and offer a more understanding of it but I don’t think Women can hold religious office. I trust Islam on this one.
13) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
We all know that you can worship god anywhere but just like every other faith we do have a place of worship, the mosque. If you don’t go to the mosque that doesn’t mean you are not a believer or a not a worshiper, it only means you are missing a spiritual experience that you can share with others but only god can judge for that because you can have good solid reasons like work or other reasons.
14) 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?
I think we are driven by our own personal choices, beliefs and thoughts which of course have religion as a part of it. In Islam, abortion can be wrong for some reasons and regulations and accepted for others while gay marriage is wrong. But that doesn’t mean I have to judge people who get abortions or who are gay or be a racist towards them. I am not god to judge. I accept them. Their relationship with god and right and wrong is their business. I accept them if they accept me, I respect them if they respect me.
15) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
Honestly, I don’t know. I never thought about it and I don’t know how I will react then. I believe feelings can't be controlled yet religion should be put in consideration of course.
16) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
Of course not, only god can decide that. How would I know?
17) 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?
I don’t necessarily agree with all of them. Yes, we might be all Muslims but we are all entitled to have our own thoughts and approaches so I might agree with some and disagree with some others.
18) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
It didn’t get serious or harmful but yes I have been judged for being Muslim, judged for being Liberal and judged for a few other reasons which makes me even more determined to be opened and tolerant.
19) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
Of course not. Islam honors human beings.
20) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
Yes it does. Maybe I don’t give myself peace of mind, but my religion does.
21) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
No, I don’t. I think every individual is created and born to live his own life and fulfill his own destiny. I don’t believe that anyone can be reincarnated. Maybe people who know me will meet people who have many similarities with me after I pass away but that doesn’t mean I got reincarnated. I know so many people that are similar to me already and I am alive.
I wish to thank Navjeet Singh Sandhu for his wonderful interview last week. Thanks so much for sharing with us Navjeet!
Today we have a new interview so please welcome Omar Ghraieb. Omar is a Muslim and I know you'll enjoy his interview as well!
Here Is Omar Ghraieb's Introduction:
I am a Journalist\Blogger\Translator from Palestine. I was born and raised in Cyprus Island, I wrote for many important international media venues and I have numerous friends around the world which all helped me to be liberal, understanding and accepting to all kinds of human beings.
Blog: www.gazatimes.blogpost.com
1) What religion do you practice?
Islam.
2) Are you a convert/revert or were you raised within this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
I was raised as a Muslim.
3)Within your religion are there degrees of observance (ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal)? What are the defining differences between the degrees of observance?
Of course, just like every other religion, Islam has degrees of observance. I am not an expert to name them or explain them but from my understanding and point of view I would say that there are 3 basic degrees:
1- Conservative: A person that includes religion in all aspects of life, practices religion in a literal way and makes sure he isn’t missing any detail.
2- Moderate: A person who finds the balance between being religious yet modern.
3- Liberal: A person who is Muslim yet very open minded and manages to balance between religion and his own thoughts.
4)Within your religion what degree of observance are you ((ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal) ? Why did you choose this degree of observance?
I consider myself liberal. My European background, personal thoughts and level of tolerance all played a role of turning myself into a liberal person that values religion and owns a broader idea of god.
5)What is the Afterlife within your religion? For example: what happens when a person dies? Are there places for reward/punishment? (such as a Heaven/Hell concept)
Islam revolves around the basic human idea of good and bad. Just like everything in life, you do good you are rewarded but if you do bad you are punished. So its heaven for good people and hell for bad people but of course with exceptions because god is all about mercy, love, compassion and tolerance.
6) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
I do believe that in the end everyone will make it eventually into heaven even bad people will make it to heaven after paying their dues.
7) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
I solemnly believe that if I wasn’t Muslim I will end up being one, from my point of view Islam is a perfect fit for me because my ideas, beliefs and values match with the concept of Islam.
8) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
We have many holy days of worship, eids and celebrations. Every holy day has its own rituals.
9) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Of course, not just because Islam asked us to accept everyone and that there is no difference between anyone except for their level of faith but because I also have a great amount of tolerance in me. Islam asked us not to be racists and I was born to be against racism anyway.
10) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
Of course, and I already did. I lived for so many years in a European country and 90% of my friends were Christia. I always celebrated their holy days with them and they always fasted Ramadan with me.
11) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
Burka isn’t obligatory in Islam, it’s a personal choice. Since I am very open minded and I accept all kinds of people I don’t mind accepting women who choose to wear burka, life is all about personal choices and if we seek respect we have to give it back.
Shariah law is something that I value and believe in, but it can't be implemented in a literal way. Yes Islam covered everything in life in the Shariah law and foresaw many stuff yet we are in 2011, and many laws have to be amended and more liberal.
12) Are women allowed to hold religious office (priest, minister, rabbi, iman etc) in your religion and how do you feel about it?
Women can play a role in spreading Islam and offer a more understanding of it but I don’t think Women can hold religious office. I trust Islam on this one.
13) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
We all know that you can worship god anywhere but just like every other faith we do have a place of worship, the mosque. If you don’t go to the mosque that doesn’t mean you are not a believer or a not a worshiper, it only means you are missing a spiritual experience that you can share with others but only god can judge for that because you can have good solid reasons like work or other reasons.
14) 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?
I think we are driven by our own personal choices, beliefs and thoughts which of course have religion as a part of it. In Islam, abortion can be wrong for some reasons and regulations and accepted for others while gay marriage is wrong. But that doesn’t mean I have to judge people who get abortions or who are gay or be a racist towards them. I am not god to judge. I accept them. Their relationship with god and right and wrong is their business. I accept them if they accept me, I respect them if they respect me.
15) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
Honestly, I don’t know. I never thought about it and I don’t know how I will react then. I believe feelings can't be controlled yet religion should be put in consideration of course.
16) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
Of course not, only god can decide that. How would I know?
17) 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?
I don’t necessarily agree with all of them. Yes, we might be all Muslims but we are all entitled to have our own thoughts and approaches so I might agree with some and disagree with some others.
18) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
It didn’t get serious or harmful but yes I have been judged for being Muslim, judged for being Liberal and judged for a few other reasons which makes me even more determined to be opened and tolerant.
19) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
Of course not. Islam honors human beings.
20) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
Yes it does. Maybe I don’t give myself peace of mind, but my religion does.
21) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
No, I don’t. I think every individual is created and born to live his own life and fulfill his own destiny. I don’t believe that anyone can be reincarnated. Maybe people who know me will meet people who have many similarities with me after I pass away but that doesn’t mean I got reincarnated. I know so many people that are similar to me already and I am alive.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Ella Fitzgerald Quote
Hello and Happy Wednesday!
Today's quote is brought to you by Ella Fitzgerald:
It isn't where you came from, it's where you're going that counts.
There's a new interview coming up on Saturday so be sure to check back!
Today's quote is brought to you by Ella Fitzgerald:
It isn't where you came from, it's where you're going that counts.
There's a new interview coming up on Saturday so be sure to check back!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Navjeet Singh Sandhu
Hello and Happy Saturday!
I wish to thank Malwina for her very interesting interview of last week.
Thanks so much for sharing with us Malwina!
Today we have a new interview so please welcome Navjeet Singh Sandhu. Navjeet is a Sikh and I know you'll enjoy his interview as well!
Here Is Navjeet Singh Sandhu's Introduction:
Navjeet Singh Sandhu, aka NSS Bohd an engineer by profession. Whatever time he finds away from machines he dedicates it to writing literature and loves to be called as a writer. He believes love, laughter, literature makes you happy, healthy and holy.
Contact him on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1164547747
1)What religion do you practice?
It’s called Sikhism. It has got a name for the sake of being called something. Otherwise, to practice you need to live the way a human is. I practice it being socially humane. Followers are called Sikhs.
2)Are you a convert/revert or were you raised within this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
I was raised in it.
3)Within your religion are there degrees of observance (ie. Orthodox, conservative, moderate, liberal)? What are the defining differences between the degrees of observance?
As my personal opinion, there’s no such differencing. It’s just the terminology used by politicians (at least in case of Sikhs) to segregate the people to fulfill political motives. We have just Sikhs: who are never ready to hear anything; second, Sikhs who are never heard. In general, our religion is very liberal and so are most of the followers.
4)Within your religion what degree of observance are you ((ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal) ? Why did you choose this degree of observance?
I’m a liberal, too. It’s not the question of choosing. The principles of Sikhism are so that the outlook of the followers becomes liberal.
5)What is the Afterlife within your religion? For example: what happens when a person dies? Are there places for reward/punishment? (such as a Heaven/Hell concept)
We cremate our dead. We have the concept of reincarnation. We believe that you do reap as you sow. So you have to eat the fruit of your seed. We believe in karma. That’s why Sikhs pay their taxes regularly!
Heaven and Hell are explained as per our religion as do exist but they are not separate places, they are in this world only. You have everything, nice income, healthy family, satisfactory living, good mannered and disciplined children. You are not an addict. You are in heaven. Else, you are moving towards hell. No good children, wife in hospital, you doing a regretful job, have no peace of mind, need pills to sleep, can’t live a day without medics. Then what state are you in other then hell? It’s just that you don’t know that you are in hell.
6) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
I think I have answered it already.
7) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
It’s natural. Liberal. Explanatory. It’s conceptualized on the Creator itself. Not on a individual name of God, or a form of God or a way of realizing God. Or a race or language.
8) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
Going to a Gurudwara Sahib (sikh temple) is a daily routine of a Sikh. We celebrate many holy days and we follow our normal routine on these days. We celebrate the historical events/days as our holy days. The motive is to keep the people aware of the history, to make children understand the concepts of Sikhism by telling them examples from past.
9) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Of course, I have many friends who are Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, and Buddhists. I have friends who are atheist or agonistic as well. Sikhs are very welcoming people. The foundation stone of the most sacred place of the Sikhs: Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple, Amritsar ) was laid by a muslim priest Hazrat Mian Mir in 1588 (ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_temple#Construction_of_the_Harmandir_Sahib )
In 1675, the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Teg Bahadur, gave his head to save the Hindu priests of Kashmir ( a province of India). ( refrence: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_Tegh_Bahadur#Death )
So being friendly and helpful to people of other faiths is no issue with Sikhs. We have the concept of free kitchen (free food, called langar ) in which we serve free food to people of all religions and races without any discrimination.
10) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
Yes, indeed Sikhs all over India celebrate many Hindu festivals with full zeal and vigor. I was used to do that in my residential school. Celebrating a festival, is being happy when your acquaintances are happy is in no way giving away your identity. Sikhism teaches to accept everything that is no harm to identity.
11) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
Every religion has its rules. I’m lucky, mine has very less. Humanity or killing human rights is not a rule and can never be in a religion. Mis-interpretors are every where, I think there are too many in the world of Islam. If you are talking of French law, I have no objection against it. As per Shariah law, the place where I belong to is not under the influence of such laws so speaking on a topic which one is fully aware of is not a wise decision.
12) Are women allowed to hold religious office (priest, minister, rabbi, iman etc) in your religion and how do you feel about it?
Yes, they are. Equality of every kind is a principle of Sikhism. Equality of gender has been widely accepted in Sikhism from the very beginning of Sikhism. In fact we have many Gurudwaras (Sikh Temples) in the name of Sikh women of importance in history.
13) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
Every religion has a separate worship place and so does Sikhism. It doesn’t segregate me in any sense from my social or other aspects of life.
14) 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?
All things that are said to go with a ‘simple living’ are permissible in my religion. Till date I have not lost any opportunity of work because of my religion.
15) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
Even I don’t have any problem in marrying outside my religion. Marriage is an association of two souls. In India, Sikhs have a very high rate of inter religion marriage.
16) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
No, no. If anyone is not doing right things he will feel living in a hell. Hell / Heaven are not faith dependent. They are ‘work’ dependent as I already explained.
17) 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?
You don’t have to believe a politician speaking of religion or on religious issues. Rest, religion is considered a very personal subject. Someone’s attitude towards a specific religion is not a considerable issue.
18) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
No.
19) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
Never, not at all. Infact, as a child I practiced my religion out of pride, not out of understanding. Slowly and gradually things changed.
20) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
Yes.
21) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
I suppose I have answered this already.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Bette Midler Quote
Hello and Happy Thursday!
Today's quote is brought to you by Bette Midler:
I always try to balance the light with the heavy - a few tears of human spirit in with the sequins and the fringes.
There'll be a new interview on Saturday so be sure to check back then!
Today's quote is brought to you by Bette Midler:
I always try to balance the light with the heavy - a few tears of human spirit in with the sequins and the fringes.
There'll be a new interview on Saturday so be sure to check back then!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
January Interviews
Hello and Happy Tuesday!
Here's what YMR will have in store for the January Interviews:
we'll hear from Heather Cardin who is a Baha'i, Manuel Araujo who is a Polytheist, Helio Pires who is a Roman Polytheist and H. Jeremiah Lewis/Sannion who is a Classical Polytheist.
All excellent interviews you're not going to want to miss!
Here's what YMR will have in store for the January Interviews:
we'll hear from Heather Cardin who is a Baha'i, Manuel Araujo who is a Polytheist, Helio Pires who is a Roman Polytheist and H. Jeremiah Lewis/Sannion who is a Classical Polytheist.
All excellent interviews you're not going to want to miss!
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Malwina
Hello and Happy Saturday!
Thank you Vincent Enlund/VikingJack for your very interesting and unique interview last week. I really enjoyed learning more about the Asatru faith. Thanks for sharing with us Vincent!
Today we have a new interview so please welcome Malwina.
Malwina is a Christian and I think you'll enjoy her interview as well!
1) What religion do you practice?
I am a christian
2) Are you a convert/revert or were you raised within this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
I was a catholic but now I am in the protestant church.
When I was a catholic I never really believed in God, I was just practicing a religion- rituals, ceremonies but I met people who told me about the living real God interested in my life and I believed in Jesus
3)Within your religion are there degrees of observance (ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal)? What are the defining differences between the degrees of observance?
God is not religion. God is a living Person and He wants to have a close relationshp with His children, He wants us to know HIM-
people who don't know God - they make up religion and all kinds of rituals, bows and ceremonies
4)Within your religion what degree of observance are you ((ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal)? Why did you choose this degree of observance?
the answer is the same as in number 3
5)What is the Afterlife within your religion? For example: what happens when a person dies? Are there places for reward/punishment? (such as a Heaven/Hell concept)
here on the earth we have the only chance to choose where we will spend our eternity.
There are only 2 ways: you either believe in Jesus and in what He did for us on the Cross or you reject Him.
The Bible says in John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life"
God sent Jesus to save us. We all were given salvation, but the salvation is ONLY in Jesus.
Acts 4:12 says: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
There is no one else who can save us but Jesus
for muslims Cross is a symbol of death and failure but for christians the cross is the place of VICTORY because there on the Cross Jesus defeated the devil, death, sin and curse and He was raised from the dead and all those who believe in Him and in what He did will be saved, because God placed salvation in His Son - in Jesus Christ.
Look what the Bible says: "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."
God manifest in flesh. Who manifest in flesh? Jesus Christ,
that is why all other religions are false and they only want to destruct people and deceive them (influenced by the devil) because salvation is only in Jesus, the Son of God.
6) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
everyone CAN go to heaven because God gave this chance to everyone but only those who follow Jesus and believe in His atonement will be saved
7) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
because all others are false religions and what is MOST IMPORTANT: in all religion people try to save themselves by good works
but christianity is the only to believe we have a Savior. Jesus came to save us, He already died for us, He already saved us but this salvation is not automatic - it has to be accepted and received-
also only in christianity God is a living God,
allah is dead and not interested in people (he is above that)
but God the true God LOVES us, He cares for us, He heals us: our emotions, our sicknesses, He comforts us, He gives us solutions to problems, He wants to bless us in every practical way
8) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
every day is for God
9) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Jesus taught that we should not only love those who love us but we should love even our enemies.
God is love and we should love everyone.
People from other religions are not my enemies, they simply are deceived and they dont know the truth
10) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
why waste time for something that you know is false and deception?
I can visit people from other religions at home but being a part of what is not from God? What for? But that doesn't mean I don't like them
11) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
I think that the devil hates women more than men and that is why he chose mohamed who despised women to write quran and there he abased women to the max.
In the times of Jesus only prostitutes covered themselves for shame and
besides, it is nonsense because all evil thoughts and behavior come from the heart and there is no covering.
You can have a dress code but if you don't change the nature and the heart then you focus only on the external.
A sinful man will "undress" a woman with his eyes even is she is all covered up, but a man changed in the heart will turn his eyes away from the sight that offends him.
Jesus changed our nature, our hearts which is the source of our heart's motives and actions based only on the external thing is lies and deception and doesn't really deal with the core of the problems which is the heart
and moreover, muslim women cover themselves not to be a slave of men (which is complete nonsense and absurd) BUT they wear make-up in order to look pretty and be attractive and THAT is hypocrisy.
Mohamed despised women - and that is why he gave all rights to men - men can have 4 wives, can beat them, reject them, close them at home for disobedience,
women are to have plenty of children and to be obedient to their boss - the husband - as slaves.
I will not mention how mohamed created the paradise for muslims - and it plainly shows that he was a man with great problems....
12) Are women allowed to hold religious office (priest, minister, rabbi, iman etc) in your religion and how do you feel about it?
yes, women can be leaders, can teach and preach.
God (the true God) loves all people alike.
He loves women just as much as He loves men.
Jesus died for all - for men and women and He has no favorites
13) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
no
14) 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?
God is my everything and I look to Him in every area of my life
15) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
if it depends on me - I would never allow it
but the person who really encounters God in a living way- would never want to leave a good living God for a dead religion
16) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
religion does not save anyone, only Jesus saves us-
all those who believe in Jesus and in what He did on the cross will go to heaven for eternity with Him, all others who rejected Him will go to hell
17) 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 millions of reasons why
18) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
no
19) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
no
20) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
yes
21) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
there is no such thing
Thank you Vincent Enlund/VikingJack for your very interesting and unique interview last week. I really enjoyed learning more about the Asatru faith. Thanks for sharing with us Vincent!
Today we have a new interview so please welcome Malwina.
Malwina is a Christian and I think you'll enjoy her interview as well!
1) What religion do you practice?
I am a christian
2) Are you a convert/revert or were you raised within this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
I was a catholic but now I am in the protestant church.
When I was a catholic I never really believed in God, I was just practicing a religion- rituals, ceremonies but I met people who told me about the living real God interested in my life and I believed in Jesus
3)Within your religion are there degrees of observance (ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal)? What are the defining differences between the degrees of observance?
God is not religion. God is a living Person and He wants to have a close relationshp with His children, He wants us to know HIM-
people who don't know God - they make up religion and all kinds of rituals, bows and ceremonies
4)Within your religion what degree of observance are you ((ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal)? Why did you choose this degree of observance?
the answer is the same as in number 3
5)What is the Afterlife within your religion? For example: what happens when a person dies? Are there places for reward/punishment? (such as a Heaven/Hell concept)
here on the earth we have the only chance to choose where we will spend our eternity.
There are only 2 ways: you either believe in Jesus and in what He did for us on the Cross or you reject Him.
The Bible says in John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life"
God sent Jesus to save us. We all were given salvation, but the salvation is ONLY in Jesus.
Acts 4:12 says: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
There is no one else who can save us but Jesus
for muslims Cross is a symbol of death and failure but for christians the cross is the place of VICTORY because there on the Cross Jesus defeated the devil, death, sin and curse and He was raised from the dead and all those who believe in Him and in what He did will be saved, because God placed salvation in His Son - in Jesus Christ.
Look what the Bible says: "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."
God manifest in flesh. Who manifest in flesh? Jesus Christ,
that is why all other religions are false and they only want to destruct people and deceive them (influenced by the devil) because salvation is only in Jesus, the Son of God.
6) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
everyone CAN go to heaven because God gave this chance to everyone but only those who follow Jesus and believe in His atonement will be saved
7) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
because all others are false religions and what is MOST IMPORTANT: in all religion people try to save themselves by good works
but christianity is the only to believe we have a Savior. Jesus came to save us, He already died for us, He already saved us but this salvation is not automatic - it has to be accepted and received-
also only in christianity God is a living God,
allah is dead and not interested in people (he is above that)
but God the true God LOVES us, He cares for us, He heals us: our emotions, our sicknesses, He comforts us, He gives us solutions to problems, He wants to bless us in every practical way
8) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
every day is for God
9) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Jesus taught that we should not only love those who love us but we should love even our enemies.
God is love and we should love everyone.
People from other religions are not my enemies, they simply are deceived and they dont know the truth
10) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
why waste time for something that you know is false and deception?
I can visit people from other religions at home but being a part of what is not from God? What for? But that doesn't mean I don't like them
11) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
I think that the devil hates women more than men and that is why he chose mohamed who despised women to write quran and there he abased women to the max.
In the times of Jesus only prostitutes covered themselves for shame and
besides, it is nonsense because all evil thoughts and behavior come from the heart and there is no covering.
You can have a dress code but if you don't change the nature and the heart then you focus only on the external.
A sinful man will "undress" a woman with his eyes even is she is all covered up, but a man changed in the heart will turn his eyes away from the sight that offends him.
Jesus changed our nature, our hearts which is the source of our heart's motives and actions based only on the external thing is lies and deception and doesn't really deal with the core of the problems which is the heart
and moreover, muslim women cover themselves not to be a slave of men (which is complete nonsense and absurd) BUT they wear make-up in order to look pretty and be attractive and THAT is hypocrisy.
Mohamed despised women - and that is why he gave all rights to men - men can have 4 wives, can beat them, reject them, close them at home for disobedience,
women are to have plenty of children and to be obedient to their boss - the husband - as slaves.
I will not mention how mohamed created the paradise for muslims - and it plainly shows that he was a man with great problems....
12) Are women allowed to hold religious office (priest, minister, rabbi, iman etc) in your religion and how do you feel about it?
yes, women can be leaders, can teach and preach.
God (the true God) loves all people alike.
He loves women just as much as He loves men.
Jesus died for all - for men and women and He has no favorites
13) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
no
14) 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?
God is my everything and I look to Him in every area of my life
15) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
if it depends on me - I would never allow it
but the person who really encounters God in a living way- would never want to leave a good living God for a dead religion
16) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
religion does not save anyone, only Jesus saves us-
all those who believe in Jesus and in what He did on the cross will go to heaven for eternity with Him, all others who rejected Him will go to hell
17) 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 millions of reasons why
18) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
no
19) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
no
20) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
yes
21) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
there is no such thing
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