Washington Post Question 11#
What’s your reaction to Sunday’s decision by voters in Switzerland to ban construction of minarets, the slender towers from which Muslims are called to daily prayer?
I am sadden and frustrated with the constant discrimination against the Muslim community. Switzerland is absolutely infringing on the Muslims freedom of religion. Throughout history the “other” has been push aside, told no, harassed, rejected, and murdered. With the harsh realities of life, the other needs a space to just be. To exist in a world of evil and hatred one must seek a space to be in the presence of God! For a person of faith it is a requirement for daily life! The minarets serve as that sacred holy place for daily prayer. It is the Muslims right to pray in peace to their God! No one or country should deny them that right. But when you are seen as the other people quickly dismiss your faith, your rituals and your God!
I have been reflecting on other religions and their forms of worship. I am thinking about the first Baptist church that was originally the white Baptist only. From that exclusion the third Baptist was form to give black Americans a place to worship. I think about the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem where Jews can go to mourn. The Catholic Church is an entity within itself. Enough said! Others races and ethical groups have a place to call their own. A space where they can be presence with God, so why not the Muslims? I believe that fear and ignorance fuels so much of this racist prejudice. If only people would take the time to listen and be open. We all have difference that should not exclude us out of society. The Swiss is not even allowing the Muslims to be apart of the society. France has the largest Muslim minority in Europe thus far. And as for now the French is only concerned about the height of the minarets. My prayer is that they do not get influence by the Swiss vote. There are reports that Italy’s Northern League has paraded pigs over mosque building sites to desecrate them. This is an insult! It reminds me of a white person putting on black face and degrading black people. As citizens of humanity we need to speak against this discrimination. Freedom of Religion gives the person the right to exercise ones faith without fear or consequences.
We as Christian believers seek fellowship with other believers and a sacred space for worship. Muslims should not be declined that right. We are of different races, cultures and religions but I mediate on Acts 2:44 which reads: all of the believers were together and had everything in common. These words should be extended to our Muslims brothers and sisters let them be together in prayer and leave their minarets alone!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Life or death: Junk science vs. Global warming
Washington Post Questions 13
Question 2:
In response to Sarah Palin’s recent claims that climate change is based on “junk science and doomsday scare tactics pushed by an environmental priesthood,” Al Gore said that “global warming is not a political issue but a moral one, “he said. Which is it? Is it immoral to do nothing about global warming?
I believe that global warming is a moral issue. God has given us the earth to tend to and take care of. The earth was made for generations to enjoy. We as the human society must take responsibility and be accountable for our earth. The earth is not something we can go to Wal-Mart or go on eBay and purchase another when it is gone. When it is gone it will be gone! We take care of our bodies. Well at least some one of do. We need to take care of our plant as well. I can understand why some people think it is junk science. In 1992 I had the opportunity to work at the EPA and discovered how important the environment is. That internship developed my holistic views in different ways. It provided a holistic ecology within me. But we must put in place preventative measure and nurture the gift of our air, water and land! I believe that we are apart of the environment and the environment is apart of us! The earth is ours to maintain until Jesus returns. Until that time let us keep up our natural resources and have a healthy, vibrant earth for generations to enjoy!
Question 2:
In response to Sarah Palin’s recent claims that climate change is based on “junk science and doomsday scare tactics pushed by an environmental priesthood,” Al Gore said that “global warming is not a political issue but a moral one, “he said. Which is it? Is it immoral to do nothing about global warming?
I believe that global warming is a moral issue. God has given us the earth to tend to and take care of. The earth was made for generations to enjoy. We as the human society must take responsibility and be accountable for our earth. The earth is not something we can go to Wal-Mart or go on eBay and purchase another when it is gone. When it is gone it will be gone! We take care of our bodies. Well at least some one of do. We need to take care of our plant as well. I can understand why some people think it is junk science. In 1992 I had the opportunity to work at the EPA and discovered how important the environment is. That internship developed my holistic views in different ways. It provided a holistic ecology within me. But we must put in place preventative measure and nurture the gift of our air, water and land! I believe that we are apart of the environment and the environment is apart of us! The earth is ours to maintain until Jesus returns. Until that time let us keep up our natural resources and have a healthy, vibrant earth for generations to enjoy!
Christmas at the White House
Washington Post Questions 12
Christmas decorations at the White House includes a crèche in the East Room (despite reports that White House social secretary Desiree Rogers suggested that the Obama were planning a “non-religious Christmas.”) Should the White House whose residents serve all Americans, display a crèche or a menorah or any strictly religious symbols during the holidays?
The President is the commander and chief and serves the people of the United States who are of different races, ethnicity, culture and religions. With that being said there are different religion symbols that follow the citizens of the U.S. so yes the President should include other religious symbols during the holidays. I believe that it would be completely unfair to the citizens if we have a President who decides to represent some of the people and not all of the people. Our President is a deeply religious man who values pluralism. It was one of the things that made his campaign so attractive. Inclusive among the citizens should include everything even our religious beliefs. For Christians this time of year is Advent-God with us. We must remember the reason for Jesus coming into the world. We must remember the promises and the love of Jesus. Since we are a diverse country I feel that this holiday day season our President should remember us all! Peace on earth and good will towards all!
Christmas decorations at the White House includes a crèche in the East Room (despite reports that White House social secretary Desiree Rogers suggested that the Obama were planning a “non-religious Christmas.”) Should the White House whose residents serve all Americans, display a crèche or a menorah or any strictly religious symbols during the holidays?
The President is the commander and chief and serves the people of the United States who are of different races, ethnicity, culture and religions. With that being said there are different religion symbols that follow the citizens of the U.S. so yes the President should include other religious symbols during the holidays. I believe that it would be completely unfair to the citizens if we have a President who decides to represent some of the people and not all of the people. Our President is a deeply religious man who values pluralism. It was one of the things that made his campaign so attractive. Inclusive among the citizens should include everything even our religious beliefs. For Christians this time of year is Advent-God with us. We must remember the reason for Jesus coming into the world. We must remember the promises and the love of Jesus. Since we are a diverse country I feel that this holiday day season our President should remember us all! Peace on earth and good will towards all!
Be a Christian for Christmas sake!
Washington Post Week 10
Question: What do you think of American Humanist Association’s new “Godless Holiday” campaign? The ads, displayed on transit systems in five major US cities, will say: “No God? No Problem! Be good for goodness’s sake. Humanism is the idea that you can be good without a belief in God.”
Be a Christian for Christmas sake!
Somewhere in American culture Christmas has gotten lost. My earliest memory of Christmas gone wrong was watching adults on television fight over Cabbage Patch Kids the popular doll of the 80’s. My Christmas excitement turned from asking Santa for this doll to watching my parents and grandparents go through hell and hot water to get it for me! Somewhere in my family agony, stress and pain my Christmas spirit diminished and reality of gift giving set in.
America has been allured by the big box store with the help of the media to give big gifts at so called bargain prices. A day has been set aside to shop in person (Black Friday) and if you’re still not done you can make up for it on Cyber Monday! It is amazing how some people can not show up to church on time but they can campout at Wal-Mart and other stores waiting for the 4:00 am opening. Christmas has shifted from the birth of Jesus to door busters.
If Christians no longer want to honor December 25th as the day for our saviors birth then the season is now open! It is open to whoever can come in and make a good argument against it, come up with a catchy one line slogan and tell you to be good! Remember Santa Claus use that same method telling children to be good boys and girls. Humanists are using the same premise be good with out God! So I have come up with my own one liner: For unto us a child is born! Remember this? Does it not sound familiar? Wait there is more: And he will be called wonderful counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. This is Jesus Christ! The one who came that we might have life!
Christians please don’t just give away the holiday that is set aside for our savior birth. Humanist believes that you can be good without the belief in God. But for Christians we do good because of our belief in Jesus. In this purpose, his teachings, his examples, his promises and his love! The gift of Jesus into this world is for us! Please don’t give this gift away.
We must reclaim our belief and faith in God! We must reclaim Advent! We must reclaim our savior the Lord Jesus Christ! By the way Santa aka my mom did bring me that Cabbage patch kid baby doll, but I treasure the baby in that manger much more!
Question: What do you think of American Humanist Association’s new “Godless Holiday” campaign? The ads, displayed on transit systems in five major US cities, will say: “No God? No Problem! Be good for goodness’s sake. Humanism is the idea that you can be good without a belief in God.”
Be a Christian for Christmas sake!
Somewhere in American culture Christmas has gotten lost. My earliest memory of Christmas gone wrong was watching adults on television fight over Cabbage Patch Kids the popular doll of the 80’s. My Christmas excitement turned from asking Santa for this doll to watching my parents and grandparents go through hell and hot water to get it for me! Somewhere in my family agony, stress and pain my Christmas spirit diminished and reality of gift giving set in.
America has been allured by the big box store with the help of the media to give big gifts at so called bargain prices. A day has been set aside to shop in person (Black Friday) and if you’re still not done you can make up for it on Cyber Monday! It is amazing how some people can not show up to church on time but they can campout at Wal-Mart and other stores waiting for the 4:00 am opening. Christmas has shifted from the birth of Jesus to door busters.
If Christians no longer want to honor December 25th as the day for our saviors birth then the season is now open! It is open to whoever can come in and make a good argument against it, come up with a catchy one line slogan and tell you to be good! Remember Santa Claus use that same method telling children to be good boys and girls. Humanists are using the same premise be good with out God! So I have come up with my own one liner: For unto us a child is born! Remember this? Does it not sound familiar? Wait there is more: And he will be called wonderful counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. This is Jesus Christ! The one who came that we might have life!
Christians please don’t just give away the holiday that is set aside for our savior birth. Humanist believes that you can be good without the belief in God. But for Christians we do good because of our belief in Jesus. In this purpose, his teachings, his examples, his promises and his love! The gift of Jesus into this world is for us! Please don’t give this gift away.
We must reclaim our belief and faith in God! We must reclaim Advent! We must reclaim our savior the Lord Jesus Christ! By the way Santa aka my mom did bring me that Cabbage patch kid baby doll, but I treasure the baby in that manger much more!
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