After nearly eight years of Papacy, Pope Benedict XVI has said his last public address. He spent the time explaining and defending his choice to resign for a length of speech. He spoke of many things such as why he had decided to resign and how he would not abandon his duty, even if he was no longer the Pope.
Pope Benedict XVI's papacy's time has been marred by several occurrences such as an increased tension with Jews and Muslims or the so-called Vatileak, where the Pope's personal butler had stolen official documents and released them. However, Benedict states that he never felt “alone in bearing either the joys or the weight” of his role.
It's been a long ride with Pope Benedict XVI. I won't make any opinions on whether it was good or bad but I will say that I-atleast-will truly miss Pope Benedict XVI. I hope him a good time after his retirement.
Sources:
Religion News
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Ten rules for Religion
Wanna start your own religion? Well you're in luck, cause recently I found a floating article on Huffington Post title "Ten Commandments for starting your own religion". In this article, which you can find here, ten rules for starting your own religion is listed.
To summarize the article:
The ten rules are as follows,
To summarize the article:
The ten rules are as follows,
- Add sex rules to your religion
- Follow traditional examples and refer to ancient historical events
- Turn natural phenomenae into supernatural ones
- Find some real-life holy land for your religion
- Cheat Death
- Rules!!! Taboo and Regulations are important
- Make up some backstory
- Forgive but don't forget sins
- Find some competition
- God... nuff said.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Painting the soul
Now, with there only being a few days before Pope Benedict XVI's resignation, I'm sure that none of the people reading this expected another post about the Vatican. And you would be ... half-right. Why? Cause today, we're introducing Natalia Tsarkova, the Pope's official painter.
Tsarkova is a Russian-born artist that has painted numerous portraits and pieces that are hanging in several chruches, museums and Vatican Palaces. She comes from Moscow and had graduated from the Moscow School of Arts. According to Tsarkova, her faith and spirituallity are key to her ablility to paint portraits for the popes.
This enthusiastic Russian painter has developed a strong connection with the shy Pope Benedict and was very shocked when he announced his resignation.
Sources:
Religion News
Tsarkova is a Russian-born artist that has painted numerous portraits and pieces that are hanging in several chruches, museums and Vatican Palaces. She comes from Moscow and had graduated from the Moscow School of Arts. According to Tsarkova, her faith and spirituallity are key to her ablility to paint portraits for the popes.
This enthusiastic Russian painter has developed a strong connection with the shy Pope Benedict and was very shocked when he announced his resignation.
Sources:
Religion News
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Another post on the Vatican, because I can't seem to stop talking about it
With only 7 more days left till Pope Benedict XVI's resignation, there are still a lot of things that the Vatican must consider. Despite Pope Benedict XVI being known as a conservative, the Vatican has confirmed that the current Pope is considering changing the laws regarding the next Pope election. For currently, it is the norm for the election to be 15-20 days after the resignation of the old Pope, but there are several voices in the Church who have asked for an earlier voting date to shorten the time that the Catholic Church does not have a leader.
As well, the Vatican is still determining what title the former Pope should have and wheter or not he will be attending the inaugeration of the next Pope. Not to mention that they have to work out having the Ex-pope and the next-Pope living a few hundred miles apart. Pope Benedict XVI's announcement has caught everyone by surprise and still needs many things to be worked out.
Sources:
Religion News
As well, the Vatican is still determining what title the former Pope should have and wheter or not he will be attending the inaugeration of the next Pope. Not to mention that they have to work out having the Ex-pope and the next-Pope living a few hundred miles apart. Pope Benedict XVI's announcement has caught everyone by surprise and still needs many things to be worked out.
Sources:
Religion News
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Satanism
I don't know why but there seems to be this deep routed belief that Satanists worship Satan. Now I imagine that perhaps none of the people that actually read this are surprised. You see, in Hebrew, Satan means "adverary" or "opposer". Thus, Lucifer and the devil are also referred to as Satan.
However, Antoin La Vey, the writer of the satanic bible, believes that Lucifer is simply a representation of man's inner carnal nature, so he cannot be worshiped. "It is the individual's responsibility (and not that of a God, or the fault of any devil) to both justify and accept the consequences of their actions.” says La Vey.
For anyone that is more interested in the Satanic Church, one can read Peter. H Gilmore, the current head of the Satanic Church, 's interview here:
Sources:
News24
However, Antoin La Vey, the writer of the satanic bible, believes that Lucifer is simply a representation of man's inner carnal nature, so he cannot be worshiped. "It is the individual's responsibility (and not that of a God, or the fault of any devil) to both justify and accept the consequences of their actions.” says La Vey.
For anyone that is more interested in the Satanic Church, one can read Peter. H Gilmore, the current head of the Satanic Church, 's interview here:
Sources:
News24
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
What is the interregnum?
There are only 9 more days before Pope Benedict XVI steps down from power. Everywhere, people are counting down the days, I can only assume that people are, and discussions on the who the next Pope will be is. However, after that and until the next Pope, who will run the Vatican state?
Truth is, during the interregnum, the period between two Popes, all department heads of the Vatican State cease to exercise their office, with the only exception being the Vicar of Rome. The ones that rule for the brief period are the Carmelengo and the Apolostic Chamber, an office from the medieval times which served as a treasury.
So now you know and won't be wondering who's the big man in charge when Pope Benedict XVI steps down. The Vatican will be in good hands until the next Pope is chosen.
Sources:
Religion News
Truth is, during the interregnum, the period between two Popes, all department heads of the Vatican State cease to exercise their office, with the only exception being the Vicar of Rome. The ones that rule for the brief period are the Carmelengo and the Apolostic Chamber, an office from the medieval times which served as a treasury.
So now you know and won't be wondering who's the big man in charge when Pope Benedict XVI steps down. The Vatican will be in good hands until the next Pope is chosen.
Sources:
Religion News
Monday, February 18, 2013
Canada: Rising Religion
There are suspicions that Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet might be the next Pope. I say hogwash since there has never been a non-european Pope. Than again, there's never been an African-American president in the U.S. before and now look at our current situation.
However, ignoring that, there has been recently a rise in religion in certain places such as Quebec. On a survey, people in Quebec expressing any form of religious attachment has risen from 26% to 34% in the latest survey. In other places as well, such as the Atlantic Canada and the B.C. have risen while other places such as Alberta have fallen.
There are many reasons that could be atributed to this rise of religion and none are certain. However, what is certain is that if Ouellet becomes a candidate for Papacy than this rise may reach its peak.
Sources:
Montreal Gazette
However, ignoring that, there has been recently a rise in religion in certain places such as Quebec. On a survey, people in Quebec expressing any form of religious attachment has risen from 26% to 34% in the latest survey. In other places as well, such as the Atlantic Canada and the B.C. have risen while other places such as Alberta have fallen.
There are many reasons that could be atributed to this rise of religion and none are certain. However, what is certain is that if Ouellet becomes a candidate for Papacy than this rise may reach its peak.
Sources:
Montreal Gazette
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Mayor at day; Priest at... day.
Meet Elie Geffray, a retired Roman Catholic Priest and mayor of a small French farming town. Although he belongs to a Church that opposes same-sex union, he yet is willing to conduct civil marriage ceremonies for LGBT couples.
The 73 year old mayor is split between the church and the state, two systems with different laws. For, on Tuesday, the French National Assemply passed a bill that legalizes gay marriage and adoptions in France. It's almost inevitable that the bill will be passed by the Senate and thus make France the latest country to allow gay marriages.
The discussion over the legitimacy of LGBT relationships continues...
Sources:
Relgion News
The 73 year old mayor is split between the church and the state, two systems with different laws. For, on Tuesday, the French National Assemply passed a bill that legalizes gay marriage and adoptions in France. It's almost inevitable that the bill will be passed by the Senate and thus make France the latest country to allow gay marriages.
The discussion over the legitimacy of LGBT relationships continues...
Sources:
Relgion News
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Destruction of the old Papacy
Ash Wednesday will be the Pope Benedict XVI's last liturgical celebration... before his resingment on Feb. 28. As per usual, Pope Benedict XVI will distribute ashes on the said day. However, afterwards, things will start to get busy as many things must be done before the Pope Benedict XVI's farewell to his seat.
The election for the next Pope must be done without Pope Benedict XVI's interference, something that the current pope has promised to do. As well, the destruction of any old symbols that detail Pope Benedict XVI's papacy must be destroyed in order to make way for the next Pope. But once everything is put in place, Benedict Soon - to - be - Ratzinger will find a happy retirement, sitting by the fire and reading theology books.
Sources:
USAToday
The election for the next Pope must be done without Pope Benedict XVI's interference, something that the current pope has promised to do. As well, the destruction of any old symbols that detail Pope Benedict XVI's papacy must be destroyed in order to make way for the next Pope. But once everything is put in place, Benedict Soon - to - be - Ratzinger will find a happy retirement, sitting by the fire and reading theology books.
Sources:
USAToday
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
The Pope's resignation
If one is a close listener to Religious news, it should come as no surprise that Pope Benedict XVI has announced to resign his holy title. Actually, anyone that has any clue what is happening in the religious forefront would probably know that as well.
However, although Pope Benedict XVI is known as a hard-line conservative, he may in fact end up changing the definition of Papacy as we know it. For at this time, the role of the Pope is certainly known to be a lifetime mission like no other and know we have the 264th successor to Saint Peter resigning this title. And perhaps this announcement made Somebody mad.
Jokes about divine punishment aside, Pope Benedict XVI definitely has his reasons for resigning so now its only a matter of finding a succesor to his seat and for the Vatican to figure out how to work out the problem of having two living Popes. But that will eventually work it... hopefully...
Sources:
WashingtonPost
Religion News
However, although Pope Benedict XVI is known as a hard-line conservative, he may in fact end up changing the definition of Papacy as we know it. For at this time, the role of the Pope is certainly known to be a lifetime mission like no other and know we have the 264th successor to Saint Peter resigning this title. And perhaps this announcement made Somebody mad.
Jokes about divine punishment aside, Pope Benedict XVI definitely has his reasons for resigning so now its only a matter of finding a succesor to his seat and for the Vatican to figure out how to work out the problem of having two living Popes. But that will eventually work it... hopefully...
Sources:
WashingtonPost
Religion News
Thursday, February 7, 2013
A nice little read.
Scientology is a pretty little religion that isn't talked about much, obviously not as popular as Christianity. Jenna Miscavige Hill is a former scientologist who recently appeared on Good Morning Arizona to talk about some of her experiences with the church of Scientology.
She was born into the church as her parents were clergy members, and she was forced to join the religious cult. "My parents were members of the clergy, and they worked seven days a week ,14 hours a day," Jenna says." Children were sort of regarded as a distraction."
She also has written a book, titled "Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape". It's an interesting read so its recommended for anyone who is interested in learning of the secrets of Scientology.
Sources:
AZfamily
She was born into the church as her parents were clergy members, and she was forced to join the religious cult. "My parents were members of the clergy, and they worked seven days a week ,14 hours a day," Jenna says." Children were sort of regarded as a distraction."
She also has written a book, titled "Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape". It's an interesting read so its recommended for anyone who is interested in learning of the secrets of Scientology.
Sources:
AZfamily
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
A president's unheartening welcome.
Do you know what former U.S. president, George W. Bush, and current Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, have in common? Both have had a shoe thrown at them!
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been criticized for spreading Shiism in Sunni lands and thus, after an affectionate welcome upon arriving in Cairo, was lectured by a Sunni cleric about Mahmoud's actions. However, after the little lecture, a bearded man threw an unsuccessful shoe at Mr. Ahmadinejad screaming "You killed our brothers!" You can find a video of this here:
Clearly there are several people unhappy with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his religious ways.
Sources:
New York Times
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been criticized for spreading Shiism in Sunni lands and thus, after an affectionate welcome upon arriving in Cairo, was lectured by a Sunni cleric about Mahmoud's actions. However, after the little lecture, a bearded man threw an unsuccessful shoe at Mr. Ahmadinejad screaming "You killed our brothers!" You can find a video of this here:
Clearly there are several people unhappy with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his religious ways.
Sources:
New York Times
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Gay Boy Scouts... nuff said.
The title says it all. Basically, while probably most of America was at a bar, gripping their trusty mug of beer with one hand, a slice of pizza in the other, glueing their eyes to watch strong tough men try to take a ball across a large field without being brutally slaughtered by other tough strong men, on sunday, Obama was in a pre-Big Game interview where he stated that gays should be allowed into the Boy Scouts. He also said something about women and the military but that's not important. Rather let's talk about Gay Boy Scouts.
For a long time, homosexuals have been banned from the boy scouts, whether for ethical or religious reasons. Only a few months ago, the Boy Scouts re-established their no-gay boy scouts, but now are discussing the possibility.
"My attitude is that gays and lesbians should have access and opportunity the same way everybody else does in every institution and walk of life," Obama declares. "The Scouts are a great institution that are promoting young people and exposing them to opportunities and leadership that will serve people for the rest of their lives. And I think nobody should be barred from that."
While this does not directly focus on religion, the question comes to wheter or not this change could be a response to the recent pressure from the Roman Catholic Church regarding LGBT relationships and Homosexuals in general.
Source:
US news
For a long time, homosexuals have been banned from the boy scouts, whether for ethical or religious reasons. Only a few months ago, the Boy Scouts re-established their no-gay boy scouts, but now are discussing the possibility.
"My attitude is that gays and lesbians should have access and opportunity the same way everybody else does in every institution and walk of life," Obama declares. "The Scouts are a great institution that are promoting young people and exposing them to opportunities and leadership that will serve people for the rest of their lives. And I think nobody should be barred from that."
While this does not directly focus on religion, the question comes to wheter or not this change could be a response to the recent pressure from the Roman Catholic Church regarding LGBT relationships and Homosexuals in general.
Source:
US news
Friday, February 1, 2013
Does Religion have a place in the 21st century?
Last night, Professor Richard Dawkins participated in a Cambridge Debate, in front of hundreds of people, with the former Archbishop of Canterbury. His statement: religion is redundant and irrelevant, and has no place in the 21st century.
Dawkins argued that religion was a hindrance to scientific advancement by creating false explanations for natural phenomena. "It's a phony substitute for an explanation, which seems to answer the question until you examine it and realise that it does no such thing." he says.
In the end, religion came out as the winner, the house saying that they believed that religion did have a place in the 21st century. However, the question of wheter or not religion does still have a place remains. Will a non-religious, fully scientifically-based society help the world?
Sources:
The Independent
Dawkins argued that religion was a hindrance to scientific advancement by creating false explanations for natural phenomena. "It's a phony substitute for an explanation, which seems to answer the question until you examine it and realise that it does no such thing." he says.
In the end, religion came out as the winner, the house saying that they believed that religion did have a place in the 21st century. However, the question of wheter or not religion does still have a place remains. Will a non-religious, fully scientifically-based society help the world?
Sources:
The Independent
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