Here's a quick little announcing post. On March 30, 2013, we'll hear from two scientists who believe that religion can be explained by science and the evolution theory. Years ago we had priests examine science. Now, the opposite will happen as these two discuss the behaviorial patterns that led to Religion. Look forward to it!
Source;
CBA
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Religious Trama Syndrome
To any gamer out there, hearing the acronym: RTS, they'll think of your basic Real Time Strategy game. However, the symptoms known as Religious Trauma Syndrome are far more serious... for most people; some gamers might find RTS games more serious but that's not the point here.
"Religious trauma syndrome (RTS) is a set of symptoms and characteristics that tend to go together and which are related to harmful experiences with religion" Dr. Marlene Winnel describes. Two years ago, Winnel had given the label for this Syndrome and has started speaking and writing about it.
RTS is known for causing several different type of mental traumatic syndromes to the victim. "One of the symptom clusters is around fear and anxiety" Winnel explains.
RTS just goes to show that some religions are truly harmful and can cause trauma for many years to come. So the question is, if Religion can be this harmful, why do so many people preach of its benefits?
Source:
Truthout
"Religious trauma syndrome (RTS) is a set of symptoms and characteristics that tend to go together and which are related to harmful experiences with religion" Dr. Marlene Winnel describes. Two years ago, Winnel had given the label for this Syndrome and has started speaking and writing about it.
RTS is known for causing several different type of mental traumatic syndromes to the victim. "One of the symptom clusters is around fear and anxiety" Winnel explains.
RTS just goes to show that some religions are truly harmful and can cause trauma for many years to come. So the question is, if Religion can be this harmful, why do so many people preach of its benefits?
Source:
Truthout
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Will gay rights infringe on Religion?
It's only natural that out of all this talk about legally allowing LGBT relationships, there would be a concern about religion somewhere. Well, of course there was. Finding material for my blog, I stumbled upon a nice little article from CNN.
The article talks about how some Christians may feel like their religious liberty is being infringed. Personally, I think it doesn't actually matter because I think that whether or not the Bible forbids homosexuality, its all fine for the Christians as long as they themselves aren't participating in the LGBT.
The article talks about how some Christians may feel like their religious liberty is being infringed. Personally, I think it doesn't actually matter because I think that whether or not the Bible forbids homosexuality, its all fine for the Christians as long as they themselves aren't participating in the LGBT.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Edinbourgh Airport and Religion
Recently, the Edinbourgh Airport ask passengers going through security, what religion they are. While this seems and is a quite obtrusive question for passengers, the Airport claims that they are only doing so in order to prove that certain groups of people are not always being singled out for security checks.
Regardless, it still seems quite alarming to suddenly be asked what your religion is as you go through security. Especially in this day in age in which people may think different and believe that you're asking the question for different purposes.
Source:
Scotsman news
Regardless, it still seems quite alarming to suddenly be asked what your religion is as you go through security. Especially in this day in age in which people may think different and believe that you're asking the question for different purposes.
Source:
Scotsman news
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Moving between sides of the LGBT arguement
It's been a while since I've used a post to cover the LGBT arguement. I was also recently given the chance. Recently, Republican Ohio Sen. Rob Portman who was known for being against LGBT relationships is now supporting the other side. Why? His homosexual 21-year old son. After this revelation, Portman took the time to think about it and has decided that no matter ones sexual preference, they deserve the benefits that all citizens of the U.S. deserve.
If its possible for someone who was strongly against LGBT such as Portman to change, it is for many people. The best way for this is to know a person with an LGBT sexual preference. Once you get to know someone like that, a person may warm up and discover that these people, despite their sexual preference, aren't that bad.
Source:
Religion Dispatches
If its possible for someone who was strongly against LGBT such as Portman to change, it is for many people. The best way for this is to know a person with an LGBT sexual preference. Once you get to know someone like that, a person may warm up and discover that these people, despite their sexual preference, aren't that bad.
Source:
Religion Dispatches
The temple of the Jedi
Star wars. Just listening to these two words can make a lot of people jumping up and down excitingly. My first time being introduced to the world of Star Wars was as a 7 year old being taken with my cousins to the movies to watch the third episode.
What does this have to do with religion? Quite easy: Meet the Temple of the Jedi, a non-profitable charitable organisization that has gained the ability to do weddings all over the States. Watch a video about this here.
So what do you think? Is Star Wars a religion?
What does this have to do with religion? Quite easy: Meet the Temple of the Jedi, a non-profitable charitable organisization that has gained the ability to do weddings all over the States. Watch a video about this here.
So what do you think? Is Star Wars a religion?
Monday, March 18, 2013
Visit to the Pope's Inaugural Mass
Just a nice quick post with some semi-interesting news.
Since 1054, not a single Greek Orthodox Patriarch has attended a single Pope Inaugural Mass. Why? I have no idea. Why is Fener Greek-Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I set to attend Pope Francis’ inaugural Mass in Rome on March 19? I also have no idea.
As you've probably figured out, Fener Freek-Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I, along with several other religious leaders, are set to attend the new Pope's inaugural mass. This could symbolise the start of an improving relationship between the Christians and Orthodox. Otherwise, this amount of news is about as important as one prime minister visiting another prime minister after the later prime minister had just been elected.
Source:
Hurriyet Daily News
Since 1054, not a single Greek Orthodox Patriarch has attended a single Pope Inaugural Mass. Why? I have no idea. Why is Fener Greek-Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I set to attend Pope Francis’ inaugural Mass in Rome on March 19? I also have no idea.
As you've probably figured out, Fener Freek-Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I, along with several other religious leaders, are set to attend the new Pope's inaugural mass. This could symbolise the start of an improving relationship between the Christians and Orthodox. Otherwise, this amount of news is about as important as one prime minister visiting another prime minister after the later prime minister had just been elected.
Source:
Hurriyet Daily News
Book of Mormon
A few weeks ago, a certain musical hit the nearby St. Louis community where I resided and was a fantastic lure to get kids off their butts on Saturday and do something. I myself didn't see it but from the feedback that I got from the people that did... it was good. It was described as extremely funny and well acted, opposed to my standard vision of a religious based theatrics. Now, of course, the play in question is the Book of Mormon.
Religious musicals aren't something that you'd immediately just want to see yet, there have been several cases of these musicals becoming great hits. From the 1945 Carousal to the 1967 Hair, these musicals can dabble a little or a lot in the field of religion and still rake in thousands of fans.
Perhaps it just has to do with the music? Maybe the fans just love the great numbers and don't even care if it's religious... or , the other way around, perhaps people watch them because of the religious views and don't care if it generally sucks.
Either way, I'm now wishing I had gone to see the Book of Mormon.
Source:
The Spectator
Religious musicals aren't something that you'd immediately just want to see yet, there have been several cases of these musicals becoming great hits. From the 1945 Carousal to the 1967 Hair, these musicals can dabble a little or a lot in the field of religion and still rake in thousands of fans.
Perhaps it just has to do with the music? Maybe the fans just love the great numbers and don't even care if it's religious... or , the other way around, perhaps people watch them because of the religious views and don't care if it generally sucks.
Either way, I'm now wishing I had gone to see the Book of Mormon.
Source:
The Spectator
Thursday, March 14, 2013
New Pope... nuf said.
The title says it all. After much waiting, white smoke has appeared from the chimney and a new Pope has been chosen. After appearing on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, the new Pope gave his first adress as Pope, the traditional Urbi et Orbi. Prayers were made for the Catholic Church and for ex-Pope Benedict XVI.
The new pope rises in a revolutionary time for the Church, as secularism declines in the west yet grows in other parts of the world. There are doubts about the toughness of the New Pope in the current time of turbulence within the Catholic Church and whether he'll be able to properly lead the 1.2 billion Catholics.
Oh wait, you want to know who the new Pope is? Well of course, its Pope Francis, previously known as Cardinal Jourge Mario Bergoglio of Beuno Aires.
Source:
Huffington Post
The new pope rises in a revolutionary time for the Church, as secularism declines in the west yet grows in other parts of the world. There are doubts about the toughness of the New Pope in the current time of turbulence within the Catholic Church and whether he'll be able to properly lead the 1.2 billion Catholics.
Oh wait, you want to know who the new Pope is? Well of course, its Pope Francis, previously known as Cardinal Jourge Mario Bergoglio of Beuno Aires.
Source:
Huffington Post
A Fall in Ameica's Affliated Religions?
According to research from October 2012, 1 in 5 American Adults claim to have no religious affliations. Yet in the 30's, only about 5% of Americans claimed to have no religious affliations. Why the big change, I have no idea.
However, examining research done on this matter, there are several patterns that can be found, which may lead to an answer. First of all, the research found that men were more likely to claim no religious affliation compared to women. As well, younger people under 30 are more likely to not belong to a religion compared to elderly seniors that are over 65. Also, Mexican Americans and African Americans were more likely to be pat of a religious structure than whites. Most importantly, there were some political patterns that stood out the most. Far more Liberals are "no religions" compared to the conservatives.
What have we learned? Well, first of all, if you're a male African American Liberal under the age of 30, you're probably not belonging to any religion. Second, there may be a reason why these patterns have appeared in the research, and these reasons may also unlock the reason of why structured religion is falling in the U.S. But that's for another study.
Source:
Huffington Post
More Hufington Posts
However, examining research done on this matter, there are several patterns that can be found, which may lead to an answer. First of all, the research found that men were more likely to claim no religious affliation compared to women. As well, younger people under 30 are more likely to not belong to a religion compared to elderly seniors that are over 65. Also, Mexican Americans and African Americans were more likely to be pat of a religious structure than whites. Most importantly, there were some political patterns that stood out the most. Far more Liberals are "no religions" compared to the conservatives.
What have we learned? Well, first of all, if you're a male African American Liberal under the age of 30, you're probably not belonging to any religion. Second, there may be a reason why these patterns have appeared in the research, and these reasons may also unlock the reason of why structured religion is falling in the U.S. But that's for another study.
Source:
Huffington Post
More Hufington Posts
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Religion and Wealth
If one looks closely at the numerous countries around the world, one may notice a pattern. The least prosperous countries are also the most religious and vice versa. Could there possibly be a relation between a country's wealth and its religiosity?
First of all, the more vulnerable a citizen, the more they might want to rely on supernatural beings. As well, the wealthier a country, the higher the education. It's possible that a child that learns of science and other secular topic may be less drawn towards religion compared to others.
While this is a good pattern, there is also a few exceptions. America is one. According to statistics that I do not have any proof that they exist, 80.8 percent of Americans believe in god. And I'm sure everyone knows how well the U.S. does economically.
Source:
CBC
First of all, the more vulnerable a citizen, the more they might want to rely on supernatural beings. As well, the wealthier a country, the higher the education. It's possible that a child that learns of science and other secular topic may be less drawn towards religion compared to others.
While this is a good pattern, there is also a few exceptions. America is one. According to statistics that I do not have any proof that they exist, 80.8 percent of Americans believe in god. And I'm sure everyone knows how well the U.S. does economically.
Source:
CBC
Monday, March 11, 2013
Tony Abbott, another man that I don't know about
It has become a pattern now that I will end up blogging about things or people that I don't know about and then having to research them. Another such person is Tony Abbott, who is apparently the leader of opposition for the Australian House of Representatives. Just recently, Abbott declared that his religious views would not touch his politcal decisions.
A while ago, he had made a few statements on abortion and homosexual but now is trying to take them back, or at least correct what he meant. He states that his words on abortion were poorly stated and that after meeting with some gays, his opinion on them has changed.
In my opinion, a good prime minister really shouldn't let his religious views cloud what is needed for the country. Hopefully, Abbott will keep to this promise if he does become prime minister. Other wise, I'd feel sorry for the Australians.
Source:
Sydeney Morning Herald
A while ago, he had made a few statements on abortion and homosexual but now is trying to take them back, or at least correct what he meant. He states that his words on abortion were poorly stated and that after meeting with some gays, his opinion on them has changed.
In my opinion, a good prime minister really shouldn't let his religious views cloud what is needed for the country. Hopefully, Abbott will keep to this promise if he does become prime minister. Other wise, I'd feel sorry for the Australians.
Source:
Sydeney Morning Herald
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Divorce and Religion
According to a recent study at Baylor University, children with two actively religious parents that eventually divorce are more likely to switch religions or deny organized religion entirely as they become adults.
The research showed that adults who lived with one religious parent are atleast twice as likely to shy away from the parent's religion or organized religion entirely. As well, some kids may believe that their parent's marriage was ordained by a god, only for it to end. This may result in the child to then reject religion.
Sources:
Huffington Post
The research showed that adults who lived with one religious parent are atleast twice as likely to shy away from the parent's religion or organized religion entirely. As well, some kids may believe that their parent's marriage was ordained by a god, only for it to end. This may result in the child to then reject religion.
Sources:
Huffington Post
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Bath Literature Festival
Ever wanted to go to the Bath Literature Festival? Ever even heard of the Bath Literature Festival? You probably haven't.
The Bath Literature Festival is a nice festival held in Bath, Somerset, England, and plays host to a vast array of performers, novelists, poets, journalists and politicians. However, what was special about this year's festival was the "What happens when Good Religion turns Bad?" panel.
At the panel, the Christian Francis Spufford, the rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, the muslim Rashad Ali, and Richard Dawkins the arch-atheist, all managed to agree that children not experiencing difference between other religions due to being in fath schools is pretty bad. I guess that its even possible for these members of different religions to agree on something.
Sources:
The Independent
The Bath Literature Festival is a nice festival held in Bath, Somerset, England, and plays host to a vast array of performers, novelists, poets, journalists and politicians. However, what was special about this year's festival was the "What happens when Good Religion turns Bad?" panel.
At the panel, the Christian Francis Spufford, the rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, the muslim Rashad Ali, and Richard Dawkins the arch-atheist, all managed to agree that children not experiencing difference between other religions due to being in fath schools is pretty bad. I guess that its even possible for these members of different religions to agree on something.
Sources:
The Independent
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Ah, contradictions in Religion is always fun.
As we all know, most religions preach about charity right? I'm sure that if you look in the bible or any other religious text, you'll probably find a line or two about taking care of the natural world. That it is only right for humans to protect the earth when it gives us its harvest and protection.
Moving onto a similar topic, lately there has been a lot of talk about the killing of elephants for ivory in Africa. Now, both the PETA, who I personally have a specific opinion on which I will not say here, and probably a lot of churches, temples and other religious parties probably would preach about how we should be helping and saving the elephants. Yet despite this, there are several religions that use ivory for their religious statues, charms, and other related items.
Take for example Thailand. The elephant is their sacred symbol, so you'd think they'd do their best to save it right? Take a close look and you'll see that Thailand uses ivory in mass for carvings and amulets. Christy from National Geographic took a trip to Thailand to investigate. After some interviews with the Elephant Monk, she found a quite ironic ivory statue of Guanyin. Did I mention that Guanyin is the goddess of mercy?
Source:
National Geographic
Chron Blog
Moving onto a similar topic, lately there has been a lot of talk about the killing of elephants for ivory in Africa. Now, both the PETA, who I personally have a specific opinion on which I will not say here, and probably a lot of churches, temples and other religious parties probably would preach about how we should be helping and saving the elephants. Yet despite this, there are several religions that use ivory for their religious statues, charms, and other related items.
Take for example Thailand. The elephant is their sacred symbol, so you'd think they'd do their best to save it right? Take a close look and you'll see that Thailand uses ivory in mass for carvings and amulets. Christy from National Geographic took a trip to Thailand to investigate. After some interviews with the Elephant Monk, she found a quite ironic ivory statue of Guanyin. Did I mention that Guanyin is the goddess of mercy?
Source:
National Geographic
Chron Blog
Monday, March 4, 2013
Scientist does not equate atheist
A long time ago, scientists used to be priests that study the natural world that God had created. Now, scientists are viewed as religion hating atheists that strive to go against God's will on the same level of Frankenstein. Perhaps that was an overstatement, but there definitely is a scientist=atheist stereotype.
Despite popular belief, science does not necessarily equate an anti-religious stance. There are several scientists that are quite famous that openly admit to being religious such as Frances Collins and William D. Phillips. Did I mention that Darwin, the one that came up with the theory of evolution, used to be a priest?
The myth that all scientists are white lab coat wearing, Star-trek loving atheists is quite annoying. If possible, I would hope that people will change this misunderstanding.
Sources:
Guardian
Despite popular belief, science does not necessarily equate an anti-religious stance. There are several scientists that are quite famous that openly admit to being religious such as Frances Collins and William D. Phillips. Did I mention that Darwin, the one that came up with the theory of evolution, used to be a priest?
The myth that all scientists are white lab coat wearing, Star-trek loving atheists is quite annoying. If possible, I would hope that people will change this misunderstanding.
Sources:
Guardian
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