Archive for June, 2010

Judaism in a “Nutshell”

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

What is Judaism really all about? When did it begin? Is it just another religion?

Judaism, contrary to popular belief, is not in fact a religion. One may feel the need to call it a way of life, but it goes far deeper. Before we can begin to understand what Judaism is, we need to agree on one thing. Without this, there is simply no way to progress, to appreciate Judaism, and to be prepared for what it demands of every single Jew – and even of every non-Jew.

A story is told of an atheist. While he had no belief in G-d, he was a master artist. A perfectionist if we could go so far as to say! He approached a learned Sage on an occasion and began insulting him for his belief in G-d. “Do you really believe there is a G-d?” he asked. “Do you really believe there is Someone who created the world? Someone who watches over us, expecting we behave in life according to a certain code? Someone who knows what we do every moment and will bless us for the good we do and who cares if we don’t behave ourselves?! Surely the world came about through a Big Bang! There must have been a cataclysmic explosion of sorts that made everything, bringing all into existence!”

The Sage told the atheist-artist to return the next day, as he needed some time to think over these serious questions. The next day, the artist returned expecting plausible answers – if not more – to his intricate questions. The Sage presented the most exquisite painting to the artist – as a gift! He was overwhelmed at the beauty of the painting. Every detail of a life-scene had been painted to perfection. People could be seen walking… buildings, perfectly painted. The faces of people reflected well who they were. The buildings – even clearer than the real thing!

“Who was the artist who painted such a beautiful image?” asked the artist. The Sage replied, “There was none. A funny thing happened to me yesterday. After you left, I had thought over your question. I had placed a large piece of paper on my table – where all my own paints were, and had thought best how to answer you. I was just about to write down my thoughts on the page, when suddenly, as I bumped the table, the paints spilled all over the canvas. What you see is the result!”

Insulted at the Sage’s answer, the artist explained to the Sage that such beautiful images cannot just happen of their own accord. There certainly must have been an artist who painted such an amazing image! “Likewise,” replied the Sage, “This world too could not simply have come about through some sort of mystical explosion. Rather, in this situation too, there must be an Artist behind the creation. And He must certainly have had good reason to create things in the perfect state as He has.”

Truth or myth?! To begin the road to connecting with the Creator, means before anything, the real approach of realizing that there certainly is a Creator – Someone who has brought creation into existence, just the way He wished – for just the reasons He wants it to be this way. It is really perfect – although missing just a few pieces. Things we need to fix on our own.

We could liken His creation to a fruit or a nut – “coated” and covered over by a hard shell with the luscious fruit inside. Of course, the fruit is perfect just as it is. But it has a layering over it which must be removed before enjoying the sweet taste inside.

So too has the Creator made His world. Everything good can be found in it. But before this good is revealed, there is much work needed to remove the outer layer (there for the good of the fruit of course!) and finally enjoy the sweet fruit hidden beneath the shell and peel created deliberately by the Creator for very good reason.

Who better to remove the shell than the very first man who G-d would create to attend to His world. He failed, breaking the shell into fragments which concealed even more of the tasty fruit. The task would be given to his children. But his son would destroy things even further, and so life continued right until the time of Noah. Noah well knew what the Creator wanted, and did his share to correcting the world, but his generation rebelled, leaving the world in a gigantic mess! And so, the Creator allowed Noah to be saved – together with his family, in the hope that he would repair everything. The task was too great, and Noah erred too. Life continued with each generation doing its best to correct the flaws each had added to the other.

One man took the task of world-refinement most seriously. His name was Abraham. Abraham realised that there was only One G-d in charge of the universe. Acknowledging Him, and trying to convince others of their important role in creation, he began the path that all Jews would follow – serving their Creator, bringing goodness and kindness to the world, and encouraging all the other nations to come closer to G-d. Naturally, whoever wished to could take part in the process of refinement, but seeing the task ahead, all eventually dropped out one by one, until the mission of the refinement of the world would be passed on to Isaac, then to Jacob and his twelve children.

They would enter into Egypt – the nakedness of the world itself, a place filled with the most polluted impurity possible. It was there that they would become slaves serving another “god” called Pharoah. Having achieved much refinement there, however, they were taken out by Moses – the servant of G-d, and lead through the desert for 40 years, until ultimately entering the Holy Land. During their trek, they would pass through Mount Sinai, where they received the Torah – the ultimate guide of life. The guide that would teach them everything necessary to do, in order to perfect the world.

With the Torah, G-d gave additional commandments to the nations of the world too. Commandments which had already begun on the first day of creation. While a total of 613 commandments were given to the Jewish people, 7 commandments were given to the rest of the world. A deal had been made with the world. The task of the Jewish people would be to bring refinement into the world through the observance of all 613 commandments. The nations were by no means exempt from their own task, which required the complete observance of 7 commandments.

And so, the history of Jewish life continued, as Joshua lead the Jewish people into the Land of Israel. There would be Judges and Prophets who would lead the Jewish people. There would be Kings and other leaders who would advise – some for their good, and others for their downfall.

The Jewish people would experience the freedom of building a Temple, and seeing its destruction because they had drifted off the path set out for them. G-d granted them another Temple, but through their drifting off the path, losing touch with their obligations, this Temple was destroyed as well. From here, it would be a long wait until the Final Temple would be rebuilt.

This Temple will be miraculous in nature. It will be built by the Righteous Redeemer, a man steeped in Torah as King David himself was. A man who does not depart from the Torah, neither to the left, nor to the right. A man filled with kindness, who brings only good things to the world. Only peace.

What does this mean to each of us? Right now, every person has the obligations imposed upon him. Those who are Jewish, must observe the 613 commandments given to them. Through these commandments, the outer shell concealing G-dliness in the world is stripped away revealing the “tasty fruit” inside. But let no non-Jew feel he is exempt, that he is any inferior – that he has no duty. He too must do what is necessary – 7 commandments (the 7 commandments of Noah, as they are known.) Through these, he too takes part in the rectification of the world, something which began 5769 years ago.

We are all to take part in this process to ultimately bring redemption to the world, where we will all be blessed with a goodness – the likes of which none of us has ever seen or known about before. There is no fallacy – nor is there any myth. There is just One G-d. He has given the world rules to live by. Through them we get a glimpse into His desire. They fill each person with a sense of satisfaction at life – and a sense of accomplishment. They fill him with a sense of purpose. A sense of love and goodness about everything. They bring peace to oneself, and peace to the world.

Most of all, they bring all to realise the necessity of understanding that life is nothing – without the Torah.

If you enjoyed this article and wish to learn more about authentic Torah and authentic Judaism, see the author’s main web page. http://torahonline.weebly.com

The author – Rabbi Eliyahu Shear – is happy to be in touch with all those sincerely interested in learning more about Judaism and Torah and can be contacted through his main page or his blog: http://dwellingplacebelow.blogspot.com

He is involved in Torah learning as well as Torah teaching both in person, and through using Internet technologies to those situated away from him. He loves both the revealed and the hidden (Kabbalah and Chassidut) aspects of Torah. He loves writing for a variety of publications and magazines and is always open to further such opportunities. He is also a professional photographer, photographing weddings and events as well as having an online photo store.

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Sikhism, A View of the Sikh Religion

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

At the northwestern tip of India is located The Golden Temple, or Harimandir Sahib, the most significant historical center on earth to the 20 million Sikhs worldwide. Here people from all walks of life are invited to join in listening to the hymns and teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib and to join in unity for a communal meal (Langar). This sacred gurdwara (temple) has entrances on all four sides, a symbol that this faith “is for people of all castes and all creeds from whichever direction they come and to whichever direction they bow.” (Guru Arjun Dev)

Over five hundred years ago in Punjab, India, a son was born to a Hindi couple. The child, who was named Nanak, was expected to follow in his merchant father’s footsteps. But this child was different in many ways. He was contemplative and thoughtful. He would frequently get lost in meditation. He seemed disinterested with the things of this world. He discussed religion with his Muslim and Hindi associates.

Finally, one morning he went to the river to bathe. According to legend, he entered the stream but did not surface. For three days and nights his friends searched for him, but he was not to be found. Then came the miraculous event-Nanak emerged from the river. During the time he’d been missing, Nanak had an incredible spiritual experience. He’d been in communion with God, and had been enlightened and given a calling to tell the world of his True Name. The first thing Nanak said upon his return was “There is no Hindu, no Muslim.” Nanak’s message was that only through true devotion to the one True Name could humans break the cycle of birth and deaths and merge with God. Nanak became the first Guru, and Sikhism came into being.

At that point, Guru Nanak left his home on the first of four major journeys to spread his message. Between the years 1499 and 1521 he traveled to such places as Sri Lanka, Tibet, Baghdad, Mecca, and Medina. Miraculous events accompanied him wherever he went, and he gained a large following. Finally at the close of his life he settled in Kartapur with his wife and two sons. His many disciples came here to listen to his teachings. Before he died, he appointed one to continue his work. Since Nanak, there have been nine other living gurus. The tenth, Guru Gobind Singh taught that there was no longer a need for a living guru. Instead, he found a spiritual successor in the Guru Granth Sahib (sacred texts), and a physical successor in the Khalsa.

Literally translated, khalsa means “the pure,” and it is the goal of all Sikhs to become Khalsa. Officially, one becomes Khalsa when he or she has undergone Sikh baptism, and have agreed to follow the Sikh Code of Conduct and Conventions, along with wearing the prescribed physical articles of the faith. This ceremony takes place when a mature individual presents him or herself in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib and five other Khalsa Sikhs. The candidate is taught what will be expected of him or her, and then drinks Amrit (sugar water stirred with a dagger).

Khalsa members can easily be distinguished by certain articles of clothing which they wear as symbols of their faith. These are referred to as the Five K’s.

· Kesh, or long, unshorn hair, is a symbol of spirituality. It reminds the individual to behave like gurus. (Male members wear a turban over the hair.)

· Kirpan, or the ceremonial sword, is a symbol of dignity. This is not regarded as a weapon, much as the cross is worn by Christians as a symbol of faith, and not an instrument of torture.

· Kangha, or comb, is a symbol of hygiene and discipline.

· Kara, or a steel bracelet, is a symbol of restraint in actions and a constant reminder of one’s devotion to God.

· Kachha, or drawers, which symbolize self-control and chastity.

Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world. It began as a progressive religion which rejected all distinctions of caste, creed, race, or sex. It recognized the full equality of women at a time when women were regarded as property or entertainment of men, when female infanticide and widow burning was common and even encouraged. The legacy of Sikhism is its emphasis on one’s devotion to God and truthful living.

Emma Snow writes educational articles for Reglious Beliefs http://www.religious-beliefs.com and assists with content management at Religious Podcasts http://www.religious-podcasts.net

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What Are the Various Traditions of Buddhism?

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

Similar to other prominent religions of the world, Buddhism too, is no exception to various schools of thought that tend to interpret the founding principles of Buddhism in their own unique way. This has lead to the birth of different traditions of this faith, all encapsulated under the head of Buddhism. This ‘branching out’ can be traced back to the death of Lord Buddha, in around 380 B.C. After Lord Buddha, his disciples took his teachings to all the corners of the world. As a result, today, there are over 500 million followers of Buddhism in the world.

However, even while the religion spread its wings across the world and was interpreted differently all over, it still had only three main schools of thought that followed different Buddhist traditions. These three separate Buddhist schools of thought include Hinayana sect or the ‘Lesser Vehicle’, Mahayana sect or the ‘Greater Vehicle’, and Vajrayna or the ‘Indestructible Vehicle’. A careful study of Buddhism will reveal that all the differing Buddhist traditions in the world actually originated from one of these three traditions only.

Hinayana or Lesser Vehicle:

The term Hinayana came into being in the 1st or the 2nd century. The Hinayana form of Buddhism is mainly practiced in countries such as Sri Lanka, Burma, and Thailand. Hinayana form of Buddhism is also often referred to as the Theravada school of Buddhism. The Hinayana school of thought gives more credence to the attainment of Nirvana or enlightenment of the soul. Religious experts say that Hinayana school of thought includes those sutras where Lord Buddha admonishes the practitioner of Buddhism to follow the sravaka path.

According to them, the Hinayana teachings do not emphasize on the importance of the soul detaching itself from the worldly emotions of pain and suffering. Instead, this tradition focuses more on the liberation of the self. According to the beliefs of this school of though, any practitioner of Hinayana who successfully rids himself of suffering, is called ‘Arahant’. The Mahayana school of thought describes ‘Arahant’ of the Hinayana sect as someone who can never become a Buddha or even go back to the material world to help others get rid of emotional sufferings.

Mahayana or Greater Vehicle:

The followers of Mahayana first inculcate the teachings of the Hinayana tradition of Buddhism. It is only after the followers of the Mahayana sect comprehend the traditions and beliefs of Hinayana that they are allowed to move on to the principles of the Mahayana school of thought. Under the practices of the Mahayana sect, the practitioners of Buddhism develop their mental faculties with the help of Six Practices or Paramitas. These include the following beliefs:
i. Giving
ii. Morality
iii. Patience
iv. Effort
v. Concentration
vi. Wisdom

Under this Buddhist school of thought, the term Mahayana refers to the attainment of a spiritual level by the practitioner of Buddhism. This spiritual state or level is also known as Bodhisattvayana. Historians say that the Mahayana school of thought actually took root while Lord Buddha was alive. But this is a contentious point, since there are scholars who believe that Mahayana tradition of Buddhism was born in the 5th century in India. Over the course of time, it was the Mahayana sect of Buddhism that spread rapidly through the world. Today, countries such as China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam follow this particular Buddhist school of thought.

The principles of Mahayana are an assortment of teachings of Lord Buddha. This is perhaps the reason why many ideas under this school of thought often contradict one another. Even then, the truth is that Mahayana covers a broad area of Buddhist principles. It includes the practice of Buddhism as prescribed by the Mahayana sutras along with the principles mentioned in the Agama texts. It also takes into account the various transformations that have come about, in the due course of time, in the basic concept of Buddhism.

This form of Buddhism has three major characteristics:

i. Universalism: This means that according to the beliefs of Mahayana school of Buddhism, every follower can attain the state of Buddha.
ii. Bodhisitta: This suggests the realization of the ultimate spiritual state.
iii. Transcendental immanence: This refers to the belief of Mahayana sect that an immortal Buddha is present inside all human beings.
iv. Compassion: Compassion in Mahayana sect comes with the transfer of merit in the course of realization of the spiritual state.

Vajrayana or Indestructible Vehicle:

It is said that Vajrayana or the Indestructible Vehicle was a special form of Mahayana school of Buddhism that took birth in India. In the present times, the Vajrayana form of Buddhism is mainly practiced by the Tibetan Buddhists. The Tibetan Buddhists follow all the traditions of and practice all the rituals of this form of Buddhism. Their traditions also consist of various forms of religious ceremonies as well as prayer and mantra recitals. It is imperative for the followers of the Vajrayana form of Buddhism to have an understanding of both the Hinayana and Mahayana schools of Buddhism. Experienced Tibetan Buddhists are of the view that without a deep insight into the principles of both Hinayana and Mahayana sects of Buddhism, the practice of Vajrayana school of Buddhism is incomplete.

Religious experts are still in the process of making a comprehensive study of Vajrayana. But this is taking time because the Vajrayana scriptures are not in order. Due to the fact that this school of thought borrows a lot of concepts from Hinduism, it has made further research into Hinduism necessary. The religious scholars will need to analyze both the rituals doctrines that make up the Vajrayana school of Buddhism. Today, Buddhism is one of the rare religions that have managed to provide peace to the mind, and healing to the soul. Practitioners of Buddhism are now located in western countries including Europe and America. With its root still intact in the heart of India, Buddhism has attained a list of international followers, who continue to retain its traditions and core values.

Do you want to learn more about Buddhism? Visit us and read more articles related to Buddha and Buddhism today!

This article provided by Ray Van Gundy at http://www.buddhismgifts.com/, a Buddha information and gift site. Buddha questions and answers, supplies, articles and more!

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The Spiritual Essence of Hinduism

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

Hinduism is more than an outer religion of certain rituals and formalities. Hinduism is in fact a way of life; a spiritual code. This spiritual code or Dharma is at the heart of Hinduism and governs the moral and spiritual practices of its believers. Through the practise of Yoga proscribed in Hindu scripture adherents can seek to attain union with God. As Sri Chinmoy writes:

“Know Thyself.” This is what Hinduism stands for. This is the quintessence of Hinduism”

As well as stressing the need for self-discovery, another notable feature of Hinduism is its tolerance. This is tolerance of other religions, other cultures and other spiritual paths. Inevitably certain fanatics have ignored this aspect, but the heart of Hinduism is notable for its inclusivity and oneness. “Unity in Diversity” is its goal. Hinduism as a religion is perhaps unique in not stressing the need for conversion. The Great Rishis and Saints offer the sublime truth that many are the paths to the goal. Sri Chinmoy states:

” True Hinduism abjures all that divides and separates. Hinduism gives due importance to all the spiritual figures of the world. It recognises a great harmony in their teachings.”

As well as embracing the spiritual wisdom of other cultures, there is also great diversity within Hinduism itself. The different branches of Hinduism will appeal to people of different temperaments. For example in bhakti yoga the seeker meditates and concentrates on his chosen deity (Be it Sri Krishna or Maha Kali), feeling they are approaching God through the personal aspect of God. Another path of Hinduism, primarily the philosophy of Vedanta, stresses the Impersonal aspect of God and leads the adherent to see beyond the realm of matter or “maya”. Another confusion to outsiders is the multiplicity of Gods and Goddesses within Hinduism, but the Hindu scriptures teach these are but the various aspects and manifestations of the One Supreme God who embodies both the finite and infinite and at the same time transcends both. Hinduism happily embraces these diverse paths.

Hinduism is an adaptable religion it stems from the great Vedic Sages who wrote down the eternal truths of their meditations. Over the course of the centuries Hinduism has picked up new ideas, methods and has adapted to different cultures. However at the heart of Hinduism remains man’s essential quest for union with the Absolute Supreme. Sometimes the outer body of Hinduism appears to veer away from this truth. But Saints and sages throughout the ages have sought to reinvigorate Hinduism with the timeless and eternal message that Hinduism stands for.

R. Sedgewick is a spiritual seeker and writes on spiritual topics. He contributes to a site about Sri Chinmoy

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The Media’s Portrayal of Islam and the Hijab

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

Time, people, culture, society, and the environment we are surrounded by, can produce the formation of many perspectives regarding an issue that we see in today’s society. One of many controversial topics is Islam and the Hijab. Many questions and generalisations are often formed in the minds of many non-Muslims in regards to the concepts behind the Hijab through the influence of the media.

Throughout the years of conflict between the “West” and “Islam”, the media has strongly altered the minds of non-Muslims by negative exploitation of Islam, and Muslims, in particular on Muslim women. Misconceptions such as, “Are you bald underneath” “Do you go to sleep with that on?” to the association of “terrorism” that contrasts to what Muslim women believe the Hijab represents.

A common misconception is “the Islamic Hijab is something cultural, not religious”. The use of the word “cultural” is faulty when describing the Hijab as it implies that it is a result of customs and practices that are something separate from Islam. The cultural dress is referred to the ancient Pre-Islamic Era (Jahiliyah). It is the veil from the Pre-Islamic Era that is considered as “traditional” which stops women from contributing in society. On the contrary, the Islamic Hijab is not considered as an informal tradition, nor does it lower her self-respect. The Hijab is aimed at presenting women with poise and equality in society. An example of Pre-Islamic era in our modern world is the Taliban in Afghanistan. The Taliban are a party who regard such activities un-Islamic for women, who are prohibited from exercising their primary rights. The Taliban have banned women from employment outside the home, apart from the health sector, and have terminated education for girls.

Prophet Mohammad (peace & blessings be upon him) said, “Seeking knowledge is incumbent upon every Muslim”. Even Henry VIII forbid women to study the Bible when the first English translations began to appear. It’s an irony although the Taliban claim their guiding philosophy on women are in place to ensure the physical protection and self-respect of women, where as, many Afghan women have been killed, beaten and publicly hung. For many Afghan women fear of being severely punished by the Taliban is their main security concern.

Another misconception is “Muslim women have no right in Islam”. Islam gave women rights over 1400 years ago, which is still ignored by many Muslims and non-Muslims today. Firstly, Islam has given women the basic right to freedom of speech. In the early days of Islam, the leaders of the Islamic state regarding legal issues consulted women. Rights that were appointed to Muslim women since the beginning of time are only just surfacing for non-Muslims. In Islam, a woman is free to be whom she is inside, and protected from being portrayed as a sex symbol and lusted after. Islam praises the status of a woman by commanding that she “enjoys equal rights to those of man in everything, she stands on an equal footing with man” (Qur’an, Nadvi: 11) and both share mutual rights and obligations in all aspects of life.

Many women are treated in ways far from Islamic ideals, yet in the name of Islam. The Taliban is an example of a cultural and political name that has been branded with Islam. There is no freedom for women if they are imprisoned in their home in the name of the Hijab and Islam. Moreover, the veil of Islam is not associated with the veil of oppression.

Women that are regaining their identity and role in society, are now wearing the Hijab and are embracing its concept of liberation. They are taking their lawful places that Islam had awarded them fourteen hundred years ago. In fact, the western women had no rights nor did they have rights over their husband. Not only were woman the property of their husband but so were their possessions. In 1919 women in England fought for their rights to be elected to parliament. Because of their demands, they were imprisoned by the government and suffered greatly. It was not until the late nineteenth and early twentieth century when women were given these rights.

A quote from the Qur’an in Surah 2: 26 states:
“And for women has rights over men, similar to those of men over women.”

The background history between Islam and the West will shed some light as to why Muslims are portrayed so negatively in the media. Some strong contributing factors are the medieval western conflict, the crusades, the oil crisis of the 1970’s, the Lebanese civil war, the Iranian revolution, the Gulf war, and the explosive Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the September 11 bombings, the Bali Massacre and the London bombings. All these events have caused Islam to be consistently associated with violence and unresolved conflict. Furthermore, the view of Muslims as being violent typically explains why Muslims are seen to establish a threat to the West. One of the most effective ways the media attempts to somehow prevent Islam being seen in a positive frame is to develop propaganda against Muslims and Islam.

The media is able to use the Hijab as a means of exploiting Muslim women, and degrading them. The media assumes, in some cases, that the actions of one Muslim are representations of the general Muslim population. This is generalisation. This sets a example for members of society to abuse and degrade them.

An image of a Muslim woman wearing the chador was labelled as “like death out for a walk” in the Australian Magazine, 25-26 Jan. 1995 issue. The media implied to locate the position of women in Islamic society as dominated. The image also portrayed the difference between Muslim and Western Women in today’s society.

In current affair programs, people watching are bombarded with images of Muslims as savage terrorists, killing innocent people with no remorse. What results from this is the viewers of these programs, recognise and accept only the labels, and therefore with Islam immediately associating it with negative images.

I asked a resident from Parramatta, who wished to be kept anonymous if “the September 11th bombings altered their mind about Islam and Muslim women?” He said “I never knew Islam and the Qur’an preached terrorism. It has made me aware of Islam and the teachings. It increased my awareness of the complexities of Islam and politics in the Middle East including the veiling of Muslim women”. This answer shows how influential the media is towards its viewers.

Throughout the western society, the practice of Muslim women wearing the Hijab has resulted in extreme points of view towards their so-called “oppression” and lack of freedom. Despite the obvious portrayal of Muslim women and myths that surround it such as; “Muslim women are oppressed”, there continues to be an abundance of Western women reverting to Islam. What Islam uses to protect women is the Hijab. This is ironic because the Western media often portray the Muslim veil as a suppressive force in a woman’s life.

Every Muslim woman is required to wear a scarf or some sort of head covering and loose-fitting, modest attire. This is not a means of controlling a woman’s sexuality or suppressing her but rather, a means for protection. It implies by dressing this way she will not be seen as a mere sex symbol but will be appreciated for her intellect. Furthermore, it will not subject her to harassment. It is interesting to state the head covering for women is not an Islamic innovation but was also practiced by Judeo-Christian women centuries earlier, and yet is laughed at by the West today.

Naima Omar, a student of University of Western Sydney says “It is funny to say the same veil worn by catholic nuns for God is despised and presented as a symbol of subjection and domination when it is worn by Muslim women for the intention to protect themselves and devoting themself to God”.

The term Islam means “submission to the will of Allah” and “peace”. Muslims believe Islam is not a religion but a gift that has been awarded to them. They believe Islam is the way of life and that is harmonious however the media portrays the opposite.

Maria Moskovakis, 18, a Greek Orthodox says “yes of course Muslims are presented negatively in the news. An action by one Muslim is presented with so much bias. If one Muslim commits a crime, it is not the person but the religion presented that goes to trial. What we hear and see is all controlled.

As El-Gharib (1996-97) noted, television, books, newspapers, and magazines are used to present Islam as being a backward and barbaric religion. It has been seen as oppressive and unjust; and more than this, it is seen as being most oppressive to women. These various forms of media misrepresent Islam in different ways, however largely achieve the same negative result – the creation of a growing barrier of misunderstanding and hostility between Islam and it’s followers, and the West.

Muslims have an obligation to fulfil which is to educate themselves, their children to gain knowledge which is ordained upon them regardless of their race, gender and marital status etc.
A Hasan Hadith narrated by Ibn Majah in the Qur’an states:
“Seeking knowledge is a duty on every Muslim” and therefore gaining knowledge is regarded as an act of worship. Stopping any Muslim from gaining an education regardless of age and sex is not Islamic.

Dr Homer of Sweden was asked by the United Nations in 1975 to study the status of Women in the Arab countries and said: “It is the Swedish woman who should demand her freedom, as the women in the Arab countries has already reached the peak of her freedom under Islam.” From “Status Of Women In Islam” page 23.

Many have become used to believing the false information that they are spoon fed every time they turn on the screen, listen to the radio or open a newspaper.

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This Is Christianity

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

Mark Twain is quoted as saying; “If Christ were here now there is one thing he would not be – a Christian.” The sad truth is the way many people who claim to be Christians today live their lives, Mr. Twain would be correct. A Christian by definition is a person who believes in and strives to live as Jesus Christ would live. Christianity is not an organized religion, it is not a certain denomination, it is a way of life.

Recently in the news, I’ve seen way too many news stories of child abuse, cruelty to children, and other disgusting actions. These acts are terrible in themselves, but what also really frustrates me is when the story goes on to state that the person committing the acts claims to be a Christian, or is a member of some church that lists Christianity as its foundation. Some of these people use Christianity as an excuse for their actions. Equally exasperating is when someone commits murder or other crimes, and then says something like; “God told me to do it!”

I see a major dilemma in America and the world, of people claiming to be of the Christian faith, but not acting in a manner that backs up their claims. People such as these ruin and destroy the name of God, and devastate the impression that the world has of true Christianity.

The problem is there are many people who know about God from what they’ve heard at church, things their parents have told them, and programs they’ve seen on television. However, just knowing about God doesn’t change lives. In order for someone to truly be a Christian, they must have a personal relationship with God.

Let me illustrate it this way. I have letters from President Bush. I even have several Christmas cards from the White House. I’ve read the President’s story, and watched him as he’s led our country. So, I know a lot about him. However, if I were to call up the White House, and say; “This is Joshua, patch me through to the Oval Office.” I wouldn’t get to talk to President Bush, because he doesn’t have a clue who I am. I know about him, but I don’t personally know him.

The same is true in regards to a lot of people’s “Christianity”. They know a great deal about God, about the Bible, and about certain rituals and traditions of their certain denominations, but they have no personal relationship with God. And that isn’t just referring to people who commit crimes and then claim to be “Christians”. There are even pastors, church leaders, and others who claim the name of Jesus Christ, but whose life hasn’t been changed.

The Bible even mentions these kinds of people:

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you…” (Matthew 7:21-23)

Notice He says; “I never knew you”, which indicates there was never a personal relationship. So, just because someone “claims” to be a Christian, and even preaches or promotes the Christian faith, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are a Christian. There are some people who only are in it for the money or the fame, and then there are those who only think of Christianity as a “fire escape” from hell. There are also people who twist the Bible around to form their own version of Christianity. You can tell a genuine Christian by the way they live, and I’ll get more into that in a moment.

First of all, let me define what a real Christian is.

Attending church at a certain denomination, being kind to your neighbor, or living a good life doesn’t make anyone a Christian. The Bible is very clear when it comes to the Christian faith.

Being a member of or attending a Baptist church, a Catholic church, a Presbyterian church, a Methodist church, (and I could list all of the hundreds of denominations who claim to preach the Christian faith) doesn’t make one a Christian. When you die and stand before God, He’s not going to ask you what denomination you were a member of.

Let me clarify here that attendance at a local church is good, and should be part of our lives, but my point is that church attendance doesn’t make you a Christian.

In the same light, being a good person and helping others doesn’t make you a Christian. Now, those are some of the actions that a genuine Christian will participate in, but those acts alone don’t make you a Christian.

The Bible tells us exactly what makes a person a Christian:

“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10)

Notice that there are two distinctions here. 1. confession with the mouth (a head knowledge) and 2. believing in the heart (a personal relationship).

One way of illustrating this is: Suppose we meet a person and they become an acquaintance of ours. When we see them we recognize them simply because in our head we know who they are. Then we meet a person that we become friends with, we know them by recognition, but also because they are a friend. So when we see them, there is that visual recognition, but there is also that heart recognition, we have special feelings towards them because we know them personally. The same is true of the Christian. We must know about God, but we must also know Him in a personal way. Of course, in order to personally know Him, one must realize their own need of knowing Him, and their inability to change their life themselves.

Many people say that they don’t need God, but yet they never find true joy in their lives. When a person repents of their sin and selfishness and chooses to begin that new and personal relationship with God, they will experience happiness and their life will be different.

The Bible tells us that anyone who is truly a Christian will have a new life; they will live differently than others.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Now, here is where a lot of people miss the mark. They claim that being a Christian means that they act weird in some way, make fools of themselves, etc. However, when the Bible says that a Christian is to be different, it is referring to the way in which a person lives their life, such as being kind to others (even those who are not kind to you), honoring and respecting your parents and those in authority, seeking to help those in need, not ruining your body by things such as smoking and other things hazardous to one’s health. In other words….living a “clean” life.

A true Christian is to follow the commands of the Bible, paying close attention not to twist verses out of context or claim things mean what they really don’t. One must interpret scripture in light of all other scripture. And one must learn to live for others.

In the Gospel of John, we find the following story:

“So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 13:12 – 17)

Back in the time period in which this story took place, people wore open sandals, and the roads were just dirt and dust. So, when people would come into a house, they would remove their sandals, and the servant or lowliest person in the household would wash their feet.

Here Jesus Christ took it upon Himself to do this task. Here was the Son of God washing feet, one of the lowest jobs of the day. He did it to leave us an example of how we are to live our lives as Christians. We are to put others first, we are to be kind and helpful. People should notice something different about us.

There are a lot of people in today’s world who wouldn’t dare stoop to such a task, but yet they claim to be Christians. They look down there nose at other people, they fly off the handle at the slightest irritation, they scream and holler at their family, and then they claim the name of Jesus. That is NOT a Christian attitude, or how a Christian should live.

I should point out here that even Christians aren’t perfect. Anyone who claims to be perfect is wrong. There will be times in even the best Christian’s life where he/she makes wrong choices, and does things they’re not supposed to. The true Christian will however shortly realize the error of their ways and make steps to correct them.

Now there are some religious groups who try to force their doctrine upon others, and who claim anyone who does not follow their beliefs as their enemy. That is not the proper attitude of a Christian. While I firmly believe in God and know my personal relationship with Jesus Christ has made a difference in my life, I am not foolish enough to think that everyone is going to agree with me. What you choose to believe is your choice to make. However, I will tell you from experience that a genuine relationship with Christ can bring peace to your life and give you the joy and happiness many are seeking for.

The next time someone claims to be a Christian, watch their life. You can always tell a TRUE Christian by the way they live. And if you’re going to claim the name of Jesus Christ, make sure your life backs up your claim.

Joshua Goodling is a terminal cancer survivor, author, speaker, and the founder of http://www.inspiritnews.com

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