Category Archives: Religion

Religion, Spirituality

Is the “Spirituality Revolution” genuinely democratizing spiritual experiences for all, or is it diluting traditional spiritual and religious practices by making them more commercial and superficial?

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The Spirituality Revolution: No Longer Just for the Religious

There has been a notable change in the societal perception of spirituality in recent years. The era in which spirituality was limited to religious traditions, sacred texts, and monasteries has passed. This issue is of global significance today, impacting individuals regardless of their religious beliefs. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as the “Spirituality Revolution,” is a spontaneous societal movement that acknowledges the significant impact of spirituality on various aspects of life, including health, community, and overall well-being.

Broadening The Definition of Spirituality

Historically, spirituality has been closely associated with religious beliefs and practices. The study focused on the influence of intergenerational transmission of doctrines and customs on individuals’ connections with divine power. Modern spirituality is becoming more individualized. The process of self-discovery is commonly regarded as a personal endeavor aimed at comprehending one’s inner being, the interdependence of all living entities, and the enigmas of the cosmos.

The Healing Powers of Spirituality

The field of medical research is increasingly acknowledging the longstanding understanding among many spiritual traditions about the profound connection between the spiritual and physical realms. A substantial body of research indicates that engaging in spiritual activities, including meditation, mindfulness, and prayer, may benefit mental and physical well-being. These practices can potentially decrease stress levels, enhance concentration, and perhaps positively impact several diseases, including depression and chronic pain.

Community Building and Social Bonds

The new spirituality revolution is not just about individual enlightenment or well-being. It also has communal aspects. Spiritual awareness often fosters a greater sense of community and belonging. Whether it is a yoga class, a meditation group, or a non-religious spiritual gathering, these new “congregations” serve as platforms where like-minded individuals can come together, share, and grow.

Navigating Life’s Challenges

Life is fraught with challenges that can be daunting to navigate alone. Spirituality often provides the framework to understand and manage life’s complexities. Whether it is the loss of a loved one, career challenges, or global crises, a spiritual perspective can offer a bigger picture and a different viewpoint, enabling resilience and a deeper understanding of life events.

The Future of the Spirituality Revolution

This new focus on spirituality is not a fleeting trend but a lasting shift in societal values. The spirituality revolution can profoundly change how society approaches life, health, and community. However, like any significant societal shift, it also comes with its own set of challenges. The commercialization of spirituality, the potential for superficial engagement, and the risk of cultural appropriation are issues that must be navigated carefully.

In conclusion, the spiritual revolution is democratizing what was once the realm of religious traditions and specialists. Its effects are far-reaching and touch upon various aspects of life, including mental and physical health, community building, and individual well-being. As society continues to evolve, it is clear that spirituality will remain an essential part of the human experience, accessible to all and not just a select few.

Cited Works
Tacey, David John. The Spirituality Revolution: The Emergence of Contemporary Spirituality Psychology Press, 2004.

Culture, Religion, Spirituality

How does spirituality function as a cohesive element in the human experience, and what are the implications for individual and collective well-being in a society that increasingly marginalizes spiritual concerns?

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Spirituality serves as a cohesive element in the human experience. Spirituality’s importance lies in providing individuals with a sense of purpose, meaning, and belonging. It helps people make sense of their lives and find comfort and hope in difficult times. Spirituality can also promote personal growth and self-awareness and help individuals develop a moral and ethical framework for their actions. However, it is essential to note that spirituality can mean different things to different people and should be respected as a personal and subjective experience.

The Eclipse of Spirituality in the Modern Age: Navigating Information Overload, Consumerism, and Political Polarization

Spirituality frequently goes unnoticed in today’s world of abundant information, pervasive consumerism, and polarizing political discourse. However, several writers and researchers see spirituality as the cohesive element or the fundamental concept that delineates the intrinsic nature of an individual. The linchpin is a crucial element that maintains a sense of order in the chaotic nature of life, providing shelter from the continuous barrage of external influences that impact our lives. This article explores why spirituality, which is often overlooked in current discourse, warrants more consideration and its potential as a cohesive influence in a progressively divided global society.

The Multifaceted Landscape of Spirituality: From Institutionalized Religions to Personal Transcendent Experiences

The term “spirituality” evokes many reactions and understandings, including a spectrum that includes institutionalized religions and their teachings and personal encounters with transcendence. The notion has several facets beyond religion, culture, and philosophy. However, spirituality is fundamentally the cornerstone of our most profound convictions, ethical principles, and existential meaning. The concept discussed pertains to the framework through which humans understand their interconnectedness with the planet, other people, and a transcendent entity sometimes called the “Divine” or “Higher Power.”

The Dual Role of Spirituality: Understanding Existential Placement and Inspiring Elevated Living Standards

Spirituality serves as a means for humans to comprehend their existential position within the cosmos while simultaneously motivating them to aspire towards an elevated standard of living. This goal is shown through a range of actions, including acts of benevolence, the acquisition of knowledge, and the search for personal tranquility. Spirituality fosters an inclination among individuals to transcend their current preoccupations and short-range objectives to nurture a comprehensive outlook that encompasses the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions. In this context, it is the fundamental basis upon which people may construct a purposeful and satisfying existence.

The Dual Role of Spirituality: Understanding Existential Placement and Inspiring Elevated Living Standards

The lack of spiritual inclination or the diminished significance attributed to questions of spirituality in contemporary discussions often reflects an internally conflicted culture. The relentless pursuit of wealth, power, and momentary gratification frequently overshadows the profound and long-lasting aspects of human life in today’s society, characterized by an overwhelming presence of materialistic values. The consequences are readily seen in the growing mental health crises, intensifying social tensions, and the pervasive feeling of emptiness that permeates the collective consciousness. When the decline of spirituality, which serves as the cohesive force uniting individuals via shared values and collective objectives, occurs, society becomes susceptible to an existential crisis. As mentioned above, the need for a cohesive spiritual focal point transitions from being just desirable to being essential.

Empirical Evidence and Wellness: Academic Studies on the Role of Spirituality in Physical and Mental Health

Numerous academic investigations have provided evidence supporting spirituality’s influence on physical and mental well-being. Evidence suggests a positive correlation between a strong spiritual life and several beneficial outcomes, such as reduced stress levels, better coping strategies, increased resilience, and higher immunological function. In addition, spiritual communities, including religious congregations, meditation groups, and charity organizations, provide a supportive network and foster a sense of belonging, which may help alleviate loneliness and despair.

However, it is essential to acknowledge that spirituality does not provide a universally applicable answer to the difficulties encountered in life. The process is a profound and subjective exploration that requires self-reflection, receptiveness, and a readiness to confront uncertainty. However, embarking on this path has the potential for significant benefits, including enhanced understanding, improved interpersonal connections, and a heightened sense of fulfillment in one’s existence. The cohesive influence of spirituality has the potential to function as a fundamental basis for establishing connections across divergent factions, cultivating a sense of understanding and compassion, and ameliorating social rifts.

The Elusiveness of Spirituality: Challenges in Scientific Investigation and Practical Implementation

Critics may contend that spirituality is a notion that is hard to define, making it less conducive to scientific investigation or practical implementation. Although spirituality is always subjective, its significance and the need for a more nuanced comprehension should not be disregarded. The diverse range of spiritual experiences significantly enhances its depth and widespread allure. Acknowledging the significance of spirituality allows researchers, healthcare professionals, and legislators to incorporate it into their respective domains, augmenting the overall quality of human existence across several dimensions.

In summary, the significance of spirituality as a cohesive influence or essential element in the human experience is broad and complex. The concept in question serves as the central point around which the intricacies of human life swirl, providing a focal point for comprehending the world and an individual’s position within it. Although spirituality is sometimes marginalized in modern culture, it deserves a more prominent position in our shared awareness. Acknowledging the spiritual component of human existence can enhance one’s overall well-being, regardless of whether an individual seeks consolation via religious practices, meditation, connection with nature, or participation in the community. In light of the multitude of existential challenges society faces, there is an increasingly urgent need for a reinvigorated emphasis on spirituality. As eloquently said by the renowned poet W.B. Yeats, the universe is replete with enchanting phenomena that remain poised, awaiting the refinement of our faculties to see them more acutely.

Cited Works
Burkhardt, Margaret A. “Spirituality: An Analysis of the Concept.” Holistic nursing practice 3, no. 3 (1989): 69–77.

Ancestry, Culture, Education, Religion

Is Unearthing the Mystical Past: Sorcery and Magic on the Pilgrimage Road to Mecca Possible?

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Introduction:
Nestled in the mountains of the Eilat region in Southern Israel lies a historical treasure trove that has puzzled locals and archaeologists for decades. Over 30 years ago, curious artifacts were discovered along a route frequently traversed by pilgrims journeying to the sacred city of Mecca. Now, new research sheds light on the enigmatic purpose of these items, suggesting they were tools of the trade for practitioners of popular magic ceremonies.

The Investigation:
Experts, including Dr. Itamar Taxel of the Israel Antiquities Authority, Dr. Uzi Avner of the Dead Sea-Arava Science Center, and Dr. Nitzan Amitai-Preiss of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, conducted this intriguing research. Their analysis of these artifacts, dating back around 400 years, unveils a fascinating chapter in the region’s history.

According to the researchers, these artifacts served various mystical purposes, including warding off the malevolent influence of the evil eye and facilitating healing rituals. In a statement, the authors noted that these discoveries indicate that during the Early Ottoman Period, people sought the services of famous sorcerers alongside their adherence to the formal beliefs of the official religion.

Artifacts of Magic:
Among the unearthed relics are dozens of clay globular rattles, resembling table tennis balls, containing small stones that would create sounds when shaken. These rattles were likely integral to the magical ceremonies and rituals practiced by the individuals of that era.

Additionally, excavations uncovered votive incense altars, quartz pebbles, and figurines, one of which portrays a naked woman or goddess with raised hands—a characteristic representation of deities or priests.

The Unique Clay:
One of the remarkable findings of this research is the origin of the clay used for these ceramics. It is believed to have come from Egypt, marking the first instance of such clay being recovered from a temporary site rather than a permanent settlement.

Conclusion:
The mysterious artifacts discovered along the Pilgrimage Road to Mecca provide a unique glimpse into the world of popular magic and mysticism that coexisted with formal religious practices in the Early Ottoman Period. These findings enrich our understanding of the diverse beliefs and rituals that shaped the region’s cultural heritage. The road and its associated archaeological sites are poised to become part of a captivating tourist area, inviting visitors to explore the rich history of this magical landscape.

Cite Works:

Ritualistic Artifacts Belonging To Sorcerers Uncovered On Hajj Pilgrimage Route. https://www.iflscience.com/ritualistic-artifacts-belonging-to-sorcerers-uncovered-on-hajj-pilgrimage-route-70636?fbclid=IwAR2gnIzCIhdIqtzwr0bA02OGaDntDhtU7Hb6mB5Gg4pkbidh3FMJetHokDI

Rand, Harry. The 12 Days of Christmas: The Outlaw Carol That Wouldn’t Die. McFarland, 2023.

Clarke, Desmond. Man, God, Religion, and State. Austin Macauley Publishers, 2023.

books, Culture, meditation, Philosophy and Religion, positive thinking, Religion

Spirituality

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“Awakening the Soul: Embracing life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness through consciousness and spirituality” is a profound journey of self-discovery and inner transformation. In this inspiring book, readers embark on a quest to explore the depths of their souls, uncovering the essence of life’s true purpose. Through a fusion of consciousness and spirituality, the pages of this book offer a guiding light to attain a profound understanding of one’s core values and beliefs, fostering a deeper connection with oneself and the world around. Delving into the power of mindfulness and self-awareness, the book opens doors to compassion and empathy, igniting a sense of responsibility towards advocating for justice and liberty for all. Drawing from ancient wisdom and modern insights, “Awakening the Soul” provides a roadmap to embrace life’s joys and challenges, empowering readers to align their actions with the pursuit of happiness and profound fulfillment.

In this passage, the book discusses how the law of attraction can be a catalyst for personal growth. The law of attraction is a belief that like attracts like, meaning that our thoughts and emotions can attract similar energy and experiences into our lives. By embracing the concept of the law of attraction, individuals are encouraged to engage in self-realization, which involves gaining a deep understanding of oneself, including one’s strengths, weaknesses, desires, and beliefs. This process of self-awareness enables individuals to identify and align with their spiritual potential, recognizing the innate power and possibilities within themselves. By focusing on positive thoughts and emotions, individuals can attract positive experiences and opportunities, ultimately leading to personal growth and transformation. Embracing the law of attraction can empower individuals to become more intentional in their actions, choices, and mindset, leading to a fulfilling and spiritually enriched life journey. If you would like to purchase this book, just click on the link : https://www.amazon.com/Awakening-Soul-Embracing-Consciousness-Spirituality/dp/B0C7JCYKTJ/ref=sr_1_13?crid=33QYW714MA09Z&keywords=Kenneth+Dantzler+Corbin&qid=1689858193&sprefix=kenneth+dantzler%2Caps%2C4184&sr=8-13

Culture, government, History, human rights, Jewish Community, Judaism, Politics, Religion, White House

Did you know that Antony Blinken often cites his family’s Holocaust history? The Russia-Ukraine war has him stuck between the personal and the political.

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When Secretary of State Antony Blinken cited his family’s Holocaust-era history in explaining a matter of U.S. foreign policy on Monday, it was far from the first time he has done so.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., March 21, 2022. (Kevin LaMarque/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

“One of my responsibilities as Secretary is determining, on behalf of the United States, whether atrocities have been committed,” Blinken, who is Jewish, said Monday at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, where he announced that the Biden administration had determined that the Burmese military had committed genocide against the Rohingya. “It’s an immense responsibility that I take very seriously, particularly given my family’s history.”

That family history involves his stepfather, Samuel Pisar, the Holocaust survivor who became a renowned legal scholar and philosopher. Blinken has often described the late Pisar’s recounting of his rescue by American soldiers, saying it shaped his own idea of what the United States symbolizes worldwide.

“That’s the story that I grew up with, about what our country is and what it represents, and what it means when the United States is engaged and leading,” Blinken said.

Now America’s top diplomat contends with a conflict that puts these values to the test: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has involved mass killings of civilians.

He is also dealing with appeals from Ukraine’s Jewish president, Volodymyr Zelensky — who similarly cites the Holocaust as shaping his outlook — to do more to stop Russia’s attacks.

Zelensky has additionally made direct comparisons between the Russian onslaught and the Holocaust, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated his goal is to “de-Nazify” Ukraine.

Talking to American Jewish leaders, Zelensky called Putin’s actions “pure Nazism;” talking to Israelis, he likened Russian tactics to the “final solution”; and in his address to the U.S. Congress, he called the Russian invasion “the worst war since World War II.”

The Biden administration has imposed crippling sanctions on Russia. In addition, it is funneling billions of dollars in defense and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and deploying U.S. troops to NATO allies adjacent to Ukraine. But President Joe Biden will not accede to Zelensky’s top demands — including creating a no-fly zone over Ukraine to protect it — saying they could provoke a world war.’

On Wednesday, however, Blinken formally declared that the United States’ position is that Russian forces have committed war crimes.

“Many of the sites Russia’s forces have hit have been clearly identifiable as in-use by civilians,” he said. “This includes the Mariupol maternity hospital, as the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights expressly noted in a March 11 report. It also includes a strike that hit a Mariupol theater, clearly marked with ‘дeти’ — Russian for ‘children’ — in huge letters visible from the sky.”

Does Blinken feel the pressures of family history as he contemplates Ukraine? The State Department did not respond to multiple requests for an interview. But his speech at the Holocaust museum on Monday showed that it was on his mind.

“One of the unsettling truths of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is that there’s never a time I visit here when its lessons do not feel deeply resonant,” he said. “But I have to tell you, I can recall a few times when that history felt so urgent or the responsibility it imparts on us so pressing. As we meet, the Russian Government continues to wage its unprovoked, brutal war on Ukraine. Each day brings more brutal attacks, more innocent men, women, and children killed.”

The war’s risk to Holocaust survivors in Ukraine was especially poignant in Blinken’s telling.

“Ukraine is home to nearly 10,000 Holocaust survivors, including an 88-year-old woman, Natalia Berezhnaya of Odesa,” he said. “Here’s what she said in a recent interview, and I quote: ‘It’s hard to wrap my mind around the fact that in 1941, I had to hide in the basement of this building, and that I’m going to have to do that again now.'”

Blinken stopped short of accusing Putin of genocide as he did the Burmese military. Instead, he cast Russia’s predations as part of a welter of human rights disasters now proliferating.

“Even as we are working to increase international pressure on the Kremlin to end this unjustified war, we know there are many other places where horrific atrocities are being committed,” Blinken said. “Over recent weeks, as I’ve spoken with diplomats worldwide about Ukraine, I’ve also heard a constant refrain. Many of them say, ‘Yes, we stand with the people of Ukraine. But we must also stand with the people suffering atrocities in other places.'”

On Wednesday, the move to accuse Russia of war crimes is notable; noted Jewish foreign policy experts had been frustrated with Blinken’s language.

Josh Rogin, an influential foreign policy opinion columnist for The Washington Post, wrote that the hesitancy in Ukraine is reflective of a West that has allowed atrocities to be committed in China, Syria, and Burma. “The Ukraine example shows that ignoring atrocities anywhere is morally and strategically bankrupt,” he said this week before Blinken announced his war crimes designation.

Aaron David Miller, a longtime Middle East peace negotiator and a scion of one of Cleveland’s most prominent Jewish families, sounded a despairing note on Twitter.

“Never Again is Ever Ever Again,” he said. “The International Community has failed to even try to prevent any of the planet’s genocides/mass killings over past 100 years; Armenians; Holocaust; Cambodia; Rwanda; Congo; Sudan; Darfur; Myanmar; Uighurs; Syria….. Ever ask yourself why.”

Asked to expand on the tweet on CNN, Miller, now a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment, a foreign policy think tank, admitted that he understood Blinken’s predicament.

“A president of the United States weighing the consequences of humanitarian intervention in the case of Ukraine has more than just moral factors to take into account and the consequences of an intervention or not an intervention at least for American interests, that could affect millions of humans in the United States and in Ukraine, so it’s it’s a moral hazard,” Miller said. “It’s a complicated problem. And frankly, I think Ukraine will be another example of confirmation of the rule.”

Abe Foxman, the retired national director of the Anti-Defamation League and a Holocaust survivor, argued that Blinken’s approach made sense: One’s views on the Holocaust may shape policy but should not necessarily determine what the procedure is.

He was pleased to see Blinken knows, understands, is informed and instructed by his family history, by his Jewish experience, Foxman said in an interview. It does make a difference, but it cannot be determinative of action. This is a war. It’s not a holocaust or genocide. And it’s very, very important that if you know your history, you see the difference.

Reference

Antony Blinken often cites his family’s Holocaust history. The Russia-Ukraine war has him stuck between the personal and the political. https://www.jta.org/2022/03/24/politics/antony-blinken-often-cites-his-familys-holocaust-history-the-russia-ukraine-war-has-him-stuck-between-the-personal-and-the-political?fbclid=IwAR0vj-Q7Oys1vWBpQYcJm7Y0kjH_8dp7HgXidygq51dBq-SV2-rFeN_-4mw

Culture, History, Politics, Religion

Why have some of the officials of the Orthodox Church expressed opposition to Russia’s invasion?

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Several officials of the Orthodox Church have expressed their opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. With the noteworthy exception of the Orthodox patriarch of Moscow, the military intervention has been rejected by the majority of people.

Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew I, shown leading a service with at the Patriarchal Church of St. George in Istanbul on March 6, has said that Russia’s attack on Ukraine is a ‘violation of human rights.’ (photo: YASIN AKGUL / AFP via Getty Images)

The leader of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate has urged Russian President Vladimir Putin for an “early cessation of the fratricidal conflict.” According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Russian invasion of Ukraine was the greatest conventional military operation in Europe since World War II. With staunch defiance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has resisted Russian military intervention in his nation since 2014. As a result, the death toll has risen to tens of thousands, with 2.5 million people fleeing to neighboring nations like Poland, Hungary, Moldova, Slovakia, and Romania.

Theodore II, the Orthodox patriarch of Alexandria and all of Africa, has said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is “drunk on power” and “the emperor of our times.” Patriarch Daniel of Romania, the patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, has called for an “immediate cessation of hostilities” in Ukraine. On February 24, Georgian Patriarch Illia II issued a dire warning about a “global calamity” and remembered Russia’s invasion of his nation in 2008. In early March, more than 275 Russian Orthodox priests and deacons from all across the globe signed an open letter. The Russian Orthodox Church has produced a series of remarks in which it expresses implicit support for the Ukrainian invasion while refraining from condemning the Russian government in any manner.

After giving an anti-war sermon in Moscow, Father Ioann Burdin, a Russian Orthodox priest, was detained. He appealed for the restoration of peace and unity with Metropolitan Onufry in a sermon delivered on February 27. He did not mention the separatist Orthodox Church in Ukraine, which he described as “a schism.” Many of Putin’s justifications for invading Ukraine, particularly those related to NATO expansion, received backing from the Russian patriarch. According to reliable sources, Orthodox clergy and faithful in Ukraine have voiced their displeasure of Patriarch Kirill’s stance on the issue. Father Stefano Caprio said that the Ukrainian conflict generates a “deep divide” in the Orthodox Church in the United States.

Patriarch Kirill cannot break away from Putin because “he would bring the whole palace crashing down,” as he puts it. Some other autocephalous Orthodox churches, particularly those politically and ecclesiastically aligned with the patriarch, support the patriarch.

Reference
Kyiv Patriarch Rejects Property Seizures, Saying They’ll …. https://www.rferl.org/a/kyiv-patriarch-rejects-property-seizures-saying-they-ll-give-kremlin-pretext-for-incursions/29580539.html

Widespread Orthodox Church Backlash Unleashed Against Russia’s Aggression in Ukraine. https://www.ncregister.com/news/widespread-orthodox-church-backlash-unleashed-against-russia-s-aggression-in-ukraine?fbclid=IwAR3GpA1ftGo9LyZOllnPLt6aJ62Gez0LR6jeWNSo_nbmuSUq7vHmkcJNMMA

Culture, equal rights, Ethics, government, Politics, Religion, Social Justice, White House

United States Supreme Court will hear arguments

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Amy and David Carson desired that their daughter Olivia attend Bangor Christian Schools, a private religious elementary through secondary school. Maine has said that it would not subsidize religious education. The United States Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether the state violated the Carsons’ constitutional rights. Carson v. Makin is the most recent in a series of lawsuits petitioning the Supreme Court for a ruling on religious liberty. If the court decides widely, it might have a profound effect on the ability of religious organizations to receive public financing.

Getty Images (2); TIME


It has the potential to “eviscerate” rules prohibiting public sponsorship of religious education. Maine parents have filed a lawsuit against the state for failing to include their favorite schools in a tuition aid program. Plaintiffs and supporters contend that the state discriminates against religious individuals. The case follows a series of previous judgments on public support for religious organizations. The case sets the free exercise provision of the First Amendment against the establishment clause.
According to some legal experts, Carson v. Makin is likely to become an extension of Espinoza. Officials in Maine assert that religious schools do not give an education “equivalent to a public education.” Carson v. Maine calls into question the relationship between religious liberty and LGBTQ rights. Maine contends that Bangor Christian and Temple Academy in Maine discriminate against members of other faiths and instructors and students who identify as LGBTQ. Advocates fear that government money may flow to discriminatory schools if the plaintiffs win.
Maine is just a few states that give this kind of tuition assistance to pupils who live in areas without public school choice. However, experts are concerned that other states may experience similar pressure from religious groups to implement similar schemes. This possibility concerns Americans United for the Separation of Church and State.

Reference

This Supreme Court Case Could Take a ‘Wrecking Ball’ to Separation of Church and State.https://time.com/6125676/maine-religion-schools-supreme-court-carson-makin/?fbclid=IwAR2y4KzyfGY6NuggKM8mZIgYpKYuhD_YqmKoiKzgnDJ7WUKGTBkFzCmgyW8

Culture, Health, medications, Philosophy and Religion, Religion

India International Spiritual Art Festival in Coimbatore

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At the ongoing India International Spiritual Art Festival in Coimbatore, a replica of the Nettipattam, a golden mask used to ornament elephants’ foreheads during temple celebrations in Kerala, is displayed in a sparkling and colorful version. As well as an ethnographic nettipattam created by artist Shobha Prem utilizing gold-plated fiber domes, various other exhibitions take center stage during the virtual event (https://SpiritualArtFestival.org/) that will continue for 100 days until November 8, 2021.

From glittering ‘nettipattams’ and crochet art to sculptures, this 100-day virtual exhibition has it all

The exhibition features artworks and sculptures by over 70 artists from India, Poland, South Africa, and Oman, all of whom are inspired by the themes of meditation, awakening, spirituality, knowledge, and inner calm. Vernika Singh’s beautiful sculptures, constructed of aluminum and mild steel, depict humans in Surya-namaskar poses, with the postures, motions, and gestures of the practice highlighted. The bare figures, which are more concerned with the anatomy than face features, quickly capture the viewer’s attention. In Pune, Manasa Priya creates crochet art inspired by children, and Kuppaana Kandgal’s oil paintings include peaceful textures reminiscent of nature. Ishrath Humairah produces fascinating landscapes in abstract textures based on rocks, plants, and the natural world. Her work is exhibited internationally. Finally, Mauli Shah’s kaleidoscope series, painted in watercolors, reflects the banality of everyday life.

According to Blake Willis, a professor of anthropology and education at Fielding Graduate University in California who spoke in a video message on the website, “the art show is an expression of emotions including love, compassion, enlightenment, knowledge, sisterhood, brotherhood, forgiveness, and more.” “It provides deserving artists with a worldwide platform to display their work,” says the curator. We are looking forward to taking in the artwork and learning about the people who created it.”

In addition to being the festival’s director, Kalki Subramaniam is also a transgender activist and novelist. She says the festival promotes emerging artists, with one Delhi-based artist selling five works in a week. “During a pandemic, spiritual power is something we can rely on to keep our cool,” she continues, adding that.

Gautam Jhanjee, an artist, residing in Canberra, has pieces on display at the event. His calligraphic art is inspired by the diverse cultures of his hometown and Maharashtrian and Punjabi influences from India, Oman, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Australia, among other places. Artist Bridget Paul Shibu, who co-curated the event with Kalki, explains that the focus is on lesser-known artists and their experiments with various media in this exhibition. “Muthiah Kasi from Auroville adheres to the use of ethnic, non-toxic earth colors in his creations. Nandkumar Yashwant Kulaye, a Mumbai-based artist, creates abstract constructions out of wood, metal, fiberglass, and sandstone, among other materials. “The show has opened my eyes,” says the actor.

Reference

India International Spiritual Art Festival explores inner peace,https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/art/india-international-spiritual-art-festival-explores-inner-peace/article36076436.ece1/photo/1/

Behavioral Science, Culture, Ethics, human rights, mental health, Philosophy and Religion, Religion, Social Justice, Stigma

Pope Francis’ call for legal acceptance of same-sex relationships

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Pope Francis’ call for legal acceptance of #same-sex relationships has raised both hope and worries among #LGBTQ Catholics.

“What we need certainly to create is a civil union law,” the pontiff said in “Francesco,” an upcoming documentary from Russian American filmmaker Evgeny Afineevsky. “That way, these are typically legally covered. I stood up for that.”

Image: Pope Francis delivers "Urbi et Orbi" Christmas Day message from main balcony of St. Peter's Basilica

The remarks are a departure from earlier church messaging. Inside the last book, “Memory and Identity,” Pope John Paul II suggested same-sex marriage was “part of an innovative new ideology of evil.”

In 2003, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict XVI, wrote that respect for gays and lesbians “cannot lead in any solution to the approval of homosexual behavior or even to legal recognition of homosexual unions.”

“Legal recognition of homosexual unions or placing them on a single level as marriage will mean not only the approval of deviant behavior,” Ratzinger wrote, “but would also obscure basic values which fit in with the normal inheritance of humanity.” It has not been long ago that African Americans and Whites could intermarry. At that time, some Whites believed that Blacks would destroy the white race. Now, we see that the Pope is making a bold statement. Why are some people concerned about others’ marriage when their marriage ends in divorce because of an unfaithful partner who may be practicing deviant behavior with an individual of a different gender or that same-gender, which leads to adultery? Why get in other people’s business if your business is not perfect? Who gives a person the right to tell others who to love when your Christian bible say, “save yourself”? What would G-d say about one’s prejudice toward a sister or brother who may not share the same beliefs? Are we better than the other person because we know scriptures and many times misquote them without knowing the historial context that time in which scripture was written? If we take the scriptures literally, should we be stoning people?There are gay people in our families, pulpits, professional life who are doctors, lawyers, teachers, nurses, firefighter, ministers, essential workers, and in the church serving in every ministry whether known or unkown. There are just questions to think about.

Reference
Pope’s civil union remarks raise hopes, doubts for gay Catholics. https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/pope-s-civil-union-remarks-raise-hopes-doubts-gay-catholics-n1244337?cid=referral_taboolafeed

Behavioral Science, Health, meditation, mental health, Philosophy and Religion, Religion

The Types of Spiritual Relaxation

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Spiritual meditation aims to help someone ponder in depth directly into inner self so that you can for the health of your betta you should know the wisdom and tranquility that lie within. It can also be done by developing awareness, harmony, and natural order into life through meditation. Different techniques can be work to accomplish this.

Different meditation techniques have also been developed since ancient history within the work to help people end up with a higher state of consciousness. This usually incorporates the opportunity to pass the mind of distractions and focusing mainly on the self. Below are a few considering the techniques that a lot of people utilize to communicate with their spiritual consciousness through meditation.

One of the ancient techniques in meditation used is one that Buddhists practice. This approach is termed mindfulness meditation and involves discovering how to know in regards to the things which one does and the things which are happening around with the very moment. One of these meditation techniques can be time-consuming to master and involves all of these steps.

Your first step will be abstinence due to the five moral rules that are killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct, and of course, the utilization of toxic substances. The second step will be the practice of Anapana Meditation for three as well as a half days the place where a person is taught how you can meditate while specializing in one’s breathing. The third step involves purifying your mental state, which requires self-observation for six and a half days. The fourth step involves speaking and living an extroverted life. This meditation technique closes having the practice of Metta Bhavana, which consists of sharing the purity developed web-sites.

Another kind of meditation technique is Transcendental Meditation, the foremost debated and researched one among many meditation types. This type of meditation aims to help one attain enlightenment if practiced for a very long time. This meditation technique will help increase intelligence and creativity. This system does not require the mastery of inauspicious breathing techniques as well as the utility of some unique postures. A person needs until you learn how to concentrate by being in a relaxed and comfortable posture and position.

Another meditation technique is vibrational meditation, which involves the repetition of a new mantra, a particular word, or maybe a sound that becomes the focal point of a given meditation process. The vibrations that may be created by making the word or sound practical knowledge passing through our bodies. During meditation, an individual would be to concentrate on hardly anything else the sound while it is uttered repeatedly.

The Walking Meditation is among the numerous other varieties of meditation methods that may help one communicate with one’s inner self. It involves understanding how to focus the mind while walking. Although this meditation technique is rarely simple or easy to practice, it could prove to be very beneficial. This type of meditation involves paying attention to the feet while meditating and trying don’t let the mind wander away from every step taken.

These several types of spiritual meditation techniques take some time to get down. It very possibly could be hard for some people to get used to concentrating on a thing you need, due much of the time towards the influence around the world generally speaking and just how it correlates has clouded and cluttered your mental state with thoughts of problems, worries, and stress. But with regular practice and subsequently initiating a specific type of meditation technique a typical habit, people may have the capacity to browse their inner selves more effectively and after that, reaching a higher understanding of consciousness that could help one attain inner peace.

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