Archive for September, 2010

How far will your personal spirituality allow you to go to stop a crime?

If you can stop a violent crime by being involved and interfering with the commission of that violent crime would you? Is your spirituality strong enough to risk life, reputation, economy (law suits) for the safety of an innocent victim? Or would you stand back and at most just be a witness and give your side of story to the police?

It is a very important question which we must all ask from our conscience.
To some people spirituality has nothing to do with the worldly things. Players
of Pakistan’s cricket team were under the influence of a religious party and
never disclosed a word to authorities or the press about match fixing going on
in the game. On the other hand, an air hostess wrote a letter to a newspaper
at the risk of her job, that turnaround time given to PIA crew was higher than
the standard of other international airlines, costing millions to the airline. I
admired the girl for her honesty that she showed at the cost of her own perks.

Islam teaches us that the primary job of every Muslim is to order the good and
stop the bad in the society. There is a very famous verse in Quran which
declares Muslim nation as the best among nations of the world which undertakes
to support the good and stop the evil. Scholars often quote a companion of
prophet who tried to protect an infidel woman, who was being teased by the
vagabonds on a road and was killed as a result. A Muslim woman who went
to a Jewish locality close to Madinah was teased by the son of goldsmith and
was unclothed. When the news reached Prophet Muhammad SAW, he took
a small team with him to convince the Jews to handover the culprit to the
government, but they were confident of strength of their fortress and challenged
him, which resulted in punishment of the culprits and expulsion of Jews from
Madinah.

Famous poet Iqbal has said: " The ideology that is not written with the blood of
martyrs is sheer philosophy ".

Peace and love .

M. J a v e d Iqbal

Christians or any other religious practicioners should consider practicing mysticsm?

If one does not want to buldge from their religious belief system, I think this person should incorporate spiritual aspects into their faith. For westerners it’ll be mysticism, while the East religions already contains mystic/spiritual elements. Mainstream Western religion is controlling and is built on lies, mysticism will gear someone more towards spiritual truth. When one goes into mysticism one discovers that the western religions are filled with astrotheological elements and alchemical (alchemy being experimentation with altered states of consciousness, and the ‘other’ alchemy being the concoction of a substance that is consumed gives one ‘immortality) elements ( astrotheology-Jesus being the "sun god", the sun representing "enlightenment", the Hebrews being originially ‘hedonistic’ choosing the fish god Dagon to become "Jehovah" etc.). For the Christian/Muslim what I say is true, it is not of this ‘devil’ you speak of. The Judaic religions heavily borrowed themes of astrology and paganism- it is entirely proven. And so if one were to go into mysticism and study they would discover.

I am proposing becoming a mystic due to experimenting of whether the spiritual realm/powers is/are real.

Though there are thinkers past and present who say spirituality and religion is delusional and spiritual experiences being caused by only physical mind alterations. This may be true but the only way to find out is to make a well carried out study (the inductive experimentation of Francis Bacon) into ESP and such. If there are already studies like this I would like people to refer me to them.

Considering I already practice witchcraft, study astrology, read Tarot, and would like to learn other forms of mysticism, I’d say I’m set…You said any religious practitioners, right? Well, Wicca counts, doesn’t it? Oh…you meant Abrahamic religious people…My mistake. You should really be more specific.

Also, what was your question?
Venus Bless

What is the bible verse in the opening credits of the new movie Devil?

I saw the movie the other night and really loved the bible verse and can’t find it anywhere

In M. Night Shyamalan’s Devil (2010) a Bible verse is heard being read by a male voiceover, and it states that the devil is going to devour people. In a voiceover a person says that his mother had told him stories as a child about how the devil is going to gather people together and torture them before killing them; also, a suicide leads to the devil being present and leaving only after a person watches their most loved person die in front of them.

1 Peter 5:8-9 (New International Version)

8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

What is a holy communion session and a prayer meeting session?

I am starting to go to church throughout the week, and one of the sessions I could attend is the holy communion one. I was just wondering what happens when you attend this, and what would be going on? And also what is a prayer meeting? Because thats avaliable too.

Holy Communion is what Roman Catholics, Anglicans, and others call the Mass. It is also known as the Eucharist. This is where you share the Body and Blood of Christ, through partaking of bread and wine. RC’s (and some others) believe bread and wine becomes Jesus’ actual Body and Blood, while others (most Protestant denominations) see it only as symbolic – a way of remembering the sacrifice of Jesus.

A prayer meeting would be just that – a service where prayers are said and offered.

"High" churches (RC’s, Anglicans, etc.) will have Communion most of the time. Some Protestant denominations have it four times a year, or maybe only once per year.

What was the Puritan attitude toward material wealth and spirituality?

What was the Puritan attitude toward material wealth and spirituality?
& In our culture today, what is the general view of the relationship between the two?

Jesus is God (John 1:1-3,14). He is the MESSIAH. He is the Savior.

Isaiah 7:14 prophesied the Virgin Birth of Christ our Savior. Indeed he is the Messiah. He will return with power in glory at the end of time as he has promised(Acts 1:9-11).

This is a fact, not fiction. Beware of false teachers that tell you otherwise. Beware of those who deny the deity of Christ. Jesus died on the Cross for the Sins of the World(John 3:16). Jesus is God(John 1:1-3). He was one with God the Father in the Creation of the World (Genesis 1:1).

Special note to all Jews, Atheists and Agnostics:

According to the 19th century Scholar Henry Liddon, Jesus fulfilled to the letter no fewer than 332 Old Testament Prophecies. 29 Messianic Prophecies were fulfilled in the final 24 hours of his life alone.

Note Fulfilled Prophecy by Christ: Tanakh/Hebrew Scripture/New Testament

His pre-existence——Micah 5:2, John 1:1,14
Born of the seed of a woman–Genesis 3:15; Matthew 1:18
Born of the Seed of Abraham–Genesis 12:3; Matthew 1:1-16
All Nations blessed by Abraham’s seed–Genesis 12:3; Matthew 8:5,10
God would provide himself a Lamb as an offering–Genesis 22:8; John 1:29: From the tribe of Judah———Genesis 49:10; Matthew 1:1-3
Heir to the throne of David—-Isaiah 9:6-7; Matthew 1:1
Called "the Mighty God, The everlasting Father" Isaiah 9:6; Matt 1:23
Born in Bethelehem—Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1
Born of a Virgin–Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18
His name called Immanuel, "God with us" Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23
Declared to be the Son of God–Psalm 2:7; Matthew 3:17
His messenger before him in the spirit of Elijah–Malachi 4:5,6; Luke 1:17
Preceded by a messenger to prepare His way—Malachi 3:1; Matthew 11:7-11
Messenger crying "Prepare ye the way of the Lord" Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3:3
Would be a Prophet of the Children of Israel–Deuteronomy 18:15; Matthew 2:15
Called out of Egypt–Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:15
Slaughter of the children–Jeremiah 31:15; Matthew 2:18
Would be a Nazarene–Judges 13:5; Amos 2:11; Lamentations 4:7; Matthew 2:23
Brought light to Zabulon and Napthalim, Galilee of the Gentiles–Isaiah 9:1-2; Matthew 4:15
Presented with gifts–Psalm 72:10; Matthew 2:1,11
Rejected by His own–Isaiah 53:3, Matthew 21:42; Mark 8:31, 12:10; Luke 9:22; 17:25
He is the stone which the builders rejected which became the Headstone–Psalm 118:22-23; Isaiah 28:16, Matthew 21:42; 1 Peter 2:7
He is Lord of the Sabbath day–March 2:27
A stone of stumbling to Israel–Isaiah 8:14-15; 1 Peter 2:8
He entered Jerusalem as a King riding on an *** Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:5
Betrayed by a friend–Psalms 41:9; John 13:21
Sold for 30 pieces of silver–Zechariah 11:12; Matthew 27:9-10
The 30 pieces of silver given for the Potter’s field–Zechariah 11:12; Matthew 27:9-10
The 30 pieces of silver thrown in the Temple–Zechariah 11:13; Matthew 27:5
Forsaken by his Disciples–Zechariah 13:7; Matthew 26:56
Accused by false witnesses–Psalm 35:11, Matthew 26:60
Silent to accusations–Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 27:14
Wounded for our Sins–Isaiah 53:5; John 6:51
He bore the Sins of many–Isaiah 53:10-12; Mark 10:45
Messiah not killed for himself–Daniel 9:26; matthew 20:28
Gentiles flock to Him–Isaiah 55:5; 60:3, 65:1; Malachi 1:11; 1 samuel 22:44-45; Psalm 2:7-8; Matthew 27:35
His body was pierced–Zechariah 12:10; Psalm 22:16; John 20:25,27
Thirsty during execution–Psalm 22:16; John 19:28
Given Vinegar and Gall for thirst–Psalm 69:21; Matthew 27:34
Soldiers gambled for his garment–Psalm 22:18; Matthew 27:35
People mocked, "He trusted in God, let Him deliver Him!" Psalm 22:7-8; Matthew 27:43
People sat there looking at Him–Psalm 22:17; Matthew 27:36
Cried, "My God, my God why hast thou forsaken me?" Psalm 22:1; Matthew 27:46
Darkness over the land–Amos 8:9; Matthew 27:45
No Bones broken–Psalm 34:20, Numbers 9:12; John 19:33-36
Side pierced–Zechariah 12:10; John 19:34
Buried with the rich–Isaiah 53:9, Matthew 27:57,60
Resurrected from the dead–Psalm 16:10-11; 49:15; Mark 16:6
Priest after the order of Melchizedek–Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 5:5-6; 6:20; 7:15-17
Ascended to the right hand of God–Psalm 68:18; Luke 24:51
LORD said unto Him, "Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool–Psalm 110:1, Matthew 22:44; Mark 12:36; 16:19; Luke 20:42-43; Acts 2:34-35; Hebrews 1:13
His coming glory—Malachi 3:2-3, Luke 3:17

Jesus Christ without a doubt fulfilled all the Messianic Prophecies. He is Lord. He is sovereign. He is God. He intercedes for us in the Heavenly Sanctuary. He is coming back for His Chuch as He has promised (John 14:1-3).

Have faith dear friends in God. The Holy Bible is our only guide.

What are some good books on spirituality and finding the right path and balance in life?

I had A lot going on in my life, I feel like im at a cross roads and a little lost, So I would like to get some good books on spirituality, finding the path to balancing your life.

Thanks

oh and to make clear Please dont suggest books about christianity. Thanks

http://www.365promises.com

Jesus said that to SPIRITUALLY see the Kingdom of God we need to be born of God. So then that is a SPIRITUAL birth. Where our spiritual eyes & ears are opened…

Jesus said, I AM the Way, the Truth & the Life… So the Holy Bible. And especially the New Testament & the letters written in red.

—

All the other books on spirituality [other than spiritual birth in Christ] really doesn’t make the persons soul spiritual, but introduces the persons soul to worldly spirits. And then you could look into books on a number of different occult practices and use drugs/alcohol in the process of conjuring up spirits. Hypnosis helps in this. But the problem is that one ends up being demonic oppressed or worse, demonicly possessed.

What is the Bible verse that tells about a nations repenting ?

What is the Bible verse that tells when a nation repents and comes back to God – that He will forgive and restore ?

2 Chronicles 7 (Amplified Bible)
14If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. +++"God’s Promises to Solomon. (b. c. 1004.) That God accepted Solomon’s prayer appeared by the fire from heaven. But a prayer may be accepted and yet not answered in the letter of it; and therefore God appeared to him in the night, as he did once before (ch. i. 7), and after a day of sacrifice too, as then, and gave him a peculiar answer to his prayer. We had the substance of it before, 1 Kings ix. 2-9.

I. He promised to own this house for a house of sacrifice to Israel and a house of prayer for all people (Isa. lvi. 7): My name shall be there for ever (v. 12, 16), that is, "There will I make myself known, and there will I be called upon."

II. He promised to answer the prayers of his people that should at any time be made in that place, v. 13-15. National judgments are here supposed (v. 13), famine, and pestilence, and perhaps war, for by the locusts devouring the land meant enemies as greedy as locusts, and laying all waste. 2. National repentance, prayer, and reformation, are required, v. 14. God expects that his people who are called by his name, if they have dishonoured his name by their iniquity, should honour it by accepting the punishment of their iniquity. They must humble themselves under his hand, must pray for the removal of the judgment, must seek the face and favour of God; and yet all this will not do unless they turn from their wicked ways, and return to the God from whom they have revolted. 3. National mercy is then promised, that God will forgive their sin, which brought the judgment upon them, and then heal their land, redress all their grievances. Pardoning mercy makes ways for healing mercy, Ps. ciii. 3; Matt. ix. 2.

What religion are you and do you think it is the correct one?

Basically, what religion are you? What religion were you raised as? Do you agree with all aspects of the religion or not? Do you only call yourself a *Insert-religion-here* because it is the closest thing you have found to your own personal belief system?
Why do you beleive the things you beleive?
What has been your greatest influence on personal beliefs?
Do you let your religion dictate how you see the world?
Would you say that over-all religion/spirituality has helped or hindered the world we live in?
Are you part of an organsied religion?

Catholic the only one established by Christ. All other are man made.

How can visual arts, religion, theology help a medical student?

I am looking at a ‘medical curriculum’ at a university and they teach visual arts, theology and religion in medical school. How can these help a medical doctor? esp visual arts

Things I can think are:
– Learn about culture and practices of patients from different backgrounds
– Get an alternate view point.
anything else ?

Visual arts may stimulate mind to help with visualising an injury that you cannot see. Also to be a good doctor requires a thing called "bedside manner". Dealing with an illness is one thing how you treat the "person" can be just as challenging.

Can Jews get into heaven according to Christian theology?

My understanding is that one must accept Jesus as one’s personal savior to get into heaven, according to Christian theology. Jews don’t, but in the Bible they’re God’s chosen people. So is there another way for them to get into heaven without accepting Jesus as their personal savior, according to Christian theology?

According to the Catholic Church, "Those also can attain to salvation who through no fault of their own do not know the Gospel of Christ or His Church, yet sincerely seek God and moved by grace strive by their deeds to do His will as it is known to them through the dictates of conscience. Nor does Divine Providence deny the helps necessary for salvation to those who, without blame on their part, have not yet arrived at an explicit knowledge of God and with His grace strive to live a good life.” (Lumen Gentium 16)

http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19641121_lumen-gentium_en.html