The Value Proposition
Sunday, July 25, 2004
THE DISPUTATION: The Devaluation of Values
Sociologists point out how comprehensively religious ideas shape the way a culture develops. So it is, too, with the belief structures, such as "values," that substitute for religion.
Judaism recognized this long ago when it showed the interrelationship between the first five and second five of the Ten Commandments. The first five deal with how society does, or doesn't, relate to the ultimate truth — God. The second five deal with how people relate to each other.
According to Jewish interpreters going back almost 2,000 years, the two groupings of commandments together make a prediction: When society has faulty ideas about ultimate truths, or no ideas at all, its members will tend not to treat each other with the appropriate dignity.
Would such a society countenance killing partially born children, while at the same time touting its commitment to "deep faith"? Sure, why not? And that would just be for starters.
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Sociologists point out how comprehensively religious ideas shape the way a culture develops. So it is, too, with the belief structures, such as "values," that substitute for religion.
Judaism recognized this long ago when it showed the interrelationship between the first five and second five of the Ten Commandments. The first five deal with how society does, or doesn't, relate to the ultimate truth — God. The second five deal with how people relate to each other.
According to Jewish interpreters going back almost 2,000 years, the two groupings of commandments together make a prediction: When society has faulty ideas about ultimate truths, or no ideas at all, its members will tend not to treat each other with the appropriate dignity.
Would such a society countenance killing partially born children, while at the same time touting its commitment to "deep faith"? Sure, why not? And that would just be for starters.
More of Value as InteractiveMediaForum.Com Reveals the Source!
Discuss these things, meanings and values in light of the Jesus Parables!
Researchers find link between religion and romantic life within marriages
Surveys reveal that praying together and agreeing on religious values are among the most powerful ingredients of a happy marriage. And there's a payoff: 90 percent of married couples who frequently pray together report "very great" sexual satisfaction.
Researchers report marriage to be cyclical. At any one time only 17 percent of American couples are in the falling-in-love phase, while 55 percent report themselves "settling down" into wedlock. More intriguing is that one-fourth of married couples young and old report that they are "beginning again" — reviving the romance of their earliest years together.
Nearly half of newlyweds regard their partner as "godlike" — that is, worthy of adoration. But at any stage in marriage, fully half of all husbands and wives who regard their spouse as godlike and who make love frequently report that they have never stopped falling in love with each other.
About one-sixth of couples sustain this high level of romantic intimacy throughout their marriages. These are lifelong love affairs, filled with wonder because husband and wife persist in finding each other to be wonderful.
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Surveys reveal that praying together and agreeing on religious values are among the most powerful ingredients of a happy marriage. And there's a payoff: 90 percent of married couples who frequently pray together report "very great" sexual satisfaction.
Researchers report marriage to be cyclical. At any one time only 17 percent of American couples are in the falling-in-love phase, while 55 percent report themselves "settling down" into wedlock. More intriguing is that one-fourth of married couples young and old report that they are "beginning again" — reviving the romance of their earliest years together.
Nearly half of newlyweds regard their partner as "godlike" — that is, worthy of adoration. But at any stage in marriage, fully half of all husbands and wives who regard their spouse as godlike and who make love frequently report that they have never stopped falling in love with each other.
About one-sixth of couples sustain this high level of romantic intimacy throughout their marriages. These are lifelong love affairs, filled with wonder because husband and wife persist in finding each other to be wonderful.
More of Value as InteractiveMediaForum.Com Reveals the Source!
Discuss these things, meanings and values in light of the Jesus Parables!
What havoc has been and is being wrought by forces of retrogression, vested interest, fundamentalists, obscurants and religious extremists in the name of Islam
There is no denying the fact that whenever and wherever religion was used for purposes opposed to its inherent spirit of peace, brotherhood, and justice, it not only lost its relevance in the process of social development but its image was also tarnished in the minds and hearts of those who were subjected to it. History is replete with events in which the name of religion was used to glorify the deeds and persons of the tyrant rulers. There was a time when State decrees were accompanied by religious decrees (fatwa) to silence the subjects and justify obedience.
It would not be fair to comment on Islamic Shariah without mentioning the two main current schools of thought in the Muslim world and high lighting the Quranic message in its historical perspective. Islam addresses the people of the world through the revealed Book Quran. (Sura Naas 114 /1to 6). Quran says that the God of Islam is the God of the Universe and not God of Muslims only. (Rub-ul-al'meen) Muhammad the Prophet of Islam is the Blessing for the Universe. (Rehmatul'almin) It forbids compulsion in religion. (Chapter2 / 256) It lays stress on personal accountability as it says no one will be burden on other. (Chapter 2 / 139) It extends invitation to non-Muslims for a dialogue. (Chapter 3 / 64) It says that if God wanted that there be all 'Momins' (Muslims) He could do so. (Chapter 10 / 99) Therefore the concept of diversity is found in the teachings of Quran. It further says, " Your Deen (faith) is for you and my Deen (faith) is for me." (Chapter 109 / 6) It says, " Do not abuse the idols of the idolaters." (Chapter 6 / 109) Muhammad the Prophet is the Messenger to convey the message and is not appointed as the Keeper over others and certainly not an arbiter. (Chapter 6 / 108) The Book says that after conveying message, " leave them alone and turn away from them. (Chapter 32 / 30) The Quran instructs protection of all places of worship. (Chapter 22 / 40)
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There is no denying the fact that whenever and wherever religion was used for purposes opposed to its inherent spirit of peace, brotherhood, and justice, it not only lost its relevance in the process of social development but its image was also tarnished in the minds and hearts of those who were subjected to it. History is replete with events in which the name of religion was used to glorify the deeds and persons of the tyrant rulers. There was a time when State decrees were accompanied by religious decrees (fatwa) to silence the subjects and justify obedience.
It would not be fair to comment on Islamic Shariah without mentioning the two main current schools of thought in the Muslim world and high lighting the Quranic message in its historical perspective. Islam addresses the people of the world through the revealed Book Quran. (Sura Naas 114 /1to 6). Quran says that the God of Islam is the God of the Universe and not God of Muslims only. (Rub-ul-al'meen) Muhammad the Prophet of Islam is the Blessing for the Universe. (Rehmatul'almin) It forbids compulsion in religion. (Chapter2 / 256) It lays stress on personal accountability as it says no one will be burden on other. (Chapter 2 / 139) It extends invitation to non-Muslims for a dialogue. (Chapter 3 / 64) It says that if God wanted that there be all 'Momins' (Muslims) He could do so. (Chapter 10 / 99) Therefore the concept of diversity is found in the teachings of Quran. It further says, " Your Deen (faith) is for you and my Deen (faith) is for me." (Chapter 109 / 6) It says, " Do not abuse the idols of the idolaters." (Chapter 6 / 109) Muhammad the Prophet is the Messenger to convey the message and is not appointed as the Keeper over others and certainly not an arbiter. (Chapter 6 / 108) The Book says that after conveying message, " leave them alone and turn away from them. (Chapter 32 / 30) The Quran instructs protection of all places of worship. (Chapter 22 / 40)
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Democrats plan to speak out more on religion and values to counter perceived GOP advantage
The Bible is full of stories of squabbling sons fighting to be declared their father's rightful heirs: Jacob and Esau, Isaac and Ishmael, the prodigal son and his jealous brother.
The same might be said for Republicans and Democrats this election season as they compete for God's blessing - or at least the votes of his followers.
"I think the Democrats are going to have to affirm that we all need to talk to God and ask, 'Are we your children too, or are you only claiming the right wing?'" said the Rev. James Forbes, the pastor of New York's Riverside Church.
As Democrats gather in Boston for their convention, progressives are planning a serious effort to reclaim religion. They also want to narrow the "God gap" that puts frequent church-goers in the GOP column and paints Democrats as snidely secular.
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The Bible is full of stories of squabbling sons fighting to be declared their father's rightful heirs: Jacob and Esau, Isaac and Ishmael, the prodigal son and his jealous brother.
The same might be said for Republicans and Democrats this election season as they compete for God's blessing - or at least the votes of his followers.
"I think the Democrats are going to have to affirm that we all need to talk to God and ask, 'Are we your children too, or are you only claiming the right wing?'" said the Rev. James Forbes, the pastor of New York's Riverside Church.
As Democrats gather in Boston for their convention, progressives are planning a serious effort to reclaim religion. They also want to narrow the "God gap" that puts frequent church-goers in the GOP column and paints Democrats as snidely secular.
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Sunday, July 11, 2004
Lawsuit tests religious speech in class
A professor spoke of his religious views in class and says the college then took action against him. Does a teacher have the right to share such beliefs in class?
By Randy Dotinga | Correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor
In a lawsuit that's shining a spotlight on the role of religion in higher education, an Ohio community college philosophy professor says administrators punished him because he made a point of disclosing his Catholic beliefs in the classroom.
While the college hasn't presented its side of the story yet, it appears that the case will pit the professor's freedom of speech against the school's right to control its staff. There's a larger question too, one that will be debated outside the court system: Even if it's legal, should educators ever tell students about their faith?
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A professor spoke of his religious views in class and says the college then took action against him. Does a teacher have the right to share such beliefs in class?
By Randy Dotinga | Correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor
In a lawsuit that's shining a spotlight on the role of religion in higher education, an Ohio community college philosophy professor says administrators punished him because he made a point of disclosing his Catholic beliefs in the classroom.
While the college hasn't presented its side of the story yet, it appears that the case will pit the professor's freedom of speech against the school's right to control its staff. There's a larger question too, one that will be debated outside the court system: Even if it's legal, should educators ever tell students about their faith?
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"If the Buddha Came to Dinner"
Imagine that you've been asked to be the personal chef to Jesus, the Buddha, Allah or God, Hale Sofia Schatz writes. What would you prepare? She contends that most people would not serve the foods they put in their bodies on a daily basis, from french fries to KFC.
She argues that true spiritual nourishment includes diet as well as meditation, prayer and exercise. "We are hungry for the nourishing foods and activities that feed our bodies, hearts, minds and spirits as one integrated being," she writes.
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Imagine that you've been asked to be the personal chef to Jesus, the Buddha, Allah or God, Hale Sofia Schatz writes. What would you prepare? She contends that most people would not serve the foods they put in their bodies on a daily basis, from french fries to KFC.
She argues that true spiritual nourishment includes diet as well as meditation, prayer and exercise. "We are hungry for the nourishing foods and activities that feed our bodies, hearts, minds and spirits as one integrated being," she writes.
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Costello sees value in faith
FAITH and values were not old fashioned concepts, Treasurer Peter Costello said today.
Mr Costello last week told a gathering of 20,000 Christians in Sydney that a return to faith and the values of the Ten Commandments would be a good thing. Today, he said such faith and values remained relevant. "I don't think these are necessarily old fashioned. I think they're very relevant and very contemporary," he said on ABC television.
"And I think in a society where young people are looking for direction and values - the values of the faith are very important.
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FAITH and values were not old fashioned concepts, Treasurer Peter Costello said today.
Mr Costello last week told a gathering of 20,000 Christians in Sydney that a return to faith and the values of the Ten Commandments would be a good thing. Today, he said such faith and values remained relevant. "I don't think these are necessarily old fashioned. I think they're very relevant and very contemporary," he said on ABC television.
"And I think in a society where young people are looking for direction and values - the values of the faith are very important.
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Truth and fiction
A Christian publishing company aims to restore a great literary heritage: high-quality, general-market fiction written by Christians and from a biblical worldview
Christian fiction has become a genre unto itself, filled with clichés, conventions, and pop-culture imitations. And yet, Christian authors were once the giants of literature, writing about all of life from a Christian worldview and using their art to influence the imagination of the whole civilization.
What writers, publishers, and readers need today is not just Christian fiction but fiction informed by a Christian worldview, with the potential to break through once again into the wider culture. Toward that end, WORLD is working with WestBow Press, Thomas Nelson’s new fiction division, to sponsor a fiction-writing contest to discover a new wave of Christian writers.
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A Christian publishing company aims to restore a great literary heritage: high-quality, general-market fiction written by Christians and from a biblical worldview
Christian fiction has become a genre unto itself, filled with clichés, conventions, and pop-culture imitations. And yet, Christian authors were once the giants of literature, writing about all of life from a Christian worldview and using their art to influence the imagination of the whole civilization.
What writers, publishers, and readers need today is not just Christian fiction but fiction informed by a Christian worldview, with the potential to break through once again into the wider culture. Toward that end, WORLD is working with WestBow Press, Thomas Nelson’s new fiction division, to sponsor a fiction-writing contest to discover a new wave of Christian writers.
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Sunday, July 04, 2004
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE “RELIGION AND DEMOCRACY: THEORY AND HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE”
The International conference “Religion and Democracy: Theory and Historical Experience” was held at the Rashid Behbudiv State Theatre of Song.
Addressing the meeting were Chairman of the State Committee on Working with Religious Structures, Prof. Rafig Aliyev, Deputy Chief of the Department of Humanitarian Policy of the President’s Administration Tariel Hasanov, Ambassador of the Arabic Republic of Egypt to Azerbaijan Mrs. Jihan Amin Mohammad Ali, Dean of the Faculty of Theology of the Sudchu Imam University Turkey Kamal Atyg, ustad of Scientific Madrasah GUM of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mehdi Khadevi, Turkish professor Jelal Erbey, first Deputy mufti of Kirghizstan Haji Neymatulla. The speakers noted that the United Nations Organization declared June 21 World Peace and Prayer Day, and that exactly on this day three years ago, nationawide leader of Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev initiated founding of the State Committee on Working With Religious Structures.
The conference participants also debated over religious values, democratic institutions, state-religion relationship, religious communities in Azerbaijan, religion and terrorism, and Islam and democracy.
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The International conference “Religion and Democracy: Theory and Historical Experience” was held at the Rashid Behbudiv State Theatre of Song.
Addressing the meeting were Chairman of the State Committee on Working with Religious Structures, Prof. Rafig Aliyev, Deputy Chief of the Department of Humanitarian Policy of the President’s Administration Tariel Hasanov, Ambassador of the Arabic Republic of Egypt to Azerbaijan Mrs. Jihan Amin Mohammad Ali, Dean of the Faculty of Theology of the Sudchu Imam University Turkey Kamal Atyg, ustad of Scientific Madrasah GUM of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mehdi Khadevi, Turkish professor Jelal Erbey, first Deputy mufti of Kirghizstan Haji Neymatulla. The speakers noted that the United Nations Organization declared June 21 World Peace and Prayer Day, and that exactly on this day three years ago, nationawide leader of Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev initiated founding of the State Committee on Working With Religious Structures.
The conference participants also debated over religious values, democratic institutions, state-religion relationship, religious communities in Azerbaijan, religion and terrorism, and Islam and democracy.
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Many anchor their lives to the rock of religion
Faith runs deep in nearly every Hoosier, with nine out of 10 adults considering themselves religious, spiritual or both, according to an Indianapolis Star religion poll.
About six out of 10 attend worship services at least weekly, and half say their faith has grown in the past 10 years, the poll found.
Most religious adults in the state are Protestant, but no one denomination dominates.
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Faith runs deep in nearly every Hoosier, with nine out of 10 adults considering themselves religious, spiritual or both, according to an Indianapolis Star religion poll.
About six out of 10 attend worship services at least weekly, and half say their faith has grown in the past 10 years, the poll found.
Most religious adults in the state are Protestant, but no one denomination dominates.
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Religion's Influence on American Politics
A major pollster says the U.S. is the most religious developed democracy in the world. That's why you hear one presidential candidate criticized for too often mixing his religious beliefs with his governance, while the other major candidate is criticized for not considering God often enough. NPR's Tavis Smiley speaks with Rev. Barry Lynn of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, and Joe Laconte, a fellow in religion and a free society at the Heritage Foundation.
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A major pollster says the U.S. is the most religious developed democracy in the world. That's why you hear one presidential candidate criticized for too often mixing his religious beliefs with his governance, while the other major candidate is criticized for not considering God often enough. NPR's Tavis Smiley speaks with Rev. Barry Lynn of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, and Joe Laconte, a fellow in religion and a free society at the Heritage Foundation.
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Religion’s role in the nation’s birth
The American Civil Liberties Union is waging an aggressive campaign to expunge the American public square from all things religious, and specifically all things Christian. The most recent casualty in the group’s crusade is a cross displayed on the official seal of Los Angeles County.
A tiny cross is one of several symbols displayed on the southern California county’s seal. Its inclusion is intended to commemorate the role Christianity played in the founding of the area. But the most prominent figure on the seal is the goddess Pomona -- the Roman goddess of gardens and fruit trees –- which apparently is not offensive to the ACLU.
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The American Civil Liberties Union is waging an aggressive campaign to expunge the American public square from all things religious, and specifically all things Christian. The most recent casualty in the group’s crusade is a cross displayed on the official seal of Los Angeles County.
A tiny cross is one of several symbols displayed on the southern California county’s seal. Its inclusion is intended to commemorate the role Christianity played in the founding of the area. But the most prominent figure on the seal is the goddess Pomona -- the Roman goddess of gardens and fruit trees –- which apparently is not offensive to the ACLU.
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