In what city was the Jewish temple located?

The Location of the First and Second Temples On The Location of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem by Lambert Dolphin and Michael Kollen Because of our sins we were exiled from our country and banished from our land. We cannot go up as pilgrims to worship Thee, to perform our duties in Thy chosen house, the great and Holy Temple which was called by Thy name, on account of the hand that was let loose on Thy sanctuary. May it be Thy will, Lord our God and God of our fathers, merciful King, in Thy abundant love again to have mercy on us and on Thy sanctuary; rebuild it speedily and magnify its glory. (The Jewish Prayer Book) View of the Temple Mount looking towards the southeast. Under the level pavement at the top left of the photo are vaulted chambers known as "Solomon's Stables," traditionally said to date from Herod's enlargement of the Mount. To the right, at the top, is the gray dome of Al Aqsa Mosque. The far right hand edge of the photo shows the Western Wall (the Kotel), the Jewish prayer area. The Dome of the Rock is especially beautiful because of the recent addition of new gold leaf to the anodized aluminum dome. The traditional location of the First and Second Temples lies in the immediate vicinity of the Dome of the Rock. The proposed Northern site for the Temples is just to the left at the stairs in the bottom left of the photo. The southern Site for the Temples lies midway between the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa mosque, under an Islamic ablution fountain known as El Kas. The level of the bedrock of Mount Moriah outcrops within the Dome of the Rock and is just beneath the paving stones of the surrounding platform. However, to the south the bedrock drops steeply towards the City of David and the junction of Hinnom and Kidron Valleys. The Temple Mount: Site of the Ancient Jewish Temples The Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem measures today approximately 45 acres in extent. It is surrounded by a trapezoidal wall: The south wall measures about 910 feet, the North about 1025, the east wall about 1520 and the west wall about 1580 feet in length. The average height above sea level on the platform is about 2400 feet above sea level. Most of the buildings and surface features are Islamic - no visible traces of the First or Second Temples can be found on the platform today. The area is park-like in its settings with plants of trees and shrubs and many ancient buildings and monuments added over the past 1300 years of Moslem stewardship of the site. The present-day platform area of the Temple Mount lies topographically just below the peak of a Jerusalem ridge system known as Mount Moriah. This is the site David purchased from a Jebusite named Ornan late in his reign. King David prepared the area in order build a permanent House of God to replace the Tabernacle of Moses which accompanied the Jews after their Exodus from Egypt to the Promised Land. David had the plans drawn up for a building whose dimensions were twice those of the Tabernacle, and he amassed great quantities of building materials: stone, cedar, and much gold and silver. However, it was his son Solomon who actually built the First Jewish temple (1 Chronicles 22:14-15, 28:11-20). The ridge system where the Temple Mount is now located is believed by many reputable sources to be the site where Abraham was told to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1-2). While Solomon built the First Temple about 3000 years ago, Abraham's visit to Mt. Moriah was about a thousand years earlier. Consecrated Ground According to Rabbinical sources both the First and Second Temples were built on the same foundations, at the same location somewhere on the Temple Mount. The site had to be consecrated ground that had not been previously used for tombs and that was not a previous pagan worship site ("high place"). The innermost sanctuary of the Temple, the Holy of Holies, or Kodesh Hakodeshim, where the Ark of the Covenant was placed, marked the exact center of the world, and was the innermost zone in holiness or sanctity in Jewish thought. The manifest presence of God, the Shek


According to Islamic law, what can a man have no more than four of at any one time?

INHERITANCE - Inheritance 1. will, writing  before  death Question: I would like to know whether Muslim can write will to divide the  properties and cash before he pass away. Answer: Yes, it is strongly recommended to write a living will. It is not  permissible however to punish any of your legal heirs from their  rightful share of the will. Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) very clearly said: "No will may be made in favor of an heir." It is stressed  that when writing a will one should consult an Islamic scholar/legal  expert to ensure that the will complies with Islamic law as well as the  law of the country of residence. When a Muslim dies there are four duties which need to be performed.  These are: 1.    Payment of  funeral expenses 2.    Payment of  his/her debts 3.    Execution  his/her will 4.    Distribution  of the remaining estate amongst the heirs according to Sharia The Islamic will is  called al-wasiyya. A  will is a transaction which comes into operation after the testator's  death. The will is executed after payment of funeral expenses and any  outstanding debts. The one who makes a will (wasiyya) is called a testator (al-musi). The  one on whose behalf a will is made is generally referred to as a legatee (al-musa lahu). Technically speaking the term "testatee" is perhaps a more accurate translation of al-musa lahu. The  importance of the Islamic will The importance of the Islamic will (wasiyya) is clear from the  following two hadith:  "It is the duty of a Muslim who has anything  to bequest not to let two nights pass without writing a will about it." (Sahih al-Bukhari)  "A  man may do good deeds for seventy years but if he acts unjustly when he  leaves his last testament, the wickedness of his deed will be sealed  upon him, and he will enter the Fire. If, (on the other hand), a man  acts wickedly for seventy years but is just in his last will and  testament, the goodness of his deed will be sealed upon him, and he will  enter the Garden." (Ahmad and Ibn Majah) The will gives the testator an opportunity to help someone (e.g. a  relative need such as an orphaned grandchild or a Christian widow) who  is not entitled to inherit from him. The will can be used to clarify the  nature of joint accounts, those living in commensality, appointment of  guardian for one's children and so on. In countries where the intestate  succession law is different from Islamic law it becomes absolutely  necessary to write a will. The  Will (Al-wasiyya) The Islamic will includes both bequests and legacies, instructions and  admonishments, and assignments of rights. No specific wording is necessary for making a will. In Islamic law the  will (wasiyya) can be oral or written, and the intention of the  testator must be clear that the wasiyya is to be executed after his  death. Any expression which signifies the intention of the testator is  sufficient for the purpose of constituting a bequest. However, after death, if  there is wasiyyah, it cannot exceed the one-third. So, the  one-third should be given to whomever it is written for, and the other  two thirds should be distributed among the share holders according to  each one�s share in the Qur�an. There should be two witnesses to the declaration of the wasiyya. A  written wasiyya where there are no witnesses to an oral  declaration is valid if it written in the known handwriting/signature of  the testator according to Maliki and Hanbali fiqh. The wasiyya is executed after payment of debts and funeral  expenses. The majority view is that debts to Allah (SWT) such as zakah,  obligatory expiation etc. should be paid whether mentioned in the will  or not. However, there is difference of opinion on this matter amongst  the Muslim jurists. The  Testator (Al-musi) Every adult Muslim with reasoning ability has the legal capacity to make  a will. An adult for this purpose is someone who has reached puberty.  Evidence of puberty is menstruation in girls and night pollution (wet  dreams) in boys. I


In Indian religions, what is the word for the state of enlightenment and freedom from suffering?

What is Spiritual Enlightenment? What is Spiritual Enlightenment? by Sean Webb | Apr 17, 2013 | I AM Posts , Top Posts | 11 comments So what exactly IS spiritual enlightenment anyway? Simply put, spiritual enlightenment is a concept mostly associated with Buddhism and Hinduism, but it also has unrecognized connections into most other religions as well. Enlightenment implies complete understanding of life and the universe, which usually is accompanied by a detachment of all things impermanent and a complete awareness of everything that is, at the moment that it is. The spiritual belief purports that non-enlightened life is full of suffering produced by desire and other emotions that attach the mind to worldly things; suffering is the inevitable result of attachment to these necessarily transitory things. A person thus becomes enlightened when they remain in the world yet becomes free of attachment to it. Enlightenment is considered the end of a being’s spiritual journey, be it within one life or across many. In Buddhism, enlightenment is called nirvana. Nirvana is believed to be a state of peace and unity with the cosmos. Different forms of Buddhism teach different techniques for achieving nirvana. Orthodox Buddhists, for example, try to directly follow Buddha’s teachings: in particular, the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. Others, such as Zen Buddhists, may use challenging mental exercises, such as koans, which are solutionless riddles designed to jerk one’s mind out of conscious thought into enlightenment. Most forms of Buddhism also use regular meditation as a central element of the path to spiritual enlightenment. Hinduism also uses the concept of nirvana, called moksha, considering it a representation of freedom from desire and other worldly passions. Spiritual enlightenment is also part of the conclusion to the Hindu cycle of reincarnation. In this belief, souls enter many different bodies through the course of their existence. In each of the lives they lead, they develop spiritually. The ultimate goal of this spiritual development is moksha, a liberation from the system of earthly suffering, which includes the idea of spiritual enlightenment. Christians who have passed through the portal of enlightenment have historically been deemed by the church to be mystics; one who through direct communication with God commands a mystical understanding of God and all things spiritual; one who has a mystical understanding beyond those who have spent a lifetime in religious study and servitude to God.  But the two other major Abrahamic religions of Judaism and Islam have enlightened congregants as well. In fact, both religions have subset sects who focus on the attainment of enlightenment as their primary goal. Judaism has Kabballah. In Islam, the Sufis chase the mystical experience. It is because of this non-denominational foundation that enlightenment is generally considered a mystical concept. That is, it contains the promise of a spiritual clarity lying beyond description by words and attainment by action, regardless of religion. For example, one cannot become enlightened by reading, even if one can recite the words of every religious sage. Enlightenment is a potentially universal experience, but each being comes to it through a unique path. Teachers may provide assistance and provocation along the way, but they cannot impose enlightenment on their pupils; one becomes enlightened alone. The concept of spiritual enlightenment in Buddhism and Hinduism is related to but distinct from ideas such as salvation and transcendence associated with Christianity. Whereas most versions of Christianity emphasize love of Jesus Christ as a prerequisite to spiritual completeness, enlightenment usually implies liberation from teachers and doctrine—one famous Zen koan suggests: “If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him!” Enlightenment also does not involve the existence of a heaven distinct from earth, although it is also noted that even Jesus mentioned there may not be a separation of the two in the Gospel of Thomas and oth


David, The Psalms and the Shepherd – Psalm 23 | wjlanier's Blog Human Trafficking David, The Psalms and the Shepherd – Psalm 23 SERMON SUMMARY.  David was a powerful biblical personality with many titles. From his quiet and humble beginnings as an unassuming young boy, his defeat of Goliath, and his ascendancy to become king, he might most affectionately be known as “the man after God’s own heart.” But, like of all of us, his life was far from perfect.  Like us, his family was highly dysfunctional and included, deceit, adultery, murder, rape, incest and even a son, Absalom, who plotted to kill him.  And, all of this started because David acted on his lust for another man’s wife (sounds like reality tv . . . nothing new under the sun).  But David’s also had a repentant heart towards God, he was willing to receive God’s blessings and God’ chastisement. And, the Psalms reveal for us what it is like to have a sincere heart for and relationship with God, our Good Shepherd.  In the Psalms we see poured out and honest communication with the Lord.  It is unfiltered raw and real.  This is how we are to relate to God, he is big enough and loving enough to hear all that is on our hearts.  It is reported that David wrote Psalm 23 during a low point – his son was in the midst of a plot to murder David . . . the valley of the shadow of death.  Nonetheless, despite this heavy burden, David’s clarity of mind and heart about his relationship was clear.  God was his shepherd, his guide, his leader, his provider, his protector.  And, in this God, David found the peace of green pastures and still waters.  He found peace in the midst of his darkest days.  He found provision even in the face of his enemies.  And, he declared that he would be with his God forever.  This is a heart for God.  This is how we need to be with our Good Shepherd (John 10:11) . . . knowing that goodness and mercy shall follow us all of the days of our lives and that we will dwell in God’s house forever. OUR DECLARATION/THE LORD IS OUR SHEPHERD (verse 1)  David, in the midst of his trial, has clarity about who God is to him and what that means for him.  The Lord is his shepherd. And, because the Lord is his shepherd, David’s faith tells him he shall not want. David, as a child of God, is clear that God is his shepherd – especially in our time of trial.  Are we able to declare that the Lord is our shepherd? What does it mean to us that God is our shepherd? That we shall not want. THE SHEPHERD DIRECTS THE SHEEP/WHAT DOES HE DO (verse 2-3) David recognizes, in his time of trial, that he needs to be at place of peace.  And, he recognizes who brings him to that peace.  It is the Good Shepherd; he needs to the shepherd to direct him.  Not only this but David recognizes the condition of his soul and that it needs to be restored.  David also acknowledges the reality of his sin.  He needs to be lead to the paths of righteousness What does it mean for us to lie down in green pastures?  What does it mean to be beside the still waters? Why does the Shepherd have to make us lie down . . . why is that he must lead us beside the still waters? (hint, sheep need a lot of direction, they don’t are well for themselves) What does it mean that David/we need to have our soul restored?  Have you ever had this feeling? How is it when the soul is restored? Why do we need to be lead on the paths of righteousness? Are we able to lead ourselves to righteousness? OUR DECLARATION/ PEACE IN THE VALLEY (verse 4) David is really in the valley of the shadow of death – there is a death warrant on his head and it is from his son.  His spirit is low.  Yet, he is at peace in the valley because he knows the Good Shepherd. Whether it physical harm or emotional trauma we can find ourselves in a place that is like the “valley of the shadow of death/darkness”.  Can we identify with David’s experience of being in this place of darkness? Are we able to relate to the Good Shepherd like David in God’s comfort?  How to we get to that place of peace and no fear? THE SHEPHERD PREPARES A TABLE IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ENE


In what city is the most famous Mormon Temple located?

Find an LDS Temple | Temple Locations from around the World Find an LDS Temple | Temple Locations from Around the World Temples United States, Albuquerque, New Mexico Mar 5, 2000 United States, Sandy Springs, Georgia Jun 1, 1983 United States, Baton Rouge, Louisiana Jul 16, 2000 United States, Bismarck, North Dakota Sep 19, 1999 United States, Brigham City, Utah Sep 23, 2012 Argentina, Ciudad Evita, Buenos Aires Jan 17, 1986 United States, Cedar City, Utah Construction United States, Hopkins, South Carolina Oct 16, 1999 United States, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan Oct 23, 1999 United States, Fort Collins, Colorado Oct 16, 2016 United States, Fort Lauderdale, Florida May 4, 2014 New Zealand, Hamilton, New Zealand Apr 20, 1958 China, Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong May 26, 1996 United States, Idaho Falls, Idaho Renovation United States, South Jordan, Utah Renovation United States, Kansas City, Missouri May 6, 2012 Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa Construction United States, Las Vegas, Nevada Dec 16, 1989 United States, Los Angeles, California Mar 11, 1956 United States, New York City, New York Jun 13, 2004 Philippines, Quezon City, Metro Manila Sep 25, 1984 United States, Central Point, Oregon Apr 16, 2000 México, México City, Distrito Federal Dec 2, 1983 United States, American Fork, Utah Oct 13, 1996 United States, Newport Beach, California Aug 28, 2005 México, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca Mar 11, 2000 United States, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Jul 30, 2000 United States, South Jordan, Utah Aug 21, 2009 United States, Palmyra, New York Apr 6, 2000 Panamá, Panamá City, Republic of Panamá Aug 10, 2008 United States, Lake Oswego, Oregon Aug 19, 1989 Brazil, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul Dec 17, 2000 United States, Apex, North Carolina Dec 18, 1999 United States, Salt Lake City, Utah Apr 6, 1893 United States, San Antonio, Texas May 22, 2005 United States, San Diego, California Apr 25, 1993 Costa Rica, La Ribera de Belen, Heredia Jun 4, 2000 El Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador Aug 21, 2011


What is the indigenous religion of Japan?

Shinto Shinto More... Shinto Shinto ("the way of the gods") is the indigenous faith of the Japanese people and as old as Japan itself. It remains Japan's major religion alongside Buddhism . Introduction Shinto does not have a founder nor does it have sacred scriptures like the sutras or the Bible. Propaganda and preaching are not common either, because Shinto is deeply rooted in the Japanese people and traditions. "Shinto gods" are called kami. They are sacred spirits which take the form of things and concepts important to life, such as wind, rain, mountains, trees, rivers and fertility. Humans become kami after they die and are revered by their families as ancestral kami. The kami of extraordinary people are even enshrined at some shrines. The Sun Goddess Amaterasu is considered Shinto's most important kami. Some prominent rocks are worshiped as kami. In contrast to many monotheistic religions, there are no absolutes in Shinto. There is no absolute right and wrong, and nobody is perfect. Shinto is an optimistic faith, as humans are thought to be fundamentally good, and evil is believed to be caused by evil spirits. Consequently, the purpose of most Shinto rituals is to keep away evil spirits by purification, prayers and offerings to the kami. Shinto shrines are the places of worship and the homes of kami. Most shrines celebrate festivals (matsuri) regularly in order to show the kami the outside world. Please read more on our special information pages about shrines and festivals . Shinto priests perform Shinto rituals and often live on the shrine grounds. Men and women can become priests, and they are allowed to marry and have children. Priests are aided by younger women (miko) during rituals and shrine tasks. Miko wear white kimono , must be unmarried, and are often the priests' daughters. Important features of Shinto art are shrine architecture and the cultivation and preservation of ancient art forms such as Noh theater , calligraphy and court music ( gagaku ), an ancient dance music that originated in the courts of Tang China (618 - 907). Ise Jingu is Shinto's most sacred shrine. Shinto History The introduction of Buddhism in the 6th century was followed by a few initial conflicts, however, the two religions were soon able to co-exist and even complement each other. Many Buddhists viewed the kami as manifestations of Buddha. In the Meiji Period , Shinto was made Japan's state religion. Shinto priests became state officials, important shrines started to receive governmental funding, Japan's creation myths were used to foster an emperor cult, and efforts were made to separate and emancipate Shinto from Buddhism . After World War II , Shinto and the state were separated. Tokyo's Meiji Shrine is dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji. Shinto Today People seek support from Shinto by praying at a home altar or by visiting shrines . A whole range of talismans are available at shrines for traffic safety, good health, success in business, safe childbirth, good exam performance and more. A large number of wedding ceremonies are held in Shinto style. Death, however, is considered a source of impurity, and is left to Buddhism to deal with. Consequently, there are virtually no Shinto cemeteries, and most funerals are held in Buddhist style. Advertisement


According to the Bible, in what city was Jesus born?

The Birth of Jesus Christ | Bible.org The Birth of Jesus Christ Related Media Preface The following is part of a short series of devotional items related to the birth of Christ. For some, such material is hardly devotional because it primarily focuses on history. But we must keep in mind that the Jesus we worship was truly born in time-space history. And that babe in the manger was truly crucified--and just as surely rose from the dead. The Bible is different from the sacred books of other religions because it invites historical investigation. And when it has met the test--as it surely always, inevitably does--it inculcates a greater devotion in the heart of the believer for the one we call the Son of God. The Year Jesus Was Born In the western hemisphere, we split time by the birth of Jesus Christ. But did he really even live? If so, when was he born? Sometime ago, I struck up a conversation with a man who claimed that God did not exist. He was an atheist. But not just a run-of-the-mill atheist, you understand. He also insisted that Jesus Christ never existed! This fellow was hard core. Now my atheist friend had incredible faith--blind faith, I might add. His religious fervor, in fact, would put many evangelists to shame. But the evidence that Jesus Christ invaded history is not just shut up to the testimony of the New Testament--as irrefutable as that might be! The very enemies of Christianity claimed that he lived--and that he performed miracles! Early Jewish documents such as the Mishnah and even Josephus--as well as first-century Gentile historians--such as Thallus, Serapion, and Tacitus--all testify that the one called Christ lived in Palestine and died under Pontius Pilate. As the British scholar, F. F. Bruce put it, "The historicity of Christ is as [certain]. . . as the historicity of Julius Caesar" (NT Documents, 119). Now it logically follows that if Jesus Christ lived (need it be said?), he must have been born. The Gospels tell us that his birth was shortly before Herod the Great died. Herod's death can be fixed with certainty. Josephus records an eclipse of the moon just before Herod passed on. This occurred on March 12th or 13th in 4 B.C. Josephus also tells us that Herod expired just before Passover. This feast took place on April 11th, in the same year, 4 B.C. From other details supplied by Josephus, we can pinpoint Herod the Great's demise as occurring between March 29th and April 4th in 4 B.C. It might sound strange to suggest that Jesus Christ was born no later than 4 B.C. since B.C. means 'before Christ.' But our modern calendar which splits time between B.C. and A.D. was not invented until A.D. 525. At that time, Pope John the First asked a monk named Dionysius to prepare a standardized calendar for the western Church. Unfortunately, poor Dionysius missed the real B.C./A.D. division by at least four years! Now Matthew tells us that Herod killed Bethlehem's babies two years old and under. The earliest Jesus could have been born, therefore, is 6 B.C. Through a variety of other time indicators, we can be relatively confident that the one called Messiah was born in either late 5 or early 4 B.C. My atheist friend scoffs at such flexibility. He says, "If you don't know exactly when Jesus was born, how do you know that he really lived?" That is hardly a reasonable question! The other day I called my mother to wish her a happy birthday. "Mom, how many candles on this birthday cake?" I inquired. "I don't know, son--I don't keep track any more," she sighed. After a few minutes of pleasant conversation, we hung up. Now, of course, I can't be certain, but I do believe that that was my mother on the other end of the phone. She can't remember how old she is (and she's neither senile nor very old), but that doesn't make her a figment of my imagination, does it? Because if she's just a phantom, then for the last three minutes, you've been reading absolutely nothing! The Day Jesus Was Born This coming December 25th most parents will be lying to their children about old St. Nick. Some of us will be celebrating the birt


"What Christian denomination is also known as ""Friends""?"

Beliefs & practices of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Concern for the suffering and unfortunate. Continuing revelation through the Holy Spirit.   Many do not regard the Bible as the only source of belief and conduct. They rely upon their Inner Light to resolve what they perceive as the Bible's many contradictions. They also feel free to take advantage of scientific and philosophical findings from other sources.   Individual Quakers hold diverse views concerning life after death. Few believe in the eternal punishment of individuals in a Hell .   All aspects of life are sacramental; they do not differentiate between the secular and the religious. No one day or one place or one activity is any more spiritual than any other.   Quakers have had a tradition of opposing war. They have followed the beliefs of the early Christian movement which was strongly pacifist. Early Christians even refused to bring charges against others if there was a possibility of the death penalty being exercised. Together with the Amish, Church of the Brethren, and Mennonites, they made it possible for men to be classified as conscientious objectors.  Practices: On a per-capita basis, they have probably contributed more in the promotion of tolerance, peace and justice than any other Christian denomination. They have been influential beyond what their numbers would suggest in many areas: promotion of world peace, abolition of slavery, fair treatment of Native Americans, universal suffrage, prison reform, improvement in mental hospitals, etc.   Some of the Yearly Meetings publish a Book of Discipline or a book on Faith and Practice. These are not sets of strict rules. They are general guidelines for living and include Quaker history, excerpts from the journals of old and weighty Friends and poetry. Also included are monthly queries, which the individual member and meetings can use to explore what they are doing to make a positive impact on the world. The New York Yearly Meeting's Faith & Practice document can be seen at: http://www.nyym.org/quakerism/fnp/   Quakers do not simply seek a consensus, as many people believe. They seek the will of God by following the leading of the Spirit to resolve differences. One of their documents states: "In all our meetings for church affairs we need to listen together to the Holy Spirit. We do not seek consensus; we are seeking the will of God. The unity of the meeting lies more in the unity of the search than in the decision which is reached. We must not be distressed if our listening involves waiting, perhaps in confusion, until we feel clear what it is God wants done." 2   Women obtained equal status to men throughout most of the Quaker movement early in its history - centuries earlier than in most other denominations.   Most meetings are unprogrammed. That is, they are held in silence. Attendees speak when moved to do so. Elsewhere, services have programmed orders of worship, usually led by a pastor.   They usually arrange the congregation in a square or circle, so that each person is aware of everyone else, yet no one person appears raised above another in status.   Programmed services may be composed of prayer, readings from the Bible, readings from the Book of Discipline, a sermon, hymn singing, music, and "free worship based upon silent waiting,"   They do not have a ritual of baptism. Rather, they believe in the "inward baptism of the Holy Spirit" described in Ephesians 4:4-5.   Throughout their history, Quakers have refused to take oaths. Their belief is that one should tell the truth at all times. Taking an oath implies that there are two types of truthfulness: one for ordinary life and another for special occasions.   The common names of the days of the week and of the months of the year were originally derived from Pagan deities or were numbered using a Pagan Roman notation. For example Wednesday is a corruption of Woden's Day; Monday was once Moon Day. January was named after the Roman God Janus, while December was the Tenth Month. Quakers in olden times replaced the names wi


Who was the Egyptian sun god? (Hint: his name is only two letters long)

All About Horus: An Egyptian Copy of Christ? Response to Zeitgeist movie Further Links Horus, the Egyptian Falcon-god, is "lord of    the sky" and a symbol of divine kingship. His name ("Har" in Egyptian) probably means "the high," "the    far-off," "the distant one" and is connected    with "Hry" ("one who is above/over"). The name    appears on Egyptian hieroglyphs in the royal protocol at the very    beginning of dynastic civilization (c. 3000 BC). The roles, local cult foundations, and titles or epithets of Horus are    sometimes correlated with distinct or preferred forms in iconography: for    example, the falcon or falcon-headed man, the winged disk, the child with    a sidelock of hair (sometimes in his mother's arms). Egyptologists    therefore often speak of distinct Horuses or Horus-gods (see Oxford    Encyclopedia, vol 2, "Horus" p. 119ff; and Hart, Routledge    Dictionary of Egyptian gods and goddesses, "Horus" p. 70ff). In ancient Egypt several gods are known by this name, but the most    important was the son of Osiris and Isis, identified as king of Egypt. To repeat what I summarized    elsewhere : Osiris is the oldest son of Geb ("earth" personified) and Nout    or Nut ("mother of the gods" and goddess of the sky), the husband of Isis, whose myth was one of the best known and whose cult was one of the most widespread in pharaonic Egypt. The mythology of Osiris is not preserved completely from an early date, but the essentials are related by Plutarch in On Isis and Osiris (De Iside et Osiride). With the rise of the full-blown Osiris-Isis-Horus myth, the living king    was identified as an earthly Horus and the dead king (his    father/predecessor) as Osiris. When the king died, he became Osiris, and    Horus is his royal heir and successor. The most common geneology of Horus    is as the son of Osiris and Isis, making a tenth on the family tree of the    Heliopolitan Ennead. But the full picture is more complex: Hathor (herself    identified with Isis) also appears as the mother of Horus; Horus the Elder    (Haroeris) can appear in the Heliopolitan family tree as a brother of Osiris and son of Geb and Nut, thus an uncle of Horus in his more usual    manifestations. Therefore, Horus and Seth are sometimes described as nephew and uncle, sometimes as brothers. In a battle over the throne of    Egypt, Horus fought with Seth, and despite losing    an eye, was successful in avenging the death of his father Osiris,    becoming his legitimate successor. The textual and mythological materials relating to Horus are extremely    rich, comprising hymns, mortuary texts, ritual texts, dramatic/theological    texts, stories, the Old Coptic and Greek so-called magical papyri, and the    most complete ancient exposition of the Osiris narrative, Plutarch's De    Iside et Osiride (in Latin translation). In characteristic Egyptian    fashion, many of the hymns, mortuary, and ritual texts incorporated    substantial narrative material or are taken from narrative, although they    are not comprehensive, consecutive myths per se. In addition to    Plutarch's account in Greek, the most substantial sources for the    Osiris-Isis-Horus cycle include the following (see Oxford    Encyclopedia, vol 2, "Horus" p. 121ff): the Memphite Theology or Shabaqo Stone (generally dated as late as      the New Kingdom, c. 1540-1070 BC); the Mystery Play of the Succession; the Pyramid Texts (from the late Old Kingdom, c. 2575-2150      BC); the Coffin Texts, especially Spell 148; the Great Osiris hymn in the Louvre; the Late Egyptian Contendings of Horus and Seth; the Metternich Stela and other cippus texts; the Ptolemaic Myth of Horus at Edfu (also known as the Triumph      of Horus); These texts take us with a number of variations and contrasting    perspectives, from the conception and birth of Horus, through his    childhood hidden in the marshes, his protection by Isis, his conflict with    Seth and his followers,


What city is the burial place of Mohammed?

Medina - Medina in Saudi Arabia - Holy City in Saudi Arabia Mosque of the Prophet Share Medina in Saudi Arabia is the second  holiest site in Islam, after Mecca .  It is located about 350 miles west of the capital city of Riyadh ,  about 150 miles east of the Red Sea and Egypt . The  third holiest site in Islam is the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Islam's first  and oldest mosque, Masjid al-Quba, is also located in the city. Medina (also spelled Medinah) is a Holy City in Saudi Arabia as it is the Burial Place of Mohammed (he died here in 632 AD) and the place where he attracted his first followers. Here is Masjid al Nabawi, the Mosque of the Prophet , built on the site of Mohammed's home and the site of his tomb. Its elegant minarets and stately domes dominate the skyline of the city. Today, you can see the outside of the Al-Masjid al-Nabawi, or Mosque of the Prophet, but non-Muslims are not allowed inside. Notable for its towering minarets and signature green dome, it is the second largest mosque in the world. The Prophet himself built the original Medina Prophet's Mosque next to the home where he settled when he was first driven out of Mecca. This resettlement is called his Hijra (or emigration), and occurred in 622 AD. This was an open-air building with a raised platform designed for reading the Qur'an. Its gibla (prayer direction) originally faced Jerusalem, but was later changed to be oriented towards Mecca. Ever since, Muslims, wherever they are in the world, face Mecca, the holiest city of Islam, to pray. Over the years, subsequent Islamic ruler continued to enlarge and beautify the mosque, and the Burial Place of Mohammed and his home were incorporated in 707. Saudi Arabia Map The old Holy City in Saudi Arabia is almost completely surrounded by ancient, double stone walls with nine gates and several bastions. Medina also contains the tombs of the caliphs or Muslim leaders Abu Bakr, Umar, and Fatima, Mohammed's daughter. With Mohammed as the ruler, Medina in Saudi Arabia became the capital of a new Islamic state, and remained the capital even though Mecca retained its religious importance. The Islamic Empire expanded beyond the Arabian Peninsula to include Jerusalem, Damascus, Mesopotamia, and Baghdad after the death of the prophet. Eventually, it included Egypt and most of North Africa, portions of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), and even India and Indonesia. As a strict Islamic state, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a very closed society. Tourism is not encouraged, and those who do visit—especially any Holy City in Saudi Arabia—will find that it is important to adhere to certain rules of modesty in dress (primarily for women), abstention from alcohol, and no nightclubs, movie theaters or similar entertainment. The religious sites, including Medina in Saudi Arabia and Mecca, are even further restricted, and non-Muslims are not allowed within the mosques or other holy Islamic sites. Visas for tourism are issued only for approved tour groups following organized itineraries. All visas require a sponsor, can take several months to process, and must be obtained prior to arrival. Women visitors are required to be met by their sponsor upon arrival. Saudi Arabia is one of the richest countries in the world, with several very deluxe five-star hotels. These also adhere to Islamic law (the gyms and fitness centers are for men only), alcohol is not available, and finding space during holy periods such as the hajj and Ramadan can be very difficult. Hotels


Who is the most important prophet in Islam?

BBC - Religions - Islam: Prophet Muhammad (570-632) Prophet Muhammad (570-632) Last updated 2011-07-08 Muslims believe that the final and complete revelation of their faith was made through the Prophet Muhammad. On this page Introduction The Prophet Muhammad Muslims believe that Islam is a faith that has always existed and that it was gradually revealed to humanity by a number of prophets, but the final and complete revelation of the faith was made through the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century CE. Muhammad was born in Mecca in Saudi Arabia © Muhammad was born in Mecca in Saudi Arabia in 570. He was a deeply spiritual man, and often spent time in meditation on Mount Hira. The traditional story of the Qur'an tells how one night in 610 he was meditating in a cave on the mountain when he was visited by the angel Jibreel who ordered him to recite . Once Jibreel mentioned the name of Allah, Muhammad began to recite words which he came to believe were the words of God. The Qur'an During the rest of his life Muhammad continued to receive these revelations. The words were remembered and recorded, and form the text of the Holy Qu'ran, the Muslim scripture. Preaching Believing that God had chosen him as his messenger Muhammad began to preach what God had revealed to him. The simple and clear-cut message of Islam, that there is no God but Allah, and that life should be lived in complete submission to the will of Allah, was attractive to many people, and they flocked to hear it. The Hijrah Muhammad's popularity was seen as threatening by the people in power in Mecca, and Muhammad took his followers on a journey from Mecca to Medina in 622. This journey is called the Hijrah (migration) and the event was seen as so important for Islam that 622 is the year in which the Islamic calendar begins. The return to Mecca Within ten years Muhammad had gained so many followers that he was able to return and conquer Mecca. From this time on he was generally accepted by the faithful as the true final Prophet of God. Muhammad continued to lead his community both spiritually and in earthly matters until his death in 632. Muhammad: an audio journey Desert landscape. In the Footsteps of Muhammad, Edward Stourton traces the roots of Islam; the history of the prophet, and the impact this mystic and warrior has on international affairs today. Mecca In the year 610 a 40 year old illiterate trader in the deserts of Arabia received a revelation that would change the world. Islam is now the second most popular religion on the planet with more than a billion followers. In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions The Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem. Jerusalem Jerusalem is the third holiest site in Islam: the first Muslims didn't pray towards Mecca, but to Jerusalem. This episode explores the theory that Islam may have grown out of a cult of Judaism . It also explores the meaning of jihad and how the life of the prophet and the battles against the pagan Meccans have been used to justify suicide bombings. In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions Alhambra Palace. Granada The Alhambra Palace is perhaps the finest surviving Muslim palace in the world and its symbolic of an episode that many Muslims believe has been all but written out of the history books by Europe's Christians: the flowering of Islam culture, philosophy and science, which meant that once the intellectual heart of Europe beat not in Paris, Rome or Athens, but in the great Muslim cities of Granada and Cordoba . The music in this episode is from a group called Joglaresa. In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions Indonesian with headscarf. Indonesia Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim nation and since it proclaimed its independence in 1945 it has often been plagued by religiously motivated violence. But Islamic reformers in the country are


What mountain was the home of the Greek gods?

OLYMPUS (Olympos) - Home of the Gods of Greek Mythology Translation (Mount) Olympus Feast of the gods on Olympus, Athenian red-figure kylix C6th B.C., National Archaeological Museum of Tarquinia OLYMPOS (Olympus) was the home of the gods who dwelt in fabulous palaces of marble and gold. Olympos is clearly described in Homer's Iliad. It was essentially an ancient akropolis--a fortified hill-top and palace complex--located just below the peaks of Mount Olympos. The golden gates of the heavenly fortress were guarded by the three Horai (Horae) and it contained the palace of Zeus, lesser palaces for the other gods, and stables for the immortal horses . The buildings were built of stone with bronze foundations and were surrounded by cloistered courtyards with golden pavements. The main structure was the palace of Zeus. It had a fairly simple layout--as was typical of ancient Greek palaces--with a central hall, private bedchambers and storage rooms. The golden-floored hall served as both a council chamber and feast-hall for the Olympian gods and provided them an expansive view of the world below allowing them to observe mankind from the heights. The golden tables and tripods of the feast were automatons animated by the divine smith Hephaistos (Hephaestus), and trundled in and out of the hall as required. Before the palace of Zeus was a large, cloistered courtyard where the full assembly of the gods would gather--including all of the earth-, river- and sea-deities as well as nymphs. The peak of Olympos functioned as the secondary seat or throne of Zeus, apart from the rest of other gods. The Olympian akropolis lay above the clouds and the paths of the stars, near the apex of the solid bronze-dome of the sky. It existed in the zone known as the aither--the bright upper-air of heaven or shining blue of the sky. The gods feasted on ambrosia and nectar, substances collected from the meadows of the earth-encircling river Okeanos or the smoke of sacrificial offerings wafting to heaven. N.B. This page is still incomplete and under construction. The quotes from the Iliad are complete. ALTERNATE NAME SPELLING OLYMPUS IN THE ILIAD Homer, Iliad 1. 43 ff (trans. Lattimore) (Greek epic C8th B.C.) : "So he [the Trojan priest Khryseus (Chryseus)] spoke in prayer, and Phoibos (Phoebus) Apollon heard him, and strode down along the pinnacles of Olympos, angered in his heart, carrying across his shoulders the bow and the hooded quiver." Homer, Iliad 1. 221 ff : "And she [Athena] went back again to Olympos to the house of Zeus of the aigis with the other divinities (daimones)." Homer, Iliad 1. 390 ff : "[Akhilleus (Achilles) beseeches his mother Thetis :] ‘You then, if you have power to, protect your own son, going to Olympos and supplicating Zeus, if ever before now either by word you comforted Zeus' heart or by action . . . You said you only among the immortals beat aside shameful destruction from Kronos' son the dark-misted, that time when all the other Olympians sought to bind him, Hera and Poseidon and Pallas Athene. Then you, goddess, went and set him free from his shackles, summoning in speed the creature of the hundred hands [the Hekatonkheir Briareus] to tall Olympos . . . He rejoicing in the glory of it sat down by Kronion (Cronion), and the rest of the blessed gods were frightened and gave up binding him. Sit beside him and take his knees and remind him of these things now . . .’ Thetis answered him then . . . ‘I will go to cloud-dark Olympos and ask this thing of Zeus who delights in thunder (terpikeraunos) . . . Zeus went to the blameless Aithiopes (Ethiopians) at the Okeanos (Oceanus) yesterday to feast, and the rest of the gods went with him. On the twelfth day he will be coming back to Olympos, and then I will go for your sake to the house of Zeus, bronze-founded, and take him by the knees and I think I can persuade him.’" Homer, Iliad 1. 493 ff : "But when the twelfth dawn after this day appeared, the gods who live forever came back to Olympos all in a body and Zeus led them; nor did Thetis forget the entreaties of her son [A


Who was the Greek god of the underworld?

Hades , the Greek God of the Underworld Parents: Hades was a child of the Titans Cronus and Rhea . Siblings: Hades had five siblings. Two younger brothers ( Zeus , Poseidon ), and three sisters ( Hestia , Hera and Demeter ). Wife: Persephone , whom he abducted from his sister Demeter and took with him down to the Underworld. Hades, the Ruler of the Underworld Hades was the Greek god of the Dead and, according to Plato, [1] he should be considered as one of the Olympian gods. Hades was the supreme ruler of the Underworld. Almost never did he leave his gloomy kingdom but was residing there instead, surrounded by darkness and silence... Hades' helper was Charos, the angel of dead. Charos had the duty to transfer the souls of the dead with a boat over the River Acheron from the world of the living to the world of the dead. Furthermore, Hades had a dog with three heads which was named Cerberus.


What are the two main branches of Islam? | Reference.com What are the two main branches of Islam? A: Quick Answer The two main branches of Islam are Sunni and Shia Islam. The primary difference in their beliefs is the succession to Mohammad. Another difference is the interpretation of the Koran. Full Answer Sunni Islams believe that Mohammad intended for the Muslim community to choose a successor by consensus. The name "Sunni" means "traditional," and the followers believe the Koran is authentic and may not be added to or taken from. Approximately 90 percent of Muslims are Sunni. Shia Islams, or Shiites, believe that Mohammad chose his son-in-law, Ali, to be his successor. Their name means "partisans" and they reside primarily in Iraq, Iran and Yemen. They view the Koran as unauthentic and offer their own interpretations to its doctrines.


Besides India, what other country is predominately Hindu?

Religion in Ancient India - Crystalinks Religion in Ancient India India has long been known as a very spiritual, religious heavy area of the world. In India, religion is a way of life. It is an integral part of the entire Indian tradition. For the majority of Indians, religion permeates every aspect of life, from common-place daily chores to education and politics. India is one of the most religiously diverse nations in the world, with one of the most deeply religious societies and cultures. Religion plays a central and definitive role in the life of the country and most of its people. The faith of more than 80% of the people is Hinduism, considered the world's oldest religious and philosophical system. Islam is practiced by around 13% of all Indians. Sikhism, Ayyavazhi, Buddhism and Jainism are Indian-born religious systems that are strong and influential not only in India but across the world. Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Judaism and the Bah�'� Faith are also influential but their numbers are smaller. Despite the strong role of religion in Indian life, atheism and agnostics are also visible influences. Hinduism Hinduism is a worldwide religious tradition that is based on the Vedas, and is the direct descendant of the Vedic religion. Hinduism evolved from a monolithic religion into a multitude of traditions over a period of 1500 years. It encompasses many religious rituals that widely vary in practice, as well as many diverse sects and philosophies. With an array of deities, all manifestations of the one Supreme monistic Brahman, are venerated. Thus, Hinduism is often misconceived to be a polytheistic religion, although the belief in a singular, Universal Soul is a fundamental tenet of the Hindu faith. Beliefs, codes and principles vary from region to region. It is the third largest religion in the world, with a following of approximately 1 billion people. Ninety-eight percent of Hindus can be found on the Indian subcontinent, chiefly in India. It is noteworthy however that the relatively small Himalayan kingdom of Nepal is the only nation in the world with Hinduism as its state religion. Buddhism Buddhism, known in ancient India as Buddha Dharma, originated in northern India in what is today the state of Bihar. It rapidly gained adherents during the Buddha's lifetime. Up to the 9th century, Indian followers numbered in the hundreds of millions. While the exact cause of the decline of Buddhism in India is disputed, it is known that the mingling of Hindu and Buddhist societies in India and the rise of Hindu Vedanta movements began to compete against Buddhism. Many believe that Hinduism's adaptation to Buddhism resulted in Buddhism's rapid decline. Also, Muslim invaders are recorded to have caused massive devastation on monasteries, libraries, and statuary, as they did on Hindu religious life. Many Indian Buddhist populations remained intact in or migrated to places like Sri Lanka, Tibet, and other Asian countries. Recently, a revival of Buddhism in India has made significant progress. In 1956, B. R. Ambedkar, a freedom fighter during the Indian struggle for independence from the British, and hundreds of thousands of his followers converted to Buddhism in protest against the caste system. Subsequent mass conversions on a lesser scale have occurred since then. Three-quarters of these "neo-Buddhists" live in Maharashtra. Alongside these converts are the Vajrayana Buddhists of Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, a small number of tribal peoples in the region of Bengal, and Tibetan refugees. Jainism Jainism, along with Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism, is one of the four major Dharma religions originating in India. In general, Jains are extremely well-represented inspite of the fact that they form only 0.4% (around 4.2 million) of India's total population. Many of them rich and an overwhelming majority of them are well to do. As such, it can be said that they hold power and wealth disproportionate to their small population. According to the India Census 2001, Jains have the highest literacy rate (religion-wise) of 94.1% com


Who was the first supreme head of the Church of England?

BBC - Religions - Christianity: Church of England Church of England Last updated 2011-06-30 An explanation of the Church of England, established or state church in England and part of the worldwide Anglican Communion; its structure, history and current issues. On this page History and role St Botolph's Church, Boston, England © The Church of England is the established or state church in England. It is divided into two provinces - Canterbury in the South of England and York in the North. Each province has a head or Primate - the Archbishops of Canterbury and York . The Church of England is part of the Anglican Communion, which is a worldwide family of churches in more than 160 different countries. On any one Sunday more than a million people attend Church of England services, making it the largest Christian denomination in the country. The Established Church The Church of England is the established church, meaning, amongst other things: the Monarch is the the Supreme Governor of the church (theologically Jesus is the head), the Church performs a number of official functions, Church and State are linked History The Church of England traces its roots back to the early church, but its specifically Anglican identity and its links to the State date back to the Reformation. Henry VIII started the process of creating the Church of England after his split with the Pope in the 1530s. Henry was anxious to ensure a male heir after his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, had borne him only a daughter. He wanted his marriage annulled in order to remarry. In 1534 after several attempts to persuade the Pope to grant an annulment, Henry passed the Act of Succession and then the Act of Supremacy. These recognised that the King was "the only supreme head of the Church of England called Anglicana Ecclesia". Henry adopted the title given to him by the Pope in 1521, that of Defender of the Faith. In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions Window in St Peter's, Hockwold, Norfolk © Role of the Monarch Today the Monarch retains the title Defender of the Faith and is still the Supreme Governor of the Church. He or she has to: approve the appointment of archbishops, bishops and deans (on the recommendation of the Prime Minister) formally open each new session (every five years) of the General Synod (the church's governing body) promise to maintain the Church in his or her coronation oath. Legislative role The Church of England also has a law-making role in Britain. Twenty-six bishops (including the two Archbishops) sit in the House of Lords and are known as the Lords Spiritual. They are thought to bring a religious ethos to the secular process of law. However, in an increasingly multi-cultural society, questions are being asked as to whether that role needs to be specifically fulfilled by Church of England Bishops. Future reform of the House of Lords could see the Lords Spiritual made up of a variety of Christian denominations and other faiths to reflect the religious make-up of Britain. Civic duties The Church of England, as the established church, fulfils a civic responsibility too. Its bishops and priests are responsible for performing state weddings and funerals, acts of remembrances, memorial services as well as grand occasions like the coronation. After events like the Gulf War or major disasters, the country 'comes together' to mourn under the spiritual guidance of the Church of England. In recent years, such occasions have become more ecumenical and multi-faith as the Church of England acknowledges Britain's changing religious landscape. Hierarchy Southwark Cathedral © There are 43 dioceses in England covering the two provinces of Canterbury and York, plus the Diocese in Europe, with chaplaincies from the Arctic Circle to the Canaries. Each diocese has a bishop and usually at least one suffragan or assistant bishop. Each diocese is split into archdeaconries run by archdeacons. They are responsible for the administration of that part of the


Members of the church of Latter-Day Saints are better known as what?

Who are the Mormons? Topic Who are the Mormons? Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as Mormons) can be found at every level of society — in business and agriculture, education and the sciences, political parties and government, the entertainment industry and news media. Describing the character of Latter-day Saints, Newsweek magazine wrote: “No matter where Mormons live, they find themselves part of a network of mutual concern; in Mormon theology everyone is a minister of a kind, everyone is empowered in some way to do good to others, and to have good done unto them: it is a 21st century covenant of caring.” This caring is not limited to Church members alone but extends far beyond. According to Church President Thomas S. Monson , “As a church we reach out not only to our own people but also to those people of goodwill throughout the world in that spirit of brotherhood which comes from the Lord Jesus Christ .” Membership More than 15 million people now constitute the Church’s membership, a majority of whom live outside the United States. And within the United States, it has the fourth-largest membership of any church. Since its humble founding in 1830 with a mere six people in a log cabin in upstate New York, the Church has continued to grow in membership and influence. Values The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a restoration of New Testament Christianity as taught by Jesus and His apostles. It is not Protestant, evangelical, Catholic or Orthodox. Nevertheless, the basic values of morality, civility and family espoused by the Church are similar to those of most other Christian faiths. Church members find refuge from the uncertainties of the world in the gospel message of hope and happiness. The reality that life has divine purpose, that God cares for each individual and that everyone has the capacity for improvement through correct choices is a central theme of Mormon thought. Beliefs Latter-day Saints believe in a loving, personal God as our Heavenly Father. Since He is the Father of our spirits, all people are His children and thus all people are brothers and sisters. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem mankind from their sins. Church members try to model their lives on the Savior’s teachings. All individuals are entitled to personal revelation. God has called new apostles and prophets in our day through whom He reveals his word, as He did anciently. Thus, God still speaks to humankind. Mormons believe in the Holy Bible, both the Old and New Testaments. In addition, they use other scriptures, including the Book of Mormon, which serves as another witness to the ministry of Christ and His divinity. Used together, these scriptures offer insight into such vital questions as the nature of God, salvation and the Atonement. Education One of the highest values of the Church is education . It is considered a spiritual imperative as much as a secular one. Thus, according to the late President Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Lord has laid a mandate upon the people of this Church that they should learn by study and by faith, that they should seek not only after spiritual knowledge, which is most important, but that they should seek after secular knowledge.” The Church offers its youth ample educational opportunities: seminary is a four-year program that prepares high school students for the spiritual challenges of life; institutes of religion provide general religious instruction and a social atmosphere for college-age adults. Over 700,000 students are enrolled in these programs, which are established in 132 countries. In addition, the Church has created the Perpetual Education Fund to provide young men and women of the Church in developing nations with the means to gain education and training. This fund, which comes largely from the contributions of Church members, offers loans to students, enabling them to attend school and find employment opportunities in their own countries and communities. Worship On any given Sunday, Latter-day Saints gather for worship services in more than


What modern witchcraft religion was invented by Gerald Gardner?

Gerald Gardner: "Britain's Wicca Man" and "Witchfather" and, cue Apulieus’ hating on Hutton in three, two, one… http://quakerpagan.org/ Cat C-B Given the rather dreadful copy (“Gardner’s story and the story of Wicca itself is a bizarre one. Born of a nudist colony…naked witches casting spells…a…religion based on magic, sex…and ritual…”) I’m not sure I can entirely blame him this round. Not that the statements are false, but, wow–way to decontextualize and emphasize the sensationalistic! Nice work, whoever wrote the copy; I can only hope the documentary itself is a little less turgid. Lady GreenFlame I agree. How many titillating buzzwords can you have in one passage? Gareth Of course it’s going to be all buzzwords and sensationalism it’s an advertisement. http://egregores.blogspot.com Apuleius Platonicus Ronald Hutton himself has written that Wicca “closely resembles”, has been “certainly influenced by”, and possesses “linear connections” with forms of Pagan religion going back at least 18 centuries. That modern Wicca differs in many ways from its ancient spiritual progenitors does not make it an “invented” religion. In fact, every modern religion of any sort, including every variety of Christianity, is radically different from the forms it took centuries ago. In fact, unbeknownst (apparently) to his fans, Hutton has all along conceded that Wicca has “a distinguished and very long pedigree stretching back to … Hellenistic Egypt.” AnonGuest I think most modern Wiccans pretend their traditions got nothing but a passing nod from Gardner kenneth True, but if you think Gardner is the red-headed stepchild of the movement, you ought to see the look on the face of the trad-coven HPs when you tell them that some of our ritual rootstock also traces back to Aleister Crowley! AnonGuest But it takes 20 minutes to read, say, Liber al vel legis and Liber XV online for free and see if any passages they’ve been using are Crowley quotes AnonGuest Nobody gets ashamed if their [musical] (as example) roots were still influenced and inspired by people who did too many drugs and were sometimes poorly behaved. I guess someone could try spending days going through to weed out which music and songs were done by anyone who ever took cocaine or laudanum – as a research project. Probably avoiding said groups wouldn’t make them better talented, though. What is the goal? (also married to a former red-head, who is now a silver fox, no complaints about that ) Jhamm77 Yes, Apuleius!  When will Gardner actually be taken at his own words?  He was a deeply flawed man, and yes, he made a lot of things up.  But he drew from history and surviving folklore immensely……and he never even claimed that Wicca was “pure” or that there was a direct line of descent from ancient times. I’m SO tired of the SAME people making the SAME generalized statements, using the SAME straw dolls and obscurantist tactics! http://www.patheos.com Star Foster I’m excited to see this film simply because it appears to have interviews I’ve never seen before. Just for the rare footage alone it looks worthy of watching. http://blog.chasclifton.com/ Chas Clifton My sources in the UK tell me that footage about some of the hard historical questions, such as whether Dorothy Clutterbuck was a Witch loaned one of her houses to the coven in 1939, was cut from the original, so I suppose that that myth will be perpetuated. Reading Hutton’s praise for Heselton, I am reminded of a passage that I read in an old household-management book about how to write a letter of recommendation for an inept servant who was leaving one’s employ. Various seeming-complimentary phrases were suggested, with the understanding that a prospective employer could read between the lines and get the message: “She can’t boil water without supervision.” I do not, of course, suggest that Heselton is an inept writer, but ask yourself, what adjectives are missing? Jhamm77 Read Dorothy Clutterbuck’s diary, and then tell me she wasn’t a pagan! http://egregores.blogspot.com Apuleius Platonicus One wonders why Ronald Hutton never t


In what ancient country did Zoroastrianism originate?

Zoroastrianism: Origins and Beliefs Zoroastrianism Origins and Beliefs In its origins Zoroastrianism appears to have been the religious expression of the peaceful, sedentary communities of N Iran as opposed to the animistic polytheism of their enemies, the nomadic horsemen. Zoroaster consistently contrasts these two peoples as the People of Righteousness ( asha ) and the People of the Lie ( druj ). The religion was concerned with increasing the harvest and with protecting and treating kindly the domestic animals whose labors accomplished the production of food. Gradually certain practices that Zoroaster appears to have deplored, such as the use of haoma (a narcotic intoxicant) in prayer and the sacrifice of bulls in connection with the cult of the god Mithra (a lesser god in Zoroastrianism), became features of the religion. It is not surprising, however, that former customs should be thus revived, because Zoroaster appears to have incorporated in his religion the old Persian pantheon, although very much refined. Instead of tolerating the worship of all the deities, however, he divided them into those who were beneficent and truthful and those whose malevolence and falseness made them abhorrent. Heading the good spirits was Ahura Mazdah (also Ormazd or Ormuzd) [sovereign knowledge], in primitive Zoroastrianism the only god. Six attendant deities, the Amesha Spentas, surround him. These abstract representations, formerly the personal aspects of Ahura Mazdah, are Vohu Manah [good thought], Asha Vahista [highest righteousness], Khshathra Vairya [divine kingdom], Spenta Armaiti [pious devotion], Haurvatat [salvation], and Ameretat [immortality]. In time the Amesha Spentas became archangelic in character and less abstract. Opposing the good ahuras were the evil spirits, the daevas or divs, led by Ahriman. The war between these two supernatural hosts is the subject matter of the fully developed cosmogony and eschatology of Zoroastrianism. The entire history of the universe, past, present, and future, the religion teaches, is divided into four periods, each of 3,000 years. In the first period there was no matter; the second preceded the coming of Zoroaster; and in the third his faith is propagated. The struggle between good and evil rages during the first nine millennia, and humans help Ahura Mazdah or Ahriman according to whether their conduct is good or evil. Each person after death crosses the Chinvato Peretav [bridge of the separator], which spans hell. If he is reprobate, the bridge narrows and he tumbles to perdition, but if he is worthy of salvation he finds a wide road to the realm of light. In the fourth period of the universe a savior, Saoshyant, will appear, the dead will rise for their final reward or punishment, and good will reign eternally. Zoroastrianism should be regarded as quasi-dualistic, rather than (as sometimes described) wholly dualistic, since it predicts the ultimate triumph of Ahura Mazdah. This god may be represented in the form of the pure natural substances that he has created, notably fire but also water and earth. The special veneration shown to fire and its use in religious ceremonies has led to the erroneous belief that the Zoroastrians were fire worshipers. The care taken to avoid contaminating these natural substances led to great elaboration of the purification ritual. Sections in this article:


What is the name of the largest church in the Vatican?

Top Churches to Visit in Rome, Italy Top Churches to Visit in Rome Top Churches to Visit in Rome What Churches to See in Rome By Martha Bakerjian Updated August 30, 2015. Rome has many interesting churches with fine art work worth a visit. Many churches stay open all day but some close for a few hours in the afternoon. These churches have free entrance (2006) but some have museums, cloisters, or archaeological areas with a fee. When entering a church you're expected to be quiet and respectful. Men should remove hats. Some churches won't let you in wearing shorts or sleeveless tops. Most churches allow photos inside with some restrictions. edwin11/Flickr/CC BY 2.0 • San Giovanni Laterano - Cathedral of Rome San Giovanni, Saint John, is Rome's cathedral and the first church of the popes, from the fourth century until the papacy moved to France in 1309. The pope's residence was in the adjoining Lateran Palace. This is the site of the first Christian church ever built in Rome. The current church is Baroque and has cloisters and a museum that can be visited. Be sure to visit the baptistery next door and the Scala Santa and Sancta Sanctorum across the street. More » continue reading below our video Beware! The 5 Most Common Travel Scams • Saint Peter's Basilica - San Pietro in Vaticano St. Peter's Basilica, San Pietro in Vaticano, is in Vatican City so technically not in Rome. San Pietro is the current church of the pope and one of the largest and most important Catholic churches in the world. Inside the vast interior, there's lots of marble, bronze, and gold artwork, including Michelangelo's Pieta. You can visit Saint Peter's for free but you'll have to pay to see the adjoining Sistine Chapel , with its famous frescoes by Michelangelo and Botticelli, and the Vatican Museums . More » Santa Maria Maggiore Pictures: Exterior of Santa Maria Maggiore Church. Joe Palisi • Santa Maria Maggiore Another of the four papal churches, Santa Maria Maggiore has beautiful 5th century Biblical mosaics. The marble floor, bell tower, and mosaics on the triumphal arch and in the loggia are medieval. Its spectacular ceiling is said to be decorated with gold Columbus brought back from the new world. The fourth patriarchal or papal church of Rome is San Paulo Fuori la Mura, Saint Paul Outside the Walls , two kilometers from the San Paolo Gate along via Ostiense . It also holds many art treasures and relics including the chains believed to have been used on Paul when he was under arrest. More » The Pantheon in Rome. by Martha Bakerjian • The Pantheon The Pantheon, built in the year 118 as the Roman temple of all gods, is the best preserved ancient building in Rome. Its vast dome has a circular opening at the top that lets in the only light. In the seventh century early Christians turned the Pantheon into a church. Inside are many tombs, some holding the bodies of Italian monarchs. More » • San Clemente San Clemente, near the Colosseum, is my favorite because of its layers of archaeological excavations underneath, illustrating Rome's interesting history. The current 12th century church sits on top of the 4th century church that was built over ruins of 1st century Roman buildings and a 2nd century Mithraic cult chamber. The best way to visit the excavations is on a guided tour such as this Crypts, Bones, and Catacombs tour with Walks of Italy. Rome Picture: St. Peters in Chains (San Pietro in Vincoli) Church in Rome, St. Peter's Chain. Picture © by James Martin, Europe Travel • San Pietro in Vincoli - Saint Peter in Chains San Pietro in Vincoli , also near the Colosseum, was founded in the fifth century to hold the chains that are believed to be those that held St. Peter captive in Mamertine Prison. According to legend, one set of chains was sent to Constantinople and when it was returned to Rome, the two parts miraculously fused together. The church is also home of the famous statue of Moses by Michelangelo , the center of the work known as the tomb of Julius II. • Santa Croce in Gerusalemme Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Holy Cross in Jerus


What religion is based on the teachings of Laozi?

Laozi (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy) Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy Laozi First published Sat Dec 15, 2001; substantive revision Thu May 2, 2013 Confucianism, Daoism (Taoism), and Buddhism generally name the three main pillars of Chinese thought, although it should be obvious that like any “ism,” they are abstractions—what they name are not monolithic but multifaceted traditions with fuzzy boundaries. In the case of “Daoism,” it designates both a philosophical tradition and an organized religion, which in modern Chinese are identified separately as daojia and daojiao, respectively. With their own complex histories and rich internal differences, the two are deeply intertwined. Laozi (or Lao-tzu, in the “Wade-Giles” system of transliteration favored by earlier generations of Western scholars) figures centrally in both. Philosophical Daoism traces its origins to Laozi, an extraordinary thinker who flourished during the sixth century B.C.E., according to Chinese tradition. According to some modern scholars, however, Laozi is entirely legendary; there was never a historical Laozi. In religious Daoism, Laozi is revered as a supreme deity. The name “Laozi” is best taken to mean “Old (lao) Master (zi),” and Laozi the ancient philosopher is said to have written a short book, which has come to be called simply the Laozi, after its putative author, a common practice in early China. When the Laozi was recognized as a “classic” (jing)—that is, accorded canonical status in the classification of Chinese literature, on account of its profound insight and significance—it acquired a more exalted and hermeneutically instructive title, Daodejing (Tao-te ching), commonly translated as the “Classic of the Way and Virtue.” Its influence on Chinese culture is pervasive, and it reaches beyond China. Next to the Bible, the Daodejing is the most translated work in world literature. It is concerned with the Dao or “Way” and how it finds expression in “virtue” (de), especially through what the text calls “naturalness” (ziran) and “nonaction” (wuwei). These concepts, however, are open to interpretation. While some interpreters see them as evidence that the Laozi is a “mystical” work, others emphasize their contribution to ethics and/or political philosophy. Interpreting the Laozi demands careful hermeneutic reconstruction, which requires both analytic rigor and an informed historical imagination. 1. The Laozi Story The Shiji (Records of the Historian) by the Han dynasty (206 B.C.E.–220 C.E.) court scribe and historian Sima Qian (ca. 145–86 B.C.E.) offers a “biography” of Laozi. Its reliability has been questioned, but it provides a point of departure for reconstructing the Laozi story. Laozi was a native of Chu, according to the Shiji, a southern state in the Zhou dynasty (see map and discussion in Loewe and Shaughnessy 1999, 594 and 597). His surname was Li; his given name was Er, and he was also called Dan. Laozi served as a keeper of archival records at the court of Zhou. Confucius (551–479 B.C.E.) had consulted him on certain ritual matters, we are told, and praised him lavishly afterward (Shiji 63). This establishes the traditional claim that Laozi was a senior contemporary of Confucius. A meeting or meetings between Confucius and Laozi, identified as “Lao Dan,” is reported also in the Zhuangzi and other early Chinese sources. “Laozi cultivated Dao and virtue,” as Sima Qian goes on to relate, and “his learning was devoted to self-effacement and not having fame. He lived in Zhou for a long time; witnessing the decline of Zhou, he departed.” When he reached the northwest border then separating China from the outside world, he met Yin Xi, the official in charge of the border crossing, who asked him to put his teachings into writing. The result was a book consisting of some five thousand Chinese characters, divided into two parts, which discusses “the meaning of Dao and virtue.” Thereafter, Laozi left; no one knew where he had gone. This completes the main part of Sima Qian's account. The remainder puts on record attempts to identify the


What was the Greek name of the Roman goddess Venus?

Venus - Ancient History Encyclopedia Venus by Brittany Garcia published on 27 August 2013 In Roman mythology , Venus was the goddess of love, sex, beauty, and fertility. She was the Roman counterpart to the Greek Aphrodite . However, Roman Venus had many abilities beyond the Greek Aphrodite; she was a goddess of victory, fertility, and even prostitution. According to Hesiod 's Theogony, Aphrodite was born of the foam from the sea after Saturn (Greek Cronus) castrated his father Uranus (Ouranus) and his blood fell to the sea. This latter explanation appears to be more a popular theory due to the countless artworks depicting Venus rising from the sea in a clam. Divine Lovers & Children Venus had two main divine lovers: her husband Vulcan ( Hephaistos ) and Mars ( Ares ). There is a myth concerning Venus' and Mars' love affair and how Vulcan cunningly trapped them in bed with a net. Therefore, Vulcan and Venus had a loveless marriage and no children. Albeit, the goddess of love and sex was not barren; she had many children from different gods. With Mars, she gave birth to Timor (Phobos) the personification of fear who accompanied his father into battle , his twin Metus (Deimos) the personification of terror, Concordia (Harmonia) the goddess of harmony and concord, and the Cupids ( Erotes ) who were a collection of winged love deities who represented the different aspects of love. Remove Ads Advertisement The Roman poet Ovid recounts that Aphrodite bore Hermaphroditos by Hermes , who was the epitome of effeminacy and androgyny. She also bore with either Hermes or Zeus , Fortuna (Tyche) who was the personification of luck and fate within Roman religion . Venus is ascribed as the mother of the minor deity Priapus (a fertility god often characterized with an absurdly large phallus) by Bacchus. According to Pausanias , the Graces were thought to be the offspring of Venus and Bacchus, but more commonly their birth is credited to Jupiter and Euynome. However, the Graces were part of Venus' retinue along with the Cupids and Suadela, the goddess of persuasion in the realms of romance, love, and seduction. Mortal Lovers, Children, & Descendants Venus had several mortal lovers as well. The two most famous would be Anchises and Adonis , but she was also the lover of the Sicilian king Butes and mother to their son Eryx and Paethon with whom she mothered Sandocus, who fathered Metamorphoses' Cinyras. Ovid's Metamorphoses (Book X) recounts how Venus fell in love with the mortal Adonis (either due to his beauty or Cupid's arrow) and besought Proserpina ( Persephone ) to care for him until she came for him. The two goddesses both grew enamored with the mortal, so they fought until Zeus decided that Adonis would spend one-third the year with each of them and a third wherever he pleased. Ultimately, he spent his time with Venus until he was killed by a boar. According to the Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite, Anchises, a prince from Dardania and ally to Troy , was seduced by Venus. She disguised herself as a Phrygian princess and seduced him; it was only nine months later that she revealed her divine identity. She presented Anchises with their son Aeneas. Venus warned Anchises never to brag about their affair lest he be struck by Jupiter. Unfortunately, Anchises did brag and was crippled by Jupiter's bolt. The Trojan Aeneas, according to Virgil's Aeneid , was fated to found Rome guided by his divine mother Venus. Aeneas' son Ascanius or Iulus, a king of Alba Longa, was credited, by Virgil, to be the ancestor of the founders of Rome: Romulus and Remus along with the Gens (family) Julia. The Gen Julia was the family that included Julius Caesar , Augustus ( Octavian ) Caesar and his descendants.  Advertisement Temples, Cults, & Festival in Ancient Rome The first appearance of a temple to Venus was in 295 BCE. It was to Venus Obsequens (Obedient Venus) on the Aventine Hill by Q. Fabius Gurges. However, this temple was diffused with Greek aspects (Aphrodite's cults) and was not a new creation. In 217 BCE, the Sibyline oracle suggested that if Rome (at tha


What Jamaican religious tradition was practiced by Bob Marley?

Jamaican Religion | The Pluralism Project The Pluralism Project Photos Jamaican Religion Over 750,000 African captives came to Jamaica from the Bight of Biafra, the region of present-day Ghana, and west Central Africa. Beginning in the late eighteenth century, Jamaica saw the emergence of a variety of African and African-influenced religious traditions. The three major traditions that then reached the United States are called Obeah, Jamaican Revivalism or Pukumina, and Rastafarianism. Obeah is a form of herbal and spiritual technology used to cure ailments and to harm one’s enemies. In Jamaica, obeahmen were believed capable of poisoning people and of dominating them by catching their shadows. Some researchers attribute the origins of Obeah to the Ashanti people of what is now Ghana and their practice of obayifo. In Jamaica, these practices were a legendary component of slave resistance and revolt. In the United States today, Obeah men and women, commonly referred to as “readers” and known as skilled herbalists, are sought primarily for the healing of physical, spiritual, and mental disorders, and for protection from malevolent spiritual forces. A Jamaican Revivalist tradition called Pukumina—more structured than Obeah in belief and practice, with numerous churches and congregations—is practiced in most major U.S. cities today. Like mainland black North American Christianity, Jamaican Revivalism is much more likely to be described as “African” by outsiders than by insiders, though there are many parallels between Jamaican Revivalist movements and West African cultures. Various Jamaican Revivalist practices recall West African and Haitian religions. For example, each of the various spirits venerated in Revivalism is said to prefer specific foods, colors, and music. Recalling Haitian Vodou, Pukumina ceremonial space includes the “ritual architecture” of a central pole, to which Jamaicans add a basin of water used for spirit-channelling. This apparatus stands at the center of the sacred space, whether it be in the backyard or in a special meeting hall. Drumming and dancing culminate in trances and contact between the worshippers and the spirits who bring about divine healing or divine inspiration. In the Revivalist traditions, however, it is often said to be the Holy Spirit who “possesses” the devotees, or the spirits of Biblical figures such as the prophet Jeremiah and the apostle Peter. The most famous Jamaican religion is undoubtedly Rastafarianism, a complex spiritual and political movement that emerged in Jamaica during the depression years of the 1930s. It combined inspirational Jamaican folk Christianity with pan-Africanist sentiments inspired by Marcus Garvey’s United Negro Improvement Association. In repudiating British colonialism, Rastafarians were inspired by Ethiopia, noted as the one land of Africa mentioned in the Bible. Ethiopia’s twentieth-century emperor Haile Selassie, “the Lion of Judah,” was believed by Rastafarians to be the 225th king of biblical Ethiopia; they took Haile Selassie’s name, Ras Tafari, the “Prince of Tafari Province,” as their own. Garvey’s dream of a return to Africa became the Rastafarian dream as well, and some Rastafarians have indeed settled in Ethiopia, Ghana, and Zaire. Rastafarians interpret the Old Testament as the history of the black people and as a prophetic key to understanding events in the modern world. They see themselves as successors to the biblical prophets and, like devotees of Jamaican Revivalist movements, often speak as the present-day voices of biblical prophets such as Moses, Joshua, and Isaiah. The characteristic Rastafarian hairstyle, “dreadlocks,” is said to symbolize both the lion’s mane and the strength of Samson. Some Rastafarians believe that African warriors wear their hair in a similar style. The sacramental use of marijuana among Rastafarians is believed to bring divine inspiration, to cure diseases, and to enhance strength. In the United States, the rhythm of Rastafarian reggae music has become one of the best known aspects of this Jamaican religious


ODIN - the Norse Ruler God (Norse mythology) ODIN Also known as GANGLERI, ODINN, OTHINN, VAK, VALTAM All-knowing Allfather of the Gods and Lord of Asgard The Norse Biggy. ODIN is King of ASGARD , Ruler of the AESIR and the Lord of War, Death and Knowledge. To travel the world without being recognized, he wears a huge wide-brimmed hat. He also — thanks to LOKI — rides an eight-legged horse named SLEIPNIR into battle. All he needs is a six-shooter and a sheriff’s badge to be able to stand in for John Wayne in True Grit. His biggest fans include the Berserkers, which should give you some idea. He’s also very hot on Knowledge and Military Intelligence, having two ravens, Huginn and Muninn, who fly around the world every day bringing up-to-date reports. ODIN himself has only one eye, having traded the other one for a sip from MIMIR ’s Well of Wisdom during his visit to the great World Tree YGGDRASIL . Consequently he’s full of knowledge, while his missing eye is hidden in an unknown location care of MIMIR the Talking Head. The eye enabled MIMIR to focus on far-distant events, allowing ODIN the ability to always see far ahead. To become the Top Wise Guy, ODIN put himself through some incredibly rigorous ordeals. The Well of Wisdom lies under the second root of YGGDRASIL , which allows the Dew of Knowledge to seep into it. So ODIN stabbed himself with his own spear and hung himself on the tree for nine days and nights. He was then allowed a peep, and saw magic runes appear on rocks beneath him. With a superhuman effort he struggled to lift them, which must have been quite an acrobatic feat. Running his eye over the mystic symbols, he was instantly freed of all encumbrances; restored and rejuvenated with everlasting vigor enabling him to drop lightly to the ground. His ordeal accomplished, ODIN was at last able to take a well-deserved swig from MIMIR ’s well, making him well-wise as well as wise. It was even tastier than his usual tipple Kvas, the Mead of Inspiration, a special brew made from the blood of KVASIR . If you think a wise one-eyed Norse cowboy on an eight-legged horse would be easy to recognize, this ain’t necessarily so for ODIN is a shape-changer, and his range of disguises make Sherlock Holmes look like Miss Marple. He also travels incognito under a variety of false names. Sharing primeval God status with brothers VE and VILI , the Great ODIN helped bring the world as we know it into being, so we can forgive his little foibles. The legend tells that in the ice-laden wastes of NIFLHEIM , he got into a rather catastrophic snowball fight with YMIR , the king of the FROST-GIANTS . The Abominable Snowgiant was slashed into pieces and ODIN made the world from all the bits. He even found a use for the eyebrows. ODIN’s dad is BOR , son of BURI , son of an ice cube. Married to FRIGG (with the occasional Freya fling and flirtation with RIND ), the family firm includes BALDUR , HOD , HERMOTH , THOR and VIDAR . See also WODEN . ODIN FACTS AND FIGURES Cite this Link to this page HTML: To link to this page, just copy and paste the text below into your blog, web page or email. Godchecker entry on ODIN, the Norse Ruler God BBCODE: To link to this page in a forum post or comment box, just copy and paste the text below: [url=http://www.godchecker.com/pantheon/norse-mythology.php?deity=ODIN]Godchecker entry on ODIN, the Norse Ruler God[/url] Cite this article Here's the info you need to cite this page. Just copy the text in the box below. Saunders, Chas, and Peter J. Allen, eds. "ODIN - the Norse Ruler God (Norse mythology)." Godchecker. Godchecker.com / CID, 18 Aug. 2014. Web. 20 January 2017. . 18 August 2014 by the Godchecker Team. Editors: Peter J Allen, Chas Saunders References: Coming soon.


What is the Islamic equivalent to the Bible?

Islaam.ca Is There Anything in the Qur'an Similar to the Ten Commandments of the Bible? islaam.ca admin The Noble Qur'an The Bible has the famous 'Ten Commadments.' What about Islam? Does it have such a code of conduct which overviews some of the beliefs and rights of the reliigion? This short article will help to educate the enquiring mind better about the Qur'an, and perhaps knock down some misplaced notions about the Noble Qur'an and its message.   Source: [islaam.ca] Published: Pre 2007      And follow not (O man, i.e., say not or do not or witness not) that of which you have no knowledge. Verily, the hearing, the sight and the heart, each of those one will be questioned (by Allaah). And walk not on the earth with conceit and arrogance. Verily, you can neither rend nor penetrate the earth nor can you attain a stature like the mountains in height.   In the Name of Allaah, The Beneficent, The Merciful Question: Is there anything in the Quran that is similar to the Ten Commandments of the Bible? Answer: All praise is due to Allah, thank you for directing this question to us indicating your interest in the Quran. We would be delighted to provide you with an answer. There are verses in the Quran that were called the ‘Ten Commandments’ or the ‘ Ten Instructions’ by some scholars due to containing ten great commandments to mankind by Allah. These verses can be found in two places in the Qur'an.   The First: In Surat Al An'aam, Allah says: (Say (O Muhammad): "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: [1] Join not anything in worship with Him; [2] be good and dutiful to your parents; [3] kill not your children because of poverty" – We provide sustenance for you as well as them – [4] "Come not near Al-Fawahish (great sins and illegal sexual intercourse) whether committed openly or secretly; [5] and kill not anyone whom Allah has forbidden except for a just cause (according to Islamic law). This He has commanded you with that you may understand. [6] And come not near to the orphan's property except to improve it until he or she attains the age of full strength; [7] and give full measure and full weight with justice" – We burden not any person, but that which they can bear – [8] "And whenever you give your word (i.e. judge between men or give evidence), say the truth even if a near relative is concerned, [9] and fulfill the Covenant of Allah. This He commands you that you may remember. [10] And verily, this (i.e. Allah's Commandments mentioned in the above two Verses) is my straight path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you from His path. This He has ordained for you that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious.)[1] The second: In Surat Al Israa, it is as if it is an explanation of the previous verses. Allaah said: [1] And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. [2] And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honor. And lower to them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: "My Lord! Bestow upon them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was young." Your Lord knows best what is in your inner-selves. If you are righteous, then, verily, He is Ever Most Forgiving to those who turn to Him again and again in obedience, and in repentance. [3] And give to the kinsman his due and to the Miskeen (needy) and to the wayfarer. But spend not wastefully (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift. Verily, the spendthrifts are brothers of the Shayateen (devils), and the Shaytaan (Devil-Satan) is ever ungrateful to his Lord. And if you turn away from them (kindred, needy, wayfarer and have no wealth at the time they ask you) and are awaiting a mercy from your Lord for which you hope, then speak to them a soft, kind word (i.e. Allaah will provide for me and I shall give you). And let not your hand be tied (like a miser) to your neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach (like a spendthrift), so that you become blameworthy


What is the name of the Jewish coming-of-age ceremony?

Judaism 101: Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah and Confirmation Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah and Confirmation Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah and Confirmation Level: Basic  Jews become responsible for observing the commandments at the age of 13 for boys, 12 for girls  This age is marked by a celebration called bar (or bat) mitzvah  Some synagogues have an additional celebration called confirmation Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah "Bar Mitzvah" literally means "son of the commandment." "Bar" is "son" in Aramaic, which used to be the vernacular of the Jewish people . "Mitzvah" is "commandment" in both Hebrew and Aramaic. "Bat" is daughter in Hebrew and Aramaic. (The Ashkenazic pronunciation is "bas"). Technically, the term refers to the child who is coming of age, and it is strictly correct to refer to someone as "becoming a bar (or bat) mitzvah." However, the term is more commonly used to refer to the coming of age ceremony itself, and you are more likely to hear that someone is "having a bar mitzvah" or "invited to a bar mitzvah." So what does it mean to become a bar mitzvah? Under Jewish Law, children are not obligated to observe the commandments, although they are encouraged to do so as much as possible to learn the obligations they will have as adults. At the age of 13 (12 for girls), children become obligated to observe the commandments. The bar mitzvah ceremony formally, publicly marks the assumption of that obligation, along with the corresponding right to take part in leading religious services , to count in a minyan (the minimum number of people needed to perform certain parts of religious services), to form binding contracts, to testify before religious courts and to marry. A Jewish boy automatically becomes a bar mitzvah upon reaching the age of 13 years, and a girl upon reaching the age of 12 years. No ceremony is needed to confer these rights and obligations. The popular bar mitzvah ceremony is not required, and does not fulfill any commandment. It is certainly not, as one episode of the Simpsons would have you believe, necessary to have a bar mitzvah in order to be considered a Jew! The bar or bat mitzvah is a relatively modern innovation, not mentioned in the Talmud , and the elaborate ceremonies and receptions that are commonplace today were unheard of as recently as a century ago. In its earliest and most basic form, a bar mitzvah is the celebrant's first aliyah . During Shabbat services on a Saturday shortly after the child's 13th birthday, or even the Monday or Thursday weekday services immediately after the child's 13th birthday, the celebrant is called up to the Torah to recite a blessing over the weekly reading . Today, it is common practice for the bar mitzvah celebrant to do much more than just say the blessing. It is most common for the celebrant to learn the entire haftarah portion, including its traditional chant, and recite that. In some congregations, the celebrant reads the entire weekly torah portion, or leads part of the service, or leads the congregation in certain important prayers. The celebrant is also generally required to make a speech, which traditionally begins with the phrase "today I am a man." The father traditionally recites a blessing thanking G-d for removing the burden of being responsible for the son's sins (because now the child is old enough to be held responsible for his own actions). In modern times, the religious service is followed by a reception that is often as elaborate as a wedding reception. In Orthodox and Chasidic practice, women are not permitted to participate in religious services in these ways, so a bat mitzvah, if celebrated at all, is usually little more than a party. In other movements of Judaism, the girls do exactly the same thing as the boys. It is important to note that a bar mitzvah is not the goal of a Jewish education, nor is it a graduation ceremony marking the end of a person's Jewish education. We are obligated to study Torah throughout our lives. To emphasize this point, some rabbis require a bar mitzvah student to sign an agreem


Mythography | Ambrosia - Food of the Greek Gods - in Mythology home | greek | lexicon | ambrosia Ambrosia - Food of the Greek Gods Ambrosia was the food of the gods and goddesses in Greek mythology. It was often accompanied by the drink nectar in celebrations, and indeed, ambrosia and nectar both appear in myth and literature as divine confections that were guaranteed to satisfy the hunger and/or thirst of any immortal resident of Mt. Olympus . While scholars are not entirely certain what the ancient Greeks thought the composition of ambrosia (or its liquid counterpart, for that matter) actually was, it is believed that these mythical items had some connection to a sweet treat enjoyed by mortals throughout the ages - honey. Honey was highly regarded by the people of ancient Greece, so this suggestion makes sense. Ambrosia made more than just a delightful meal, however. There are several episodes in Greek myth in which ambrosia is used by the gods and goddesses as a sort of balm, to confer grace or even immortality (in the case of mortals) onto the recipient. One such incident that demonstrates how ambrosia was used to beautify involves Aphrodite , the enchanting goddess of love. In the Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite, the goddess prepares herself for some serious seduction with the assistance of eau de ambrosia: "...there the Graces bathed her and anointed her with ambrosian oil such as is rubbed on deathless gods, divinely sweet, and made fragrant for her sake." And while this may have been an example of gilding the lily (Aphrodite already being irresistible), ambrosia played a more serious part in other myths. In one poignant and memorable scene from Homer's Iliad, the sea-nymph Thetis uses ambrosia and nectar to preserve the body of the dead warrior Patroclus. In the same epic, Zeus calls upon Apollo to anoint another fallen hero - this time, Sarpedon - with ambrosia. To see more definitions of words, visit the Mythography lexicon of Greek terms .