Thursday, July 18, 2013
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Religious Destruction
Another million dollar question-- does religion cause war, violence, depression, and negative affects upon world-wide social interactions and unity?
Take a peek at these articles and video:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rabbi-alan-lurie/is-religion-the-cause-of-_b_1400766.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kabir-helminski/does-religion-cause-war_b_699325.html
http://www.hds.harvard.edu/news-events/harvard-divinity-bulletin/articles/does-religion-cause-violence
As humans, we are only guaranteed one thing in our unclear future: death. Other than that, nothing, and I repeat nothing, can be guaranteed truthful in occurrence. Many believe that their cause of death will be just this: religion.
This topic is quite extensive. And I am limited in my resources, mentally, to fully comprehend the negative affects of religion.
According the Bible's final book in the New Testament, one belief upon an ending of death could be based off of the book of Revelation--translated into an "apokalypsis". If you care to investigate:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+1&version=NIV
But I'm not here to discuss whether we will die due to this belief...that's another discussion.
I'm here to discuss how religion will affect our religion generations, negatively...and positively. And even, how will religion change in the future?
"How should one define the legitimate reach of individuals' institutional obligations in the light of their right to freedom of religion? The most divisive settings for this question involve exclusions from certain jobs and schools. At the same time, some fundamental issues of ethics and law lie in the background. One of the most central concerns choice. On one approach, if there are other sources of work or education that do not make the same demands on the objector then she should choose between conforming and taking up that alternative. On another approach, even if there are such alternatives, people should not be confronted with such a dilemma: they should be entitled to stay in their preferred institution, which must make its best effort to accommodate them. The conflict between these two views arises from underlying differences concerning the nature of free choice itself; about the obligations borne by institutions in civil society; and about basic rights. The connections between these notions are investigated, and a way through the disagreement is suggested" (Leader ABSTRACT).
I, nor any other human, can predict the future. But we ALL know that religion will somehow play a key role in it--negatively and positively. Do you agree? How will America's future generations be affected by religion?
Based off of:
http://ehis.ebscohost.com.ez2.maricopa.edu/ehost/detail?vid=8&sid=57a1b3ef-5169-40a6-bcbf-5d7b6719d08e%40sessionmgr104&hid=106&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=26260950
By: Leader, Sheldon. Modern Law Review. Sep2007, Vol. 70 Issue 5, p713-730. 18p. DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2230.2007.00660.x.
Take a peek at these articles and video:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rabbi-alan-lurie/is-religion-the-cause-of-_b_1400766.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kabir-helminski/does-religion-cause-war_b_699325.html
http://www.hds.harvard.edu/news-events/harvard-divinity-bulletin/articles/does-religion-cause-violence
As humans, we are only guaranteed one thing in our unclear future: death. Other than that, nothing, and I repeat nothing, can be guaranteed truthful in occurrence. Many believe that their cause of death will be just this: religion.
This topic is quite extensive. And I am limited in my resources, mentally, to fully comprehend the negative affects of religion.
According the Bible's final book in the New Testament, one belief upon an ending of death could be based off of the book of Revelation--translated into an "apokalypsis". If you care to investigate:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+1&version=NIV
But I'm not here to discuss whether we will die due to this belief...that's another discussion.
I'm here to discuss how religion will affect our religion generations, negatively...and positively. And even, how will religion change in the future?
"How should one define the legitimate reach of individuals' institutional obligations in the light of their right to freedom of religion? The most divisive settings for this question involve exclusions from certain jobs and schools. At the same time, some fundamental issues of ethics and law lie in the background. One of the most central concerns choice. On one approach, if there are other sources of work or education that do not make the same demands on the objector then she should choose between conforming and taking up that alternative. On another approach, even if there are such alternatives, people should not be confronted with such a dilemma: they should be entitled to stay in their preferred institution, which must make its best effort to accommodate them. The conflict between these two views arises from underlying differences concerning the nature of free choice itself; about the obligations borne by institutions in civil society; and about basic rights. The connections between these notions are investigated, and a way through the disagreement is suggested" (Leader ABSTRACT).
I, nor any other human, can predict the future. But we ALL know that religion will somehow play a key role in it--negatively and positively. Do you agree? How will America's future generations be affected by religion?
Based off of:
http://ehis.ebscohost.com.ez2.maricopa.edu/ehost/detail?vid=8&sid=57a1b3ef-5169-40a6-bcbf-5d7b6719d08e%40sessionmgr104&hid=106&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=26260950
By: Leader, Sheldon. Modern Law Review. Sep2007, Vol. 70 Issue 5, p713-730. 18p. DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2230.2007.00660.x.
For Educational Purposes
"Most statistics show that nine out of ten Americans believe in the existence of God. While these statistics do not elaborate on the nature of this God or the depth of religious identity, it is reasonable to conclude that religion in some form and to some degree is important to most Americans...
...This statistic illustrates how striking it is that our public schools do not include the study of religion despite the fact that the plularity--indeed, the overwhelming majority--of people hold a belief in God and identify with a religious tradition" (Priestman, Rosenblith 366).
Please take a moment to view these videos and debates:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/evolution/intelligent-design-trial.html
http://abcnews.go.com/US/religion-taught-schools/story?id=8166798#.UcWj65y58xc
"Our children need to know the truth about how our country got started..." (ABC).
Another million dollar question: should, to what extent, religion be taught in the public education school systems?
"First, should religion even be a part of the curriculum in a public school? Second, if it should be, is it appropriate for matters of truth to be a part of the discussion? Third, if truth matters are to be addressed, is it possible to come up with standards for what would constitute good thinking in this realm?" (Pristman, Rosenblith 365-366)
Ah, but wait, we are missing a key point to this topic-- separation of church and state.
This is defined by the distance in the relationship between the organized religion and the nation state.
To get glimpse at how religion has been handled in court, I suggest you take a peak at these cases:
http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/leading-edge-legal-advice-everyday-matters/2013/may/24/separation-church-and-state-revisited/
Taken from the article posted above: Following the Lemon case, the Supreme Court formulated a three-pronged test to determine if government action violates the First Amendment Establishment Clause. The test became known as the “Lemon Test.”
– The law or policy must have been adopted with a neutral or non-religious purpose.
– The principle or primary effect must be one that neither advances nor inhibits religion.
– The law or policy must not result in an “excessive entanglement” of government with religion.
References:
Authors: Rosenblith, Suzanne1 Priestman, Scott2
http://ehis.ebscohost.com.ez2.maricopa.edu/ehost/detail?vid=3&sid=57a1b3ef-5169-40a6-bcbf-5d7b6719d08e%40sessionmgr104&hid=104&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=15235431
Educational Theory. Fall2004, Vol. 54 Issue 4, p365-380. 16p.
Authors:
...This statistic illustrates how striking it is that our public schools do not include the study of religion despite the fact that the plularity--indeed, the overwhelming majority--of people hold a belief in God and identify with a religious tradition" (Priestman, Rosenblith 366).
Please take a moment to view these videos and debates:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/evolution/intelligent-design-trial.html
http://abcnews.go.com/US/religion-taught-schools/story?id=8166798#.UcWj65y58xc
"Our children need to know the truth about how our country got started..." (ABC).
Another million dollar question: should, to what extent, religion be taught in the public education school systems?
"First, should religion even be a part of the curriculum in a public school? Second, if it should be, is it appropriate for matters of truth to be a part of the discussion? Third, if truth matters are to be addressed, is it possible to come up with standards for what would constitute good thinking in this realm?" (Pristman, Rosenblith 365-366)
Ah, but wait, we are missing a key point to this topic-- separation of church and state.
This is defined by the distance in the relationship between the organized religion and the nation state.
To get glimpse at how religion has been handled in court, I suggest you take a peak at these cases:
Free exercise and public education
- Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)
- Widmar v. Vincent (1981)
- Board of Education of the Westside Community Schools v. Mergens (1990)
- Lamb's Chapel v. Center Moriches Union Free School District (1993)
- Rosenberger v. Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia (1995)
http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/leading-edge-legal-advice-everyday-matters/2013/may/24/separation-church-and-state-revisited/
Taken from the article posted above: Following the Lemon case, the Supreme Court formulated a three-pronged test to determine if government action violates the First Amendment Establishment Clause. The test became known as the “Lemon Test.”
– The law or policy must have been adopted with a neutral or non-religious purpose.
– The principle or primary effect must be one that neither advances nor inhibits religion.
– The law or policy must not result in an “excessive entanglement” of government with religion.
References:
Authors: Rosenblith, Suzanne1 Priestman, Scott2
http://ehis.ebscohost.com.ez2.maricopa.edu/ehost/detail?vid=3&sid=57a1b3ef-5169-40a6-bcbf-5d7b6719d08e%40sessionmgr104&hid=104&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=15235431
Educational Theory. Fall2004, Vol. 54 Issue 4, p365-380. 16p.
Authors:
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Religious Versus Spiritual
The million dollar question--what is religion?
According to Merriam- Webster:
1
a : the state of a religious <a nun in her 20th year of religion>
b (1) : the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2) : commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
2
: a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
3
archaic : scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness
4
: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
I would like to present the argument of religion versus spiritual belief.
Ah. Tricky subject.
I would like to present the argument of religion versus spiritual belief.
Ah. Tricky subject.
Can one be spiritual without being religious? If you are spiritual, are you religious?
Or even--
How does religion versus spiritual belief influence one's personality traits and personal decisions?
Or--
"Second, given the theoretical and empirical links between personality and values (see below),
questions arise as to whether religiousness is uniquely related to personality and values, and
whether values are better predictors of religion than personality. In other words, is religion, in
terms of individual differences, closer to strict personality traits or to values? Third, as spirituality
emerges today as a distinct construct from religiousness (e.g., Zinnbauer and Pargament 2005),
we investigated how spirituality, apart from or similarly to religion, is related to personality and
values" (Saroglou 83). Intriguing. So how does religion affect the individual?
Let me know what you think? How does religion affect you? Does a spiritual practice differ from religious practice?
References:
http://ehis.ebscohost.com.ez2.maricopa.edu/ehost/detail?vid=5&sid=57a1b3ef-5169-40a6-bcbf-5d7b6719d08e%40sessionmgr104&hid=110&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=31244827
Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion. Mar2008, Vol. 47 Issue 1, p83-101. 19p. 5 Charts.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/religion
The Underprivileged
...one Nation under God, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.
The United States of America has been claimed as the land of the free--known for its right to freedom of religion. However, this privilege is not granted worldwide.
"About seventy percent of the world's population lives in
countries where governments impose high restrictions on religion or
where there were once high levels of religious hostilities in society,
according to a global study by the Pew Research Center's Forum on
Religion and Public Life. Additionally, the study finds that about a
third of the world's population live in countries where restrictions or
hostilities are increasing. There are several intriguing patterns. First,
hostilities substantially increased in countries where restrictions and
hostilities were already high but tended to decrease in countries
where they were already low. Also, rising restrictions were associated
with contradictory constitutional protections for religious freedom
and with the presence of anti-blasphemy laws. Next, Christians and
Muslims, the world's two largest religious groups, were harassed in
the greatest number of countries. But while Jews comprise less than
one percent of the world's population, they were harassed in seventy-five
countries (38%). The Middle East and North Africa saw the
largest increases in government restrictions, but Europe had the
largest proportion of countries in which social hostilities related to
religion rose. Finally, government restrictions in Egypt were
increasing well before the ongoing revolutions known as Arab
Spring. Given such trends, it's unarguable that changes in religious
restrictions are a part of the larger social and political forces shaping
the world today" (Grim 835).
Take a look at these charts:
The question is--how has the religious restrictions (or freedom) affected specific countries and its citizens? As the generations are evolving and people are becoming more educated, around the globe, they are becoming more aware of the importance of religious freedom. However, it is within each country's right to grant how much of the freedom is given; in some cases, very little.
However, I would like to leave you with this thought--should more restrictions be enforced within America? Should less restrictions be enforced in other countries? How effective is the separation of church and state? And more importantly, why does religious freedom matter?
Please take a moment to view this video:
References:
http://ehis.ebscohost.com.ez2.maricopa.edu/ehost/detail?vid=6&sid=76869a46-0a7c-4fa0-b7ba-c0a544e0305a%40sessionmgr104&hid=106&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=83176195
Rising Restrictions on Religion: A Global Overview. Author- Grim, Brian J.
Brigham Young University Law Review. 2012, Vol. 2012 Issue 3, p835-872. 38p. 3 Charts, 3 Graphs.
The United States of America has been claimed as the land of the free--known for its right to freedom of religion. However, this privilege is not granted worldwide.
"About seventy percent of the world's population lives in
countries where governments impose high restrictions on religion or
where there were once high levels of religious hostilities in society,
according to a global study by the Pew Research Center's Forum on
Religion and Public Life. Additionally, the study finds that about a
third of the world's population live in countries where restrictions or
hostilities are increasing. There are several intriguing patterns. First,
hostilities substantially increased in countries where restrictions and
hostilities were already high but tended to decrease in countries
where they were already low. Also, rising restrictions were associated
with contradictory constitutional protections for religious freedom
and with the presence of anti-blasphemy laws. Next, Christians and
Muslims, the world's two largest religious groups, were harassed in
the greatest number of countries. But while Jews comprise less than
one percent of the world's population, they were harassed in seventy-five
countries (38%). The Middle East and North Africa saw the
largest increases in government restrictions, but Europe had the
largest proportion of countries in which social hostilities related to
religion rose. Finally, government restrictions in Egypt were
increasing well before the ongoing revolutions known as Arab
Spring. Given such trends, it's unarguable that changes in religious
restrictions are a part of the larger social and political forces shaping
the world today" (Grim 835).
Take a look at these charts:
The question is--how has the religious restrictions (or freedom) affected specific countries and its citizens? As the generations are evolving and people are becoming more educated, around the globe, they are becoming more aware of the importance of religious freedom. However, it is within each country's right to grant how much of the freedom is given; in some cases, very little.
However, I would like to leave you with this thought--should more restrictions be enforced within America? Should less restrictions be enforced in other countries? How effective is the separation of church and state? And more importantly, why does religious freedom matter?
Please take a moment to view this video:
References:
http://ehis.ebscohost.com.ez2.maricopa.edu/ehost/detail?vid=6&sid=76869a46-0a7c-4fa0-b7ba-c0a544e0305a%40sessionmgr104&hid=106&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=83176195
Rising Restrictions on Religion: A Global Overview. Author- Grim, Brian J.
Brigham Young University Law Review. 2012, Vol. 2012 Issue 3, p835-872. 38p. 3 Charts, 3 Graphs.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Knowledge is Power
Dear American Citizens,
Let's analyze the BIG question--is the value of religion declining within the United States of America?
As the increase of distractions continue to increase for the average citizen--technology, relationships, work, money, education, family, health, stress, and demanding social lives-- is religion becoming less influential and practiced?
According to a recent poll conducted, "77% of Americans say religion is losing its influence. Since 1957, when the question was first asked, Americans' perception of religion's power has never been lower....75% of Americans said the country would be better off if it were more religious" (CNN).
Let's back up--
"The majority of Americans (73–76%) identify themselves as Christians and about 15–20% have no religious affiliation. According to the American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS) (2008) 76% of the American adult population identified themselves as Christians, with 25% identifying themselves as Catholics, and 51% identifying themselves as Christians spanning some 30 religious groupings . The same survey says that other religions (including, for example, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism) collectively make up about 4% of the adult population, another 15% of the adult population claim no religious affiliation, and 5.2% said they did not know, or they refused to reply. According to a 2012 survey by the Pew forum, 36 percent of Americans state that they attend services nearly every week or more" (Wikipedia).
Ah-ha! America is known as one of the top nations worldwide for religious freedom. According to the first amendment of the United State Constitution, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." America has drawn people worldwide, giving the people the freedom to practice any religion without any governmental control--thus, known as separation of church and state. However, that itself is a whole new argument...
But! There is a but--
"Despite a high level of religious adherence, only 9% of Americans in a 2008 poll said religion was the most important thing in their life, compared with 45% who said family was paramount in their life and 17% who said money and career was paramount" (Wikipedia).
So let me ask YOU for a few questions--
First, do you practice religion?
Second, do you believe that religious practice and influence is increasing or declining within the nation, or even worldwide?
Third, do you believe that the country would be better off if religion was more practiced or less practiced?
Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Feel free to leave comments and continue to follow my blog as we uncover more religious arguments and debates. And of course, thank you for taking the time to read my posts.
Yours Truly,
Ashlyn Meyer
Take a peek at some of these videos:
References:
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/05/29/poll-america-losing-its-religion/?iref=allsearch
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_the_United_States
Based off of:
http://ehis.ebscohost.com.ez2.maricopa.edu/ehost/detail?vid=12&sid=57a1b3ef-5169-40a6-bcbf-5d7b6719d08e%40sessionmgr104&hid=106&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=79893568
By: Glendon, Mary Ann. Emory Law Journal. 2012 Special Issue, Vol. 61, p971-990. 20p.
Let's analyze the BIG question--is the value of religion declining within the United States of America?
As the increase of distractions continue to increase for the average citizen--technology, relationships, work, money, education, family, health, stress, and demanding social lives-- is religion becoming less influential and practiced?
According to a recent poll conducted, "77% of Americans say religion is losing its influence. Since 1957, when the question was first asked, Americans' perception of religion's power has never been lower....75% of Americans said the country would be better off if it were more religious" (CNN).
Let's back up--
"The majority of Americans (73–76%) identify themselves as Christians and about 15–20% have no religious affiliation. According to the American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS) (2008) 76% of the American adult population identified themselves as Christians, with 25% identifying themselves as Catholics, and 51% identifying themselves as Christians spanning some 30 religious groupings . The same survey says that other religions (including, for example, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism) collectively make up about 4% of the adult population, another 15% of the adult population claim no religious affiliation, and 5.2% said they did not know, or they refused to reply. According to a 2012 survey by the Pew forum, 36 percent of Americans state that they attend services nearly every week or more" (Wikipedia).
Ah-ha! America is known as one of the top nations worldwide for religious freedom. According to the first amendment of the United State Constitution, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." America has drawn people worldwide, giving the people the freedom to practice any religion without any governmental control--thus, known as separation of church and state. However, that itself is a whole new argument...
But! There is a but--
"Despite a high level of religious adherence, only 9% of Americans in a 2008 poll said religion was the most important thing in their life, compared with 45% who said family was paramount in their life and 17% who said money and career was paramount" (Wikipedia).
So let me ask YOU for a few questions--
First, do you practice religion?
Second, do you believe that religious practice and influence is increasing or declining within the nation, or even worldwide?
Third, do you believe that the country would be better off if religion was more practiced or less practiced?
Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Feel free to leave comments and continue to follow my blog as we uncover more religious arguments and debates. And of course, thank you for taking the time to read my posts.
Yours Truly,
Ashlyn Meyer
Take a peek at some of these videos:
References:
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/05/29/poll-america-losing-its-religion/?iref=allsearch
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_the_United_States
Based off of:
http://ehis.ebscohost.com.ez2.maricopa.edu/ehost/detail?vid=12&sid=57a1b3ef-5169-40a6-bcbf-5d7b6719d08e%40sessionmgr104&hid=106&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=79893568
By: Glendon, Mary Ann. Emory Law Journal. 2012 Special Issue, Vol. 61, p971-990. 20p.
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