#Religious Teachings

[bernievm]

If you are still heart broken about the destruction of the Alexandria library, you will be happy to hear in a far away world, there’s a vast library hidden from the world for centuries, contains 84,000 books, which are planned to be digitised, translated and share with the world.

The Sakya Monastery in Tibet, founded in 1073 by Khon Konchog Gyalpo, is renowned for its vast library of ancient manuscripts, many of which remain untouched for centuries.

Most of these texts are Buddhist scriptures, meticulously handwritten in various languages like Chinese, Tibetan, Mongolian, and Sanskrit. But the depth of this collection is vast. It isn’t limited to religious teachings; it expands into the realms of literature, history, philosophy, the stars above with astronomy, the logic of mathematics, the beauty of art, and even the practical wisdom of agriculture.

The scale of this library is staggering. Picture traditional bookshelves stretching 200 feet and soaring to 33 feet, all packed with a whopping 84,000 books! Among these, there’s a standout: a single scripture that tips the scales at a massive 1,100 pounds, claiming the title of the heaviest in the world. Thanks to the region’s dry climate, the library also boasts a collection of delicate palm-leaf manuscripts, preserved in near-perfect condition.

The library is not open to the general public but is accessible to members and visiting scholars with permission. Efforts are underway to digitize these manuscripts, making them more widely available for research and study. This initiative highlights the library's role as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern scholarship, offering invaluable insights into Tibetan culture and knowledge.

Now, these precious papers give us a peek into Tibet’s history. They show us how people lived, what they believed, and how they dreamed. Thanks to the Sakya Monastery, a whole world has been brought back to life from long ago. Everyone can learn and be amazed by the wonders of the past.

[Sources]:

*Earthly Mission: Tibet's Great Sakya Library (https://earthlymission.com/tibet-great-sakya-library-84000-scrolls-heaviest-scripture-world/)

*History Enhanced: Unveiling the Unseen (https://historyenhanced.com/unveiling-the-unseen-84000-unread-manuscripts-from-sakya-librarys-timeless-tales-discovered/)

*The Historians: The Secrets of Sakya Monastery Library (https://thehistorians.org/2023/12/24/the_secrets_of_sakya_monastery_library_in_tibet/)

[mindfulldsliving]

Understanding 3 Nephi 14:21-24: A Call to Authentic Faith

In the pursuit of true discipleship, words alone do not suffice. This timeless truth is powerfully illustrated in 3 Nephi 14:21-24, where actions, not mere proclamations, define our faith.

True Discipleship: Embracing Christ’s Words for Eternal Entry When it comes to true discipleship, 3 Nephi 14:21-24 offers a clear and powerful message: mere words aren’t enough to enter the kingdom of heaven. It’s a poignant reminder that faith and actions must align seamlessly, ensuring that we not only profess our beliefs with our lips but embody them in our daily lives1. In these verses,…

[compassionmattersmost]

Caravan of Love: The Universal Path of Righteousness Across All Traditions

In the vast tapestry of world religions, certain values transcend cultural and doctrinal differences, weaving together a shared vision of what it means to live a righteous and compassionate life. These values—purity, righteousness, kindness, forgiveness, and compassion—are cornerstones of what many traditions aspire to cultivate in their followers. Whether it’s the Sadhu Dharma in Hinduism, the…

[alandemoss]

Is Your Church Secretly Calvinistic? 5 Signs You Need to Know Now!

James 5:19-20: “My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”

Wondering if your church might secretly follow Calvinistic beliefs? Calvinism is a set of ideas about how God works with people, especially about who gets saved and how. It can be tricky to spot if a church follows these beliefs because they might not talk about it openly. Here are five signs that your church might be influenced by Calvinism, and we’ll look at what Jesus actually said to help…

[tiluc-radiance]

Basics

In 13,000 BCE, near the shores of what is now Lake Michigan, an advanced hunter-gatherer society thrived. They called themselves the Anurii, meaning "Children of the Stars" in their ancient tongue. This civilization was deeply spiritual, centering their lives around the worship of Celestial and the other deities of The Radiance. The Anurii believed that the gods guided their every step, providing them with light, life, and the bounty of the natural world.

The Anurii Civilization: Society and Culture

1. Spiritual Beliefs

The Anurii were a deeply spiritual people who revered the celestial forces. They believed that Celestial, the Deity of Life and Light, brought all living things into existence and that the other deities of The Radiance each governed important aspects of life. The Anurii saw the world as a reflection of the divine, with the natural elements—sun, moon, stars, forests, and lakes—imbued with spiritual power.

Worship: Their worship was centered around natural features, such as groves, mountain peaks, and especially the waters of Lake Michigan, which they believed reflected the radiant light of Celestial. Ceremonies often took place at dawn and dusk, times of transition between light and darkness, symbolizing the cycle of life.

The Great Prism Ceremony: Once a year, during the winter solstice, the Anurii would gather near the lake to recreate the myth of Celestial’s creation of the major deities. Using naturally occurring crystals, they would focus sunlight to cast rainbow light, which represented the divine spectrum. It was a time of renewal, where the Anurii would reaffirm their devotion to the gods and thank them for the bounty of the land.

Deity-Specific Rites: Each season, the Anurii would perform specific rites dedicated to different gods, asking for their blessings. For example, during the planting and gathering season, they honored Jade, the deity of nature, with offerings of fresh plants and a vow to maintain balance with the land.

2. Social Structure and Roles

The Anurii’s society was egalitarian, with men and women holding equal roles in both hunting and spiritual leadership. Their society was organized into kinship clans, each of which had a unique connection to a particular deity. For example, the Clan of Euphora was known for its focus on nurturing familial and social bonds, ensuring the tribe’s unity and joy, while the Clan of Solar excelled at hunting and guiding the people through the wilderness with the strength of the sun.

3. Hunter-Gatherer Practices

Living along the shores of modern day Lake Michigan, the Anurii were semi-nomadic, moving with the changing seasons. They thrived on fishing, hunting, and foraging. The lake provided a rich variety of fish, and the surrounding forests offered game like deer, elk, and smaller animals. They gathered berries, nuts, and medicinal plants, always careful to leave enough for the land to regenerate, as was the will of Jade.

Their tools were crafted from the resources around them: flint knives, bone spears, and woven baskets made from reeds. The Anurii saw craftsmanship as sacred, honoring Ferron, the God of Craftsmanship and Labor, in each item they made. They believed every tool had its own spirit, and artisans were treated with deep reverence.

4. Dwellings and Community Life

The Anurii lived in semi-permanent structures near the lake, made from wood, hides, and clay. These round homes were designed to honor Haven, the deity of home and cooking. Hearth fires were central in each home, symbolizing the hearth of Haven, where all life’s warmth and sustenance originated.

Communal meals were vital to Anurii life. Every day, hunters, gatherers, and artisans would return to share the bounty of their labor, and they would offer the first portion of each meal to Haven in gratitude for a bountiful home.

5. Astronomy and Celestial Worship

The Anurii were keen astronomers, and their spiritual practices were deeply connected to the stars. They believed the stars were the spirits of their ancestors, shining down on them as part of Celestial’s divine plan. The cycles of the sun, moon, and stars dictated their calendar, with rituals dedicated to Luna, the moon cat, performed during the phases of the moon. Solar, the sun dog, was honored during the solstices and equinoxes, marking the passage of time and the balance of light and dark.

6. Language and Oral Tradition

The Anurii had a rich oral tradition, passing down the stories of the gods through songs, dances, and spoken word. The elders of the community, known as Radiant Speakers, memorized these tales, ensuring that the myths of creation, the deeds of the gods, and the stories of the heroes who served them were never forgotten.

The Myth of Celestial and the Creation of the World

One of the most revered stories among the Anurii was the creation myth. They believed that Celestial, in the beginning, was the first light in the cosmos. By creating a prism, Celestial split their radiant light into the colors of the rainbow, and from this divine light, the other gods were born. This story was recited at every significant ritual, reinforcing the Anurii’s connection to the gods and their belief in the cyclical nature of life and light.

Legacy and Influence

Though the Anurii disappeared from the region as the centuries passed, their influence left an indelible mark on the land. Evidence of their deep connection to the cosmos and nature can still be found in ancient burial sites, where bodies were laid to rest facing the sun, and in rock carvings that show the prism of Celestial and the rainbow of gods.

The Anurii's dedication to balance with nature, reverence for the light, and deep respect for the gods influenced later cultures in the region. The Lake Michigan region remained a sacred area for many generations, long after the Anurii had passed from the physical world.

[turiyatitta]

Celebrating Black History Month

A Journey Beyond the Shadows of MisconceptionsAs we embrace the profound significance of Black History Month, we find ourselves at the confluence of reflection and aspiration, a moment to honour the rich heritage and indomitable spirit of the Black community while confronting the shadows cast by historical misconceptions. Among these are the misinterpretations within various religious traditions…

[nuvizionworldharvest]

In a religious organization in Wilmington, Delaware, lessons from Paul’s letters to the Corinthians hold great significance. Paul’s heartfelt expressions and deep insights within these letters have been a source of inspiration and direction for many years. He addresses the dilemmas and challenges that the Corinthians faced, providing profound messages that resonate equally in our hearts today.

[billa-billa007]

Social Justice and Divine Justice | Exploring the Differences | Woke up

social justice and divine justice are distinct concepts with different focuses. Social justice deals with the pursuit of fairness and equality in human societies, addressing societal issues and inequalities. Divine justice, on the other hand, is a theological concept concerned with how a higher power administers justice, often in the context of religious beliefs and moral order. While they are separate ideas, they may intersect in discussions about morality and ethics in society, as some individuals and groups may view their pursuit of social justice as aligning with their understanding of divine principles or moral duty.

[hup123hup123slapslap]

So a thought has been kicking around my head for a bit...what if Helio knew exactly what he was signing up for by making Kristen his chosen one?

It has always struck me as odd that when describing Doreen in Helioic heaven, Brennan mentioned her flirting with men and women. It also strikes me as odd that Kristen never got any pushback from Helio about turning her back on him. Even if he was similarly 'out of the picture' like sol was while Arthur was wrecking havoc, Kristen's powers should have faded when she fully committed to not worshipping him. You need to worship a god to get powers, and this is emphasized heavily in the latest episode. Kristen worshipping the vague idea of religion but Definitely Not Helio just doesn't cut it. Sure, taking away a PCs powers wasn't really in the cards in season one, but Brennan works very well and very caringly with what he has to establish as canon.

Kristen was looking for a reason to drop Helio from the get-go. His frat boy appearance and non-answer to a nearly impossible question didn't truly matter at the core of her feelings. She wanted an out from the prison she was trapped in with the Helioic faith, even if she didn't realize it fully. She had tension with her mom and her ideals from the scene one! She wanted to connect with people the church actively shunned. Helio was never the true problem.

Now, gods are shaped by their worshippers. So on some level Helio is shaped by people with shitty ideals. But there's still a foothold of good, especially if there are out and proud gays in heaven. Especially if Kristen Applebees of all people is the chosen one.

When you have worshippers misinterpreting your whole deal, going with Sol's shitty messaging and transferring it onto you and using it for bad things, what can you do as a god? Because you ARE what they say you are. So how can you fight back?

Well. You make your chosen one someone that embodies your true heart. Someone that can actually turn the tides of your worship.

There is an emphasis on tracker reinventing and revitalizing her religion. Changing it for the better. Taking the old and not tossing it out, but making it better.

Isn't that what Kristen struggles with the most? That's what she needs to learn how to do.

Tracker also established that she can worship multiple gods when she helped with Yes?. Kristen doesn't need to settle for one even if she (fingers crossed) brings Kassandra back.

Because the season opened with the slow apocalypse of endless night. Endless daytime would end similarly. There has to be a balance. They are two sides of the same coin. Day and night. The surety of the sun and the doubt of the shadows.

Kristen wants both. And she can fucking have it if she decides to.

Ally once said they appreciate that the enemy is always the church. Organized religion. Kristen is perfect for disorganized religion though. Chill frat boy vibes and anxious doubts and the ultimate message of 'just do your best'.

I think religious trauma is a compelling, close to the heart topic for a lot of people. And some turn away from religion entirely and wash their hands of it. But some people don't. Kristen is a cleric. She can't. She wants a god, she wants answers, and she just can't find them in the established community she was raised in. That doesn't mean the core of her religion was wrong. The church was. So you take the religion and you harness it in a way that means something to you.

Maybe Kristen being desperate enough to invite Helio back into her life is what this has all been leading to.

She can remake a god. She's done it before. Because Kassandra was good at the core. Maybe Helio can be too.

[radiocrypt-id]

I got- I can't!

Imagine being 15, you've grown up your whole life with this one belief in this one God and you were told you were Chosen by Him, for Him. And you're 15. You believe so fully in the spirit of your religion, not necessarily the word, that you want to go to a non-religious school to try and help other kids maybe find your God because you genuinely believe that could be helpful to some of them, because it's all you know, and it's helped other strangers (human trafficking victims she helped in the black pit before) so why not other kids her age? You're 15 and all you can think about is helping others. And you start thinking about your religion, and reading books, and asking questions and you come to the conclusion that maybe your God and His Father aren't actually all that great. Maybe the church you're in has done some really bad things that you can't possibly make up for. Maybe that church is still doing bad things. And then you find out your family is actually in a cult for that God, not just part of the normal church, and you suddenly have to undo all the cult shit in your brain you were raised with, while that cult stuff you know about is actually useful to your friends, like having that knowledge is helpful for them! You're 15 and you stop going home. You have no real adult supervision or carer, just your other 15 year old friends.

Imagine you're 16, you're gay and figuring that out on top of navigating your first full romantic relationship and being the sole creator and cleric to a new God that you honestly find to be very two dimensional and empty. You're on a quest to find an evil being and stop them. You nearly die. Your friends nearly die. You're 16. You're 16 and feel something calling out to you, you know it's divine because you've felt that sort of pull before, but you've never felt one like this. You find memories and hints and pieces and you figure out that the evil being you have to stop, isn't evil, she's just hurting. She's hurt and She's a God. She's your God, and she's so happy to see you, and she has so many ideas, and so many hopes.

You're 17. You've spent your rest time (summer vacation) tearing across the world chasing down and defeating another evil thing that you and your friends accidentally released in the first place. Your God is with you, you have no time for Her. No time for anything but trying to survive and stay sane. You know She's disappointed in you, but you're one person -ONE PERSON- and you're 17. You missed your birthday. again. You've saved the world; again. You're so fucking tired -like always. You're Chosen, and alone, and have no idea what to do with your life, let alone your God. You aren't very good at school, but you go to every class. You're drowning as you try to rewrite your understanding of the world from what you grew up with, having no idea how to do anything without a book and godly hand to guide you. You only ever followed before, your new God is demanding you Lead. You don't know how. You're only 17. You see your horrible, abusive parents spitting abuse and racist rhetoric at your baby brother, who you haven't seen in two years, on the front steps to your school and for the first time ever you are filled with righteous fury. Your God answers your call, not knowing what you need but so eager to help, eager for your attention, she starts talking to you but you're busy -why can't she understand that you're fucking busy? trying to not die, trying to be safe, trying to keep your friends alive, trying to navigate a world that hates you, you're 17 and you're busy goddammit just wait!- and she snaps back at you and flees. The next time you see Her, maybe an hour later, She's got a creature with Her that nearly destroyed you and your friends last year sitting in her lap, so smug to see you again.

You're 17- no, 16- no, 15 years old and you're expected to build and carry the world on your shoulders, Chosen from birth, raised a lamb to follow a Shepard, not to be followed behind. You have no one and nothing and everyone expects everything and you can't back up, you can't pause because if you do someone dies and doesn't come back. You have to be a hero, a chosen, a saint. The steps behind you crumble to dust with each step you take forward and the new one is already cracking under your weight. There are only wrong choices. There's no hand reaching for you. God, you were taught, will save and guide you. God knows best. Why is your God looking to you, a mortal human, to be saved, raised and guided? You're a child.

You're just a child.

You just want to go home, wherever that is. You thought it was your God, but She's not exactly helping you out either, is She? She's just disappointed. Like everyone else. Like you.

You're 17. You think it would have been better to never do any of this. It would have been easier to stay, blind and naive. Sometimes you think you should have stayed in heaven. Sometimes you think about the God you killed by not being good enough for it. Sometimes you lay on the floor and stare at the ceiling and pretend you don't exist for awhile. Sometimes you work your body so hard you forget it's there and your mind shuts up and you exist without being you. Sometimes you wish you never asked any questions or read any books. You're 17, but sometimes you wish you were 15, with no idea yet.

You're 17. You wish you were good enough.

[lucindasthighs]

I think Garroth should have religious trauma. As a treat.

I think when they find out Aphmau is Irene, he is terrified. Terrified that his actions have earned the all-knowing divine's ire, that the lines he's crossed and ties he's cut deserve the eternal damnation that his teachings warned him of.

I want this little white boy to suffer

[mindfulldsliving]

CFM - 3 Nephi 14 - 15: Warnings of False Prophets, Authentic Living Faith, and Fulfillment of the Law of Moses

Our study emphasizes the importance of recognizing and responding to false prophets, drawing on the warning from 3 Nephi 14:15-20. False prophets, often disguised as benevolent figures, threaten genuine belief by leading individuals astray.

Our study emphasizes the importance of recognizing and responding to false prophets, drawing on the teachings found in 3 Nephi 14-15 of the Book of Mormon. In this passage, Jesus Christ warns the Nephites about the dangers of following those who present themselves as spiritual leaders but do not teach His true doctrines. The warnings against false prophets are not merely historical concerns; they…

[compassionmattersmost]

The Divine Within: Jesus’ Teachings on Our True Nature

In many Christian teachings, the concept of sin often overshadows the more empowering messages found within the Scriptures. Yet, Jesus’ words offer profound insights into the divine nature inherent in each of us. By revisiting his teachings, we can uncover a more uplifting understanding of our spiritual identity. John 14:20: “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in…

[saltpepperbeard]

Better alive than dead.

[crusera]

The Sultan, they said, was a good man. Soft, quickly moved to tears. Out of compassion, he bought the freedom of a Christian woman's stolen daughter. Even Walther von der Vogelweide, the minnesinger in distant Germany, praised the "mildness" of the powerful ruler in the Orient, whose name has a good reputation in the West: Saladin, a righteous man.

He was a man who always kept his word, even to his enemies.

He let his subjects drag him to court, because God's laws applied equally to everyone. Also for him, the ruler who managed to do what no one had ever managed before: to unite the Islamic world of the Middle East after centuries of discord and to wrest Jerusalem, the holy city of the Muslims, from the Christians in 1187.

His name translates as "righteousness of faith", and Saladin is indeed a devout Muslim. Nevertheless, after his conquest of the Holy Land, he allowed the Christians and Jews there to continue praying to their God. This is another reason why, more than half a millennium later, Western Enlightenment thinkers would make him the epitome of the tolerant ruler.

But this al-Malik an-Nasir Salah ad-Din Abu'l-Muzaffer Yusuf ibn Ayyub ibn Shadi, known as Saladin for short, also had other sides.

He could be treacherous, vile and mean. He did not shy away from murder. Nevertheless, this man fascinated his contemporaries. He became one of the most revered rulers of the Islamic world and the most important opponent of the Crusaders.

Saladin was born in 1138 in Tikrit (in present-day Iraq), the son of a Kurdish officer. During his political career, Saladin was the first to bring Egypt's army under his control.

Saladin, a Sunni, now founds two universities where theology is taught according to Sunni theology - a signal that he is on the side of the population. He also abolished a number of taxes that contradicted the Koran and the teachings of the Prophet.

Saladin's subsequent conquests shock the Christian world. By 1174, his power extended from North Africa to the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. In 1186, he ruled from the Nile to the Tigris.

At the height of his power, the Sultan even dreamed of taking the Holy War to Europe, conquering Rome - and putting the Pope in chains.

The Crusaders conquered Jerusalem in 1099 and held it until Saladin besieged it in 1187 and handed it over to the Ayyubid dynasty, a Muslim sultanate that ruled the Middle East at the beginning of the 12th century.

Saladin wanted to recapture the city, which had previously been ruled by Muslims.

For Muslims, Jerusalem is a place where important events in the life of Jesus and other important personalities took place. It is also the place where the Prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven according to the traditional interpretation of the Koran and other texts.

In Sunni Islam, Jerusalem is the third holiest city after Mecca and Medina. Muslims believe that Muhammad was brought to Jerusalem during his night journey (Isra and Mi'raj).

The name Jesus is mentioned twenty-five times in the Holy Qur'an, often in the form 'Isa ibn Maryam, which means "Jesus, son of Mary". In the Quran, he is given the unique title "Messiah" (al-masih in Arabic), which means "anointed one". He is considered one of many prophets from the lineage of the Prophet Ibrahim, or Abraham (peace be upon him). Many Muslim traditions regard it as an ideal example of spirituality. Unlike Christians, who generally believe in a triune God, Muslims believe that Jesus was a great prophet who was to lead mankind on the straight path of monotheism and obedience to God (Allah).

When Jerusalem also fell, two kings and an emperor set off for the Holy Land with their armies from 1189 onwards. One of the monarchs is King Richard I of England. Even before the armed pilgrimage, he had already earned himself an honourable name: "Lionheart."

Saladin lies in wait for the Christians in the forests of Arsuf near the Mediterranean coast. But King Richard of England had anticipated the attack; on 7 September 1191, his troops won a clear victory. Nevertheless, the Muslim army is still strong enough to block the road to Jerusalem.

Saladin's reconquest of Jerusalem in 1187 prompted Pope Gregory VIII to organize the Third Crusade. From 1189 to 1192, Saladin lost Acre and Jaffa and was defeated in the field at Arsūf. The Crusaders retreated to Europe without seizing Jerusalem, but Saladin's military reputation had been damaged. He died in 1193.

[stuckinapril]

One of the most gratifying things about getting older is being secure in both my American and Iraqi identities. Like I used to think that I had to compromise one for the other, or that being half of each would always make me “diluted,” but I’ve never been more comfortable in my Arabness while simultaneously not caring for the western gaze & just making peace with what it means to be Iraqi American. Like I feel so lucky for my Iraqi heritage every day and I know that’s sadly not a feeling all Arabs experience……. But I cannot imagine being anything else and nor would I ever want to be