#inter religious dialogue

[jarredlharris]

A few thoughts while reading "Theologizin' Bigger" by Trey Ferguson.

[hannie-dul-set]

six quick and easy hacks to 🆙 the quality of your fanfiction!

as promised, here it is! i’m not here to tell you how to plot out your story, or how to write your characters’ personalities. the tips i’m sharing are more on formatting and structure, secret (not really) cheat codes to instantaneously make your already written work even better! 

my qualifications? being a tumblr hag for over five years (my even more embarrassing pre k-pop writeblr included!) so i’ve unlocked quite a bit of secrets and discovered some eurekas throughout my time here HAHAHAH. anyway, let’s start!

#1 VARIETY IN PARAGRAPH LENGTHS, SENTENCE LENGTHS, AND SENTENCE STARTERS.

nothing turns me off more than seeing paragraph blocks after paragraph blocks when looking for some new fics to read, especially when you’re reading from a cramped up device such as your phone.

when i write a lengthy paragraph, i try to follow it up with a one-liner, or a mid-sized one. but it’s something i consciously keep track of— when i noticed that, “oh, this gdoc is getting a little too wordy, a little too chunky,” i make sure that my next paragraph is significantly shorter than the current one because it keeps the entire page interesting. one to two sentences of lines of paragraphs after another and another doesn’t look pretty. chunks of paragraphs after paragraphs is boring.

make your pages visually dynamic by ensuring variety.

like this, for example.

→ fic: home for the bitchless.

seeing a large chunk of text and a singular line immediately after also sort of forces your reader to stick around and read an otherwise intimidating lengthy paragraph because— oh! what could have possibly led to that singular like of dialogue or thought! #subtlemanipulation you get me? 😔🤙

this rule of mine applies to sentences and phrases within the paragraph as well!

→ fic: love vomit.

and as a bonus, you can use paragraph breaks and cuts to your advantage! manipulating the way a sentence or paragraph ends in a certain way makes your works more rhythmic! and, when you play it around the right way, abrupt cuts and breaks also add the right mood and drama to your work!

→ drabble: the boy who cried wolf.

part three of tip number one (one…we’re still at number one…) is on sentence and paragraph starters. i keep it as a rule of thumb that if i start a paragraph with “you,” or with someones name, i don’t use it again in the next one to avoid monotony. it’s a very miniscule thing really, and i doubt that people notice this HAHAHA but this is something i religiously swear by because repetitions like this are visually boring.

→ wip: sunwater.

of course, this can’t be avoided all the time, and repeating the sentence starter “You” or any other pronoun, word, or phrase can be intentionally utilized to strongly drive a point. just don’t overdo it!

→ drabble: patience, patience.

→ blurb: monsters don’t hide under the bed.

→ fic: the psychology of strawberries.

there are other good and strategic uses for repetitions as well! we’ll get to that later.

lastly, variety in sentence and paragraph starters doesn’t simply mean changing up the first word. things can still get really boring even if you use “you” or a character’s name interchangeably if your sentence structure remains the same.

this, for example, is monotonous.

the structure (and length) of all three sentences are the same. A does this. B does this. A does this. and even if you switch things up but still use the same sentence structure, it still falls flat. case in point, below, a structure i often see in a lot of fics i stumble across.

those are flat. those are boring. they don’t…you know…make you feel something, even when you follow the rule of not using the same starter twice. let me try improving it by adding more variety in the sentences (+ adding a tip that i’ll be discussing right after!)

the word “He” here is used twice to create a rhythm and draw emphasis, but the rest of the excerpt maintains a sense of variety to make the narrative more interesting and compelling to read.

*

#2 PICK A POV AND STICK WITH IT.

before i start a scene, a drabble, or blurb, the first question i ask myself is, “whose point of view do i want it to be in?”

one, it’s a lot neater, more organized, than omniscient point of views in my opinion (unless you’re like a super fucking skilled writer of course HAHAHHA). two, it allows for a bit of mystery, suspense, and engagement because you don’t have access to what other people are thinking about, and three— in line with the first tip— when you know whose brain you’re in when writing, it allows for more dynamic narrations, gives you an excuse to be messy because our internal thoughts are messy as well, and makes the writing a hell of a lot easier when you’re focused on monologuing one person alone!

when writing shorter fics, drabbles, or blurbs, i swear by this rule, no excuses HAHAHAH but when writing longer fics, sometimes i switch around the point of views per scene, just to make a more well rounded story.

sometimes, the point of view doesn’t even have to be any of the main character’s! writing from an external POV is also really fun and adds another layer of interest. see example below, a Jeonghan breakup fic written exclusively from the perspective of the outsiders. very fun idea! 

breakup scene written in Seungcheol’s POV.

another squabble written in Seungkwan’s POV.

→ wip: the breakup soup.

*

#3 REPETITIONS AND THEMES = COHESIVENESS.

this section contains tricks on how to wrap up your fics into one cohesive little present with a pretty ribbon on top! 

first is the use of repetition. use a cool funky line at the beginning of your story, and reuse/rehash/revise it at the end for a neat finish, especially when you have trouble figuring out a way to end your story (lifesaving hack! trust me!) 

i use this mostly in my shorter works—

→ drabble: you’re my bucket list.

→ blurb: louder.

—but it works just as well with longer fics, especially when the repetition is all throughout, and not just at the start and finish.

→ fic: mogi.

sometimes, it doesn’t even have to be a repeated phrase or line! it can be a little gimmick and it’d still work to make your fic cohesive! for example, in the fic below, i use the giving of strawberry candy/strawberry kisses to tie all the different scenes together because this was initially a set of separate drabble ideas wrapped into one long fic.

→ fic: the psychology of strawberries.

and for this one (another ricky fic….yes…..) i use the whole cat metaphor to do the same. 

→ drabble: yours to keep.

the next tip to make your work cohesive is to grab a singular theme, object, whatever, and take advantage of it for your narration HAHAHAHHA this can be better explained by looking at the examples below.

theme: citrus.

→ drabble: citrus in the morning.

theme: storm.

→ blurb: blizzard.

the above examples are my shorter works, but it can work for longer fics as well! just check out this 36k word monster HAHAHAHHA.

theme: seasons.

→ fic: love vomit.

these are very simple ways to make your fic more put together! even if it’s just a simply blurb about a confession, adding a theme to aid the imagery bumps your fic quality to a +++++

*

#4 THROW AWAY THE Y/N’S!

now this one is quite honestly just a personal nitpick HAHAHHAHA but seeing the word Y/N when i’m reading something really pulls me out of my immersion. (and i only stopped using Y/N’s in my fics at the start of my 2023 comeback….so if you see my older works still using it…hahahha please don’t prosecute me).

anyway, you can do this either by embedding it in the narration—

→ fic: star studded baggage.

—or by using nicknames and titles instead!

→ wip: the breakup soup.

→ fic: can’t handle this.

*

#5 GET INTO THE (UN)NECESSARY SPECIFICS.

instead of just saying “Your professor called you,” grab a random last name and say “Prof Yoon asked to see you in his office.” instead of saying you went to the cafe, the mall, the store, grab an actual place or make one up because no one in the world says “they’re going to the cafe to grab a frappe,” (unless the store’s name is actually The Cafe). people say they’re going to Dunkin Donuts or Coffeebreak or wherever.

sure it’s not plot relevant, sure it’s not integral, but little things like this make your narrative and dialogue a lot more realistic and less awkward. it makes it seem like your characters are actually living inside a world of their own.

*

#6 GRAMMAR AND FORMATTING.

these are given HAHA but when i talk about grammar, i mean making sure that the commas and periods are consistently inside the quotation marks when writing dialogue. i mean minimizing the use of italics because overusing it can ruin the reading experience of a good piece (i was guilty of this too!) and i mean making sure that the use of tenses are consistent all throughout (unless if it’s a creative and plot choice), because all these things really matter if you want your fic, drabble, or blurb to be of overall high quality.

and that’s basically it! hope these tips help somehow...hope i’m not revealing my secrets for naught and someone can actually put them to good use HHAHAHHA what’s most important obviously is that you’re having fun with what you’re writing…etc. etc. insert inspirational you can do it speech here.

anyway, happy new year! and happy reading and writing<33

[youremyheaven]

Mrigashira: The Truth Is Subjective?

This is part 3 of my Mrigashira trilogy (here's part 1 & part 2)

I had previously explored the Mrigashira tendency to speak the truth and often be considered crazy for it. I thought I'd expand on this nature for this post as well.

Being truthful can mean many different things. The truth is also context-bound and what one exposes can differ based on the circumstances.

Dalai Lama- Mrigashira Mercury conjunct Rising

He has been at the forefront of the Tibetan independence movement, He has spoken up about nonviolence and his work includes a focus on the environment, economics, women's rights, non-violence, inter-faith dialogue, physics, astronomy, Buddhism and science, cognitive neuroscience, reproductive health and sexuality. He's literally one of the most admired people in the world and is considered a Bodhisattva. Being truthful or bringing attention to the truth is a big part of his life. This is not to say he isnt shady tho

He is also a very complicated figure. He used to get a personal income of over $1 million every year from the CIA for about 2 decades between 1959 and 1974?? He inappropriately touched Lady Gaga when they were on stage together, there is also a video of him asking a young boy to "suck his tongue" 🤮🤢

sometimes the truth isn't really the truth. whatever you believe to be true is what is true to you even if it does not have any basis in reality. one terrifying example of that is the Aum Shinrikyo cult leader Shoko Ashara

Shoko Asahara- Mrigashira Moon

He was the leader of the infamous cult Aum Shinrikyo, that carried out the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack and several other attacks. Asahara declared himself as God and led his followers into believing that the end of the world was coming. Its a bizarre mix of new age conspiracy theories, religious syncretism, enlightenment, doomsday mentality and pure sadism.

He and several other leaders of the cult were executed in 2018 after more than 2 decades in prison.

It goes to show how "truth" is very subjective. Shoko was a megalomaniac who was fcked in the head, yet he managed to convince manyyy people of his teachings and even got them to do whatever he wanted them to do??

Donald Trump, Mrigashira Sun conjunct Rahu, popularised the term "fake news". it is so interesting to me that a man generally known as a liar will have Mrigashira of all naks and esp have it conjunct Rahu, the planet of illusion. Astrology is funny like that sometimes. He was very forceful in spreading his truth, even though that truth was bigoted, racist, classist and misogynistic. And in one way, he helped expose people who supported him bc what is worse than being known as a Trump supporter? That is enough to gauge someone's character and nature.

Idi Amin- Mrigashira Moon

mrig nakshatra is actually present in the luminaries of many dictators/fascists/terrible leaders. Idi did not really have any specific ideology, he was a brutal narcissist who got a kick out of murdering people even at the expense of his nation's well being.

Ryuho Okawa- Mrigashira Moon & Venus

He was the leader of a cult called Happy Science and declared himself to be God. one thing that stands out to me with mrig natives is how since Mrigashira nak represents the fall from heaven, i.e, the beginning of life on earth in some ways, its natives tend to be obsessed with truth telling, I had explored more positive manifestations of this in part 1 but this tendency can be manifest in very bad ways as we see from these examples as "truth" is very subjective. Okawa was telling his truth bc he genuinely believed he was God but does that make it right?

Jennifer Lawrence, Mrigashira Moon

JLaw has always struck me honest, maybe a little too honest but that's what made her so likable initially and unlikable later on. I had mentioned this in part 1 as well about how the presence of a Mrig native often triggers other people or makes them feel threatened. part of it is the fact that Mrig has serpent yoni and subconsciously we sense the energy of other people's yoni animals and react a certain way in their presence. people with predator yoni animals strike us as intimidating. most people hate snakes and will probably kill them if they see them bc it could be dangerous and this is honestly how society reacts to a lot of serpent yoni women. So many sex symbols have serpent yoni in their big 3 (Pamela Anderson, Marilyn Monroe, Angelina Jolie, Brooke Shields etc) society seems enchanted by them but is also quick to tear them apart. people feel deeply uncomfortable with these natives is what I have noticed. JLaw's reputation suffered after she had been exposed as a try hard "cool girl". but tbh, there are celebs out there who are far more annoying and done far worse things, how come JLaw's hated for being the "cool girl"?? part of it could be that we all see our collective shadow in her, the hot sexy talented woman who seems to be a messy clumsy loser and is also "one of the boys". JLaw grew up on a farm with 2 brothers, its only natural that her personality is a little brutish and unladylike, it gets old really quick bc it seemed gimmicky but it is interesting to me how someone can be ripped apart for something so small??

Sandra Bullock, Mrigashira Stellium

Sandra plays these unladylike but blunt and honest characters a lot (While You Were Sleeping, Two Weeks Notice, Miss Congeniality movies etc)

Sonam Kapoor- Mrigashira stellium (sun mercury & mars)

Sonam is known in the Indian media for saying whatever comes to her mouth lol, that means she makes a lot of dumb comments (she once said her being a nepo baby was the result of good karma from past lives lol and that people think you're a good actor if youre not good looking which is basically implying that she isnt considered a good actor bc she's too good looking lmfao) but she does have moments of radical no bullshit honesty, like the time she wrote an essay talking about body image

Monica from Friends always called out everyone's bullshit. She was played by Courteney Cox who is Mrigashira Sun

Leah Remini Mrigashira Sun

she exposed the dark secrets of Scientology through her memoir and docu series. this is another form of Mrigashira truth telling. exposing the darkness, evil and injustice in this world.

North West, Mrigashira Stellium (Sun & Rising)

North exposing her family is a bit of a running joke, she revealed she has dyslexia on IG live which pissed Kim off and in general she's known for her bluntness and calling out her mom esp. Kim even said that North is her "lesson" and that North "intimidates her" and how North is Kanye's twin (Kanye is also Mrigashira Sun)

Tupac Mrigashira Sun

honestly watch any interview and you can see how honest and sincere Tupac was (sidenote: isnt he sooo handsome??<33). i cant pinpoint to specific moments but Tupac was so young and sooo beyond mature?? idk if anybody in their early 20s has this kind of articulation anymore.

Paula Abdul- Mrigashira Sun

this is a bit of a strange case. Paula claims to have been in a plane crash in 1992 which left her with a spinal cord injury and forced her to take about 10 years off before she restarted her career as a judge on American Idol. she has talked about this many many times in the last 2 decades. except of course that there is zero evidence of this plane crash. obviously, she could just be lying but why lie about something that could so easily be proven? i think sometimes Mrig natives have a tendency to delusionally believe what they say. i have no doubt that Paula is convinced that she was in a plane crash and that it ruined her music career but its not objectively true.

Donald Trump & even Kanye West (both Mrig Sun) are other examples of celebrities who talk about wildly stranger things that they believe to be true.

Ewan McGregor- Mrigashira moon

In the movie The Island, Ewan's character discovers that everything about his existence is a lie and that he and the other inhabitants are human clones.

I feel like this trope of realizing lies and "waking up" is tied to Mrigashira's nature.

in the movie Passengers, this happens in reverse, JLaw wakes up and then learns the truth

The Truman Show, starring Mrigashira Moon, Jim Carrey is another example of a Mrig native realising everything is a lie.

i think its a common and unfortunate pattern in the lives of many Mrig natives to suffer abuse and I feel like the reason many of them do is because they falsely believe the lies they are being fed is true :(( it takes them time to "wake up" to the truth (ex: Mrig Sun Brooke Shields who always defended her abusive mom who made her pose nude for playboy when she was a kid??? among other things, its only recently that she has started to admit that those things werent okay)

thats it for this post!!

[theregretofgod]

Shhh, they are participating in inter-religious dialogue

[gay-jewish-bucky]

to our religiously affiliated non-jewish allies:

if you want to take more steps to help Jewish people in your community, one option that i highly encourage is taking a look to see if any synagogues in your area host initiatives that encourage and give space for interfaith dialogue or provide education

some even create partnerships with different places of worship to foster better understanding and forge stronger inter-community ties

[gayleviticus]

something i often think abt re intra-religious dialogue (and also inter-religious, as well as applicable to other issues of diversity of thought, belief, opinion etc, but I'm mainly thinking abt intra-Christian discourse where power dynamics arent as dicey) is that people are really really bad at

a) disagreeing

b) over things they think are super important

c) while still choosing to be in unity and harmony with one another.

90% of the time people have to knock one of these off. get rid of A and we're no longer disagreeing, oh good. get rid of B and it's OK we're disagreeing because none of this really matters in the end and it's all a bit silly. get rid of C and we can start burning each other at the stake for heresy.

and i get why this is the case, bc it's kind of self-perpetuating. people can't find ways to disagree over important things peacefully and so it sometimes becomes a matter of personal safety or social harmony to downplay disagreements.

for instance, i often find myself defending the idea that Abrahamics all worship the same God against evangelical Christians who argue the opposite as a way of denigrating and stereotyping Islam, and i do think we have commonalities that we should celebrate. but at the same time, this also smooths over the very real differences between us that complicate the question significantly beyond polemic. Do Jews and Muslims feel comfortable with 'same God' language when Christians worship a crucified human being as part of that God?

you get similar talking points within religions too; theologically liberal Christians who reject supernaturalism often say stuff like 'no problem with believing in Jesus' resurrection, but it shouldn't be the core of faith, it should be following Jesus'. you note the similar kind of trend - difference is acceptable and celebrated, but it needs to be downplayed. we need to minimise differences in the name of inclusion.

and i think that at its core, this approach to religious dialogue is unsatisfying and kind of just kicks the can down the road, because it doesn't address the fundamental issue of 'can we live in peace and harmony despite deeply significant differences of belief?', and instead it becomes 'we can live in peace if we're willing to downplay what we believe as not that important.'

i feel like it just gives credence to the idea that we aren't allowed to seriously disagree. like, it almost betrays this sense that we need to do everything in our power not to have serious disagreements, bc then we would have to be enemies. but i just dont think that's the case!

we need to accept our differences of belief are significant and have implications that matter for our lives - but also that it shouldn't necessarily be a barrier to friendship and dialogue or even unity. we need to actually agree to disagree, and in fact even hold our disagreement over fundamentals as a valuable thing in itself. we kind of paradoxically have to accept we dont agree on certain fundamentals so that we appreciate all the more those on which we do.

[xgenesisrei]

The Next Curve for Integral Mission in Asia

On October 14-16, 2024, the Asia Theological Association, in partnership with Tearfund in East and Southeast Asia, gathered its theological educators in Hong Kong to explore ways on how to strengthen and deepen the teaching of Integral Mission in theological seminaries and Bible colleges. The event brought forth exciting initiatives brewing on new curriculum pathways, collaborative publications, and new dimensions of mission.

On a personal note, I got a really memorable moment, one for the books, when I got to tag team with Dr Timoteo Gener in leading a session about theological thinking on Integral Mission within the contexts of East and Southeast Asia (see my other post). I tried to connect the dots as well with how the conversations went in the recently concluded 4th gathering of the Lausanne Movement in South Korea.

One of my key take aways is from a session led by Dr Dwi Maria Handayani wherein she reminded us that in Asia, Integral Mission cannot just be about responding to material poverty, it has to extend towards touching the intangibles -the restoration of the 'face' of those who have lost honor, dignity, and faith, something that the Spirit of God works through in the complexities of our interconnected lives.

The different workshops yielded a deep need to address on one hand perennial issues in the region such as:

religious, cultural, and linguistic diversity (e.g., pluralism),  

colonial legacy (dualism/dualistic mindset), 

socio-economic disparity (poverty and inequality),  

geopolitics, restrictive policies, massive corruption in government, 

and on the other hand emerging concerns brought about by:

digital technology, 

an aging population and with it a widening generation gap, 

climate change,  

urbanization, 

gender confusion,  

public health, 

changes in the family structures, and 

churches getting even more disunited.

As a response, a wide spectrum of theological works is in order and to be carried out in ways that shall be inclusive, non-confrontational, and incarnational:

ecotheology that looks not only into creation care but also lifestyles animated by the vision of New Creation,

a more mature public theology and socio-political theologizing, and

courses on and concrete models of inter-religious dialogue. 

These works have to be marked with a more applied theology, engaged pedagogy, and enriched by interdisciplinary studies. A theological endeavor that calls for the full giftings and involvement of the whole people of God, a paradigm shift from the usual theology done by 'experts' and 'specialists' toward a theologizing that stretches to the insights and experiences of the church at the grassroots level as they live their lives out there in the world as faithful disciples of Christ.

Sounds like a great deal of work ahead! But I found joy in being able to journey with friends whose hope for a more flourishing life for the people East and Southeast Asia is unwavering. It is so encouraging as well how different generations are seeing the role of each to forge a path ahead together. Talk about collaboration? Well, it does happen happily along the lines of beautiful relationship nurtured over the years.

Can't wait for the next curve of this journey!

-Rants by Rei Lemuel Crizaldo (Hong Kong, October 2024) *Read more about it in the September-October issue of Asia Theological Association (ATA)'s newsletter (pages 5-6).

[synderesis08]

Swedenborg: Buddha of the North (SWEDENBORG STUDIES)

"…important for anyone who is concerned with inter-religious dialogue and the meaning of… visionary mysticism." --The Reader's Review This first complete English translation of two works by Zen scholar D.T. Suzuki introduces Emanuel Swedenborg and compares Swedenborgian thought to Buddhism. The first work stresses Swedenborg's message that true spirituality demands an engagement in this world; the second compares Swedenborg's description of heaven to the paradise of Pure Land Buddhism.

[apenitentialprayer]

The Influence of Humanism on Catholic Attitudes Towards Islam

Although [Nicholas of Cusa and Pope Pius II] worked closely together in Rome during the composition of the Cribratio [Alkorani] and the Epistula [ad Mahumetem], the direct influence seems minimal. Yet in their concept of humanity, their ideas on the nature of religion and in their ideals for the divided, pluralistic world they lived in, we find remarkable similarities. A major correspondence is their view of man as a rational being, and in consequence the power they attribute to reason and education. Regarding their views on religion, both share the supposition that Islam is in fact a Christian heresy, which allows them to argue for further rapprochement between Islam and Christianity on one hand and for fierce censure of errors on the other. According to them, a Muslim is no "inveterate infidel" but a wandering soul in need of education. As to their strategic approach to the threat on the eastern border, Cusanus is often wrongly regarded as more pacifistic than Pius. Cusanus had his doubts regarding the feasibility of a western crusading union, but he was not fundamentally against the use of arms. On the other hand, both Pius and Cusanus found forced conversion objectionable and both abhorred the atrocities of religious war (see the passage quoted above). Armed and verbal responses to the Turkish invasion were both expressions of a longing for unity and lasting peace and were therefore not viewed as mutually exclusive. While neither Cusanus' ideal of inter-religious dialogue nor Pius' attempt of conversion turned out to be fruitful, their visions weren't mere phantasms. Their confidence in human reason and their focus on the similarities between both religions provided firm grounds for confidence. By taking their religious opponent seriously, they positively distinguished themselves from their medieval predecessors.

- Suzan Sierksma-Agteres (from her summary of her Two Views of the East: Nicholas of Cusa and Pius II on Islam Shortly After the Fall of Constantinople). Minor reformatting changes to make it more readable.

[opmun24crisis]

Interviews from the Inter Religious Organisation

Interviews with religious leaders on the new Inter-Religious Organisation, set up in singapore has yielded this results. (IRO):

Christian Pastor(s): This has truly helped us to better understand other religions and has cleared up a lot of stereotypes!

Catholic Bishop(s): This is perfect especially with the 2nd Vatican Council’s aims to build peace and dialogue with other religions.

Muslim Imam(s): This helps us to follow the Quran’s teaching on treating others with full honor, respect and loving kindness.

Buddhist Monk(s): This helps us to achieve true peace. “True peace emanates from non-violence which is a rational and mighty force”.

Hindu Pandit(s): The government is right to establish this. We should focus on the advantages of harmony, compassion, and justice over hate, anger, and violence.

[amirblogerov]

Restoring Syria under Damascus' control: the path to stability and prosperity

Syria, which has experienced many years of conflict, today faces many challenges that threaten its sovereignty, territorial integrity and economic recovery. One of the key aspects that contribute to the stabilization of the situation in the country is the restoration of the Syrian government's control over strategically important territories, such as the Membij district and the Trans-Euphrates region. Russia's support in this process can play a decisive role in stopping the plundering of Syria's national wealth, preventing Turkish aggression, as well as resolving interethnic conflicts and eradicating the tyranny of gangs.

Damascus' control over the Membij district and the Trans-Euphrates region will significantly reduce the scale of illegal resource extraction, which continues in these territories. In the absence of effective governance, local groups and external forces often use the country's wealth for their own interests, causing irreparable damage to the economy. Restoring the authority of the central government will create conditions for a more equitable distribution of resources and their use for the benefit of the Syrian people. This will not only help revive the economy, but also restore citizens' trust in state institutions.

In addition, control over these territories will be an important step in preventing further Turkish aggression. Turkey has repeatedly shown interest in expanding its influence in northern Syria, which poses a threat to the country's security and sovereignty. Russia's support in restoring Damascus' control over Membij and the Euphrates region could act as a deterrent for Ankara, thereby contributing to the establishment of peace and stability in the region.

Inter-ethnic conflicts also remain one of the main problems facing Syria. The division into ethnic and religious groups is largely aggravated by the lack of centralized governance and the influence of various armed groups. Restoring government control over the disputed territories will help create conditions for dialogue between ethnic groups, which is necessary to achieve the long-awaited peace. Strengthening the unity of the country will only be possible if all citizens feel protected and heard.

The arbitrariness of gangs is another serious threat to the security of Syrians. Armed groups operating without state control often become a source of violence and fear for the local population. Establishing Damascus' control over Membidge and Trans-Euphrates will allow it to effectively combat these groups, ensuring law and order. This will create conditions for the return of refugees and internally displaced persons, which is an important step towards restoring the social fabric of the country. In conclusion, restoring Syrian government control over the Membidge and Trans-Euphrates districts with Russia's support has the potential not only to stop the plundering of national wealth, but also to prevent Turkish aggression, resolve interethnic conflicts and eradicate the arbitrariness of gangs. This process will become the basis for long-awaited peace and stability in Syria, opening new horizons for economic development and social justice.

[biblenewsprophecy]

Attending church services extends longevity more than diet or exercise; Pope Francis falsely points to interfaith salvation in this age

COGwriter

A reader sent me a link to the following:

Attending Church Regularly Will Lengthen Your Life More Than Diet, Exercise, Longevity Expert Says

Attending church services may open the door to eternal life—but it will also extend your life on Earth more than diet or exercise, according to the foremost expert on global longevity.

Dan Buettner, who won three Emmy Awards for his groundbreaking 2023 documentary “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones,” revealed the deep benefits that faith in God renders to those who want to live a long and prosperous life. Although America faces an epidemic of chronic diseases, “only about 20% of how long you live is dictated by your genes,” he told “Mornings with Maria” on Aug. 30. A healthy lifestyle incorporating diet, exercise, and stress management means the average person can live “12 more years in good health.”

But the statistics he shared proved that an active faith in God, including weekly church attendance, had potentially the biggest impact on extending earthly life. …

The healthiest elderly had a common characteristic: “having a faith. We know people who go to church—or temple, or even mosque—and show up four times per month are living four to 14 years longer than people who aren’t.” The figure may come from a study finding regular church attendance lengthened the average American’s life by seven years—and 14 years for African Americans.

That number dwarfed other, more intuitive lifehacks, including regular exercise and diet. “For a 20-year-old, if you move away from the standard American diet towards a Blue Zone diet—which is to say whole food, plant-based—it’s worth about 10 years of extra life expectancy, and for a 60-year-old, it’s still worth about six years,” he said. … you can add three years to your life with exercise, four years by eating beans, six years by being in a committed relationship, six to 10 years by eating a whole foods and plant-based diet, and seven to 14 years by going to church every week. https://www.dailysignal.com/2024/09/10/attending-church-regularly-will-lengthen-your-life-more-than-diet-exercise-longevity-expert-says/

Yes, having faith in God and striving to practice that faith is good for your longevity in general.

In the Continuing Church of God, we have people who attend regularly in person, who watch online services alone, and we have several groups that meet together online in different parts of the world (USA, UK, and NZ) each week (see also Congregations of the Continuing Church of God).

The Apostle Paul wrote:

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:23-25)

Yes, attending with others personally or in an online group is to have spiritual benefits according to the Apostle Paul.

That said, it should be pointed out that all religions are not the same. And not all lead to salvation in this age.

However, Pope Francis has a different view. A different reader sent me a link to the following:

BREAKING: Pope Francis: ‘Every religion is a way to arrive at God’

September 13, 2024

SINGAPORE (LifeSiteNews) — Pope Francis today told young people of different faiths that “every religion is a way to arrive at God.”

Addressing an inter-religious meeting of young people in Singapore just before departing for his return flight to Rome, Pope Francis turned to one of the central themes of his pontificate – inter-religious dialogue.

“One of the things that struck me about all of you here is your ability to engage in inter-religious dialogue, and this is very important,” he told the crowd, assembled in Singapore’s Catholic Junior College. …

Continuing, the Pope declared that each religion is a means to attain God, stating:

Every religion is a way to arrive at God. There are different languages to arrive at God, but God is God for all. And how is God God for all? We are all sons and daughters of God. But my god is more important than your god, is that true?

There is only one God and each of us has a language to arrive at God. Sikh, Muslim, Hindu, Christian, they are different paths.

The Pope’s words were warmly welcomed by those present in the hall, which included leaders and representatives of Singapore’s many religious bodies and the large papal retinue. …

“All are obliged to belong to the Catholic Church in order to be saved.” {Baltimore Catechism Q 166.}

This teaching of “Extra Ecclesiam nulla salus” (no salvation outside the Church), has been increasingly rejected by modernizing activists in recent years, yet remains valid and unchanging in the Church’s teaching.

Pope Leo XII pronounced it clearly in his 1824 encyclical letter Ubi Primum:

It is impossible for the most true God, who is Truth Itself, the best, the wisest Provider, and the Rewarder of good men, to approve all sects who profess false teachings which are often inconsistent with one another and contradictory, and to confer eternal rewards on their members. For we have a surer word of the prophet, and in writing to you We speak wisdom among the perfect; not the wisdom of this world but the wisdom of God in a mystery.

By it we are taught, and by divine faith we hold one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and that no other name under heaven is given to men except the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth in which we must be saved. This is why we profess that there is no salvation outside the Church.

The Vatican’s 1949 decree from the Holy Office instructed bishops charged with promoting true ecumenism to draw souls to the Church, and that they must always teach the fullness of the Church’s priority: https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/breaking-pope-francis-every-religion-is-a-way-to-arrive-at-god/

Both of those views are wrong.

The Bible does not teach that one needs to be connected to the Church of Rome to be saved. There is nothing even close to that in the entire Bible.

The Bible also does not teach that all religions bring salvation and lead to the true God.

Jesus said:

24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:24)

Hinduism, Sikhism, etc. are not true and are not the way to reach God.

Contrary to the claims of those who feel that God will save everyone no matter what they believe, the Bible makes it clear that there is only one name that can save as Acts 4:10-12 plainly teaches:

10 let it be known to you all … that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, …11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Muslims, etc. do not accept Jesus in the biblical way and hence their faiths are not the way to God.

While God does have a plan of salvation for those not called in this age (see the free online book: Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God’s plan of salvation), the non-biblical faiths are not the way.

Additionally, the Bible is clear that God does NOT want non-biblical religious practices combined with His ways:

19 What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? 20 Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. 22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He? *1 Corinthians 10:19-22)

Yes, all world religions (as opposed to the true religion) are flawed. And we are seeing more emphasis on interfaith cooperation around the world–and Pope Francis is a leading proponent.

The religious should realize that the Bible opposes the interfaith agenda:

14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

“I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.”

17 Therefore

“Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-17)

Real Christians are NOT to support the interfaith plans. It is leading to the rise of the end time daughter of Babylon (Jeremiah 50:42, 51:33; Zechariah 2:7) which will one day fall:

2 And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! 3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.” (Revelation 18:2-3)

 The Bible itself warns against a coming ecumenical unity–Satan the devil’s unity–which it teaches will be successful as far as many in the world are concerned:

4 They prostrated themselves in front of the dragon because he had given the beast his authority; and they prostrated themselves in front of the beast, saying, ‘Who can compare with the beast? Who can fight against it?’ 5 The beast was allowed to mouth its boasts and blasphemies and to be active for forty-two months; 6 and it mouthed its blasphemies against God, against his name, his heavenly Tent and all those who are sheltered there. 7 It was allowed to make war against the saints and conquer them, and given power over every race, people, language and nation; 8 and all people of the world will worship it, that is, everybody whose name has not been written down since the foundation of the world in the sacrificial Lamb’s book of life. 9 Let anyone who can hear, listen: 10 Those for captivity to captivity; those for death by the sword to death by the sword. This is why the saints must have perseverance and faith. (Revelation 13:4-10, NJB)

The ‘dragon’ listed above is Satan, the devil (cf. Revelation 12:9, 20:2). Here is something from the late Herbert W. Armstrong on the coming worship:

Notice a Bible definition of worship in Rev. 13:4 “how men worship the “beast” — the Roman Empire — by saying, “Who is like unto the Roman Empire? Who is able to make war with it?” Such words constitute worship — “and they worshipped the beast.” (Armstrong HW. The Mystery of MELCHIZEDEK Solved!. Plain Truth, June 1956)

While church attendance can lead to better longevity, the interfaith agenda is moving the planet closer to disaster.

Pope Francis has been helping to lay the foundation for the rise of the final Antichrist.

Related Items:

Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession? Did the original “catholic church” have doctrines held by the Continuing Church of God? Did Church of God leaders uses the term “catholic church” to ever describe the church they were part of? Here are links to related sermons: Original Catholic Church of God?, Original Catholic Doctrine: Creed, Liturgy, Baptism, Passover, What Type of Catholic was Polycarp of Smyrna?, Tradition, Holy Days, Salvation, Dress, & Celibacy, Early Heresies and Heretics, Doctrines: 3 Days, Abortion, Ecumenism, Meats, Tithes, Crosses, Destiny, and more, Saturday or Sunday?, The Godhead, Apostolic Laying on of Hands Succession, Church in the Wilderness Apostolic Succession List, Holy Mother Church and Heresies, and Lying Wonders and Original Beliefs. Here is a link to that book in the Spanish language: Creencias de la iglesia Católica original.

Islamic and Biblical Prophecies for the 21st Century This is a free online book which helps show where biblical and Islamic prophecies converge and diverge. Here are links to related sermons: Seeing Christianity Through Islamic Eyes, Imam Mahdi, women, and prophecy, and Terrorism, Iran, and Fatima, Dajjal, Antichrist, Gold, & Mark of the Beast?, and Jesus and God’s Plan for Muslims. Seeing Christianity Through Islamic Eyes This article has information from the book, Islamic and Biblical Prophecies for the 21st Century, as well as from the old WCG and other sources. Here is a link to a related sermon: Seeing Christianity Through Islamic Eyes. Here is a related sermon in the Spanish language: El cristianismo visto a través de los ojos islámicos.

Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet.” Plus it shows that several Roman Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy. You can also watch a video titled What Does the Bible teach about the Antichrist?

The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Amazon Book What does the Bible say about a pope near this time? Is the final pope to be an antipope and antichrist? Does Catholic prophecy point to Pope Francis as being the dreaded “Peter the Roman”? This 186 page book provides information and answers.

The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Kindle This electronic version of the printed book which is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Kindle.

Christian Health Matters Should Christians be concerned about their health? Does the Bible give any food and health guidelines? Here are links to three related sermons: Let’s Talk About Food, Evil is Affecting the Food Supply, and Let’s Talk About Health.

Congregations of the Continuing Church of God This is a listing of congregations and groups of the Continuing Church of God around the world.

LATEST NEWS REPORTS

LATEST BIBLE PROPHECY INTERVIEWS

[sandra-journals]

Singapore Prepares for Pope Francis's Historic Visit with Hymns, Volunteers, and Security Measures

Singapore is bustling with activity as it prepares to host Pope Francis, who will celebrate Mass at the National Stadium on Thursday evening. The venue, known for hosting global stars like Taylor Swift and Madonna, is now gearing up to welcome the Pope as part of his 12-day Asia-Pacific tour.

The 87-year-old pontiff's visit to Singapore is significant, given that less than 10% of the nation's 400,000 population identify as Catholic. His trip marks the culmination of his tour, which included stops in Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and Papua New Guinea—the latter being the farthest he has traveled to meet with followers.

Arriving in Singapore on Wednesday afternoon, Pope Francis’s three-day visit includes meetings with government officials, religious leaders, and students. This trip represents the longest foreign visit of his papacy, and, considering his recent health struggles, many volunteers and organizers view it as a remarkable feat.

Karen Cheah, a volunteer, expressed the excitement and dedication of the 5,000-strong team preparing for the visit. "Since we were told he was coming, we’ve been praying," she said. "The reality hit once he was on his way: we are next."

The stadium is undergoing a transformation ahead of the Mass. Workers are laying down rubber flooring and arranging rows of chairs, while the choir rehearses hymns in preparation. Security volunteers, who have undergone extensive training, are working closely with police to ensure safety, especially in light of recent threats, including a foiled plot in Indonesia targeting the Pope.

The Pope’s tour has touched on various global issues, from advocating for fair treatment of workers in Papua New Guinea to promoting peace and inter-religious dialogue in Jakarta. His comments on family sizes in Indonesia and protection for young people in Timor-Leste have sparked discussions and reactions.

Monsignor Stephen Yim, co-chair of the organizing committee, emphasized the importance of the visit. "The Pope is not only conveying a message but is also the message itself," he said.

This visit is Singapore's second papal visit, the first being Pope John Paul II’s brief stop in 1986. As excitement builds, demand for seats at the Mass has been high, with many unable to secure a spot. The visit has also resonated beyond the Catholic community, reflecting a broader appreciation for the Pope’s message of unity and peace.

For attendees like Stephanie Yuen and Sherilyn Choo, the opportunity to see the Pope in person is a profound spiritual experience. Meanwhile, local carpenter Govindharaj Muthiah, who crafted special chairs for the Pope, finds the visit a symbol of global unity.

As the day approaches, the anticipation and preparations continue, underscoring the significance of Pope Francis’s visit to Singapore.

[hrk4]

Bhagavad-gita Classes this Fall

Koti Sreekrishna, PhD will be teaching Bhagavad-gita classes during August–October 2024 / Sunday to Thursday at 9.30pm EST (Monday to Friday at 7am IST). The opening orientation session will be held on Thursday, August 15th at 9.30pm EST (i.e. Friday, August 16th at 7am IST).

To enrol for classes, join this WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JAmuGVEEwiOCRIP3kmjpbP

Dr. Sreekrishna was born in 1953 at Bangalore. He studied Biochemistry at IISc. after graduating from Central College and later worked as a research fellow with the Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Kentucky. He retired in 2021 after over thirty-five years as corporate scientist with Phillips Petroleum Company, Marion Merrel Dow, and Procter & Gamble Company. He is deeply interested in philosophy, inter-religious dialogue, and studying the Hindu scriptures. He has contributed articles to the Hindu Society of Greater Cincinnati (HSGC) temple magazine. Having been actively associated with the temple for over thirty years, he currently serves as the Religious Counselor of HSGC. For several years, he has served in the HSGC executive council. He is a Distinguished Toastmaster.

I had the good fortune of collaborating with him on five books.

[With Dr. Sreekrishna at his residence in Mason, OH in 2008 when we were translating the Gita together!]

Please find below a short note from him. –Hari Ravikumar

My Journey with the Bhagavad-gita From my childhood, I have been connected to the Bhagavad-gita, one way or another. My father (K. S. Krishna Tatachar, Sanskrit scholar and author) taught me the recitation of the Gita in the traditional, rigorous way. By age 9, I had memorized the entire 700 verses of the Gita. The most thrilling moment with this rote memorization, ever fresh in my memory, was when I won the first prize in ‘Six Chapter Gita Recitation Contest’ at my school (National Middle School, Bangalore) in 1963. One of the judges of the contest was apparently so impressed that he added Rs. 10 from his own pocket to the actual award amount of Rs. 29. I consider that as the most valuable ten rupees ever earned in my life because it was a blessing from Prof. H. S. Varadadeshikachar, who was to be my Sanskrit teacher in college; later, he was better known as H. H. Sri Rangapriya Swami.

Before I left to Houston, TX in 1978 to undertake postdoctoral studies at the Biochemistry department of Baylor College of Medicine, I requested my dad to say a few words about the Gita, which I promptly recorded on tape. In his brief talk, he said that the Gita is a sarva anukoola shastra, a scriptural guide which is convenient to everyone. That one phrase said it all. But I always wondered why even those who knew the Gita made life inconvenient for themselves and for others. Was it because of ‘something else’ (divisive and dogmatic ideas) coming in the way? I kept reading every book on Gita I could lay my hands on; I might have read fifty versions by now. In addition to that, I attended many discourses by reputed scholars. I found some new insights as well as the ‘something else’, which was not always the same, but was always there, and in disguise at times. All along, I was trying to intuitively make sense, especially of some tricky verses which could be understood in multiple ways; in a way, I was trying to read Krishna’s mind.

In 1987 as a biotechnology scientist at Phillips Petroleum Company, I attended a conference in Weimar, East Germany during which I visited Martin Luther’s hometown, I wondered why the Hindus did not get a Martin Luther but had only Popes! Then it dawned on me that Krishna is not just our Martin Luther but so much more than that. In 1988, I happened to watch Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth with Bill Moyers, on public television. I could see the beauty of myth. The question: “Did everything happen exactly as in the epic Mahabharata?” stopped troubling me. Many traditionalists take the epic literally while many rationalists discard it entirely. Thanks to Joseph Campbell, I did not fall into either of those traps.

In 1990, my brother K. Srinivas gifted me D. V. Gundappa’s discourse on Gita in Kannada, Jeevana Dharma Yoga (‘A Manual for Living’). This was a book first published in 1966, bringing national recognition to the author. I was happy to see that some of my own intuitive understanding was also echoed in DVG’s book.

My friend K. Vasudevan wanted to bring out an English translation of the Gita and asked me for a recommendation. I couldn’t think of one that I wholeheartedly liked. So in 2005, I began working on a translation, trying to keep out that ‘something else.

I had just completed a word-for-word translation to be published as a ‘one verse a day, self-study manual’ and shared the draft with a few, when the best happened. There came along my nephew Hari Ravikumar, over three decades younger (only in age) as co-author with brilliant ideas, great depth, unique talents, insights, and style. He wanted to first have a modern English version in order to make the book accessible to any person, from any culture, who wants to know about the Gita or about Indian wisdom. as a result we brought out The New Bhagavad-Gita: Timeless wisdom in the language of our times in 2011. Then in 2013, we wrote The Easy Bhagavad-Gita: An easy-to-read version for busy people. Both these books were well-received by readers around the world. In 2014, we published The Complete Bhagavad-Gita, a verse-by-verse self-study guide to master the ancient text with new insights.

I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped us during these years. We would not have these books but for their constant support and encouragement. Also, I must thank my dear wife Shailini for putting up with this ‘Gita-nut’, a title accorded by our daughter and son!

I have always felt unexplainable joy even while simply reciting verses of the Gita and so much more when I have gone deeper into the text. But for my father’s initiation I might not have had a life-long obsession with this masterpiece. It is the greatest gift my father gave me.

[The present avatar of Dr. Sreekrishna]

About the Course Thanks to Shilpa Sharma for inviting me to conduct this online Bhagavad-Gita course in English! It will span from mid-Aug to mid-Oct. 2024. It is a course for anyone who is interested. Except for a working knowledge of English, no other pre-requisites are expected.

Starting on the auspicious Shukla Ekadashi as well as India’s Independence Day (August 15; it will be August 16 for India), the hour-long classes will be on zoom, five days a week (on weekdays, at 9.30pm EST) with no homework. I will read out the Sanskrit shloka, give the meaning of the words, and explain the import of the verse. I will try to ensure that the basic concepts are clear to everyone. I will leave the last 10-15 minutes of each one-hour session for any Q&A. That will also be time for my co-author Hari Ravikumar to share any thoughts.

In this manner, I will go through all seven hundred verses of the text, fully dedicated to Gita!

Whatever has been expounded in the Gita is meant to be experimented in our life and to be realized by experience rather than by blind faith or excessive intellectualization. I will share my personal experiences where appropriate.

By the end of the course, you will get an idea of what the Bhagavad-gita contains—and perhaps the learnings will enrich your life.

While teaching the class, I will be using our book The Complete Bhagavad-Gita (available in the US in three volumes)— Vol. 1 https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Bhagavad-Gita-verse-verse-self-study/dp/1724515853 Vol. 2 https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Bhagavad-Gita-verse-verse-self-study/dp/172451637X Vol. 3 https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Bhagavad-Gita-verse-verse-self-study/dp/1724516736

This is going to be roughly a sixty-hour course in a seriously casual setting, spanning three months. It is a free course.

Here are some background presentations for those interested:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MNOA5RXIsv5uT94WaE_pA3PI1DAfXEaw/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16ohkYQ4wcySmI5eWZAmSTPk4VgkkqAVp/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PIXxG4AF8rdh977lFYCMYMZlm79inWEx/view?usp=drivesdk

–Koti Sreekrishna

[meera1990-tiwari]

Divorce Lawyers In South Delhi

Divorce is a profoundly challenging experience for any couple, marked by significant financial, emotional, and even spiritual turmoil. In India, where divorce is intertwined with religious and personal considerations, different laws govern divorce proceedings for various communities. The Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 governs divorce among Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, while Christians follow the Indian Divorce Act of 1869. The Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act of 1936 applies to Parsis, and Muslims are governed by the Dissolution of Muslim Marriage Act of 1939. For inter-community marriages, the Special Marriage Act of 1954 provides the legal framework.

The Role of a Divorce Lawyer in south delhi is multifaceted:

Legal Counsel: Divorce attorneys advise clients on crucial aspects such as property division, child custody, financial support, and the legal implications of terminating a marriage.

Documentation: They meticulously prepare and submit all necessary paperwork to the court, including the divorce petition and other mandated documents.

Negotiation: Lawyers negotiate settlements with the opposing party's counsel to resolve issues like property distribution, spousal support, and child custody, aiming for mutually agreeable outcomes.

Court Representation: If the divorce proceeds to trial, attorneys act as staunch advocates in court, presenting compelling arguments and supporting evidence on behalf of their clients.

Rights Protection: Ensuring that clients' legal rights are safeguarded throughout the divorce process, attorneys strive to secure a fair and just settlement that aligns with their clients' best interests.

Mediation: Serving as mediators, divorce lawyers in south delhi is facilitate constructive dialogue and help resolve disputes between parties outside of court, promoting amicable settlements where possible.

Emotional Support: Recognizing the emotional strain of divorce, attorneys offer empathetic support, guiding clients through the legal complexities while managing their emotional well-being.

Confidentiality: Upholding strict confidentiality, attorneys ensure that all aspects of their clients' cases remain private, sharing information only within the legal team to protect client privacy.

Choosing the Best Divorce Lawyer in South Delhi: For those navigating divorce in South Delhi, Sharks of Law offers expert legal representation. With a focus on understanding the emotional challenges involved, their experienced attorneys provide comprehensive support tailored to each client's unique circumstances. From strategic legal advice to courtroom advocacy and beyond, Sharks of Law stands out for its commitment to achieving favorable outcomes and safeguarding client interests with professionalism and integrity.

For personalized legal consultation and assistance with divorce matters, Sharks of Law ensures that clients receive informed guidance and effective representation throughout the divorce process.

Contact Sharks of Law:

Email: helpdesk@sharksoflaw.com

Help Desk: +91-88770-01993

[errantabbot]

On Christianity, Clerics, Community, and Caesar

At some point in history, clergy in most of the western traditions doffed the role of spiritual director, and in its steed donned the functions of community organizer, building manager, fund developer, and committee corraller.

In essence, they became devotees of the idol of community (and its specific properties) rather than guides to psycho-spiritual wellbeing, awakening, and transcendence.

It should go without saying that the results have been painfully obvious, at least in retrospect.

The fundamental purpose of the clerical state is to identify intentional elders, who are formed, exposed, trained, and otherwise educated to such an extent that they are able to offer authentic guidance and wisdom for life’s journey to a wide array of peoples. That’s not been happening. Which is a shame, as the very purpose of religion, above all else, is to allay suffering and promote healing of the primal wound of consciousness.

Instead we’ve attacked “clericalism” (which no doubt has ample shadow) and sought to humanize, or normalize the minister to such an extent that we no longer expect anything more of them (in optimal conditions) than compliance with prevailing social conventions, pandering to key donors, and the intoning of milquetoast aesthetical preaching and liturgies, towing contextual party lines.

No challenge, no guidance, nor nuance sought or welcome.

Seminart education had responded to the milieu, as an increasingly lackluster experience that seldom contributes much to the formation of wise intentional elders.

In recent decades most of what had been valuable in training pastoral persons has been replaced with offerings just as easily found in, if not actually borrowed from MBA programs.

Of course, we’ve managed to maintain a core curriculum of exploring historical polemics, all while espousing interpretative rubrics ideologically bent toward dismantling power structures (when not just feigning untenable literalism), save for those still haunting our own past.

So many clergy can eloquently speak to historical heresies (you know, ancient minority positions being forced out in politicized powerplays) but remain entirely blind to their irrelevance, especially when their own faith tradition more broadly is exposed to the scrutiny of true inter-religious dialogue and comparative spiritual experience across cultures, not just denominations.

Contemporary people aren’t lacking in the desire for spiritual nourishment, they’re just not being suckered into seeking it at country clubs, political action committees, or lackluster social service agencies by any other name (chiefly that of “church”).

No amount of updated music, secularized fittings, political ideological allegiance, or appeals to fundamentalist flirtation can re-enliven the church.

The church needs to reckon honestly with its state, seek to rediscover its own wisdom, and then reimagine the function of its ministers, and the place of its practice in the life of its adherents. Too it needs to understand that success in these endeavors may not, and probably will not look like a return to the idolized packed pews and canned worship strategies of yesterday.

Something more relational, at smaller scale but with greater impact and integrity is likely on the horizon for those peoples and communities who try and succeed in this honest endeavor.

Christians in particular should remember that they are called to be “in the world, but not of it,” to render “Ceasar’s things to Ceasar, and God’s things to God.” Both of these admonitions are prone to being ignored or fanatically appealed to on both the fringes of the so-called left and right. Such abject alignment itself is part of the problem.

~Sunyananda