SIKHISM
Sikhism (IPA: /ˈsiːkɪzəm/ (help·info) or /ˈsɪk-/ (info); Punjabi: ਸਿੱਖੀ, sikkhī, IPA: [ˈsɪkkʰiː] (info)), founded on the teachings of Nanak and nine successive gurus in fifteenth century Northern India, is the fifth-largest organised religion in the world.[1] This system of religious philosophy and expression has been traditionally known as the Gurmat (literally the counsel of the gurus) or the Sikh Dharma. Sikhism originated from the word Sikh, which in turn comes from the Sanskrit root śiṣya meaning "disciple" or "learner", or śikṣa meaning "instruction."[2][3]
The principal belief of Sikhism is faith in Vāhigurū—represented using the sacred symbol of ēk ōaṅkār, the Universal God. Sikhism advocates the pursuit of salvation through disciplined, personal meditation on the name and message of God. A key distinctive feature of Sikhism is a non-anthropomorphic concept of God, to the extent that one can interpret God as the Universe itself. The followers of Sikhism are ordained to follow the teachings of the ten Sikh gurus, or enlightened leaders, as well as the holy scripture entitled the Gurū Granth Sāhib, which includes selected works of many devotees from diverse socio-economic and religious backgrounds. The text was decreed by Gobind Singh, the tenth guru, as the final guru of the Khalsa Panth. Sikhism's traditions and teachings are distinctively associated with the history, society and culture of the Punjab. Adherents of Sikhism are known as Sikhs (students or disciples) and number over 23 million across the world. Most Sikhs live in the state of Punjab in India and, prior to the country's partition, millions of Sikhs lived in what is now known as the Punjab province of Pakistan.[4]
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Orthodox Chrstianity
Orthodox Christianity
The term Orthodox Christianity may refer to:
The Eastern Orthodox Church: the Eastern Christian churches of Byzantine tradition that adhere to the seven Ecumenical Councils, and are in full communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and with each other.
The Oriental Orthodox Churches: the Eastern Christian churches adhering to the teachings of only the first three Ecumenical Councils (plus the Second Council of Ephesus). This usage is uncommon, except among themselves.
Eastern Christianity: Any Christian tradition tracing its origins to the East (the Balkans, Asia Minor, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, etc.) including the Eastern Catholic churches. This usage is generally considered improper although it is not uncommon.
Any Christian faith that adheres to the teachings of the first seven (or three) Ecumenical Councils of the Church.
Any particular Christian doctrine that is theologically correct.
Any particular Christian "faith" believed by its followers to be correct by comparison to other faiths. In this sense every Church considers its own faith orthodox.
Note: The Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches are not in communion and do not represent a unified religious tradition. As such, the term Orthodox Christianity when used to refer to these two Churches collectively refers more to a common Byzantine influence than to doctrinal matters.
The term Orthodox Christianity may refer to:
The Eastern Orthodox Church: the Eastern Christian churches of Byzantine tradition that adhere to the seven Ecumenical Councils, and are in full communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and with each other.
The Oriental Orthodox Churches: the Eastern Christian churches adhering to the teachings of only the first three Ecumenical Councils (plus the Second Council of Ephesus). This usage is uncommon, except among themselves.
Eastern Christianity: Any Christian tradition tracing its origins to the East (the Balkans, Asia Minor, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, etc.) including the Eastern Catholic churches. This usage is generally considered improper although it is not uncommon.
Any Christian faith that adheres to the teachings of the first seven (or three) Ecumenical Councils of the Church.
Any particular Christian doctrine that is theologically correct.
Any particular Christian "faith" believed by its followers to be correct by comparison to other faiths. In this sense every Church considers its own faith orthodox.
Note: The Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches are not in communion and do not represent a unified religious tradition. As such, the term Orthodox Christianity when used to refer to these two Churches collectively refers more to a common Byzantine influence than to doctrinal matters.
Hinduism
HINDUISM
Hinduism differs from Christianity and other Western religions in that it does not have a single founder, a specific theological system, a single system of morality, or a central religious organization. It consists of "thousands of different religious groups that have evolved in India since 1500 BCE."
1Hinduism has grown to become the world's third largest religion, after Christianity and Islam. It claims about 837 million followers - 13% of the world's population.
2 It is the dominant religion in India, Nepal, and among the Tamils in Sri Lanka. According to the "Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches," there are about 1.1 million Hindus in the U.S. 3 The "American Religious Identification Survey" is believed to be more accurate.
4 They estimated smaller number: 766,000 Hindus in 2001. Still, this is a very significant increase from 227,000 in 1990. Statistics Canada estimates that there are about 157,015 Hindus in Canada.
5Hinduism is generally regarded as the world's oldest organized religion.
Most forms of Hinduism are henotheistic religions. They recognize a single deity, and view other Gods and Goddesses as manifestations or aspects of that supreme God. Henotheistic and polytheistic religions have traditionally been among the world's most religiously tolerant faiths. However, until recently, a Hindu nationalistic political party controlled the government of India. The linkage of religion, the national government, and nationalism led to a degeneration of the separation of church and state in India. This, in turn, has decreased the level of religious tolerance in that country. The escalation of anti-Christian violence was one manifestation of this linkage. With the recent change in government, the level of violence will diminish.
Hinduism differs from Christianity and other Western religions in that it does not have a single founder, a specific theological system, a single system of morality, or a central religious organization. It consists of "thousands of different religious groups that have evolved in India since 1500 BCE."
1Hinduism has grown to become the world's third largest religion, after Christianity and Islam. It claims about 837 million followers - 13% of the world's population.
2 It is the dominant religion in India, Nepal, and among the Tamils in Sri Lanka. According to the "Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches," there are about 1.1 million Hindus in the U.S. 3 The "American Religious Identification Survey" is believed to be more accurate.
4 They estimated smaller number: 766,000 Hindus in 2001. Still, this is a very significant increase from 227,000 in 1990. Statistics Canada estimates that there are about 157,015 Hindus in Canada.
5Hinduism is generally regarded as the world's oldest organized religion.
Most forms of Hinduism are henotheistic religions. They recognize a single deity, and view other Gods and Goddesses as manifestations or aspects of that supreme God. Henotheistic and polytheistic religions have traditionally been among the world's most religiously tolerant faiths. However, until recently, a Hindu nationalistic political party controlled the government of India. The linkage of religion, the national government, and nationalism led to a degeneration of the separation of church and state in India. This, in turn, has decreased the level of religious tolerance in that country. The escalation of anti-Christian violence was one manifestation of this linkage. With the recent change in government, the level of violence will diminish.
Buddism
BUDDHISM
Buddhism is both a world religion and a philosophy with between 230 and 500 million adherents worldwide.[1] It is based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha, sometimes known simply as "the Buddha", who lived c. 5th century BCE in ancient India, in parts of what is now Nepal and the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Buddhism has spread through two main traditions; Theravada which extended south and east and now has widespread following in Southeast Asia, and Mahayana, which diffused first west, then north and later east throughout East Asia. Both traditions have since spread throughout the world. The Pali Canon is the base volume of Buddhist scriptures, but there are other complimentary scriptures adopted only in some traditions. Other differences is their emphasis on specific parts of Gautama Buddha's teachings (Dharma), and their subsequent interpretations as well as in the practices they consider most beneficial.
All traditions recognize the Gautama Buddha as an enlightened teacher who shared his insights in order to help sentient beings end their suffering (see The Four Noble Truths) in accordance with the laws of Karma by realizing the true nature of phenomena and thereby escaping the cycle of involuntary rebirths known to Buddhists as Samsara. Among the methods Buddhist schools apply towards that goal are ethical conduct, altruistic behaviour, renunciation of wordly matters, the training of one's mind through learning and meditation, devotional practices and the invocation of holy beings to seek their help in achieving Enlightenment. A Buddhist is one who takes refuge in The Three Jewels: Buddha; The Enlightened or Awakened One, Dharma; The Teaching (of Buddha), and Sangha;
Buddhism is both a world religion and a philosophy with between 230 and 500 million adherents worldwide.[1] It is based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha, sometimes known simply as "the Buddha", who lived c. 5th century BCE in ancient India, in parts of what is now Nepal and the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Buddhism has spread through two main traditions; Theravada which extended south and east and now has widespread following in Southeast Asia, and Mahayana, which diffused first west, then north and later east throughout East Asia. Both traditions have since spread throughout the world. The Pali Canon is the base volume of Buddhist scriptures, but there are other complimentary scriptures adopted only in some traditions. Other differences is their emphasis on specific parts of Gautama Buddha's teachings (Dharma), and their subsequent interpretations as well as in the practices they consider most beneficial.
All traditions recognize the Gautama Buddha as an enlightened teacher who shared his insights in order to help sentient beings end their suffering (see The Four Noble Truths) in accordance with the laws of Karma by realizing the true nature of phenomena and thereby escaping the cycle of involuntary rebirths known to Buddhists as Samsara. Among the methods Buddhist schools apply towards that goal are ethical conduct, altruistic behaviour, renunciation of wordly matters, the training of one's mind through learning and meditation, devotional practices and the invocation of holy beings to seek their help in achieving Enlightenment. A Buddhist is one who takes refuge in The Three Jewels: Buddha; The Enlightened or Awakened One, Dharma; The Teaching (of Buddha), and Sangha;
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion[1] centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in the New Testament.[2]
Its followers, known as Christians[3], believe that Jesus is the son of God and is also the Messiah (Christ) who was prophesied in the Old Testament (the part of scripture common to Christianity and Judaism). To Christians, Jesus Christ is a teacher, the model of a virtuous life, the revealer of God, and most importantly the saviour of humanity who suffered, died, and was resurrected in order to bring about salvation from sin.[4] Christians maintain that Jesus ascended into heaven, and most denominations teach that Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead, granting everlasting life to his followers. Christians call the message of Jesus Christ the Gospel ("good news") and hence label the written accounts of his ministry as gospels.
Like Judaism and Islam, Christianity is classified as an Abrahamic religion (see also Judeo-Christian).[5][6][7] Christianity began as a Jewish sect[8][9] in the eastern Mediterranean and by the 4th century had become the dominant religion within the Roman Empire. During the Middle Ages, most of the remainder of Europe was christianized, with Christians also being a (sometimes large) religious minority in the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of India.[10] Following the Age of Discovery, through missionary work and colonization, Christianity spread to the Americas and the rest of the world.
Christianity has played a prominent role in the shaping of Western civilization at least since the 4th century.[11] As of the early 21st century, Christianity has between 1.5 billion[12][13] and 2.1 billion adherents,[14] representing about a quarter to a third of the world's population.[15]
Contents[hide]
1 Beliefs
Its followers, known as Christians[3], believe that Jesus is the son of God and is also the Messiah (Christ) who was prophesied in the Old Testament (the part of scripture common to Christianity and Judaism). To Christians, Jesus Christ is a teacher, the model of a virtuous life, the revealer of God, and most importantly the saviour of humanity who suffered, died, and was resurrected in order to bring about salvation from sin.[4] Christians maintain that Jesus ascended into heaven, and most denominations teach that Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead, granting everlasting life to his followers. Christians call the message of Jesus Christ the Gospel ("good news") and hence label the written accounts of his ministry as gospels.
Like Judaism and Islam, Christianity is classified as an Abrahamic religion (see also Judeo-Christian).[5][6][7] Christianity began as a Jewish sect[8][9] in the eastern Mediterranean and by the 4th century had become the dominant religion within the Roman Empire. During the Middle Ages, most of the remainder of Europe was christianized, with Christians also being a (sometimes large) religious minority in the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of India.[10] Following the Age of Discovery, through missionary work and colonization, Christianity spread to the Americas and the rest of the world.
Christianity has played a prominent role in the shaping of Western civilization at least since the 4th century.[11] As of the early 21st century, Christianity has between 1.5 billion[12][13] and 2.1 billion adherents,[14] representing about a quarter to a third of the world's population.[15]
Contents[hide]
1 Beliefs
JUDAISM
Early History of Judaism, according to the Hebrew Scriptures:
Circa 2000 BCE, the G-d of the ancient Israelites established a divine covenant with Abraham, making him the patriarch of many nations. The term Abrahamic Religions is derived from his name. These are the three or four major religions which trace their roots back to Abraham: Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the Baha'i Faith. The Baha'i faith is often not included among the Abramic religions. Also, smaller non-Jewish groups such as Falashas, Karaits, Mandaeanism, Rastafarians, Samaritans, etc. trace their spiritual roots back to Abraham.
The book of Genesis describes the events surrounding the lives of the three patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. (Joseph, who is recognized as a fourth patriarch by Christians is not considered one by Jews). Moses was the next major leader of the ancient Israelites. He led his people out of captivity in Egypt, and received the Mosaic Law from G-d. After decades of wandering through wilderness, Joshua led the tribes into the promised land, driving out the Canaanites through a series of military battles.
The original tribal organization was converted into a kingdom by Samuel; its first king was Saul. The second king, David, established Jerusalem as the religious and political center. The third king, Solomon built the first temple there.
Division into the Northern kingdom of Israel and the Southern kingdom of Judah occurred shortly after the death of Solomon in 922 BCE. Israel fell to Assyria in 722 BCE; Judah fell to the Babylonians in 587 BCE. The temple was destroyed. Some Jews returned from captivity under the Babylonians and started to restore the temple in 536 BCE. (Orthodox Jews date the Babylonian exile from 422 to 352 BCE). Alexander the Great invaded the area in 332 BCE. From circa 300 to 63 BCE, Greek became the language of commerce, and Greek culture had a major influence on Judaism. In 63 BCE, the Roman Empire took control of Judea and Israel.
Jewish developments during the 1st century CE:
About 24 religious sects had formed by the 1st century CE of which the largest were the Basusim, Essenes, Pharisees, Sadducees and Zealots. Many anticipated the arrival of the Messiah, a religious-political-military leader who was expected to drive out the Roman invaders and restore independence.
Christianity was established initially as a Jewish sect, centered in Jerusalem. The group followed the teachings of Yeshua of Nazareth, who is now commonly referred to as Jesus Christ. The group was led by James, one of Jesus' four brothers. They are generally referred to as Jewish Christians. Paul broke with this tradition, created an alternative belief system of Pauline Christianity and spread the religion to the Gentiles (non-Jews) in much of the Roman Empire. A third religion, Gnosticism, emerged in a number of forms, such as Christian and Jewish Gnosticism.
Many mini-revolts led to the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in 70 CE. The Jewish Christians were wiped out or scattered at this time. The movement started by Paul flourished and quickly evolved into the religion of Christianity. Jews were scattered throughout the known world. Their religion was no longer centered in Jerusalem; Jews were prohibited from setting foot there. Judaism became decentralized and stopped seeking converts. The local synagogue became the new center of Jewish life. Animal sacrifice was abandoned. Authority shifted from the centralized priesthood to local scholars and teachers, giving rise to Rabbinic Judaism.
The period from the destruction of the temple onward give rise to heavy persecution by Christians throughout Europe and Russia. Many groundless stories were spread, accusing Jews of ritual murder, the desecration of the Catholic host and continuing responsibility for the execution of Jesus . Unsubstantiated rumors continue to be circulated today. In the 1930s and 1940s, Adolph Hitler and the German Nazi party drew on centuries of Christian-based anti-Semitism, and upon their own psychotic beliefs in racial purity. They organized the Holocaust, the attempted extermination of all Jews in Europe. About 6 million were killed in one of the world's greatest examples of religious and racial intolerance.
The Zionist movement was a response within all Jewish traditions to centuries of Christian persecution. Their initial goal was create a Jewish homeland in Palestine. The state of Israel was formed on 1948-MAY-18.
There are currently about 18 million Jews throughout the world. They are mainly concentrated in North America (about 7 million) and Israel (about 4.5 million).
Jewish Texts
Circa 2000 BCE, the G-d of the ancient Israelites established a divine covenant with Abraham, making him the patriarch of many nations. The term Abrahamic Religions is derived from his name. These are the three or four major religions which trace their roots back to Abraham: Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the Baha'i Faith. The Baha'i faith is often not included among the Abramic religions. Also, smaller non-Jewish groups such as Falashas, Karaits, Mandaeanism, Rastafarians, Samaritans, etc. trace their spiritual roots back to Abraham.
The book of Genesis describes the events surrounding the lives of the three patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. (Joseph, who is recognized as a fourth patriarch by Christians is not considered one by Jews). Moses was the next major leader of the ancient Israelites. He led his people out of captivity in Egypt, and received the Mosaic Law from G-d. After decades of wandering through wilderness, Joshua led the tribes into the promised land, driving out the Canaanites through a series of military battles.
The original tribal organization was converted into a kingdom by Samuel; its first king was Saul. The second king, David, established Jerusalem as the religious and political center. The third king, Solomon built the first temple there.
Division into the Northern kingdom of Israel and the Southern kingdom of Judah occurred shortly after the death of Solomon in 922 BCE. Israel fell to Assyria in 722 BCE; Judah fell to the Babylonians in 587 BCE. The temple was destroyed. Some Jews returned from captivity under the Babylonians and started to restore the temple in 536 BCE. (Orthodox Jews date the Babylonian exile from 422 to 352 BCE). Alexander the Great invaded the area in 332 BCE. From circa 300 to 63 BCE, Greek became the language of commerce, and Greek culture had a major influence on Judaism. In 63 BCE, the Roman Empire took control of Judea and Israel.
Jewish developments during the 1st century CE:
About 24 religious sects had formed by the 1st century CE of which the largest were the Basusim, Essenes, Pharisees, Sadducees and Zealots. Many anticipated the arrival of the Messiah, a religious-political-military leader who was expected to drive out the Roman invaders and restore independence.
Christianity was established initially as a Jewish sect, centered in Jerusalem. The group followed the teachings of Yeshua of Nazareth, who is now commonly referred to as Jesus Christ. The group was led by James, one of Jesus' four brothers. They are generally referred to as Jewish Christians. Paul broke with this tradition, created an alternative belief system of Pauline Christianity and spread the religion to the Gentiles (non-Jews) in much of the Roman Empire. A third religion, Gnosticism, emerged in a number of forms, such as Christian and Jewish Gnosticism.
Many mini-revolts led to the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in 70 CE. The Jewish Christians were wiped out or scattered at this time. The movement started by Paul flourished and quickly evolved into the religion of Christianity. Jews were scattered throughout the known world. Their religion was no longer centered in Jerusalem; Jews were prohibited from setting foot there. Judaism became decentralized and stopped seeking converts. The local synagogue became the new center of Jewish life. Animal sacrifice was abandoned. Authority shifted from the centralized priesthood to local scholars and teachers, giving rise to Rabbinic Judaism.
The period from the destruction of the temple onward give rise to heavy persecution by Christians throughout Europe and Russia. Many groundless stories were spread, accusing Jews of ritual murder, the desecration of the Catholic host and continuing responsibility for the execution of Jesus . Unsubstantiated rumors continue to be circulated today. In the 1930s and 1940s, Adolph Hitler and the German Nazi party drew on centuries of Christian-based anti-Semitism, and upon their own psychotic beliefs in racial purity. They organized the Holocaust, the attempted extermination of all Jews in Europe. About 6 million were killed in one of the world's greatest examples of religious and racial intolerance.
The Zionist movement was a response within all Jewish traditions to centuries of Christian persecution. Their initial goal was create a Jewish homeland in Palestine. The state of Israel was formed on 1948-MAY-18.
There are currently about 18 million Jews throughout the world. They are mainly concentrated in North America (about 7 million) and Israel (about 4.5 million).
Jewish Texts
varities of religious belief
Varieties of Religious Belief
atheism – No Gods exist.
agnosticism – Knowledge about God(s) is impossible; OR, knowledge about God(s) is not something that I possess.
deism – God exists, but he is not currently active in the universe.
monotheism – There is one, and only one, God.
henotheism – I worship one God, but there may be more.
monism – All is one.
dualism – All is two (most commonly good/evil or male/female).
impersonal idealism – God is an impersonal system of values that is worthy of worship.
pantheism – All that exists is God.
panentheism – God interpenetrates all of nature, but has an existence apart from nature.
animism – Everything has a soul.
“soft” polytheisms - "soft" polytheism refers to a version of polytheism that either denies the literal existence or the uniqueness of the gods.
functional polytheism – Symbolic use of polytheistic theology and terminology as a ritual tool or useful concept, without literal belief in the existence of multiple gods.
archetypal polytheism – Belief in multiple gods/goddesses as representing psychological (Jungian) archetypes, or elements of the human personality; belief that there are a relatively small set of unique gods/goddesses, and that gods/goddesses from different cultures who have similar personalities and domains are representations of the same god/goddess.
polytheism “plus” – polytheism “plus” one of the non-polytheist beliefs above. IE:
polytheism + monism – There are multiple Gods, but they are all aspects of one divine Force; OR, there are multiple Gods, and there is also a divine Force.
(also known as “monolatry”)
polytheism + dualism – There are multiple Gods, but they are all aspects of one of the two divine Forces (“all Gods are one God, all Goddesses are one Goddess”).
“hard” polytheisms - "hard" polytheism refers to a version of polytheism that believes in the literal existence of multiple gods/goddesses, with unique personalities, who are not reducible to one supreme god or source or god/goddess pair.
panpolytheism - Belief in all gods/goddesses, moving between pantheons at will; extreme eclectic polytheism.
henopolytheism - Devotion in one pantheon or set of gods/goddesses, without denying the existence of other gods/goddesses outside of that set.
single-pantheon polytheism - Belief in one pantheon or set of gods/goddesses, to the exclusion of all others.
atheism – No Gods exist.
agnosticism – Knowledge about God(s) is impossible; OR, knowledge about God(s) is not something that I possess.
deism – God exists, but he is not currently active in the universe.
monotheism – There is one, and only one, God.
henotheism – I worship one God, but there may be more.
monism – All is one.
dualism – All is two (most commonly good/evil or male/female).
impersonal idealism – God is an impersonal system of values that is worthy of worship.
pantheism – All that exists is God.
panentheism – God interpenetrates all of nature, but has an existence apart from nature.
animism – Everything has a soul.
“soft” polytheisms - "soft" polytheism refers to a version of polytheism that either denies the literal existence or the uniqueness of the gods.
functional polytheism – Symbolic use of polytheistic theology and terminology as a ritual tool or useful concept, without literal belief in the existence of multiple gods.
archetypal polytheism – Belief in multiple gods/goddesses as representing psychological (Jungian) archetypes, or elements of the human personality; belief that there are a relatively small set of unique gods/goddesses, and that gods/goddesses from different cultures who have similar personalities and domains are representations of the same god/goddess.
polytheism “plus” – polytheism “plus” one of the non-polytheist beliefs above. IE:
polytheism + monism – There are multiple Gods, but they are all aspects of one divine Force; OR, there are multiple Gods, and there is also a divine Force.
(also known as “monolatry”)
polytheism + dualism – There are multiple Gods, but they are all aspects of one of the two divine Forces (“all Gods are one God, all Goddesses are one Goddess”).
“hard” polytheisms - "hard" polytheism refers to a version of polytheism that believes in the literal existence of multiple gods/goddesses, with unique personalities, who are not reducible to one supreme god or source or god/goddess pair.
panpolytheism - Belief in all gods/goddesses, moving between pantheons at will; extreme eclectic polytheism.
henopolytheism - Devotion in one pantheon or set of gods/goddesses, without denying the existence of other gods/goddesses outside of that set.
single-pantheon polytheism - Belief in one pantheon or set of gods/goddesses, to the exclusion of all others.
Belief in Religion
Which religion should I choose to believe in?
Firstly why should I believe in any religion at all?The spirit realm may only be a figment of my imagination.What proof is there of the supernatural?
Secular evidence for the existence of supernatural reality.
1. Observation2. Chance and probability3. Phenomena4. Resource material5.
Definitions
1. Observation.
Observation is the action or process of closely observing or monitoring. When I observe an object or an event with one or more of my five senses, I perceive that this object or event is real. My record of this observation enables me to know that such an object or event existed in the past. This constitutes the first level of veracity.
Records of another person having observed details of an object or event which existed in the past constitute the second level of veracity. I can choose to believe or not to believe them.
If these records show internal consistency and external consistency, I will tend to consider them as reliable. Internal consistency is the lack of contradictory statements in the record. External consistency is the presence of descriptions which correspond with the times, names, places and events around about the time when the object existed or event occurred.
The degree to which I can consider such records as reliable is the degree I believe that such an object or event is real.
2. Chance and probability
Chance is the occurrence of events in the absence of any obvious design or cause. Probability is the extent to which something is likely to happen or to be the case.
How do I estimate the probability of an event occurring at any point in time? This depends on the past history of occurrence of that event.
Take for instance, the rising of the sun within the next 24 hours. The probability is almost one in one. Why not one in one? This is because there is a very remote chance that an astronomic cataclysm may occur to our solar system. I maintain this opinion because I extrapolate from the observation that such events have been observed in other solar systems.
I know that the rising of the sun every 24 hours is the result of the rotation of the earth about its own axis. My question is how this rotation came about in the first place. Was it by chance or by design?
Scissors are used for cutting cloth and paper, consisting of two crossing blades pivoted in the middle and operated by thumb and fingers inserted in rings at each end. Scissors are not found in nature. They are the product of man.
If I have an attitude that I am not interested in the origin of scissors, the matter stops here. If, on the other hand, I have an attitude that I am interested in the origin of scissors, my next question is how did the first scissors come about?
I do not know the answer. I can only guess that some occurrence in nature gave the idea to a person who used it to modify two knives to act as the two blades of the scissors.
I can guess that the occurrence in nature happened by chance. I can also guess that the idea came to the inventor by chance.
By this form of reasoning, I can attribute the origin of the scissors to chance. By this form of reasoning, I can attribute the origin of any and every contrived object or process to chance.
As far as natural objects are concerned, I can also hold the opinion that all are the product of chance operating on previous objects.
Objects are made of matter. How did matter come about?
I choose to look at phenomena and see what they indicate.
3. Phenomenon
Phenomenon is a fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause is in question. I would like to discuss two phenomena.
The existence of matter is a phenomenon. If I am of the opinion that matter existed from the infinite past, then I may find it pointless to continue this discussion.
However, is this opinion supported by evidence? I prefer to commence my inquiry from the starting point of reality. I could look at evidence from astronomy and physics.
Observational cosmology including findings from the Hubble telescope provided evidence for the expanding universe as arising from a point source some 12 to 14 billion years ago.
The ambient temperature of outer space is three degrees Kelvin, consistent with a big bang origin of the universe.
Moreover, the half-life decay of radioactive elements indicate the origin to be 12.5 to 14.5 billion years ago.
Thus it appears that scientific evidence supports the opinion that the universe started from a finite point (singularity) between 12 and 14 billion years ago. This is described as the Big Bang. Hence the opinion that matter existed from the infinite past is not supported by observed reality.
The next logical question would be what was it like before the big bang? I do not know the answer.
One possible answer is that there was nothing. But how can something as large and as massive as the universe arise from nothing?
Permit me to drop this discussion thread for the moment. I will come back to it later.
The next phenomenon is something completely different.
Some temple mediums have given uncannily accurate confidential private and personal details of the departed. Some have even spoken in the voice and accent of the departed.
One explanation is that this phenomenon has occurred by chance. However, the consistency of this ability in some temple mediums indicate that the likelihood of chance is extremely remote.
There are cases of children being able to recall events experienced by deceased individuals when they were alive. (Ian Stevenson)
One explanation is that this phenomenon has occurred by chance. However, the number of corroborated cases indicate that the likelihood of chance is extremely remote.
These phenomena are not explicable from the reality governed by our space-time dimensions.
However a reality outside the constraints of our space-time reality would be able to explain these phenomena.
I call this reality supernatural reality. It is conceivable that this extra reality existed before the Big Bang, some 12 to 14 billion years ago.
How do I explain this extra reality?
For my answer to how I explain supernatural reality,
4. Resource material
Observational cosmology including findings from the Hubble telescope provided evidence for the expanding universe as arising from a point source some 12 to 14 billion years ago. to add this page
Firstly why should I believe in any religion at all?The spirit realm may only be a figment of my imagination.What proof is there of the supernatural?
Secular evidence for the existence of supernatural reality.
1. Observation2. Chance and probability3. Phenomena4. Resource material5.
Definitions
1. Observation.
Observation is the action or process of closely observing or monitoring. When I observe an object or an event with one or more of my five senses, I perceive that this object or event is real. My record of this observation enables me to know that such an object or event existed in the past. This constitutes the first level of veracity.
Records of another person having observed details of an object or event which existed in the past constitute the second level of veracity. I can choose to believe or not to believe them.
If these records show internal consistency and external consistency, I will tend to consider them as reliable. Internal consistency is the lack of contradictory statements in the record. External consistency is the presence of descriptions which correspond with the times, names, places and events around about the time when the object existed or event occurred.
The degree to which I can consider such records as reliable is the degree I believe that such an object or event is real.
2. Chance and probability
Chance is the occurrence of events in the absence of any obvious design or cause. Probability is the extent to which something is likely to happen or to be the case.
How do I estimate the probability of an event occurring at any point in time? This depends on the past history of occurrence of that event.
Take for instance, the rising of the sun within the next 24 hours. The probability is almost one in one. Why not one in one? This is because there is a very remote chance that an astronomic cataclysm may occur to our solar system. I maintain this opinion because I extrapolate from the observation that such events have been observed in other solar systems.
I know that the rising of the sun every 24 hours is the result of the rotation of the earth about its own axis. My question is how this rotation came about in the first place. Was it by chance or by design?
Scissors are used for cutting cloth and paper, consisting of two crossing blades pivoted in the middle and operated by thumb and fingers inserted in rings at each end. Scissors are not found in nature. They are the product of man.
If I have an attitude that I am not interested in the origin of scissors, the matter stops here. If, on the other hand, I have an attitude that I am interested in the origin of scissors, my next question is how did the first scissors come about?
I do not know the answer. I can only guess that some occurrence in nature gave the idea to a person who used it to modify two knives to act as the two blades of the scissors.
I can guess that the occurrence in nature happened by chance. I can also guess that the idea came to the inventor by chance.
By this form of reasoning, I can attribute the origin of the scissors to chance. By this form of reasoning, I can attribute the origin of any and every contrived object or process to chance.
As far as natural objects are concerned, I can also hold the opinion that all are the product of chance operating on previous objects.
Objects are made of matter. How did matter come about?
I choose to look at phenomena and see what they indicate.
3. Phenomenon
Phenomenon is a fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause is in question. I would like to discuss two phenomena.
The existence of matter is a phenomenon. If I am of the opinion that matter existed from the infinite past, then I may find it pointless to continue this discussion.
However, is this opinion supported by evidence? I prefer to commence my inquiry from the starting point of reality. I could look at evidence from astronomy and physics.
Observational cosmology including findings from the Hubble telescope provided evidence for the expanding universe as arising from a point source some 12 to 14 billion years ago.
The ambient temperature of outer space is three degrees Kelvin, consistent with a big bang origin of the universe.
Moreover, the half-life decay of radioactive elements indicate the origin to be 12.5 to 14.5 billion years ago.
Thus it appears that scientific evidence supports the opinion that the universe started from a finite point (singularity) between 12 and 14 billion years ago. This is described as the Big Bang. Hence the opinion that matter existed from the infinite past is not supported by observed reality.
The next logical question would be what was it like before the big bang? I do not know the answer.
One possible answer is that there was nothing. But how can something as large and as massive as the universe arise from nothing?
Permit me to drop this discussion thread for the moment. I will come back to it later.
The next phenomenon is something completely different.
Some temple mediums have given uncannily accurate confidential private and personal details of the departed. Some have even spoken in the voice and accent of the departed.
One explanation is that this phenomenon has occurred by chance. However, the consistency of this ability in some temple mediums indicate that the likelihood of chance is extremely remote.
There are cases of children being able to recall events experienced by deceased individuals when they were alive. (Ian Stevenson)
One explanation is that this phenomenon has occurred by chance. However, the number of corroborated cases indicate that the likelihood of chance is extremely remote.
These phenomena are not explicable from the reality governed by our space-time dimensions.
However a reality outside the constraints of our space-time reality would be able to explain these phenomena.
I call this reality supernatural reality. It is conceivable that this extra reality existed before the Big Bang, some 12 to 14 billion years ago.
How do I explain this extra reality?
For my answer to how I explain supernatural reality,
4. Resource material
Observational cosmology including findings from the Hubble telescope provided evidence for the expanding universe as arising from a point source some 12 to 14 billion years ago. to add this page
FAITH
Your ability to live by faith has nothing to do with: Who you are, where you were born, or where you live. The amount of money you presently have in your bank account, billfold or purse or don’t presently have in your bank account, billfold or purse. Amount of time you have or don’t have. (Faith has no time, it is always “now” Faith. Faith is always present tense. – I have _____ now. I can do _____ now. I am _____ now.) How much something costs. Has nothing to do with your ability or inability. (Remember: Faith is God’s ability working on your behalf. If you could do it yourself, you wouldn’t have to use your faith.) If you have planned well financially or if there has been lack of financial planning. Job or no job. Paycheck or no paycheck or income or no income. The number of educational degrees you have or a lack of education. (The fishermen who walked with Jesus were men of faith and yet they were just “fishermen” and not highly educated men; but yet they told Jesus when He sent them out to minister on their own that their every need was met.) Your five physical senses (They only relate to the physical realm and will only tell you what is going on in the physical realm, but faith is of the spirit, a higher realm. You’re actually living in a higher realm, not subject to the natural realm when you live by faith.) Natural limitations. (Faith is supernatural ability and there are no limitations with faith. If there were limitations then we could say God is limited, but that will never be.) A person’s intelligence or lack of it. (Actually intelligence can get in the way of faith by trying to figure out how it is going to happen. Faith is working when your heart and not your head is fixed, established, trusting in the Lord.) Your ability in any matter. (Faith is God’s ability working on your behalf.) What is faith? Faith is substance of things hoped for needed and desired, evidence of what cannot be seen by your physical eyes, your assurance, your confirmation, your title deed of things, proof of things not seen, conviction of their reality, perception as real fact what is not revealed to senses, leaning of your entire personality on God in Christ in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom and goodness. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. KJV Hebrews 11:1 NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. AMP Hebrews 6:12 In order that you may not grow disinterested and become [spiritual] sluggards, but imitators, behaving as do those who through faith ( by their leaning of the entire personality on God in Christ in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness) and by practice of patient endurance and waiting are [now] inheriting the promises. AMP Faith is always now, present tense. You talk like it is done. Faith is a law, spiritual law: Romans 3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. KJV Faith and patience are power twins: Hebrews 6:12 ….faith ( by their leaning of the entire personality on God in Christ in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness) and by practice of patient endurance and waiting are [now] inheriting the promises. AMP James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. KJV Acting in faith, you just believe and act accordingly; staying Holy Spirit connected and He will guide you through the whole process. How easy is that? We make spirit things complicated and really we are more spiritual then we are human or carnal since God lives in us and we are now born again of the Spirit and have the ability to operate out of our spirit rather than be limited and controlled any more by our intellect or what the five physical senses tell us. How do we receive faith? We received the faith of God when we got born again. Faith is a gift from God. (Romans 12:3) We have the faith of Christ Jesus. (Galatians 2:20) Faith also comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. (Romans 10:17 So hear and hear again the Word concerning what you need; healing, prosperity, etc.) Building up your faith by praying in the Holy Ghost. (Jude 20) To remain in faith or as the Word of God calls it, “established heart”, we have to guard the gates to our heart (our believing), which are our eyes gates and ear gates. Don’t keep looking at, paying attention to or listening to what is the opposite of what you want by faith. Faith is not what we see or hear. Faith is not having faith in you and faith in your faith. Faith is having faith in God, His Word and the faith He has given to you which always does its work in any and every situation. The Word of God is the written and spoken Word of God to us. The Word of God, itself, has enough power in it to bring things to pass; the Word just needs to be spoken out of your mouth for your situation. The Word needs you to be the receiver as well. So you are the spokesperson and the receiving person for faith. So don’t get so afraid you are going to fail in your faith for it is God’s faith He has given to you as a gift, just use it. And you are not the person to make it happen or you would be already doing it with your natural ability. You are just the believing person enough so that you speak it and act like it is done, finished. You receive it with speaking it is already reality. Speaking only the Word of God and speaking words that mean, “I received it.” Then acting like, “Okay, there it is. I’m glad that’s over with. It’s done, finished, over with.” When we speak in line with the Word of God we are not lying although in the natural we look like we are. Can we be lying when we speak what God has spoken about us. “We are healed by the stripes of Jesus.” No, that is not a lie, it is the truth about us. And we are not speaking it to make people believe we are healed. We speak it because we know it is the truth about us or our situation. Abraham became fully persuaded in his faith to become a father when it was humanly impossible when He started speaking the name God gave to him, “Abraham”, which means “Father of nations”. When he spoke his name, “Abraham,” he was saying he was the father of nations. He never got fully persuaded in his faith he would become a father until God changed his name and he started speaking it and hearing it over and over by his family, servants, etc. Stealers of Faith: Being around natural, carnal thinking people and natural, carnal speaking people will steal your faith. They are always speaking what is, what they can see, hear, smell, taste or touch. So stay clear of them and seek to be around people who think in line with the Word of God, speak in line with the Word of God and act on their faith in the Word of God. (A good example of this is Abraham. When he was still named Abram, God told him to leave family and all that was familiar to him. If he had not done this, then he would not be known as our Father of faith, Abraham.) Another stealer of faith is always looking, hearing, meditating, considering and speaking what is going on in the natural circumstances in your life. (If you want change, you have to change what you look at, listen to, meditate on, consider and speak. If you don’t, then you will only perpetuate the problem. What you focus on will expand.) A good thing to remember in faith is to establish your heart in the Word of God about a particular thing you want to receive from God and then when the Word of God gets bigger on the inside of you through meditation then the problem or thing needing changed or brought to pass; that is the best time to speak it. That is when it is easy to speak the Word in spite of every thing and everyone that says, “That’s impossible.” Meditation plus speaking your faith brings possession. Faith’s actions can sometimes mean just speaking the Word of God or words of having received it or “It is done.” Then there are promptings of the Holy Spirit to do a certain thing. Acted upon will bring results no matter how ridiculous it may seem. Some good examples of faith we can meditate to help establish our heart in faith are: Read about Abraham, the Father of our faith, Romans 4. The Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11. And to see the New Testament Church with faith in action read the book of Acts.
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