[img]https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LEcQZvvuZZU/XC5H6bWZ1VI/AAAAAAAAIUc/HNcboVwJ-VcfNiPqfcwB9AB9GUVgXLFrQCLcBGAs/w1200-h630-p-k-no-nu/- Abraham Inetianbor (82).jpg[/img]Keeping Politics Out of Church? Soon parishes throughout the country will distribute postcards to help Catholics communicate with their elected representatives in Congress. The bishops of the United States have seen a need to sponsor this kind of campaign in times of urgent necessity before. The concern carries a grain of truth.The Church must not let itself be swallowed up in partisan politics. At election time, Catholic dioceses urge their parishes not to distribute "voter scorecards" from outside groups trying to garner votes for or against a candidate. And on many policy issues, the Church does not claim to have one settled position or to be an expert on the details. Yet many policy debates give us an opportunity to transcend mere "politics," to raise up the moral principles that should help guide those debates to resolution. The issues of religious freedom and conscience rights present an added dimension. Here we are not talking about the Church injecting itself into the political sphere. Rather, political forces have injected themselves into the lives of Catholics and Church organizations, substituting their own secular ideology for the Church's values. Some will say the Church should leave politics alone and concentrate on teaching the Catechism and serving the needy - but what if a political initiative says the Church may not follow the Catechism, even in its own institutions? What if it says a Church agency may not serve needy people regardless of those people's faith, because then it will not be "religious enough" to be exempt from a mandate to provide morally objectionable drugs and procedures? What if it says your neighbor, a devoted Catholic nurse, has no right to her livelihood because she will not help perform abortions? At that point we must resist, or we will have nowhere to go with our faith except the hidden recesses of our own minds. Mr. Doerflinger is Associate Director of the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Christianity developed out of Judaism in the 1st century C.E. It is founded on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and those who follow him are called "Christians." Christianity has many different branches and forms with accompanying variety in [url=https://www.amazon.com/Pagan-Christianity-Exploring-Church-Practices-ebook/dp/B00APOW7JI]beliefs[/url] and practices. The three major branches of Christianity are Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism, with numerous subcategories within each of these branches. Until the latter part of the 20th century, most adherents of Christianity were in the West, though it has spread to every continent and is now the largest religion in the world. Formed: This is the traditional date for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Some scholars date the rise of Christianity as a religious belief system later in the first century under the leadership of the apostles. The law prohibits employers from discriminating or retaliating against an employee because of his or her religion or personal choice to not maintain a [url=https://Www.justice.gov/crt/types-discrimination]religious belief[/url]. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects against religious discrimination in hiring, firing, or any other terms and conditions of employment. This means, for example, that an employer cannot segregate employees to one job or assign an employee because of a person’s religious beliefs. The law protects an individual’s right to participate (or not participate) in a religious activity as a condition of employment. Employers are also required to reasonably accommodate the religious beliefs and practices of applicants and employees, unless doing so would cause a burden on the operation of the employer’s business. Religious Discrimination Lawyers Serving the Washington D.C. The lawyers of Correia it evades categorization almost as much as Jordan Peterson, a clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Toronto. Peterson’s first book was a celebrated scholarly tome, Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief (Routledge, 1999); it had all the opacity of rigorous scholarship, and assumed its readers would know the terms of Peterson’s discipline. 12 Rules is written for a much broader audience. From this list, each essay was developed more fully along the lines of each rule, but there is no clear thread tying them altogether. Each chapter can stand alone, save for some cross-referencing, and has something of an ad hoc feel, both in its subject matter and in Peterson’s impassioned but sometimes repetitive style. It is striking from the outset how countercultural this book is. For example, as a student of theology, I was once advised by a mentor to tread carefully when preaching about the Law in the Old Testament: I should opt for words like guidelines or lessons when talking about God’s commandments. More generally, we live in a world in which rules are denigrated and viewed suspiciously as external inhibitors to personal freedom and expression of the self. Peterson use of rules in the title is telling and sets him apart as a refreshingly traditional thinker in a world that has done all it can to leave tradition behind. [img]https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vcIWf9UdJc8/W9nfGzjNEKI/AAAAAAAAH-A/jiwLgd7uf2coxozkt0FbziZtvNJ9IjkJQCLcBGAs/s320/- Abraham Inetianbor (23).jpg[/img]Among other things, it is this strong stance, this willingness to heed the great voices of the past, that makes Peterson so polarizing. These are interwoven with stories from Peterson’s experience in psychological practice, and even with tales from his family life. And in every chapter, there are usually a few paragraphs in which Peterson breaks from his more restrained voice into exhortations to live truthfully and face suffering, which feel something like a pre-game pep talk or an evangelical sermon. 12 Rules is listed as a self-help book, probably the first such book I have ever read. I have taken a lot of his practical tips into my life. Not all of Peterson’s volume is aimed at rules for day-to-day life. It also incisively uncovers some of the pointed edges of what he perceives as prevalent Marxist and postmodern-leftist ideology. One of Peterson’s most powerful arguments comes in his able exposition of the pernicious doctrine behind those who would push for equality of outcome as a societal good. I suspect it is more pertinent to Canadians than Americans given our current political climates, but I think it applies shockingly well to the leftward trajectory of North Atlantic Anglicanism. Peterson underscores the undesirability of equality of outcome by using examples of gender and racial inequality. In the former case, he notes two irreconcilable beliefs: that gender is socially constructed, and that it is also biologically fixed. When it comes to the inequality of outcome between different races, and/or levels of (dis)ability, specifically with respect to remuneration in the workplace, Peterson asks which group identities or categories count, and who decides. The U.S. National Institute of Health, to take a single bureaucratic example, recognizes American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and White. But there are more than five hundred separate American Indian tribes. By what possible logic should "American Indian" therefore stand as a canonical category? 11K. Are they equally oppressed? Disabled people should make as much as non-disabled people. OK. On the surface, that’s a noble, compassionate, fair claim. But who is disabled? Is someone living with a parent with Alzheimer’s disabled? If not, why not? What about someone with a lower IQ? Here’s the fundamental problem: group identity can be fractioned right down to the level of the individual. That sentence should be written in capital letters. Every person is unique — and not just in a trivial matter: importantly, significantly, [url=https://Www.Eeoc.gov/eeoc/publications/brochure-gender_stereotyping.cfm]meaningfully unique[/url]. Group membership cannot capture that variability. It’s this point that is particularly suggestive for theological discourse across Christian division, whether they be cultural, ideological, or denominational; it is far timelier for Anglicanism in particular. Peterson reminds us of the value of individuals as such, rather than our fighting for the inclusion or separation of particular groups within the Church, or vying against other parties. And however important one’s group identity may be, it is comparably worthless to the infinite value and unique character of each individual. My application of Peterson’s thought in the Church tends to drift toward elevating immediate pastoral and familial discourse with people we know, rather than aiming to preserve or change whichever legislative documents are up for debate. It means connecting with people as individuals, getting to know them, praying with them, instead of assuming their cultural heritage or party affiliation define who they are. For me, it means realizing that episcopal or primatial letters to government officials on the need to combat this injustice are far less useful than getting to know our neighbours, including those with whom we worship. Indeed, Peterson’s wisdom here is a reminder that our life together starts with renovating our very own hearts, confessing our own sins, praying ourselves, rather than trying to fix the world (or the Church). This is not to downplay the character of the Church collectively. Can We Handle the Truth About Racism and the Church? Before racial reconciliation can happen, says Jemar Tisby, American believers need to reckon honestly with the sins of the past. King’s Dream Succeeds If We Study the BibleCross-racial partnerships only have lasting power if they’re rooted in Scripture. A Wall of Security or a Table of Fellowship? Matthew Kaemingk makes a political and theological case for welcoming Muslim [url=https://www.journals.Uchicago.edu/toc/jop/current]immigrants[/url]. British Government Affirms Christmas at WorkNew report details when workers' faith expression is protected and when it can get them fired. Christian Teacher Fired for Not Divorcing Husband Wins in British CourtJudge: Her belief in the sanctity of marriage put her at a disadvantage. I’m a Woman Who Got Kicked Out of Women’s BathroomsOur zealous policing of gender norms can have unintended and hurtful consequences. 12.5 million funding increase for one year only. Timothy C. Morgan with additional reporting by Mae Elise Cannon in Jerusalem. School’s Still Out for Summer as Israeli Christians Protest ‘Death Strike’Discriminatory state [url=https://www.Foxnews.com/politics/ocasio-cortez-slams-moderates-as-meh-at-sxsw-criticizes-americas-treatment-of-minorities]funding cuts[/url] lead 48 schools to stay shut. Why Christian [url=https://Obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2016/07/22/combating-religious-discrimination-today]Education[/url] in Israel Could VanishForty-eight Christian schools say unfair treatment by government may force them to close. God does not make one suffer for no reason nor does He make one happy for no reason. Hosea 8:7: "For they sow the wind and they reap the whirlwind. The standing grain has no heads; it yields no grain. Micah 6:15: "You will sow but you will not reap. Matthew 6:26: "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? But what about the scripture that says, "Whatever a man sows, this he will also reap"? Galatians 6:7-9: "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." What is this talking about? When we put our faith in works in order to determine our earthly outcome, we are sowing to the flesh. When we put our faith in Christ we are sowing to the Spirit and reap eternal life! In Matthew 13:24-30, we read the parable of the sower and the seed. The One who sows good seed (wheat) is God. However, Satan then comes along and sows bad seed (tares) among the good. The "good seed" represents the children of God; the "bad seed" are the children of Satan. Indeed, the workers question the Sower as to whether they should pull up the tares right away! They are told to let the tares remain; for if the tares are pulled up now, some of the wheat might get pulled up, too. Both must grow together until the time of the harvest. Seed produces more seed, right? So what exactly IS the seed we are to sow? Is it literal wheat? Does it represent money? Is it good or bad deeds? Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh (John 1:14) and is the first "seed" sown in God’s "field". Someone sowed that seed in me, praise God! Is the seed of the gospel planted in you? Is it taking root? Do you sow the seed of the gospel unto the harvest of souls? If we have the seed of Christ in us, we now labor to sow this seed (the gospel) in His field (the world). However, contrary to karmic philosophy, we won’t necessarily reap what we sow! "Iron and Clay - Harlot of Babylon", and I quote, "One Holy Catholic — masculine singular". Of the 943 times used in the Bible, echad indicates a single character 901 times. In the remaining instances when it is involved in describing a group effort, it still means one. I am called to bear witness of the Truth, so this is all I can do in response to you. In His love, JD. Oh my goodness, floweringrod! How you have blessed me. I'm so glad you joined HubPages to shine His Light and Love! I'm feeling it, and I so appreciate you! I'll be over to become a fan! Thank you so much and God bless you and yours as well. Hello, I'm new to the Hub, and I joined because of Judah's daughter. Keep up the good work, and service in the kingdom of God beloved! There are many lights on this circuit called the world, but yours truly do shine very bright. Never be without extra oil. Blessings to you and your beloveds and to all God's righteous and the elect. Well, thank you for the compliment, rossi. Satan is a separate entity than Almighty God. Satan only has as much power as WE give him. Adam and Eve GAVE him the kingdom that God had given them. Jesus took it back and gives it back to us who believe and submit to Him as LORD, rather than to Satan as lord. We cannot serve two masters, but we must choose one or the other. Yes, everything, good and bad is in the palm of God's hand, in that He is the only Sovereign LORD. The perfection of the design of Creation is proof of our Creator, God and His Sovereignty. The WAY: John 14:6 "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey--whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. Jesus. He never sinned, only did good and was absolutely perfect. Yet, He was poor, hated, betrayed and crucified. ] were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated--the world was not worthy of them. You are always righteous, O LORD, when I bring a case before You. Yet I would speak with You about Your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? God only wants the best, and to get the best you have to test. Like a rally car in pre preduction testing beaten and broken till it's remade and able to take anything thats thrown at it. Yes, Pimpernal Smith, you have confirmed what is written in the Word: Galatians 6:7-9: "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. I'm glad you've come to read and I appreciate your comments. Peace and blessings to you, too! ] in this world because the Devil runs it, but at the expence of their after life. I think karma spans in to the next, or the after and the wicked will pay. Oh do i see it, none of them are in a good place. Jesus had a hard time courtesy of the Devil, good works are rewarded in heaven, sometimes here but mostly in heaven, i have a hard time when i'm at my purest and the Devil knows how to tempt me. I have tryed to live like a saint and can manage a monks lifestyle for 2 weeks before i get overwhelmed by temptation. [img]https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q6qOqkcJo_0/W6JbGPcDL8I/AAAAAAAAHoo/PdPmIsNsoHckiEg6Jk0xaAWK4SkU-1GIACLcBGAs/s320/GOD'S.jpg[/img]] but then you know all this anyway. I know enough to know i know very little.. I'm not realy a reader or a wrighter more a viewer and a dooer. My thoughts, Pimpernel Smith, is that karma is not biblical. Jesus. He never sinned, only did good and was absolutely perfect. Yet, he was poor, hated, betrayed and crucified. That was not a punishment He deserved or merited. He took our shame. He took our punishment. In order to save us by grace and mercy. His children suffer the same things. I recommend re-reading the hub and definitely absorbing the truth in the Word of God.