The idea of Integrative Religion has always been attractive to some groups.
I was told that Sahaja Yoga urges its followers to accept the divinity of gods of different religions. And the chakra points in our body are the site of different gods. I think, by so doing, Sahaja Yoga hopes that followers of various religions will not reject the practice of Sahaja Yoga, and even embrace it.
The religion call Cao Dai, with a magnificient temple in Saigon is said to have millions of followers. This religion amalgates other religions - Chinese religion, Buddhas, Hindu gods, Jesus Christ, Prophet Mohammad, and so on. It is really a melting pot of religion under the name CaoDai-ism. (Surf www.wikipedia.com, and Youtube, search for 'cao dai')
Well, the founders of these Integrative Religions may think they have a solution to the divisive nature of religious ideologies. But....it's going to be very messy!!
Friday 30 October 2009
Accommodative Religions and Monotheistic Religions
Generally, polytheistic religions are accommodative and changing. Monotheistic religions are not.
Religions such as Taoism, Hinduism and tribal religions accept many gods, even the Christian and Muslim God. 'New' gods are added over time.
That is not the case with Christianity. In the Bible, God has revealed Himself and His thoughts progressively. It is very clear when God said:
"I am your God. You shall have no other gods but me..."
"I am the Way, the Truth and the Life..."
The "10 commandments" are clear.
God is God. There shall be no idolatry. No compromise. Black is black and white is white. There are no grey areas concerning God.
Chinese religion is different. Chinese temples may have several gods and deities. Chinese religion adapts and accommodates gods of other faiths too.
Buddhism is also accommodating to changes. Jane Hope, in her book "Buddha For Beginners" wrote:
"In the Buddhist lineage, knowledge is not handed down like an antique. One teacher experiences the truth of the teaching and hands it down as inspiration to his students. That inspiration wakens the student who passes it on further. The teachings are always up to date, they are not thought of as 'ancient wisdom'."
"The Buddha encouraged his followers to put everything he said to the test, and therefore, through the ages, followers of the Buddha have trusted their own wisdom, rather than trying to interpret what might have been meant in old texts."
"The doctrine of change and impermanence which is at the heart of Buddhism constantly breaks any tendencies towards fundamentalism."
Buddhism is changing and adapting all the time!
Religions such as Taoism, Hinduism and tribal religions accept many gods, even the Christian and Muslim God. 'New' gods are added over time.
That is not the case with Christianity. In the Bible, God has revealed Himself and His thoughts progressively. It is very clear when God said:
"I am your God. You shall have no other gods but me..."
"I am the Way, the Truth and the Life..."
The "10 commandments" are clear.
God is God. There shall be no idolatry. No compromise. Black is black and white is white. There are no grey areas concerning God.
Chinese religion is different. Chinese temples may have several gods and deities. Chinese religion adapts and accommodates gods of other faiths too.
Buddhism is also accommodating to changes. Jane Hope, in her book "Buddha For Beginners" wrote:
"In the Buddhist lineage, knowledge is not handed down like an antique. One teacher experiences the truth of the teaching and hands it down as inspiration to his students. That inspiration wakens the student who passes it on further. The teachings are always up to date, they are not thought of as 'ancient wisdom'."
"The Buddha encouraged his followers to put everything he said to the test, and therefore, through the ages, followers of the Buddha have trusted their own wisdom, rather than trying to interpret what might have been meant in old texts."
"The doctrine of change and impermanence which is at the heart of Buddhism constantly breaks any tendencies towards fundamentalism."
Buddhism is changing and adapting all the time!
Saturday 10 October 2009
When is a foetus alive?
An unborn baby's heart begins to beat at 18 days.
At 43 days, the baby's brain coordinates movements.
All of his or her organs are functioning at eight weeks.
At nine weeks, he or she has permanent, individual fingerprints.
The baby's sense of touch, including comfort and pain, begins at 10 weeks.
At 12 weeks, the baby can smile, suck his or her thumb, and make a fist.
These medical facts are provided by Prolife Across America.
So when is a foetus alive? Are you pro-life or pro-choice?
I am both.
At 43 days, the baby's brain coordinates movements.
All of his or her organs are functioning at eight weeks.
At nine weeks, he or she has permanent, individual fingerprints.
The baby's sense of touch, including comfort and pain, begins at 10 weeks.
At 12 weeks, the baby can smile, suck his or her thumb, and make a fist.
These medical facts are provided by Prolife Across America.
So when is a foetus alive? Are you pro-life or pro-choice?
I am both.
Thursday 8 October 2009
Hijacked Practices
Societies have so closely associated some practices to specific groups that other groups avoid those practices.
Valentine's Day practice has been 'hijacked' by Christians. People strong in other faiths tried not to be associated with Valentine's Day and are searching for different ways to commemorate Love instead.
Vegetarian practice has been 'hijacked' by Buddhists. Other religions do not promote this livestyle very much as it sounds so Buddhist.
Chakra meditation practice has been 'hijacked' by Indian and Eastern religions. Western cultures view the ideas of Chakra points, inside and outside the physical body, both mystical and unholy.
The practice of speaking in tongues is 'hijacked' by charismatic Christianity. Although Chinese religions, mediums and tang-gi, have the practice of being spirit-possessed.
Chanting is a practice 'hijacked' by Buddhism. Followers of other religions are generally not encouraged to chant like monks.
Valentine's Day practice has been 'hijacked' by Christians. People strong in other faiths tried not to be associated with Valentine's Day and are searching for different ways to commemorate Love instead.
Vegetarian practice has been 'hijacked' by Buddhists. Other religions do not promote this livestyle very much as it sounds so Buddhist.
Chakra meditation practice has been 'hijacked' by Indian and Eastern religions. Western cultures view the ideas of Chakra points, inside and outside the physical body, both mystical and unholy.
The practice of speaking in tongues is 'hijacked' by charismatic Christianity. Although Chinese religions, mediums and tang-gi, have the practice of being spirit-possessed.
Chanting is a practice 'hijacked' by Buddhism. Followers of other religions are generally not encouraged to chant like monks.
Wednesday 7 October 2009
The Holy Spirit
On 5 Aug 2008, I wrote about the 'unpardonable sin' in this blog. Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is the unpardonable sin. (click 'search blog' unpardonable sin)
In his book 'Good Morning Holy Spirit', Benny Hinn explained why:
Benny, can blasphemy against the Father be forgiven?" a new Christian asked recently.
"Yes," I answered.
"What about blasphemy against the Son?"
"That can be forgiven too," I said.
"Then can you tell me why blasphemy against the Holy Ghost can't be forgiven?" ???
I shall not re-produce Benny's answer in this blog.
In his book, Benny Hinn revealed that he had a very special relationship with the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is real to him. Benny talked to the Holy Ghost all the time. Benny even heard the Holy Spirit weeping quietly.
In other words, Benny Hinn claimed special divine revelation from the Holy Spirit. After reading his book, I have found no reason to doubt his claims.
Email me if you want to borrow Benny's book from me. It is refreshing to know how someone could be so close to the Holy Spirit.
In his book 'Good Morning Holy Spirit', Benny Hinn explained why:
Benny, can blasphemy against the Father be forgiven?" a new Christian asked recently.
"Yes," I answered.
"What about blasphemy against the Son?"
"That can be forgiven too," I said.
"Then can you tell me why blasphemy against the Holy Ghost can't be forgiven?" ???
I shall not re-produce Benny's answer in this blog.
In his book, Benny Hinn revealed that he had a very special relationship with the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is real to him. Benny talked to the Holy Ghost all the time. Benny even heard the Holy Spirit weeping quietly.
In other words, Benny Hinn claimed special divine revelation from the Holy Spirit. After reading his book, I have found no reason to doubt his claims.
Email me if you want to borrow Benny's book from me. It is refreshing to know how someone could be so close to the Holy Spirit.
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