Religions Of Peace And Of Violence ? It All Depends On Our Perspective

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Many persons try to categorize different religions on the basis of violence. Some religions are considered aggressive and violent while others are considered passive and peaceful. Well, Christianity was considered a violent religion during the Holy Crusades. Hinduism was considered a violent religion as compared to Buddhism which spoke of peace and harmony without excessive emphasis on rituals. Jainism focuses on an even more peaceful approach where killing a fly was considered as bad as killing a human being.

It is important to understand that religions are a bit like parents. Some parents may advise their children to be aggressive but that does not mean they want their children to get into unnecessary trouble, right? In the same way, some parents advise their kids to keep their head down and focus on studies. However, they don’t want their children to grow up as cowards, right?

A lot depends on the context in which instructions were given. Religions that are based on the life of a single individual must be understood in that context. A person who lived a few thousand years ago would obviously not have predicted the problems that we would face today. Of course, trying the solutions suggested by religion in a holistic and sincere manner will always provide good results.

However, the main reason for failure is that we lack faith in ourselves. We feel that having the biggest stick in hand makes us the safest. The truth is that all holy seers have suggested that dropping the stick and embracing the other person is the best way to ensure peace on the planet.

 

 

 

 

 

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Filed Under: General, Traditions Tagged With: , ,

Jewish Immigration to the United States

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From the start, the immigration of Jews to the United States marked an important new direction for a people who, with few exceptions, had been persecuted throughout their history. It also set the stage for remarkable prosperity and growth for the Jewish people.

The first Jewish colony in the New World was established in Recif, Brazil in 1642. Seven years later, in 1649, the first Jew – Soloman Franco – immigrated to Boston from Spain via Holland. While he was initially unwelcomed, the matter was resolved and he stayed. In 1654, a group of 23 Sephardic Jews immigrated from Dutch Brazil to New Amsterdam (now New York City). By 1776 there were 2,500 Jews living in the colonies.

The first significant wave of Jewish immigrants began in 1826. German Jews began entering the United States and by 1850 the Jewish population had risen from 6,000 to 50,000. Ten years later the population was 150,000.  Most of this first wave were middle class professional and businessmen. The second and largest wave of European Jews began in 1881 and lasted until 1924. During this period, one third of Europe’s Jewish population immigrated to the US, swelling this population from 250,000 in 1881 to 4.5 million in 1924. The Emergency Quota Act of 1921 placed restrictions on the number of immigrants and dramatically slowed the influx of Jews through the end of World War II. The population of Jews peaked in 1937 at 3.7 percent.

Jewish immigrants brought with them the skills and talents that had allowed them to survive elsewhere – along with the drive to be succesful in business, academia and politics.

 

Filed Under: General, Jewish Values Tagged With: , ,

A Day of Rest

As humans we should be looking towards the laws and commandments established by our Creator. Instead we are constantly thinking of new things to get involved in. Instead our focus should not be on the busy world but rather seeking to find the rest that we are commanded to have. In the world in which we live, it is hard to imagine that we are called to rest. However, we are reminded that the world was created and formed with a period of six days.

After the the six days God rested on the Sabbath and commands us to do the same. We can read the account of what happen, and how everything in the known and unknown universe was fashioned during this time. From all the birds in the air to the fish in the sea, they were created in the beautiful mystery of the six days of creation. To think about those six days is to think about every living thing being created during this time.

To suddenly have waters teeming with life or to have the vegetation appear. During one of those six days we also see the creation of human beings. Our own human brains cannot fully understand all that happened during this time. However, we should not overlook the importance of the seventh day or the Sabbath. It is the day that the Creator rested himself. Not because of tiredness or fatigue but rather to enjoy the quiet and beauty of everything that had happened.

We should step back if we find ourselves in a stressful situation during the six days and remember that the  Sabbath calls us to rest and reflect. By doing so we can truly enjoy all that has been created in our life. We can truly enjoy the full glory of Him and everything that has been created.

Filed Under: General

Happiness & True Joy

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How happy are you? Is this something that you have stopped and thought about. When we talk about happiness, it can mean the sense of balance and fullness that fills your life. For some people it is the state of peace or quiet confidence that they are aware of and that is constant in their life. Happiness is not associated with the specific circumstances you are experiencing, so don’t think of your present matter. Therefore, whether you are rich or poor, happy or sad, casual or strict.

Happiness will not be in the pain, sorrow, suffering and sadness that accompanies the pain of a loved one dying but remember that this is just a temporary circumstance of your life. True happiness can be present at any time and it looks become the circumstances of your life. This is why for some people they can feel sad, but still be at peace with themselvesyourself at the same time. Sad but happy. This type of happiness should really be referred to as joy.

This joy is not synonymous with money, women, success or fame. Therefore, keep in mind that all the things relative to your current experience, it can be one thing after the other, but in truth they should not affect your true happiness or inner joy. Of course, you can strive to get everything material in this world thinking that this will bring you happiness.

However, you can wake up one morning and feel that you are more isolated and lonely than before. This is because so many people look to objects to bring happiness instead of looking to the Creator. Happiness and joy are things that can bring both a mental and spiritual balance to you. It gives you the strength to find peace in all circumstances. At the end of the day, keep in mind that the circumstances should not really dictate the true joy that you feel inside.

Filed Under: General