Weird and Religious
In parts of Southern Africa, traditional healers called sangomas are believed to be chosen by ancestors through illness or disturbing dreams. Training involves learning to communicate with spirits, interpret bones thrown on the ground, and diagnose spiritual causes of problems.
Religious image of the day.
In the name of religion
1991, Algeria civil conflict. Islamist groups targeted civilians, intellectuals, and foreigners during insurgency. Violence was justified as jihad to overthrow a secular state, enforce Islamic rule, and punish those seen as enemies of Islam.
Fact
In Hinduism, Brahman is the name for ultimate reality, understood as the underlying spiritual essence behind everything that exists, beyond all forms and names.
Allah helps Muhammad
Many of the revelations Muhammad received conveniently address some of his immediate problems. His revelations repeatedly resolved personal, social, and political difficulties in his favour. When questioned, revelation arrived. When challenged, revelation defended him. When desire conflicted with custom, revelation adjusted custom. God’s will aligned flawlessly with Muhammad’s interests. His authority expanded, his position was secured, his critics were condemned, and his actions were sanctified. This was not occasional. It was structural.
This does not require malicious intent to be revealing. Whether Muhammad consciously invented revelations or sincerely believed them is secondary. The outcome is the same. Divine authority was indistinguishable from personal authority. God spoke, and Muhammad benefited. The fact that no revelation ever constrained his power, reduced his privileges, or undermined his position is not evidence of divine wisdom. It is evidence of authorship.
Quote of the day
“Where knowledge ends, religion begins.” Benjamin Disraeli.
Ask the right question
If sacred texts are clear guidance, why do they require historical context to avoid harmful interpretations?
Religious Crooks
Kirtanananda Swami, a leader in the Hare Krishna movement in the United States, oversaw a large commune and was later convicted on racketeering related charges, with the community also associated with abuse and exploitation under religious authority.
For more information, google the name.
Almost all of the crooks appearing in this section have their own wikipedia page.Every country in the world has its fair share of spiritual crooks.
History tells us that wherever fools gathered, there was always a religious crook to take advantage of them. The best way to stop the crooks is not to be a fool.