Weird and Religious
In some Central African traditions, certain masks used in ceremonies are not seen as costumes but as living spiritual beings once worn. The wearer is believed to disappear as a person and become the spirit represented by the mask, with a different voice and authority.
Religious image of the day.
In the name of religion
1994, Hebron in the West Bank. Baruch Goldstein killed Muslim worshippers at the Ibrahimi Mosque site. He was influenced by extremist religious nationalist ideas. Supporters cast the attack as defence of Jews and a holy place, using religious identity to rationalise murder.
Fact
In Judaism, the covenant is central, and Judaism teaches that a special relationship exists between God and the people of Israel.
The law to the rescue
In many parts of the world taking offense at criticism of religion is enforced, not socially but legally. In several Muslim-majority countries, criticism of religion is punished harshly, sometimes by death. Blasphemy and apostasy laws preserve control, not faith. They ensure that belief survives through fear rather than persuasion. Pakistan’s blasphemy laws have enabled false accusations, mob violence, and judicial killings. Iran, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan under the Taliban, Sudan, and Yemen all criminalise dissent to varying degrees. Even in states described as moderate, open criticism of Islam remains unsafe, and a belief that cannot survive questioning must prohibit it.
Quote of the day
“Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people.” Karl Marx.
Ask the right question
If meditation or prayer can influence physical reality, why can this not be demonstrated reliably in laboratories?
Religious Crooks
Serge Benhayon founded Universal Medicine in Australia, presenting spiritual healing teachings while courts later ruled many of his claims false, with critics describing the organisation as built on misleading spiritual and health assertions.
For more information, google the name.
Every country in the world has its fair share of spiritual crooks.
If a real God existed, would he allow crooks to act on his behalf?