Release Your Authentic Self

The whole of creation is filled with abundance and we as part of that creation are formed from this abundance. When we are born our sole purpose is to radiate abundance and as we grow our relationships and our work enable us to fulfill this. The idea that we can create abundance is like saying we create breathing, a bodily function which happens naturally, abundance flows from us easily and effortlessly as breathing every second of our lives without us having to wish or create it. Abundance is a state of being also known as our authentic self and it is infinitely more than a thought or an affirmation. Among its qualities are love, joy, peace, creativity and power, all unconditional and in unlimited supply.

The source of abundance is the source of all things seen and unseen and has many names, God, Creator, Great Spirit, Allah, Universal energy, the list goes on and the name changes depending upon each individuals belief system. Our link to the source is through our authentic self and at the moment of our birth we are a little bundle of abundance operating at our maximum level, which is unlimited potential. This is our starting point in life, a state of completeness knowing that everything we will ever need is within us every moment of our lives. Our authentic self is source actualized in us and through us, allowing us to live our life knowing that we are connected to and a part of everything that exists everywhere, we are never alone.

In order for all this to operate to our advantage the universe has a state of the art, top of the range piece of magic called the Law of Attraction. The way it works is simple, the law states that whatever we radiate out from us by our thoughts and emotions both conscious and unconscious, the universe will give back to us. This is an unlimited energy source providing enough for every man, woman and child on this planet, enabling us to live our lives without struggle and hardship. If we spent all of our life living to our maximum potential knowing the source of our abundance is within us and emitting that constantly, then we would want for nothing, indeed the word "want" would lose its meaning in this context.

Our authentic self would be evident by the qualities which define it, and the universe for its part would constantly send us more of all these wonderful things to allow us to live easily and effortlessly, enjoying also the by-products of abundance which are good health, wealth, happiness, indeed anything that keeps us in the flow of the cycle of abundance which is meant to happen automatically. The whole of creation is abundant by its very nature, and our birthright is to experience abundance as naturally as breathing. Then why is it the only thing that seems to come naturally and easy to us is breathing, and the abundance that is meant to be ours is either non-existent or in very short supply.

As we look at our own life and also the lives of others around us it is apparent that this picture of abundance as painted here is somewhat incomplete, and even seems like the world as we know it is operating on a different principle altogether. The Law of Attraction however is very precise and whatever we give out will be sent back to us, including negativity. The vast majority of us have grown up without being told how powerful we really are, and the idea that we create our own life just by what we think and feel seems ridiculous in the extreme. Over a very long period of time we have been told that in order to be a complete person we have to look outside ourselves, constantly searching for that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

How is it possible that we have been turned around so completely from knowing we have the ability within us to control our own life and destiny, to being in a position where we are taught every step of our life to give our power away to someone else? As we grow every thought and feeling that leads us away from the idea of our own divinity and powerfulness creates a block to the flow of abundance within us, until a point is reached where the vast majority of our thoughts and feelings are rooted in fear and negativity which is reflected in our world as we see it. Negative thoughts create self doubt which leads to low or no self esteem and the emotions which are generated we then try to hide which creates our shadow, our unlikable self.

When we first hear about the Law of Attraction it can appear to be everything we ever dreamed if our life seems to be a constant struggle, and indeed it is a wonderful tool if we have the correct mindset when using it. Unfortunately as with many things it can be abused both intentionally and unintentionally with the result of keeping us locked in our fear. Trying to use the universe as our own personal warehouse just to make us feel good and have a nice life without first clearing the blocks within us to our flow of abundance, can only bring limited if any success. As doing it that way is still keeping us looking outside ourselves for someone or something to fill the void we feel is missing within us. So what do we have to do to prepare the way for our abundance to flow?

Here's the answer:

Awakening To Abundance - A Model For Releasing Your Authentic Self shows you how you can work with the Law of Attraction to maximum effect and release the flow of abundance.

David Taylor is a qualified Hypnotherapist, Stress Consultant and Meridian Psychotherapist, with experience in Natural Philosophy and Life Skills Coaching working in the Preston area of Lancashire, UK.

For more information visit: http://www.david-taylor.biz

Wing Tsit Chan

Getting Your Toddler Talking

Language is vital, it allows babies to communicate and express themselves besides helping them to think and be creative. Babies have got this gift by birth from crying to cooing to blabbering a few words and gradually expanding their vocabulary from 200 words in first year to almost double 500 words in second and by age three, average toddler vocabulary has expanded to almost 1000 words.

Even though this process is quite natural, but as parents we can do quite a bit on our part to develop interest and help them expand their vocabularies.

Here are few tips for same:

Expand Experiences: Long before babies began to speak they buildup receptive vocabularies, storing concepts and words in their heads. In order to stimulate this further expose your child to variety of environments such as Playground, Supermarket, day to day activities, going to zoo, amusement parks and many such places so that they can understand as much as possible at their end.

Talk and Sing with your baby: After one year of age make it a habit to talk to your toddler for an hour daily, irrespective of the fact that he may not respond at all and its one sided conversation. Show your baby sky, birds trees, flowers while you are strolling through park, tell baby about his body parts while talking bath and changing his clothes. Any activity that you both are doing together, just explain him, while doing this we can even explain concept of waiting in a queue, Saying hello, good bye, thank you and sorry. The list is endless and you know better now how to go further on this.

Introduce to rhymes and songs at this stage bring audio or video CDs of nursery rhymes, short stories and some educative CDs. Babies naturally love music and this will give them opportunity to know their likings and help you to understand his interest better. Trust me this will become their favorite past time as well.

Read to your baby: This may seem little unrealistic at this stage, but kids love to hear stories and reading them out also help developing interest in reading books. Also bring books with beautiful pictures, which are visually attractive and help baby expand his vocabulary as well. Details on books are given in Books section above for each stage.

Never mimic toddlers words: Its general tendency to speak in toddlers cute words (mum- water, thank-you - ta-to) and similar such adorable words, but its advisable to control this temptation and use correct words to make sure that kids learn the correct words and start speaking them naturally when they learn to speak.

Listen carefully to baby: At this stage toddlers are struggling to explain you things and feeling frustrated if you don't understand, so pay attention to what your little one is saying and make genuine effort to understand. This will not only help you to communicate better but also help your baby to minimize his frustration of not able to communicate at this stage. Also, once you have understood your baby say it in words to get affirmation from baby and surely a sign that you care.

Ask Questions: Toddlers can always answer basic need questions with a nod (yes or no) and more with a grunt to show complete disinterest, so always ask questions "Are you thirsty ?" or "You need water ?" , "You need food, watch a movie wanna play ?" . This followed by actions will actually expand his vocabulary and he'll know what to say for his needs, and you will be surprised to hear him rattling one day with words like movie , tv .

Act as translator: Toddlers reach a stage when they want to speak but their ascent and lacks of words hinder so they'll use few words to explain the whole experience, whenever your toddler is telling you some experience, listen very carefully, giving attention is quite important and once understood , reframe and repeat it in simple words to make sure you understood what happened, besides expanding his vocabulary at same time.

Get your words worth: This simple technique expects to elaborate every things your are explaining to your toddler, like when you go to park, tell your toddler about trees, leaves and flowers and add "This is a Rose flower, its red in color and it smells good", Similarly tell them "look at the bird in the sky. Its eagle and its flying high".

Start teaching manners: Toddlers at this stage are learning from their parents, and follow the way you talk among yourself and to others. Make a habit of introducing words like "Thank you", "Sorry", "Please", "Hello" and "Bye". This technique works wonders and makes you feel proud when you see your toddler saying "Thank you" to stranger when offered something.

Last but not the least you are the best judge and choose how to communicate with your toddler, but don't forget to praise your child to praise him saying "Very Good" or "Excellent" or "Awesome" when he speaks correct word, or do some good activity, this encouragement is best enforcement technique for the toddler to do things that you like because always remember at this stage, your toddler wants to make sure that you are happy with him, so use this praising to raise a happy child. Trust me kids love to see their parents praising them with smile and claps and make sure they do such things again. I've seen these techniques work wonders with my baby.

Sheetal Kalra

Gustav Davidson

What You Expect is What You Get

Your expectations define your reality. What you expect is what you get. It's simple, yet powerful and profound all at the same time. The question is, "Do you expect the best possible outcome for yourself and others?" If you do expect that good things will happen, they usually do. Not all of the time, but in general, when you expect to succeed, you will. When you expect to win you're more likely to do so. When you expect to live a happy and satisfying life, it happens. Conversely, when you expect to fail, be miserable, confused, conflicted or stressed .... you are.

It's not fate or karma at work here. It is the basic fact that your attitude, your mental disposition, and general outlook attract similar behaviors and reactions in those around you. Positive people are surrounded by positive influences. They have a support system of positive people who rally behind them when things don't go as planned. Negative people only receive more negativity and doubt when they are faced with adversity or challenge.

The expectations that you present to the world about yourself, and the people around you, will usually manifest. Just the way our expectations of others influence how we deal with them, they also influence how other people respond to us.

If you've ever worked with a person who is primarily negative you will know what I'm talking about. A negative workplace is the least productive, least satisfying, and least motivating environment to be in. Negativity is like a black hole that even the brightest light can't escape from. Once you get caught up in negativity, it is almost impossible to break free. To avoid this trap you can work on developing positive expectations about yourself and others.

This does not mean you can choose any expectation and expect it to come true. Aside from having a positive and expecting attitude, your expectations must meet two other criteria before they can help you become the person you want to be. They must be realistic and true to your self.

Unrealistic expectations are just as damaging as negative ones. When you never achieve success you begin to doubt yourself. All your positive energy is swiftly transformed to negativity. This brings you right back to where you don't want to be.

If your expectations are not true to the person you are or to person you want to become, you won't commit to making them a reality. All too often people try to live up to the expectations of others, such as a parent, a manager, a significant other, a teacher or another authority figure. Make sure your expectations are congruent with who you really are. That is the only way you will realize long term success, and the only way your expectations will continue to remain positive.

"High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation." (Charles F. Kettering)

- Commit yourself to setting positive and realistic expectations about all the things you truly want and deserve. Write an affirmation statement that asserts your expectation of a positive outcome.

- Make sure your affirmations are aligned with the beliefs you hold about yourself and others.

- Take the necessary action steps to make your self-affirmations a reality.

- Develop confidence and take responsibility for your own life.

- Remind yourself constantly that you get what you expect.

- Create a powerful visual message or anchor that you can refer to when you feel negativity creep in.

- Work everyday at bringing to you the resources you need to make your expectations a reality.

You will find both power and happiness when you begin to set your own standards and expectations based on what is true for you. You are what you believe, and you become what you expect. Expect the best, and only the best, from life, from others, and from yourself!

Dieter Pauwels is an international certified life coach, business coach, speaker and author, facilitating personal and organizational transformation.

He works with individuals and teams to better identify and achieve their business and life goals. He works out of his base in St. Louis MO. His coaching clients are located in the US and Europe.

http://www.dieterpauwels.com

http://lifecoaching.dieterpauwels.com

Melita Denning

Change Your Life With Affirmations and Actions

Women today tend to be really hard on themselves. Their inner critic is constantly telling them that they are getting old, they are not pretty or that they are too fat. The situation is even worse for working moms who additionally feel that they are coming up short in terms of their families and their careers. Negative talk that our inner critic engages in is nothing more than what we unconsciously believe about ourselves.

If you are struggling to find meaning and success in your life, begin to listen closely to what your inner critic is saying to you. Maybe it's telling you know that there is no way you can achieve something. Perhaps it's telling you not to take the risk of starting your own business because you will fail? Certainly external factors play a role in how your life unfolds, but make no mistake, your mindset - particularly whether your internal dialogue is positive or negative - plays the biggest role. Your thinking is about 90% responsible for the life that you have right now.

Negative thinking is reversible. You can indeed reprogram your mind to erase all of the debilitating messages about yourself that you have internalized from family members, friends, romantic partners and society. One way to change the messages that your inner voice is leveling at you is to find things you have accomplished, no matter how small, almost as a counter argument. Begin to recognize what your inner critic is saying and why, and counteract whatever it tells you that is negative with a positive statement. Many times whatever it is saying is simply a lie, so seek to uncover what fear, old wound or insecurity is underneath the negative statement.

Affirmations combined with actions are the best way to transform you thinking and your life. An affirmation is a short positive empowering statement declared in the present tense. In other words, to affirm yourself you should not say: "One day I will become." No, you need to claim it right NOW by saying: "I am!" Examples of affirmations are: "I am living a healthy lifestyle." "I am in a supportive, loving relationship." "I am able to meet all of my financial obligations." However if you are having a hard time with the "I am" statement because it makes you feel like a phony try, "I am in the process of" such as "I am in process of obtaining my ideal job" or "I'm in the process of having a slimmer body." Another way to re-phrase your affirmation is to say that "I've decided." "I've decided that I am going to buy a vacation home" or "I've decided to work three days a week."

Affirmation alone won't change your life--you also need to take action. Similar to the Bible scripture "Prayer without work is dead," affirmation without action is useless. Your concept of yourself will be transformed when you see yourself making strides toward your goals and ultimately achieving them. Even if you are only taking baby steps, commit to taking regular and consistent actions that will get to closer and closer to your goal. The affirmations will boost your self-esteem and quell your fears as you keep stepping in the direction of your goals.

This week think about what your inner critic is saying. How has this negative talk affected your ability to have the life that you want? Has your inner voice discouraged you from moving beyond the comfort zone of your current existence? Take a few minutes and create to an affirmation that will support one goal that you would like to achieve. It could be a short or long term accomplishment. Everyday when you rise and before you go to bed, say your affirmation. Each day also think about at least one thing that you can do toward achieving your goal.

Yvonne Bynoe is the founder of WorkingMomsMentor.com which publishes the acclaimed ezine, Empowerment Zone. If you are a working mother who is ready to live a happier, more balanced and prosperous life get your FREE tips at http://www.WorkingMomsMentor.com

R Kent Hughes

Overcoming Depression - Resolving and Releasing the Source of Depression

Modern medicine claims that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance; but, despite all their science and drugs, they are yet to find a way to balance the so-called imbalanced chemicals, or replace them, or stop the imbalance. Anti-depressants are a dangerous way to address a problem that starts in the mind; and pharmaceutical chemicals don't truly address the underlying cause of depression, anyway - they simply alter the way you feel and perceive things. To overcome depression, each individual must learn which thoughts create the chemical imbalance we experience as depression, and which thoughts produce healthier, more beneficial chemistry in the body.

Depression is essentially chronic sadness, fear, anger, grief, guilt, etc. When a person feels deep anger or resentment, and doesn't feel they have a right to feel this way, they have the ingredients for depression. Hopelessness can also set up the stressful conditions we experience as depression. True, depression alters the body's chemistry - creating an imbalance of certain hormones, or chemicals of emotion - but so do elation and happiness. It is useful to note that it is the depressed mental state that creates the neural and chemical signals and impulses that put your body chemistry out of balance - not the other way around. The chemicals that are said to be out-of-balance in cases of depression are released in response to certain kinds of thought processes - specifically those I listed above.

In order to reverse this pattern, and these thoughts, corrective thought patterns need to be learned, or programmed into your psyche, so you can access those positive thoughts and create the positive, healing chemistry that goes along with positive, healing thoughts. Louise Hay, in her book, "Heal Your Body," lists the following affirmation as a potential remedy for the kinds of thinking that typically lead to depression: "I now go beyond other people's fears and limitations. I create my life." Repeat this affirmation several times after waking-up in the morning, and several times before going to bed at night. You can repeat it over and over again while taking a shower, driving in your car, walking, or anytime you want. It may even help to write it down and leave yourself a reminder on the mirror or refrigerator.

Like "The Little Engine Who Could," if you simply repeat the affirmative thought pattern over and over again, you will eventually learn it and begin to believe it. When you believe it, you shift from, "I think I can," to "I know I can." There are methods available to help you let-go of obsessive, negative thinking; or you can simply reason with yourself: "I'm the only one thinking for me; if I don't start thinking more positive thoughts, and take responsibility for maintaining them, then I will continue to go through life depressed and only showing-up partly - just enough to claim my role of 'victim.' And I do not want to do that!" If you've made that decision, then advice like, "Don't worry; be happy," and, "Fear not; be of good cheer," may start to make more sense to you. You only have to choose between fear and faith. Now that you know what fear looks and feels like, why not try faith and optimism for a change? Start with an affirmation; and let it build from there. Before you know it, if you've established the right incentive for thinking more positive thoughts, you will have released the source of your depressed thoughts and life. Remember the ancient, scriptural teaching, "Declare a thing and it is so;" and declare to and for yourself, "I now create my life with ease and joy." Stick with this resolution, and so it will be.

*To download your FREE, Illustrated Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Manual, go to: http://www.ExploreExpandEvolve.com/free_download/ (It only takes about 10-seconds to get your Free EFT manual and start erasing fears, worry, doubt, hopelessness, anger, and other negative and limiting beliefs that could be causing depression, holding you back, and robbing you of your quality of life!)

Pete Koerner is a clinical hypnotherapist, EFT practitioner, and the author of The Belief Formula: The Secret to Unlocking the Power of Prayer. The Belief Formula is a look at how you can use ancient wisdom and modern scientific awareness to learn how to use your mind to reclaim your health and create the life of your dreams.

For a Free Report on Making The Belief Formula Work for You, visit: http://www.TheBeliefFormula.com

Jim Jones Impact On My Life

A Review of the Affirmations Software Self Improvement Course

Take a look around you at the people in your life who seem to have it all. They seem to have it easy compared to you. It's almost as if they simply "wish" things into being in their lives. Why isn't this happening for you? The key could be affirmations ... daily messages of your own design that specifically target those things you wish to manifest in your life. And you can find all the coaching you need is available in the Affirmations Software Self Improvement Course.

It seems almost too simple to really work. So why does it? The process of affirming, or you might say mentally, spiritually and physically confirming, the things you want to occur or things you wish to change in your environment has been practiced for years in the spiritual community.

Prayers are affirmations at their core. You focus on the intention and put it out there with everything you've got. You then "let it go" and see what comes back to you, possibly reaffirming the original message until it manifests. Ancient civilizations understood this powerful dynamic so profoundly that they revered their priests and priestesses for their ability to connect with spirit and make things happen for the greater good.

The disconnect in our society, however, is concentrated time for self focus, and the Affirmations Software Self Improvement Course is designed to be that coach at your side day in and day out to help you make things happen. All this in the convenience of your own home (or office); even in your pajamas! So instead of trying to find someone in the spiritual or guidance community to guide you on your path to a better life the Affirmations Software is there for you, 24-hours a day.

Affirmations start with defining a core desire, belief or goal. This course walks you through the process with a step-by-step online guide and subliminal messaging that will help you think on a higher plain, tapping into energy resources that skilled spiritual counselors work for years to learn.

In order to get you started, the system comes preloaded with quotes and suggestions which you can customize to suit your own needs. The program is so well designed that you can easily select a gender-specific library that will provide daily messages that specifically resonate with your male or female gender.

We all need coaching when we're learning new skills, and this is no different in perfecting the powerful new lessons of the Affirmations Software Self Improvement Course. Jeff Staniforth, CEO and Founder of AffirmWare, and his team will support you in your ongoing transformation with newsletters, guides and a host of new affirming message to implement into your new daily routine.

Your software package comes with a long list of extras to help you on your way. Take their personality test to learn what messages will have the most meaning for you or upload their "Money Screen Saver" to help open the pathway to wealth and a healthy relationship with money. All this with a 100% money-back guarantee. If this program doesn't work for you, Jeff will refund your complete investment, but if you invest just minutes a day to use the Affirmations Software Self Improvement Course, you wouldn't even think of returning it. Instead, you'll be asking for even more! Only 12-days to open doors to the life you've been wanting? What's stopping you?

Let Money DVD-ROM Review Kings Brian Garvin and Jeff West teach you more about Affirmations Software. Feel free to use this article but please leave all links and author bio intact.

Stephanie Capparell

Conscious Creation In the Universe

Here's a different point of view of how life originated in what's going on on our planet and throughout the universe.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a spiritual and sell help articles filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Low Energy People
How To Win Friends

Health Goals and Affirmations - Align Yourself For Health

Every now and then, you take a look in the mirror, or listen in on a friend's conversation, or read something in the news ... and it speaks to you. "Time to get my act together," you think. And you set some health goals. Terrific! Now let's help you keep them! Here are three common thought patterns that sometimes keep people from following through on their healthy intentions. You're not gonna get snagged! Just use the positive affirmations and you're good to go.

1. It's just how I am. "That's just me," you hear a friend say. And you think, "Well, yeah. It is you. Now. But only because you say so." Just sayin... The person who moves more and eats less is going to lose weight. The person who keeps track of their friends' birthdays is gonna have happier friends. The person who saves some cash back for a rainy day is gonna have a full belly, even when it's storming out. Cause and effect.Your "friend's" affirmation: I begin fresh every day.
2. I'll deal with it later (after I'm well). It's so tempting, isn't it, to think you're too fat to be seen at the gym. That you're too under-funded to spend your money on quality foods. That you're too busy for a walk around the block.Of course, the other side of the coin is that if you go to the gym, you're more likely to slim down. If you invest in quality foods, you'll feel more energized and very likely increase your earnings. If you get outdoors and move about, you'll quite possibly have a creative breakthrough that would save oodles of time and extra effort in the long run.Your affirmation: My vision grows stronger, day by day.
3. I just don't know... Or maybe don't want to see what I really do know... That my spending habits are out of control. That I eat too many processed or refined foods. That if I turned off the TV for an hour in the evening and took a walk instead, I'd probably feel ever so much better -- and might even make some new friends in the neighborhood! It's easier just to pretend... In the spirit of gentleness, this isn't about beating yourself up. It's not about judging yourself as "bad." It's not about repressing your freedom.What it is about is telling the truth when you talk to yourself. About learning to trust your instincts. About allowing yourself to feel the power of your own wisdom. About breathing fully and knowing beyond the shadow of a doubt that "someone's home in this body -- fully alive!"Your affirmation: My subconscious mind knows all the answers I'll ever need. What a relief!

Why not start now? Take a deep breath. And another. And one more. When you finish reading this paragraph, close your eyes for just a moment. Ask yourself this question: "What is the most important thing for me to do next?" And then listen quietly for the answer.

Elizabeth Eckert coaxes, cajoles, and gently guides the creation of healing intent. She's the founder of http://www.wordcures.com and author of Word Cures: How to Keep Stupid Excuses From Sabotaging Your Health. Align your whole self for health ... starting today! Share "Arielle's" real-life success story and optimize your own natural healing energy.

Lee Iacocca

Doreen Virtue appeared discusses the Crystal Children part two

Doreen Virtue appeared discusses the Crystal Children, a type of child born since 1995 that has unusual attributes such as very large eyes, telepathy, and fearlessness. Virtue had previously studie

Life of Jesus

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a spiritual help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Living With What If In Your Life
Put Your Plans Into Action

World's Worst Mass-Murderers - Religious Extremism Or Enlightened Secularism?

History - Written in Blood

The history of the world has been written in blood, until recently by dominating religions, intolerant of other faiths or beliefs: from dark-age pogroms, to early Islam's rampages, to the Crusades, to conquest of the New World, to the Inquisition, and to Stalin and Hitler and genocidal Holocaust. Throughout this gory litany, peace-seeking philosophers, war-weary, have dreamed periodically of a world without conflict. Other than the cultures and countries which worshipped the glory of mortal combat, e.g. the rulers and elite citizenry of ancient Rome, Sparta and more recently Prussia, most philosophers, and certainly at-risk commoners throughout history have dreamed of quiet lives without conflict or violence, safe from both external and internal attacks upon their freedoms and persons, hoping only to be permitted to enjoy their families and accomplishments in peace - and to die in bed at a respectable age.

Early on, wars were fought and peoples murdered to spread religion, coercive conversions forcing acceptance of the God of a dominant power. Dismayed at the carnage, rational humankind philosophized that no true divinity could tolerate, much less demand, such unwarranted cruelty - hence they must all be false - hence an anti-religion philosophy of rule-by-rationality should-be superior. Mankind began searching out a workable approach to peaceful governance - coexistence among peoples of differing faiths and philosophies - without bloodshed. By an "either-or" argument, if God and Religion seemed to be more cause than solution, perhaps durable peace could be achieved between nations - if "faith" would be discarded and replaced with "reason".

Such daring thinking was envisioned, then espoused - the concept of "enlightened" rule was developed - a peaceful society, governed by fairness in rules of conduct and justice; it was embarked upon and grew, with democratized liberation of countries from prior religious domination. Such optimistic and exciting "Enlightenment" theories took root, conceptually non-tyrannical authority being envisaged - neither rule by royal-lineage nor by divinity figures, instead leaders to be selected from the populace by majority choice, government by rational, impartial laws and justice, replacing religious dogmatism. The theory was implemented with confidence, preamble efforts beginning in (1776 in the US - excluded hereinafter, and) 1794 with the French Revolution. The ringing phrase "Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite" became the slogan of hope in France .

This expectation of a better approach was, however, short-lived, lasting but two years - ending with a parade of citizens, deemed unworthy of life, escorted to the guillotine - and a flood of blood. Subsequently, perhaps inevitably, the pendulum of non-religions or "enlightened" governance went into "overswing" - the world experiencing (perhaps) the ultimate in authoritarian rule based upon the moral compass of mere men - dictatorships - Communism and Nazi-ism!

Extremism of religious ideology and bigotry in living memory as well as recorded history, cannot be denied. Millions of lives have been taken by hatred as frenzied zealots of one religion held power over others - oft-times given a no-win choice, forced conversion or the sword. Even greater extremism is evident today, the virulence being obvious in the venue selection - where civilians, especially children gather - bloodied body-parts of innocents are shown in lurid photos and described in every newspaper - blown-up in buses, restaurants, marketplaces, houses of worship. Human intolerance of faiths other than their own, especially during outbreaks of mob psychology - particularly when exhorting a divine "commandment" to kill "the infidel" - are spurred on by inflammatory and instantaneous distribution of world news. Such bloodshed is even more commonplace today than in the past. So what is the carnage scorecard?

Undoubtedly hundreds of thousands of helpless human beings have been killed by the excesses of religion in recorded history, inflamed zealots, dark-age pogroms, genocides leading to the Holocaust, and present-day Islamo-terrorists. However, in contrast, when the supreme decision authority for life and death has been placed in human ethical standards of morality and justification, the pursuit of ever-greater powers and conquests are apparently irresistible. Rationalizations and cold assessments of benefits and advantages seem to easily overwhelm restraint - leading to carnage and ferocity - greatly exceeding even inflamed religious bigotry. Instead of the envisaged tolerance and fraternity, the end result of political experiments in "enlightened" human authority has been both unanticipated and uninhibited, the untethering of the worst instincts of human beings.

Over 100 Million Killed

Totaling the score can only be done in round numbers, but despotic rulers have caused over 100 million people being killed - by Communism and Nazi-ism within this past century: China, Soviet Union, North Korea, Cambodia, Africa, Afghanistan, and Nazi Europe. These human beings were killed, not in battle or by faith-based hatreds ("if your god is not my god, then you must die"), but from an ideology that denied "faith" itself ("There is no god, only man is the judge of right and wrong!"). With "political correctness" holding sway, it is religion itself that is targeted.

The history of humankind is a history of killing, not for food as in the animal kingdom, but to increase power, dominance of peoples and for land-mass acquisition. Today, of the world religions, all but one seem to have grown beyond desires to kill or compel conversions of other faiths, only the Muslim religion seems to still justify the sacrifice of not only their own lives but also those of their own children, in order to deny others a desired worship of their own gods.

Clearly, man's warlike nature is not curbed by devotion to a divinity. But the record shows that governance and morality considerations - which if not restrained by considerations superior to human authority - seems to lead to rationalizations for abuses with much more extreme end-results. Human nature, absent the moral and ethical compass of religion and with authority without limitation, seems to the inevitable justification of the ultimate in extremism, rationalizing away impediments to increasing authority and acquisition - mass murder without conscience.

Aaron Kolom qualifies as a "rocket scientist" with over 50 years aerospace engineering: Stress Analyst to Chief of Structural Sciences on numerous military aircraft, to Corp. Director Structures and Materials, Asst. Chief Engineer Space Shuttle Program through first three flights (awarded NASA Public Service Medal), Rockwell International Corp.; Program Manager Concorde SST, VP Engineering TRE Corp.; Aerospace Consultant.

Aaron L. Kolom - from Brainwashed* and Miracles**
* The Perceived Mind-Set of the Secular Elite re Darwin Evolutionism!
** To Believe in Them - Have Faith - In Science and Logic!

Visit website at http://www.brainwashedandmiracles.com to learn a bit about Science vs the Bible, from conflict to confirmation.

Alan Turing

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Putting Up With Organized Religion

Let me explain where I'm coming from in my writing. Organized religion worked good 200 or maybe 500 years ago, but I really don't see a need for it today. We fight wars over religion and even kill people that speak out against organized religion. Religions and governments all over the world control people through fear and pleasure.

I'm tired of people fighting and killing all over the world in the name of some religion. I once heard an Iranian man, through a translator, on our local news say, "if he dies in the name of Allah, he gets to go to heaven." I don't know if I want to be signed up for that program but obviously he believes in it enough and is willing to die for what he believes in, right or wrong. Some people view this man is evil while others view him as a hero, how do you think you would do this person?

What the Romans did to people 2000 years ago is what I would consider a very bad. Was the devil actually providing an evil influence for Roman leaders back then. I've never heard anyone mention that but they did kill Jesus of Nazareth and he seemed like a pretty good person.

If Jesus would have kept his mouth shut, he could have lived to a ripe old age. He chose not to, because he believed in his cause. Some Jews believe that he was under the influence of evil, that's hard to imagine. He believed that some of the ideas and teaching of the Romans and Jews were wrong and he was going to make them better. These leaders were afraid of change and decided to eliminate what they view as they evil problem.

I started writing to influence and educate people in a positive way. I really don't want to upset religious followers, but I would like them to understand, a little more about their religion. What causes people to kill others in the name of their god? Is that evil or an evil influence from other religion's of the world.

I would imagine most of these people choose to accept words from their religious leaders as facts and will never question their faith. If religious followers could understand other religions, maybe they wouldn't persecute them or try to convert them into their own beliefs.

My influence will affect others and will provoke them to think, always question your religion and when they start thinking, this is when I've made a positive influence in a constructive way. If someone starts to think about their religion and it gives them stronger feelings and deeper beliefs, maybe they can answer some of my questions, instead of avoiding them with spiritual scripture or faith.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, The Power of Myth. If you've ever wondered, where religion has evolved from. Check this book out.

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History - Written in Blood

The history of the world has been written in blood, until recently by dominating religions, intolerant of other faiths or beliefs: from dark-age pogroms, to early Islam's rampages, to the Crusades, to conquest of the New World, to the Inquisition, and to Stalin and Hitler and genocidal Holocaust. Throughout this gory litany, peace-seeking philosophers, war-weary, have dreamed periodically of a world without conflict. Other than the cultures and countries which worshipped the glory of mortal combat, e.g. the rulers and elite citizenry of ancient Rome, Sparta and more recently Prussia, most philosophers, and certainly at-risk commoners throughout history have dreamed of quiet lives without conflict or violence, safe from both external and internal attacks upon their freedoms and persons, hoping only to be permitted to enjoy their families and accomplishments in peace - and to die in bed at a respectable age.

Early on, wars were fought and peoples murdered to spread religion, coercive conversions forcing acceptance of the God of a dominant power. Dismayed at the carnage, rational humankind philosophized that no true divinity could tolerate, much less demand, such unwarranted cruelty - hence they must all be false - hence an anti-religion philosophy of rule-by-rationality should-be superior. Mankind began searching out a workable approach to peaceful governance - coexistence among peoples of differing faiths and philosophies - without bloodshed. By an "either-or" argument, if God and Religion seemed to be more cause than solution, perhaps durable peace could be achieved between nations - if "faith" would be discarded and replaced with "reason".

Such daring thinking was envisioned, then espoused - the concept of "enlightened" rule was developed - a peaceful society, governed by fairness in rules of conduct and justice; it was embarked upon and grew, with democratized liberation of countries from prior religious domination. Such optimistic and exciting "Enlightenment" theories took root, conceptually non-tyrannical authority being envisaged - neither rule by royal-lineage nor by divinity figures, instead leaders to be selected from the populace by majority choice, government by rational, impartial laws and justice, replacing religious dogmatism. The theory was implemented with confidence, preamble efforts beginning in (1776 in the US - excluded hereinafter, and) 1794 with the French Revolution. The ringing phrase "Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite" became the slogan of hope in France .

This expectation of a better approach was, however, short-lived, lasting but two years - ending with a parade of citizens, deemed unworthy of life, escorted to the guillotine - and a flood of blood. Subsequently, perhaps inevitably, the pendulum of non-religions or "enlightened" governance went into "overswing" - the world experiencing (perhaps) the ultimate in authoritarian rule based upon the moral compass of mere men - dictatorships - Communism and Nazi-ism!

Extremism of religious ideology and bigotry in living memory as well as recorded history, cannot be denied. Millions of lives have been taken by hatred as frenzied zealots of one religion held power over others - oft-times given a no-win choice, forced conversion or the sword. Even greater extremism is evident today, the virulence being obvious in the venue selection - where civilians, especially children gather - bloodied body-parts of innocents are shown in lurid photos and described in every newspaper - blown-up in buses, restaurants, marketplaces, houses of worship. Human intolerance of faiths other than their own, especially during outbreaks of mob psychology - particularly when exhorting a divine "commandment" to kill "the infidel" - are spurred on by inflammatory and instantaneous distribution of world news. Such bloodshed is even more commonplace today than in the past. So what is the carnage scorecard?

Undoubtedly hundreds of thousands of helpless human beings have been killed by the excesses of religion in recorded history, inflamed zealots, dark-age pogroms, genocides leading to the Holocaust, and present-day Islamo-terrorists. However, in contrast, when the supreme decision authority for life and death has been placed in human ethical standards of morality and justification, the pursuit of ever-greater powers and conquests are apparently irresistible. Rationalizations and cold assessments of benefits and advantages seem to easily overwhelm restraint - leading to carnage and ferocity - greatly exceeding even inflamed religious bigotry. Instead of the envisaged tolerance and fraternity, the end result of political experiments in "enlightened" human authority has been both unanticipated and uninhibited, the untethering of the worst instincts of human beings.

Over 100 Million Killed

Totaling the score can only be done in round numbers, but despotic rulers have caused over 100 million people being killed - by Communism and Nazi-ism within this past century: China, Soviet Union, North Korea, Cambodia, Africa, Afghanistan, and Nazi Europe. These human beings were killed, not in battle or by faith-based hatreds ("if your god is not my god, then you must die"), but from an ideology that denied "faith" itself ("There is no god, only man is the judge of right and wrong!"). With "political correctness" holding sway, it is religion itself that is targeted.

The history of humankind is a history of killing, not for food as in the animal kingdom, but to increase power, dominance of peoples and for land-mass acquisition. Today, of the world religions, all but one seem to have grown beyond desires to kill or compel conversions of other faiths, only the Muslim religion seems to still justify the sacrifice of not only their own lives but also those of their own children, in order to deny others a desired worship of their own gods.

Clearly, man's warlike nature is not curbed by devotion to a divinity. But the record shows that governance and morality considerations - which if not restrained by considerations superior to human authority - seems to lead to rationalizations for abuses with much more extreme end-results. Human nature, absent the moral and ethical compass of religion and with authority without limitation, seems to the inevitable justification of the ultimate in extremism, rationalizing away impediments to increasing authority and acquisition - mass murder without conscience.

Aaron Kolom qualifies as a "rocket scientist" with over 50 years aerospace engineering: Stress Analyst to Chief of Structural Sciences on numerous military aircraft, to Corp. Director Structures and Materials, Asst. Chief Engineer Space Shuttle Program through first three flights (awarded NASA Public Service Medal), Rockwell International Corp.; Program Manager Concorde SST, VP Engineering TRE Corp.; Aerospace Consultant.

Aaron L. Kolom - from Brainwashed* and Miracles**
* The Perceived Mind-Set of the Secular Elite re Darwin Evolutionism!
** To Believe in Them - Have Faith - In Science and Logic!

Visit website at http://www.brainwashedandmiracles.com to learn a bit about Science vs the Bible, from conflict to confirmation.

Jim Stovall

Is Jesus the Only Way to Heaven? - The Good People Get to Go to Heaven Also

I found a website that was recommended to me and it had the comment, is Jesus the only way to heaven at, Gotquestions, seems like your typical Christian website that replies with biblical quotes and simple to follow information. If I was lost, they will help me find a way. There's even a button at the bottom that states, I have accepted Christ today. I guess if I was to push that button, I get to go to heaven and be with Jesus. Hard to imagine, avoiding a life of burning in hell could be as simple as pushing a button and uttering a few simple words.

I found this question and began reading their comment. The first comment is from somebody answering as a nonbeliever in Christianity. It states something like, if I'm basically a good person and live a moral life, I get to go to heaven, right, only the bad people like murderers go to hell.

Now the answer that the website gives, seems to create fear if you do not belong to Christianity and provide you with hope if you join the group.

It mentioned Satan as the ruler of the world, and he can plant these thoughts into your head if you're not a Christian. He also controls your mind and let's you believe, that it would only make sense to any rational person, they get to go to heaven if they're good.

Now this is what makes sense to me but according to this information, I am doomed to rot in hell for eternity, even if I am a pretty good person. All I have to do is accept Christ as God and I get to go to heaven. That seems pretty easy and I wonder why more people don't do it. Just push the button.

I wonder if Satan is controlling, non-Christians minds and that's why there's brutality and war throughout the world. If everyone was a Christian, would our world be better.

Here's a quote from Wikipedia The Crusades were a series of religion-driven military campaigns waged by much of Christian Europe against external and internal opponents. Crusades were fought mainly against Muslims, though campaigns were also directed against pagan Slavs, Jews, Russian and Greek Orthodox Christians, Mongols, Cathars, Hussites, Waldensians, Old Prussians, and political enemies of the popes.

These Christian Crusades killed thousands of people. To give you an idea how many people were killed, all I had to do was type the word crusades into a search engine and it took me to the Christian Crusades.

I guess that rules that out, it seems like the Christians a long time ago were pretty aggressive towards their enemies, I wonder if most Christians would refer to these people as enemies today or are they just being controlled by Satan. Do these Christians from the Crusades get to go to heaven? If people like this get to go to heaven, may be hell is a better place anyway.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, Mere Christianity

Here's something to think about, go to heaven

Steven M Cahn

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Darwin, Evolution & Spirituality

2009 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, author of On the Origin of Species and creator of the theory of evolution by natural selection. Although the scientific theories of relativity and quantum physics suggest the underlying nature of reality is very different than what we perceive through our senses, and thus have immense philosophical significance, they actually have virtually no impact upon our daily lives. In contrast, Darwin's widely accepted, but highly controversial, theory of evolution by natural selection has far reaching implications upon human society.

In essence evolution challenges the concept of an intelligent creator of life (God), instead suggesting it spontaneously arose and thrived through the principle of the survival of the fittest. Each new living entity carried random differences (mutations) from its parents. Those individuals with the differences that best suited the environment were most likely to reproduce, thus positive traits were maintained while negative ones tended to be eliminated. Over a very long timescale we have arrived at the marvelous biodiversity we are privileged to be part of today.

Given the influence of (Christian) religion on Victorian English society Darwin was initially reluctant to publish his conclusions, waiting some 20 years after his epic voyage on the Beagle before going public upon realizing another investigator, Alfred Russel Wallace, had reached the same conclusions. Unsurprisingly his work met with criticism and ridicule, with Darwin often lampooned as part-man part-ape.

Despite a mass of evidence confirming the validity of evolution as a description of how life on earth came about many religious fundamentalists continue to favor creationism, ie belief that life was created by a supreme being as currently found.

A major criticism of evolution is the interpretation of "survival of the fittest" that stands as a justification of eugenics and warfare. By pitting nation against nation, race against race, ideology against ideology, the whole process of human progress is speeded up by anticipating nature in eliminating the inferior.

Although the weight of evidence stands against creationism, there are arguments that suggest evolution may not be the whole story. It cannot satisfactorily account for acts of altruism. Nor can it be denied that the immense superiority enjoyed by the human race has been achieved more by cooperation than competition.

The genetic composition with which we are born is simply the cards we are dealt (or more likely, choose) at the start of the game. It is how we play/use those cards that forms our true purpose of being.

A Spiritual interpretation considers the material plane we inhabit as just one particular level of reality. A level that is subordinate to more fundamental, ie Spiritual levels. Evolution may be likened to Newtonian physics, which very accurately approximates (but doesn't fully describe) reality. Evolution describes the development of life on one level. But it doesn't tell the whole story.

Spirit created the earth (physical) plane in which it could individuate and thus act out myriad scenarios. But the earth plane is denser and more bound by deterministic law than the ethereal realms. Quantum physics has revealed it has but a small window of freedom at the sub-atomic level through which the Will of Spirit may shape it. Evolution is an approximation, albeit a very good one. It is the most efficient means by which the diversity, in which our incarnate interactions take place, could have arisen.

Nature is cruel, described by Tennyson as "red in tooth and claw." Indeed, a recent BBC wildlife documentary Nature's Great Events received complaints on the amount of cruelty depicted. Such complaints stand as testimony to the vast degree by which humanity stands above its brethren.

At a broader level, from a Spiritual perspective, nature's cruelty is insignificant compared to the benefits of progress. The momentary injustices and suffering on this plane are soon washed away by the realization of eternality. On the Spiritual level those that suffer are all volunteers, and are ultimately rewarded in some way for their pains.

Undoubtedly, Darwin's theory of natural selection is a mighty leap forward in our understanding of how we came about. It accurately describes how so many different living species have come to inhabit this beautiful planet. However, as much as we may know about the components and mechanism that form a human being these things can never inform us about the experience of being human, nor explain that deep inner certainty of free will or the desire for purpose and fulfillment.

Johnny is the editor of new age spirituality - exploring the idea that this life, this world, is not the totality of our existence. In fact, it might be just one small part of something much bigger, just one tiny step along an infinite journey... Have your say on our forum the hang out.

Allan Kardec

Find Out Why You Believe in Your Religion

Whenever I ask someone involved in a religious organization, the question, do you really believe in your religion? Most of these people will often answer would be yes and start their religious conversion. Some of these people can become very intrusive if I don't stop them soon, very few of these people listen with an open mind.

I have talked to quite a few men and women about their beliefs over the years and still find it hard to believe that most of them live a life of faith with very little understanding or education about their religion. Now some strong believers might take offense to that statement, while others will listen to what I said and start doing a little more research on their religion.

Most of these religions throughout the world make perfectly good sense to their followers and I understand the reasoning behind some of them, it's all they know, everyone around them believes in the same religion and they get some sort of happiness and joy from it.

It's not hard to imagine a young child, walking around with strong religious beliefs if their parents are strong believers in it also. These children grow up and eventually train their children to follow the same path of their parents. Our children should be able to choose, what they will believe in, by the time they are adults.

This is a natural process of life, your parents learned from their parents and whenever someone asked them a question that they really couldn't answer or were uncomfortable answering, they can always reply with, I'm living a life based on faith or you just have to believe. You have to believe that someone is looking out for you and taking care of you. Most of these people think that something else is responsible for the events that take place in their life.

Is it possible for people that live a life of faith to educate themselves about their religion, to find the origin and maybe the destination of their religions. Could these people actually assume responsibility for their choices, whether they're good or bad. It's often hard to listen to somebody tell me that some evil entity made them do something bad. These people are easily convinced by others who agree with them and support them with their statements and beliefs. This seems to be where the biggest problem lies.

Once the people around us support our beliefs, they soon become realities in our lives. These realities will be transferred to others around us and give them support eventually about their beliefs. It's like a vicious circle that never ends. One believe supports another belief, until it's a fact.

Education is the path to freedom and will soon deliver the students from religious bondage. Someone a long time ago said," Seek and You Shall Find, Knock on My Door and I Will Open It.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, Science Getting Rich.

Greg is currently working on a religious education also visit our article library, filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

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Hope in All Religions

I was reading a book on advertising when the author mentioned, "All Advertising Is about Hope."

This got me thinking about other people's dreams and aspirations, most of this is wrapped around them hoping to accomplish something or do something. I never gave it much thought but hope is one of the most important things in our lives. Some people go around hoping that they will keep their job, when the economy is in bad shape. Others go around hoping for forgiveness for their sins or other bad deeds they have done in the past.

What is it you're hoping for? There's got to be something. Are you hoping to become a multimillionaire or even the world's first trillionaire. Are your dreams big or small? Are you the kind of person who is happy living a simple life with very little possessions like a Buddhist monk or are you one who is seeking the lifestyle of the King.

Hope supplies us with the will to continue through hopeless obstacles during our lifetime.

Most people seeking hope are looking for a way out of something or a way toward a better life. These people often fall easy prey to large religious organizations, as they take them under their wing and slowly start to brainwash them. They seek the weak minded, helpless, poor and trusting people and build their organizations using them. I once believed in Christianity, but it no longer offers me true hope, the more I study Christianity and other organized religions, I noticed certain similarities based on inspiration.

I hope I live the good life, so I can go to heaven, the promised land, our ultimate enlightenment.

I hope I am living the true will according to God, Buddha, Krishna or other supreme beings.

I hope that the Bible is wrong about the 144,000 people from the 12 tribes.

I hope I'm living a life that is pleasing to the Lord.

If you're part of an organized religion, ask your religious leaders, any questions that you have about your religion. If they can't answer these questions, try to find them on your own. Books, videos, and the Internet are great sources for information. If you're living your life for the sole purpose of going to heaven one day, you could be disappointed, when that day arrives.

Ask a couple of questions and I hope you will get honest answers to them.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, Read This Book

Greg is currently creating articles on religion filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

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Darwin, Evolution & Spirituality

2009 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, author of On the Origin of Species and creator of the theory of evolution by natural selection. Although the scientific theories of relativity and quantum physics suggest the underlying nature of reality is very different than what we perceive through our senses, and thus have immense philosophical significance, they actually have virtually no impact upon our daily lives. In contrast, Darwin's widely accepted, but highly controversial, theory of evolution by natural selection has far reaching implications upon human society.

In essence evolution challenges the concept of an intelligent creator of life (God), instead suggesting it spontaneously arose and thrived through the principle of the survival of the fittest. Each new living entity carried random differences (mutations) from its parents. Those individuals with the differences that best suited the environment were most likely to reproduce, thus positive traits were maintained while negative ones tended to be eliminated. Over a very long timescale we have arrived at the marvelous biodiversity we are privileged to be part of today.

Given the influence of (Christian) religion on Victorian English society Darwin was initially reluctant to publish his conclusions, waiting some 20 years after his epic voyage on the Beagle before going public upon realizing another investigator, Alfred Russel Wallace, had reached the same conclusions. Unsurprisingly his work met with criticism and ridicule, with Darwin often lampooned as part-man part-ape.

Despite a mass of evidence confirming the validity of evolution as a description of how life on earth came about many religious fundamentalists continue to favor creationism, ie belief that life was created by a supreme being as currently found.

A major criticism of evolution is the interpretation of "survival of the fittest" that stands as a justification of eugenics and warfare. By pitting nation against nation, race against race, ideology against ideology, the whole process of human progress is speeded up by anticipating nature in eliminating the inferior.

Although the weight of evidence stands against creationism, there are arguments that suggest evolution may not be the whole story. It cannot satisfactorily account for acts of altruism. Nor can it be denied that the immense superiority enjoyed by the human race has been achieved more by cooperation than competition.

The genetic composition with which we are born is simply the cards we are dealt (or more likely, choose) at the start of the game. It is how we play/use those cards that forms our true purpose of being.

A Spiritual interpretation considers the material plane we inhabit as just one particular level of reality. A level that is subordinate to more fundamental, ie Spiritual levels. Evolution may be likened to Newtonian physics, which very accurately approximates (but doesn't fully describe) reality. Evolution describes the development of life on one level. But it doesn't tell the whole story.

Spirit created the earth (physical) plane in which it could individuate and thus act out myriad scenarios. But the earth plane is denser and more bound by deterministic law than the ethereal realms. Quantum physics has revealed it has but a small window of freedom at the sub-atomic level through which the Will of Spirit may shape it. Evolution is an approximation, albeit a very good one. It is the most efficient means by which the diversity, in which our incarnate interactions take place, could have arisen.

Nature is cruel, described by Tennyson as "red in tooth and claw." Indeed, a recent BBC wildlife documentary Nature's Great Events received complaints on the amount of cruelty depicted. Such complaints stand as testimony to the vast degree by which humanity stands above its brethren.

At a broader level, from a Spiritual perspective, nature's cruelty is insignificant compared to the benefits of progress. The momentary injustices and suffering on this plane are soon washed away by the realization of eternality. On the Spiritual level those that suffer are all volunteers, and are ultimately rewarded in some way for their pains.

Undoubtedly, Darwin's theory of natural selection is a mighty leap forward in our understanding of how we came about. It accurately describes how so many different living species have come to inhabit this beautiful planet. However, as much as we may know about the components and mechanism that form a human being these things can never inform us about the experience of being human, nor explain that deep inner certainty of free will or the desire for purpose and fulfillment.

Johnny is the editor of new age spirituality - exploring the idea that this life, this world, is not the totality of our existence. In fact, it might be just one small part of something much bigger, just one tiny step along an infinite journey... Have your say on our forum the hang out.

Can You Tell the Difference Between Evil Profits and Good Profits?

I was reading through an article the other day about the Wiccan religion and they were very upset about a comment that the Christian website owner had made. I would like you to read the response from the Christians first.

"I was watching a police show on television some time ago, and saw a sting operation in which undercover police officers bought drugs from dealers on the street. Invariably, some of the dealers would ask, "You a cop?" The officer would say "no," and the deal was made. Satan often goes undercover. The Bible tells us that he can even masquerade as an angel of light. Just because a certain religion professes no belief in Satan, does not mean its adherents are not falling for his lies. It just means that they're unaware that they are. You said God would be disgusted by our judgmentalism. God has told us in His Word (The Bible) to watch for false prophets and false apostles. God has told us to contend for the faith. He has told us to evangelize. In other words, God has told us to do just what we are doing."

Here's something I would like you to think about if you consider yourself a Christian, read this very carefully.

"God has told us in his Word the Bible to watch for false prophets and false apostles." I would like you to read this statement a couple of times and see if you agree with it. How can you possibly tell who the false prophets are? Do you think that because you are a Christian and believe in Jesus or God, that you will know the difference between a evil profit and a godly one?

I often write articles and have written quite a few of them about religion and Christianity. Seems to be the one that I know the most about, so it gets the most attention from me. If I was to make a statement like the Bible has contradictions in it, would you consider me an evil profit. Someone working for the Devil. I don't think so, because it doesn't make sense, how could you turn a truth full statement into evil prophesies.

If I was to introduce you to a hundred people, could you tell me by looking at them or talking to them, which ones are evil and which ones are good. Most Christians would probably respond to that with, God knows and that's good enough for me. Everyone else who talks bad about Christianity will be considered evil or searching for the truth. They just haven't found Jesus yet, is that right, is that what you believe.

I found this response to the Wiccan believer to be one that I run into often. It seems unfair to others who aren't Christians and one-sided. Most organized religions have answers for everything, the problem is that some of the times these answers don't make any sense at all. If you're going to follow this part of the Bible word for word, shouldn't you follow all of the Bible word for word.

Leviticus 14:9 On the seventh day he must shave off all his hair; he must shave his head, his beard, his eyebrows and the rest of his hair. He must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water, and he will be clean.

Leviticus 19:27 " 'Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.

This will make Christians easier to spot, a bald head with long beards.

Spiritual Change Education

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a Religion help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

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Religious Faith Or Religious Facts

If you're a religious follower and believe in your religion, I would like to ask you a question. Do you base religious beliefs on facts or faith? Let's start out with this and assume that you answered, that you do base your religious beliefs on faith, with little factual information to back it up.

Basing your religious beliefs on faith alone can lead you to believe, what ever someone else tells you. For example, if you go to your place of worship and the religious leader reads something from your scriptures to the followers, do you assume that this is a fact. Are you going to do a little research if something doesn't sound right. If everyone else shares a common opinion about something in your religion, but it isn't true, wouldn't you like to know about it or are you one of those people who didn't even listen and really doesn't even want to be at your place of worship.

Faith can create a lot of problems all by itself. Whenever you start digging into most religions, like I have, and mind you, I'm no expert and do not claim to be an expert in religious beliefs. I'm trying to get people to learn about their religion. This information can be obtained from your religious scriptures, books on other religions, information on the Internet and last but not least talking to other people, outside and within your religion.

Religious facts are hard to come by, when you're beliefs are unrealistic. I can't explain the creation of the world or what year it will be destroyed, but it does seem a little unrealistic and hard to believe that a superior entity created this world and possibly the universe. At the same time I cannot argue with this or disprove it.

With this in mind, I wouldn't go around telling everyone that God or a God created the universe. I just don't have any proof and it's as simple as that. Why would I want to instill this belief into my children or another person? No one on earth has this information.

Try not to base your life on religious faith alone. Just the simple fact that you are reading this article, tells me that you have an interest in furthering your education about religion, whether it's yours or someone else's. You might not be able to find all of the facts to support your religious beliefs but at least it's a start and you're heading in the right direction.

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended sites, Seeking Knowledge

Greg is currently working on a self help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion

My Walk With Farrakhan - The Reality of the Million Man March

"Call to the way of thy Lord

with wisdom and goodly exhortation,

and argue with them in the best manner."

Continuing on in the series, My walk with Farrakhan, we will examine the Million Man March on October 16th, 1995 called by God through The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.

It is amazing to think that 12 years have passed since that beautiful day on the Washington mall with nearly 2 million black men congregating in love. From that day until this day many have not understood the purpose for the march nor its goal by the author. Who was the ultimate author of the Million Man March and for what cause?

Minister Farrakhan while speaking to the gathered men reminded them,

"You came not at the call of Louis Farrakhan, but you have gathered here at the call of God. For it is only the call of Almighty God, no matter through whom that call came, that could generate this kind of outpouring. God called us here to this place. At this time. For a very specific reason."

Minister Farrakhan said that he called for the "march" in response to the pitiful global image of black men as portrayed in film, music and the some media. He further stated that he wanted to show an example to the world that black men can and must unite together in love and harmony to affect positive change in our communities.

The call of the Million Man March is rooted in biblical tradition of Jesus calling Lazarus from the grave. However, today a modern day man of God is calling a people, not from a physical grave of death, but from a spiritual-mental grave of death and ignorance.

Let us review John 11: 43-44 for clarity

"And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, loose him, and let him go."

The Holy Qur'an bears witness in similar words

"We have revealed to thee that

thou mayest bring forth men, by their

Lord's permission, from darkness

into light, to the way of the Mighty, the Praised One,"

When you look at the black community then as well as now it becomes clear that we are in need of a healing and resurrection of our minds.

My condition at the time of the Million Man March

At the time of the call of the Million Man March my life was similar to the life you see many young black men participating in. I walked with my pants hanging of my behind(sagging). I didn't attend school much and didn't take authority serious. I spent my nights getting drunk and/or high with drugs. I thought I was living the good life in my downgraded life of sin. I didn't know at the time, but Almighty God was preparing me for bigger and better things.

I was told by my mother, who was fed up with my behavior, she was requiring me to stay home and watch the Million Man March. She told me that since I can't do anything with you maybe Farrakhan can put some sense in your head.

I sat at home watching the many men and speakers on that blessed day on October16th, 1995 and was being transformed on the inside by Almighty God's spirit. However, when I heard Minister Farrakhan speak I received a message, not so much in words, but I felt him speaking directly from his spirit to my spirit. I took the pledge of the Million Man March and decided to begin the journey towards elevation.

The pledge of The Million Man March asked(by Minister Farrakhan) encouraged us to do the following things,

"Take this pledge with me. Say with me please, I, say your name, pledge that from this day forward I will strive to love my brother as I love myself.

I, say your name, from this day forward will strive to improve myself spiritually, morally, mentally, socially, politically, and economically for the benefit of myself, my family, and my people.

I, say your name, pledge that I will strive to build business, build houses, build hospitals, build factories, and then to enter international trade for the good of myself, my family, and my people.

I, say your name, pledge that from this day forward I will never raise my hand with a knife or a gun to beat, cut, or shoot any member of my family or any human being, except in self-defense.

I, say your name, pledge from this day forward I will never abuse my wife by striking here, disrespecting her for she is the mother of my children and the producer of my future.

I, say your name, pledge that from this day forward I will never engage in the abuse of children, little boys, or little girls for sexual gratification. But I will let them grow in peace to be strong men and women for the future of our people.

I, say your name, will never again use the B word to describe my female, but particularly my own Black sister.

I, say your name, pledge from this day forward that I will not poison my body with drugs or that which is destructive to my health and my well being.

I, say your name, pledge from this day forward, I will support Black newspapers, Black radio, Black television. I will support Black artists, who clean up their acts to show respect for themselves and respect for their people, and respect for the ears of the human family.

I, say your name, will do all of this so help me God."

I know where I came from and where I was inspired to go as a direct result of the call of the Million Man March. I will never let anyone disrespect that day by saying it didn't achieve anything. I was a man that was lost, but was inspired to be a better person by the truth and presence of Minister Farrakhan at the Million Man March.

I like to use the example of a patient going to a doctor as an example of the Million Man March. You can't blame a doctor if you are sick and you go to a doctor to heal you and the doctor prescribes you a prescription, however you never go home and take the prescription, so you die. Such a doctor cannot be charged with malpractice. It is the responsibility of both the doctor to prescribe and the patient to take the medicine to affect healing.

In conclusion what medicine did "doctor" Farrakhan give to black men at the Million Man March?

In the following words he gave the ultimate medicine and purpose for our presence at the "march",

"Well, some of us are here because it's history making. Some of us are here because it's a march through which we can express anger and rage with America for what she has and is doing to us. So, we're here for many reasons but the basic reason while this was called was for atonement and reconciliation. So, it is necessary for me in as short of time as possible to give as full an explanation of atonement as possible."

He gave us the following summation of 8 steps of atonement

1) Point out the wrong

2)Acknowledge the wrong

3)Confess fault

4)Repentance

5)Atonement

6)Forgiveness

7)Reconciliation and restoration

8)Perfect union with God

Long live the spirit of the Million Man March!

Mustafaa Muhammad is an "African American" who is a follower of the Islamic faith. Through independent religious studies developed an ecumenical view of the world's religions and the people of God. And while he is devoted to Islam as his faith he is at home in the Church(or other religious institutions) as he is in the Mosque.

He has been featured on the Radio, Newspapers, public speaking events and at Mosques/Churches telling his story and offering his understanding of Almighty God's plan for salvation.

Mustafaa is involved in community activity. He believes that our faith must inspire us to greater service to humanity or we may be making a mockery of the purpose of faith. Contact him @ http://brothermustafaa.com

Examples of Prayer and Their Effects on Your Life

Spiritual Benefits
Life Lessons About Paying Rent

Is Transcendental Meditation a Religion

There is a rumor on the internet that the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique is a religion. Nothing could be further from the truth. The TM program has been funded by 24 million dollars in federally funded grants over the past 20 years. These projects have included TM's research and/or implementation in health facilities, schools, universities, research facilities, probation programs and prison settings around the USA. This would not be possible if the TM program was considered by the government to be religious in any way.

In addition the Transcendental Meditation technique does not conflict with religious beliefs because it has nothing to do with belief. It does not require that one believe that it will work in order for one to be successful in the practice. There are thousands of priests, nuns, rabbis and Buddhist monks who practice the TM technique and find that it enhances their respective religious beliefs.

At the same time, it is true, that some 30 years ago, there was a federal court case in the state of New Jersey which deemed the Federal Department of Education's funding of a curriculum in "The Science of Creative Intelligence" to be an unconstitutional entanglement of the government with religion. This was due to the claim that the concept of "Creative Intelligence", or unified field of consciousness, was somehow a religious concept. (Malnak v. Yogi, 592 F2d 197, 1979). However, the TM technique itself was never declared by the court to be religious in nature. To emphasize this point Judge Adams stated that his ruling prohibited government funding for the Science of Creative Intelligence and "not a course in TM alone". In particular Judge Adams felt that TM was non religious because the TM instruction ceremony was "performed only once in the case of each student; it was entirely in Sanskrit with neither the student nor, apparently, the teacher who chanted it, knowing what the foreign words meant." Malnak v. Yogi, 592 F.2d 197, 203 (3rd Cir., 1979)

Furthermore many constitutional scholars believe that this isolated ruling, which judged even the concept of Creative Intelligence to be religious, was in error. For example, Laurence H. Tribe, professor at Harvard Law School and legal advisor to President elect Barack Obama, strenuously objected to the court's conclusion. It is for this reason that no court, anywhere in the world, has ever come to the same or similar conclusion. Furthermore, since the New Jersey court case of 1979, hundreds of research studies on the TM technique have validated its mechanical, repeatable, secular nature and created widespread public acceptance of its benefits. Transcendental Meditation is a simple, natural, effortless technique that is practiced for 20 minutes twice a day sitting comfortably at home. Over 500 scientific studies have validated the benefits of the practice which has been taught around the world to millions of people during the past 50 years.

Here's what Dr. Steele Belok, Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, has to say about TM: "In my medical practice, I have found that people of all religions enjoy the Transcendental Meditation technique. Indeed, patients tell me that TM practice deepens their spiritual understanding because it refreshes their mind and awakens subtler values of awareness."

You can find out more about Transcendental Meditation by visiting http://www.doctorsonTM.org or http://www.tmbusiness.org

The Times They Are Changing

We live in a very interesting time in world history. The evolution of getting to this point has never been so dynamic. Even though all the events that have taken place prior to this point in time have great significance, and the fact that it is what brought us here, our current world environment has been propelled into the 21st century with lightening speed. The advancement of technology in communications, information, and the internet has created the instant information age. And with that our conscious minds have become more inter connected with the world than ever before.

What is interesting is that this phenomenon is the staging ground for all of us to become more enlightened. We are, and always have been connected to the entire universe. We all have roots in the universe because consciousness affects our physical world, which includes all living things right down to the individual cells. Our minds have a great influence on our health and well being and on how we view the world. Our existence in the universe is born of a sense of participation and kinship with all others and all matter. The basic oneness of the universe is the central characteristic of the mystical experience, but is also one of the most important revelations of modern physics, (i.e. quantum physics). But I don't want to talk about quantum theory; I want to talk about the human connectedness, and what I detect as a shift in the thinking of more and more people.

Because of the information age, a fast paced lifestyle, what's in it for me attitude, and a win at all cost mentality, too many people began losing sight of the connection we all have with each other and the universe. The ideal of we are all in this together was fading, and taking responsibility for the common good of all, had begun to disappear. Over the last decade, an exponential amount of negative actions and the pursuits of an ideology of egotism have brought us to this juncture. But there is hope because I see the beginning of a change in the minds of many people.

Now, more than ever people are placing an increased importance on relationships. Taking stock of what really matters, like family, friends, and community. There is a new awareness that we are all connected to the universe, and that human consciousness and the physical world are intertwined. The realization is that there is a profound interaction that exists between conscious mental activity and the physical world itself.

We cannot separate our own existence from that of the outside world. We are not only associated with the earth that we inhabit, but with the furthest reaches of the cosmos. We affect all of those about us, so events such as caring, loving, and confiding exert profound consequences on the universe.

Following the Laws of Attraction, the universe gives us what we want if follow our dreams and our passions, but it also takes away if we lose sight of that connection that exists between us all. I believe that there is a change in the winds of time because there is the beginning of an understanding of this relationship. Maybe, just maybe it could be the start of the new Age of Enlightenment.

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Owner : EnerChi Living Spaces & Gallery. We are a unique Home & Garden decor store. Specializing in Feng Shui design and consultation. We offer one-of-a-kind gifts and personalized ideas for decorating your home, garden and office. We offer workshops in Feng Shui decorating, meditation, journal writing, and manifesting your dreams. We support our local artists and musicians with shows and vignettes. Our merchandise is selected from all over the world with an emphasis on Asian Western design. The store exhibits a unique blend of products in a tranquil peaceful setting. We have just launched a home staging service for our local market. We have just completed an expansion to over 2,000 square ft. and our new website has launched. http://www.enerchilivingspaces.com