Blog for 11/9

Matthew Vines’ story is very compelling.  It is a story of bravery and perseverance, and I admire him for it.  Through out his life, Vines struggled with his sexuality.  He said that he was both relieved and crushed, saying “everything that hadn't made sense about my life finally did, and because love no longer seemed like an impossibility for me, but crushed because of the likelihood that I would be rejected and lose the community I had always called home.”  This quote really signifies the gateway opened when came out of the closet.  Another piece I found interesting was when he mentioned he loved God, even though he was gay.  I would think that he would separate himself from religion after it had condemned his lifestyle.  Because of this, he is extremely unique.    

A Year of Living Biblically

"They shall be stoned with stones, their blood shall be upon them."
-Leviticus 20:27

AJ Jacobs is intent on living one year strictly following the rules of the Bible.  So this means he'll have to follow every single rule, including stoning sinners.  Despite the backlash he could receive, Jacobs still walks the streets of New York City looking for sinners deserving of a stoning.  He, smartly, realized that the Bible does not specify how big or small the stones had to be, so he finds a few pebbles, and decides that they will be his makeshift stones.  His first "stoning" is somewhat of a failure.  He dropped some pebbles on another person's foot, and even apologized for it.  He, admitedly, was aggrivated with his less than valient effort, but still continues with his mission.  This  instance really express how far he really is willing to go to fulfil his goal of living biblically.  
 I applaud Jacobs for being extremely committed and rather bold in his rules he has set for himself.
If he is willing to risk his life for his  expiriment, it really shows how dedicated he is, and I look foward to reading more about his interesting year. 

Blog for 11/2

 Albert Einstein's famous "God letter" was sold to an anonymous bidder for about $3 million.  Only two people placed bids on the letter, it sold for much higher than expected.  The letter, handwritten by Einstein himself, was originally sent to Jewish philosopher Erik Gutkind just prior to Einstein's passing in April of 1955.  In the letter, Einstein says that he does not believe God exists.  Here is a notable quote from the letter:

"For me the Jewish religion like all other religions is an incarnation of the most childish superstitions."

Although this letter has been in existence for 57 years, this is the first time it had been brought to my attention.  It is really compelling to hear one of the greatest minds of all time give his opinion on such an important issue.  His opinion on religion will not alter mine, but it definitely gives me something to think about.  

 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/24/einstein-god-letter-sold-for-just-over-3-million-anonymous-buyer_n_2012282.html?utm_hp_ref=religion

Religion

A Roman Catholic cardinal sparked a firestorm by showing a YouTube video forecasting the growth of Islam in Europe.  The video, titled “Muslim Demographics,” was a very popular discussion topic at the Vatican, after it was shown during a free discussion period.  The video made erroneous claims, as exemplified by this quote: “In just 39 years France will be an Islamic republic.”  Some facts included in the film have already been disproven.  The video claimed French Muslim women give birth to an average of 8.1 children during a lifetime, France does not collect data based on religion, the facts are baseless.  In conclusion, I believe this video could have been valid with the correct facts. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/16/cardinal-peter-turkson-muslim-scare-vatican_n_1968544.html?utm_hp_ref=religion 

Protestant

It is mildly surprising to learn that protestants are not the majority in the United States.  A major reason for this, I found out, is the rise of the number of athiests.  I was not aware that the number of athiests was that high.  This statistic really signifies a major shift in United States religion demographics.  I was also compelled with the fact that the number of athiests, or "nones," are on the rise.

 "The religiously unaffiliated are becoming as important a constituency to Democrats as evangelicals are to Republicans, Pew said."  I thought this quote, taken from the article, made a great point.  Athiests and Evangelicals are, traditionally, the adverse of their respective political parties.  As evidenced by the preceeding quote, religion is still a major factor in politics, as the countries demographics shift, who knows what the future could hold for us.  

Thousands of Christians march in Jerusalem in support of Israel

Scores of Evangelical Christians marched in the Israeli capital city of Jersusalem to show support of the independent Jewish state.  Evangelical Christians are valient supporters of Israel, giving monetary relief, and political backing.  Evangelical's support of Israel is established in Christian Zionism, which prophesies a return of Jewish exiles back to the Holy Land.  The march was led by the International Christian Embassy of Jerusalem, an organization that attempts to strengthen Israel's ties with International Christian communities.  As a Jew I was surprised when I read this story.  I was not aware of the Evangelical Christian support of Israel, but I am grateful for it.  I was also surpised to read that another Christian group, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, fundraises approximatly $110 million a year for various Israeli charities.  I believe if these two groups can continue their generosity towards Israel, it will help build Israel's relationship with a whole new population demographic, and that is a big step in moving foward towards complete religious tolerance.  




http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/thousands-of-christians-march-in-jerusalem-in-support-of-israel-1.468354