http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/nonchristian-religion/ en-us Fri, 1 Jan 2010 22:44:50 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2419198/posts Throughout history humans have worshiped nature in many forms. More recently they have become better known as environmentalists. We are grateful that their love for nature has overcome greedy humans exploiting the environment and has been able to persuade governments to set aside numerous national monuments for remembering natural wonders. However, environmentalists have been able to stop even sensible exploration and development for the good of humankind. In fact, environmentalism has become a predominant "religion” around the world today. Their purpose is no longer saving a natural wonder for posterity to enjoy. Their love for nature has grown into a... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2419198/posts#comment Fri, 1 Jan 2010 22:44:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2416795/posts      The fundamental difference between Mormonism and Christianity is the LDS doctrine of "many Gods." Polytheism (i.e., the belief that more than one true God exists) is roundly condemned in biblical theology (e.g., Deut. 6:4; Isa. 43:10; 44:6, 8; 45:5). It is this belief alone that excludes Mormons from being Christian. Mormons assert that God the Father (and Jesus) was once a man that lived on an earth, similar to this one, whereby He worked His way up and earn His Godhood (salvation), by obedience to the law (just as did Jesus). This entire process: spirit child (pre-existence) to mortal... Department of Christian Defense http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2416795/posts#comment Tue, 29 Dec 2009 06:52:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413719/posts It’s fitting that James Cameron’s “Avatar” arrived in theaters at Christmastime. Like the holiday season itself, the science fiction epic is a crass embodiment of capitalistic excess wrapped around a deeply felt religious message. It’s at once the blockbuster to end all blockbusters, and the Gospel According to James.But not the Christian Gospel. Instead, “Avatar” is Cameron’s long apologia for pantheism — a faith that equates God with Nature, and calls humanity into religious communion with the natural world. In Cameron’s sci-fi universe, this communion is embodied by the blue-skinned, enviably slender Na’Vi, an alien race whose idyllic existence on... nytimes http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413719/posts#comment Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:46:51 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2412699/posts <p>Salt Lake City --The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has long been concerned that it be understood as a distinctively Christian institution, will step up efforts to discourage use of the term Mormon Church and instead emphasize the name Jesus Christ in references to the church, a leading Mormon official said in an interview on Thursday.</p> New York Times via Rick Ross Blog http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2412699/posts#comment Tue, 22 Dec 2009 02:58:49 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2412364/posts PROVO — He's been to LDS general conference and sacrament meeting, given a family home evening lesson and shared his beliefs during fast and testimony meeting. But the one thing that still puzzles Talha Siddiqui, 19, a Muslim from Islamabad, Pakistan, is why Latter-day Saint students at Brigham Young University are so anxious to get married. "It's kind of funny how to an outsider … everyone is talking about getting married," he said. "How can you all think about the same thing? That kind of felt a little weird for me. Other than that, things have been great." SNIP "Whenever... Deseret News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2412364/posts#comment Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:23:12 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2411857/posts Mormons often use common terms that to them have completely different meanings than those used in the Bible or by orthodox Christian churches. Mormons may say they believe in "Jesus Christ," trust in the "scriptures," believe they are "saved by grace," and have been "born-again". They will talk about "eternal life" and things like "heaven," but they rarely explain what they mean when they use such terminology. Holding back information is especially a problem with Mormons in the mission field. It is not uncommon for Mormon missionaries to purposely refrain from discussing doctrines which clearly separate Mormonism from the usual... Leadership U http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2411857/posts#comment Sun, 20 Dec 2009 21:59:25 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2411028/posts At Manolith, we’re always working on ways to get you through the week with as little weeping and gnashing of teeth as possible. And this week, we’ve got a prize package that just might do the trick. We know that for you to be the envy of all your friends, you need to stroll into your local hipster dive wearing the most ironic t-shirt in the joint. You don’t need to be ashamed of it. We’ve got you covered. This week, we’re giving away t-shirts from the fine folks that brought you the Hot Mormon Muffins calendar. See, in addition... Manolith http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2411028/posts#comment Sat, 19 Dec 2009 09:49:35 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2408414/posts From NE Ohio December newsletter - Bishop's Article: On December third we held a special meeting of the synod council, deans, committee chairs and synod staff to take a look at the projected $250,000-$400,000 deficit for fiscal year 2010-11. Since a $400,000 deficit is a jaw-dropping number to me, I wanted advice on how to carry out the ministry that we do together as a synod. The short-term solution is to reduce hours and compensation for the entire staff. Developing a long-term solution is going to take a lot more work. I have had many people who are quick to... Northeast Ohio Synod, ELCA http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2408414/posts#comment Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:56:36 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2405566/posts As finals are quickly approaching, students sometimes joke about living in the library. But when author Matthew Brown says he lives in the library, he’s not joking around. Brown, who recently released the book “Exploring the Connection between Mormons and Masons,” does most of the research for his books in the BYU library. “I live here in the BYU library and I’m not kidding,” Brown said. “I have done research at other universities around the country but for the most part, when it comes to LDS subjects, this is my primary research library.” “Mormons and Masons” is Brown’s 10th book,... BYU Daily Universe http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2405566/posts#comment Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:37:55 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2402032/posts Six area churches in the Wolf River Region have voted in recent weeks to sever ties with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Two other churches have votes coming up, said the Rev. John Justman, bishop of the East-Central Synod of the ELCA in Appleton. All eight of the churches are in either Waupaca or Oconto counties. Justman said he thinks several of the churches will eventually leave the ELCA. “It makes me sad — they’re all special, and they’ve been good partners,” he said. “And if they do leave, we will wish them well. There’ll be sad feelings, not... Shawano Leader (WI) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2402032/posts#comment Mon, 7 Dec 2009 15:36:15 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2401205/posts BREAKING: Diocese of Los Angeles Elects Non-Celibate Lesbian As Suffragan Bishop Stand Firm http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2401205/posts#comment Sat, 5 Dec 2009 22:56:43 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2399648/posts Christmas 2009: A Message from ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson "But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us..." (Titus 3:4-5a). Into this shadowed world light shines and joyous voices sing. Glad tidings cheer the heart and liberate hope. "A child has been born for us, a son given to us" (Isaiah 9:6). God our Savior has appeared! God's saving goodness and loving kindness have arrived in Jesus, the Word made flesh. Though hidden in the humility of a manger, and later in the scandal of the cross, God's promise is being made... ELCA News Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2399648/posts#comment Thu, 3 Dec 2009 21:31:47 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2399530/posts Accusing Christians in India of carrying out a campaign of illegal or fraudulent conversions is a tactic being used by Hindu fundamentalist movements for mere political reasons, says an ecumenical forum of over 500 priests and pastors from different Christian denominations in the state of Karnataka who met in recent days in Bangalore. The Forum is chaired by Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore and has denounced the attempt by the governments of some Indian states, to approve "anti-conversion" laws, offensive to the religious freedom of Indian citizens. The allegations of conversions "were exaggerated with the specific intention of creating insecurity... Spero http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2399530/posts#comment Thu, 3 Dec 2009 19:00:16 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2399170/posts If Christians do not keep watch over their freedom of religious expression, it could be taken away from them even in a free nation. Then they would be hampered like the Christians are in India. CanadaFreePress http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2399170/posts#comment Thu, 3 Dec 2009 12:05:17 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2392972/posts Lutherans to Observe World AIDS Day Dec. 1 WASHINGTON (ELCA) -- Every nine and a half minutes a person in the United States becomes infected with HIV, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta. Globally, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS estimates the number of people infected with the virus is 33 million. On the weekend before or after World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are invited to participate in a worship service, event or advocacy activity, and to remember and demonstrate support for people living with and... ELCA News Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2392972/posts#comment Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:10:20 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2390730/posts Lutherans Concerned / North America (LC/NA) responded with sadness to yesterday's announcement proposing a new church body to be formed by and for former ELCA members and congregations opposing the full inclusion of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the life of the church. In August 2009, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, by a 2/3 majority, passed a social statement on sexuality. The statement, "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" described as faithful four positions on beliefs within the denomination on the inclusion of people in same-gender relationships. The four positions ranged from the view that same-gender... Lutherans Concerned North America http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2390730/posts#comment Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:23:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2390811/posts Minneapolis, Minn., Nov 20, 2009 / 03:54 am (CNA).- Following the decision of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to allow sexually active homosexual clergy, an objecting Lutheran group has begun to form a new church body for those Lutherans who want to “remain faithful to the Orthodox Christianity of the last 2,000 years.”Lutheran CORE leaders on Wednesday said their working group would immediately begin drafting a constitution and taking other steps to form the new denomination. They hope to launch the denomination by next August.Rev. Paull Spring, a retired Pennsylvania ELCA bishop and chairman of Lutheran CORE said... cna http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2390811/posts#comment Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:48:07 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2390433/posts Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand. -- Romans 5:1-2a November 19, 2009 Sisters and brothers in Christ of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, I greet you with the words of the apostle Paul to the Romans: "Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand" (Romans 5:1-2a). Where does the Evangelical Lutheran Church in... Evangelical Lutheran Church in America http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2390433/posts#comment Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:47:31 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2380285/posts Same-sex relationships go against Scripture and morality, according to a letter mailed Monday by members of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bessemer City. The congregation recently drafted the letter stating its disdain for a resolution passed by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. “We are writing to express our disappointment with the recent Churchwide Assembly’s approval of the resolution to allow gay and lesbian pastors,” the letter states. “We also disapprove of the resolution to find ways for congregations to recognize same-gender relationships.” The 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted in August to open the... Gaston Gazette (NC) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2380285/posts#comment Fri, 6 Nov 2009 21:02:10 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2380179/posts As the original perpetrators for your initial story about a possible UFO sighting in Penparc, we write in reply to last week’s article. In the light of the revelations by Ben Giles that it was he and his family launching giant Chinese lanterns on both dates in question, it would seem likely that in this case we may have been mistaken. However, that does not diminish the fact on a worldwide basis, since 1947 – the year of the famous Roswell incident in the USA – there have to date been five million (and raising) documented sighting of UFOs –... Tivy-Side Letters to the Editor http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2380179/posts#comment Fri, 6 Nov 2009 18:31:33 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2380126/posts ‘Brother’ Antonio Cordova, leader of the group “Alpha and Omega”, which defends the existence of creatures in other planets, said: “Peru is a prophetic land and the place chosen by aliens to communicate with humans.” The this group mixes together ‘Christianism, socialism, a vegetarian diet and beings from another planet”, and has now organized the” Fourth International Congress of UFOlogy’ in the Peruvian capital, gathering contactees and researchers from countries like Chile, Ecuador or Brazil. Antonio Cordova, was named as “Trustee of the Divine Celestial Science” and at an interview with international media, remarked the importance of Peru as the... momento24 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2380126/posts#comment Fri, 6 Nov 2009 17:43:46 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2377553/posts ELCA synods will not have the option of upholding traditional Christian teaching on marriage and homosexuality in their standards for pastors and other rostered leaders according to a draft of candidacy rules released Oct. 10 by the ELCA churchwide organization. No synod or bishop may make decisions on ministry standards that differ from the new policies of the ELCA churchwide organization as defined by the 2009 Churchwide Assembly, the policy draft explains. The ELCA now allows pastors and other rostered leaders to be in committed same-sex relationships. “By the governing documents, all candidacy and call decisions are made on an... Lutheran Core http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2377553/posts#comment Tue, 3 Nov 2009 18:01:33 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2375352/posts (In August the churchwide assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America adopted proposals to make it possible for Lutherans in publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous same-gender relationships to serve as ELCA associates in ministry, clergy, deaconesses and diaconal ministers.) In the wake of the ELCA assembly vote to allow gay and lesbian people to serve in the clergy or other leadership positions, the denomination's Presiding Bishop, the Rev. Mark Hanson, has told his bishops and laity to expect some congregations to leave. Whether ELCA congregations will defect in large numbers to more conservative Lutheran denominations remains to be seen. However,... Bismarck Tribune (ND) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2375352/posts#comment Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:22:30 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2375528/posts I. God is the Eternal, Omnipotent, Immutable WISDOM and Supreme INTELLIGENCE and Exhaustless Love. Thou shalt adore, revere, and love Him ! Thou shalt honour Him by practising the virtues! II. Thy religion shall be, to do good because it is a pleasure to thee, and not merely because it is a duty. That thou mayest become the friend of the wise man, thou shalt obey his precepts ! Thy soul is immortal ! Thou shalt do nothing to degrade it ! III. Thou shalt unceasingly war against vice! Thou shalt not do unto others that which thou wouldst not... Morals and Dogma, Chapter One http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2375528/posts#comment Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:53:14 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2375379/posts Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry , prepared for the Supreme Council of the Thirty Third Degree for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States. Charleston, 1871. Albert Pike, born December 29, 1809, was the oldest of six children born to Benjamin and Sarah Andrews Pike. Pike was raised in a Christian home and attended an Episcopal church. Pike passed the entrance examination at Harvard College when he was 15 years old, but could not attend because he had no funds. After traveling as far west as Santa Fe, Pike settled in Arkansas, where... Freemasons Freemasonry http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2375379/posts#comment Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:16:10 GMT