Saturday, August 22, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
University of Florida offers Religious Studies
The Department of Religion at University of Florida offers religious studies course. From Vasudha Narayanan
Welcome to the Department of Religion, University of Florida. Founded in 1946, the Department of Religion is the second oldest religion department among Americas’ public universities and one of the strongest. We have a distinguished and diverse faculty, who together offer a rich and diverse curriculum to a growing number of students.
Our undergraduate major examines religion as a significant and pervasive element in human culture. Emphasis on method and theory and religion’s comparative dimensions enables students to read and critically analyze current literature. Our graduate program builds upon department, college, and university strengths while staking out new areas of inquiry within the discipline of religious studies. The Religion in the Americas program draws on UF’s strong Latin American Studies program to focus on North, Central, and South American religious interactions. Religion and Nature critically explores the relationships among human beings and their diverse environments, cultures and religions. The program in Religions of Asia emphasizes the transmission and interaction of Asian religious traditions and peoples as they move across and beyond Asia.
The department is also home to several important initiatives. The Center for the Study of Hindu Traditions, established in 2005, is the only program of its kind in the nation to encourage the research, teaching, and public understanding of Hindu culture and traditions. The Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature, and Culture provides a forum for international research on religion and nature. Departmental faculty and students also participate in many interdisciplinary programs across UF’s campus and beyond.
Vasudha Narayanan @ http://www.religion.ufl.edu/
Welcome to the Department of Religion, University of Florida. Founded in 1946, the Department of Religion is the second oldest religion department among Americas’ public universities and one of the strongest. We have a distinguished and diverse faculty, who together offer a rich and diverse curriculum to a growing number of students.
Our undergraduate major examines religion as a significant and pervasive element in human culture. Emphasis on method and theory and religion’s comparative dimensions enables students to read and critically analyze current literature. Our graduate program builds upon department, college, and university strengths while staking out new areas of inquiry within the discipline of religious studies. The Religion in the Americas program draws on UF’s strong Latin American Studies program to focus on North, Central, and South American religious interactions. Religion and Nature critically explores the relationships among human beings and their diverse environments, cultures and religions. The program in Religions of Asia emphasizes the transmission and interaction of Asian religious traditions and peoples as they move across and beyond Asia.
The department is also home to several important initiatives. The Center for the Study of Hindu Traditions, established in 2005, is the only program of its kind in the nation to encourage the research, teaching, and public understanding of Hindu culture and traditions. The Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature, and Culture provides a forum for international research on religion and nature. Departmental faculty and students also participate in many interdisciplinary programs across UF’s campus and beyond.
Vasudha Narayanan @ http://www.religion.ufl.edu/
America's Golden Calf is Coming Down
America's Golden Calf Is Coming Down Excerpts from an article by David Wilkerson
". . .Beloved, America is facing God's judgment--and we will never be the same! In the days to come, literally hundreds of thousands of Americans will lose their homes. Why? They've leveraged them with equity loans, so they could play the stock market and try to strike it rich! I tell you, the stock market has become America's golden calf! People see it as a financial savior, and they worship it daily--trusting in it, depending on it, giving it all their energy and attention. But it's going to fall suddenly--and none of the small, individual investors will be spared. They'll suffer the most, losing their homes, their cars--everything! I must ask you: "Are you prepared for what is coming? If not, are you acting now to get ready? When I speak of being ready, where do your thoughts take you? Do you think immediately of investments, bank accounts, survival plans, safety for your family?" Yet, I believe it is much more important today for American Christians to focus on spiritual preparation--before the coming storm hits. Let me tell you why. I believe that when the coming storm hits with full fury, and the nation is reeling with panic and fear, people will flee all false gospels and feel-good churches. Christians will forget about gospel entertainment and Christian TV, and they'll start demanding hard truth. They'll flock to hear godly pastors, demanding the true Word of God. Their cry will be, "Who will preach to us a prophetic, life-changing word?" Sadly, many charismatic Christians today talk much about being Spirit-filled--but they are totally bankrupt of truth. They're not intimate with Christ--and so they don't know how to draw on His strength in truth. They don't tremble at the truth of His Word. They don't know how to walk in His resurrection power or live wholly dependent on Him. Instead, they twist, manipulate, and misinterpret His Word to accommodate their flesh. Many pastors and evangelists today have no interest in seeking the Spirit of truth. They think they can call on the Holy Ghost at any time to come down and sweep away all the powers of hell. But these people won't be prepared for the dark times that are coming? The only manifestations we'll see when the storm hits will be men and women falling to their knees in awe and fear of God. They'll be slain by the piercing, convicting, soul-cleansing preaching that comes from the Spirit of truth. Indeed, today--while most of America focuses on its prosperity--God is waking a holy remnant in the church. These saints are on their faces, seeking Him with all their strength and crying out for a true Word from the Spirit of truth... " Believer, you can rest assured--in the coming days of calamity, the true revival won't come through showboating, big-time preachers or TV evangelists. It won't come through prosperity teachings or other doctrines of false security. No--God's revival will come through a hidden company of pastors and lay people who have been in the school of Christ, learning His ways and trusting in Him. These will lead a revival of truth! Yet not everyone is going to want truth. Many will turn to unbridled lust. Indeed, our society could see Sodom replayed a hundred times over. But, as our nation poises on the brink of chaos, many Americans will begin to seek truth, answers, life. As for me, I want to face the coming times as " . . . a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth" II Timothy 2:15 I urge you: Ask the Lord to prepare you--His way--for the day "America's golden calf" comes down. Seek His Spirit of truth in your secret closet. Learn to recognize His voice above all the worldly clamor going on in His church. Then you'll truly be prepared to face the coming storm.
David Wilkerson is founder of Teen Challenge, Inc., the worldwide Christian drug and alcohol rehabilitation ministry. He is the author of The Cross and the Switchblade, The Vision, Have You Felt Like Giving Up Lately?, Hungry for More of Jesus, Revival on Broadway and many other books. David and his wife, Gwen, live in New York City, where he serves as senior pastor of Times Square Church.
". . .Beloved, America is facing God's judgment--and we will never be the same! In the days to come, literally hundreds of thousands of Americans will lose their homes. Why? They've leveraged them with equity loans, so they could play the stock market and try to strike it rich! I tell you, the stock market has become America's golden calf! People see it as a financial savior, and they worship it daily--trusting in it, depending on it, giving it all their energy and attention. But it's going to fall suddenly--and none of the small, individual investors will be spared. They'll suffer the most, losing their homes, their cars--everything! I must ask you: "Are you prepared for what is coming? If not, are you acting now to get ready? When I speak of being ready, where do your thoughts take you? Do you think immediately of investments, bank accounts, survival plans, safety for your family?" Yet, I believe it is much more important today for American Christians to focus on spiritual preparation--before the coming storm hits. Let me tell you why. I believe that when the coming storm hits with full fury, and the nation is reeling with panic and fear, people will flee all false gospels and feel-good churches. Christians will forget about gospel entertainment and Christian TV, and they'll start demanding hard truth. They'll flock to hear godly pastors, demanding the true Word of God. Their cry will be, "Who will preach to us a prophetic, life-changing word?" Sadly, many charismatic Christians today talk much about being Spirit-filled--but they are totally bankrupt of truth. They're not intimate with Christ--and so they don't know how to draw on His strength in truth. They don't tremble at the truth of His Word. They don't know how to walk in His resurrection power or live wholly dependent on Him. Instead, they twist, manipulate, and misinterpret His Word to accommodate their flesh. Many pastors and evangelists today have no interest in seeking the Spirit of truth. They think they can call on the Holy Ghost at any time to come down and sweep away all the powers of hell. But these people won't be prepared for the dark times that are coming? The only manifestations we'll see when the storm hits will be men and women falling to their knees in awe and fear of God. They'll be slain by the piercing, convicting, soul-cleansing preaching that comes from the Spirit of truth. Indeed, today--while most of America focuses on its prosperity--God is waking a holy remnant in the church. These saints are on their faces, seeking Him with all their strength and crying out for a true Word from the Spirit of truth... " Believer, you can rest assured--in the coming days of calamity, the true revival won't come through showboating, big-time preachers or TV evangelists. It won't come through prosperity teachings or other doctrines of false security. No--God's revival will come through a hidden company of pastors and lay people who have been in the school of Christ, learning His ways and trusting in Him. These will lead a revival of truth! Yet not everyone is going to want truth. Many will turn to unbridled lust. Indeed, our society could see Sodom replayed a hundred times over. But, as our nation poises on the brink of chaos, many Americans will begin to seek truth, answers, life. As for me, I want to face the coming times as " . . . a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth" II Timothy 2:15 I urge you: Ask the Lord to prepare you--His way--for the day "America's golden calf" comes down. Seek His Spirit of truth in your secret closet. Learn to recognize His voice above all the worldly clamor going on in His church. Then you'll truly be prepared to face the coming storm.
David Wilkerson is founder of Teen Challenge, Inc., the worldwide Christian drug and alcohol rehabilitation ministry. He is the author of The Cross and the Switchblade, The Vision, Have You Felt Like Giving Up Lately?, Hungry for More of Jesus, Revival on Broadway and many other books. David and his wife, Gwen, live in New York City, where he serves as senior pastor of Times Square Church.
This article was found on bible.com
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
God’s Plan of Salvation
God’s Plan of Salvation
1 John 5:11-12 And the witness is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.
This passage tells us that God has given us eternal life and this life is in His Son, Jesus Christ. In other words, the way to possess eternal life is to possess God’s Son. The question is, how can a person have the Son of God?
When Jesus knelt in the Garden and was in so much pain that He sweat blood, He was looking into the future at Me. He was going to His death in a few hours not for all the religious people, He was going to the cross for me and all I have to do is accept his gift to have everlasting life. Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.According to Romans 5:8, God demonstrated His love for us through the death of His Son. Why did Christ have to die for us? Because Scripture declares all men to be sinful. To “sin” means to miss the mark. The Bible declares “all have sinned and fall short of the glory (the perfect holiness) of God” (Rom. 3:23). In other words, our sin separates us from God who is perfect holiness (righteousness and justice) and God must therefore judge sinful man.
The Futility of Our Works. Scripture also teaches that no amount of human goodness, human works, human morality, or religious activity can gain acceptance with God or get anyone into heaven. The moral man, the religious man, and the immoral and non-religious are all in the same boat. They all fall short of God’s perfect righteousness. After discussing the immoral man, the moral man, and the religious man in Romans 1:18-3:8, the Apostle Paul declares that both Jews and Greeks are under sin, that “there is none righteous, not even one” (Rom. 3:9-10). Added to this are the declarations of the following verses of Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; and not as a result of works, that no one should boast.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
God demonstrates his own love for us
According to Romans 5:8, God demonstrated His love for us through the death of His Son. Why did Christ have to die for us? Because Scripture declares all men to be sinful. To “sin” means to miss the mark. The Bible declares “all have sinned and fall short of the glory (the perfect holiness) of God” (Rom. 3:23). In other words, our sin separates us from God who is perfect holiness (righteousness and justice) and God must therefore judge sinful man. Please refer to http://bible.org/article/gods-plan-salvation for more information on salvation.
Please go to http://www.religiontodayonline.com/ for more articles.
Please go to http://www.religiontodayonline.com/ for more articles.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Public Prayer Could Lead To Jail
Jail may be in the future for two Florida high school administrators if a federal judge rules they violated a court order forbidding the promotion of religion in schools.
Principal Frank Lay and Athletic Director Robert Freeman face criminal contempt charges for "willfully violating the court's temporary injunction order" after they prayed at a school function, according to a court order of contempt. The injunction was issued after the American Civil Liberties Union sued the School District on behalf of two students and their parents who said religion was forced upon them at school. Lay encouraged Freeman to lead a prayer before a meal at the dedication of a new field house during a school-day luncheon. Freeman complied. The incident was brought to the attention of a U.S. District Judge by the ACLU. If convicted, Lay and Freeman could each face up to six months in jail or a $5,000 fine.
Some say it's their right to pray in public even if it was a school function, others say if you think your food needs to be blessed do it in silence. Send us an e-mail to CBlock@Todaysthv.com
Principal Frank Lay and Athletic Director Robert Freeman face criminal contempt charges for "willfully violating the court's temporary injunction order" after they prayed at a school function, according to a court order of contempt. The injunction was issued after the American Civil Liberties Union sued the School District on behalf of two students and their parents who said religion was forced upon them at school. Lay encouraged Freeman to lead a prayer before a meal at the dedication of a new field house during a school-day luncheon. Freeman complied. The incident was brought to the attention of a U.S. District Judge by the ACLU. If convicted, Lay and Freeman could each face up to six months in jail or a $5,000 fine.
Some say it's their right to pray in public even if it was a school function, others say if you think your food needs to be blessed do it in silence. Send us an e-mail to CBlock@Todaysthv.com
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
One nation under ...Who?
One Nation Under … Who? A Nationwide Campaign has been Launched Against Immorality in the United States
Having witnessed an increase in immoral behavior within our society, a new DVD has been produced to inform and educate citizens of the United States. Titled "One Nation Under … Who?", this professionally produced DVD gives a startling look at the current direction of our nation contrasted with God's attitude toward sin. During a time in which political correctness has run amuck, this DVD rejects political correctness and provides a refreshing defense of Christian values and morals, painting a clear picture that America has lost her moral compass. (PRWeb Aug 4, 2009)
Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/08/prweb2703754.htm
Having witnessed an increase in immoral behavior within our society, a new DVD has been produced to inform and educate citizens of the United States. Titled "One Nation Under … Who?", this professionally produced DVD gives a startling look at the current direction of our nation contrasted with God's attitude toward sin. During a time in which political correctness has run amuck, this DVD rejects political correctness and provides a refreshing defense of Christian values and morals, painting a clear picture that America has lost her moral compass. (PRWeb Aug 4, 2009)
Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/08/prweb2703754.htm
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Consciousness Can Live on after Death
Research Shows Human Consciousness Can Live on after Bodily Death
New book reports on a massive, ongoing research project at the University of Virginia and recent research by the Windbridge Institute that show, respectively, human consciousness can survive death and that psychic mediums can report accurate information about deceased individuals without using fraud. The author draws on studies by the Duke University Parapsychology Laboratory, quantum psychics and other research, to form the basis of a theory to explain this. (PRWeb Aug 4, 2009)
www.religiontodayonline.com
New book reports on a massive, ongoing research project at the University of Virginia and recent research by the Windbridge Institute that show, respectively, human consciousness can survive death and that psychic mediums can report accurate information about deceased individuals without using fraud. The author draws on studies by the Duke University Parapsychology Laboratory, quantum psychics and other research, to form the basis of a theory to explain this. (PRWeb Aug 4, 2009)
www.religiontodayonline.com
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