Society & Culture - 9 December 2007

This guy is very bright and I want to make sure not to "mis-step" with the new boss. I'm looking forward to our company getting a little diversity. Just want to make sure I'm not asking or saying anything dorky or unenlightened. Any advice is appreciated. Oh, and I'm a straight married guy if that makes any difference. thanks for your input!

2007-12-09 02:33:43 · 26 answers · asked by Jeff M 1 in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender

My brother is stationed in Iraq and I put a different Bible verse at the end of all my e-mails to him. Right now I am going through Psalm 23 one at a time. Do you have any ideas of more verses i can use?

2007-12-09 02:32:36 · 7 answers · asked by linnea13 5 in Religion & Spirituality

I'm writing an essay on this topic and i would like to see what you all think.I appreciate all the answers that i can get.thanks!!

2007-12-09 02:32:05 · 10 answers · asked by ric_ardo03 2 in Other - Society & Culture

I personally believe in purgatory and I've always thought it was kind of like a waiting room were you get second chances and are judge by God. So what are your feelings and beliefs about purgatory?

2007-12-09 02:29:13 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

There is no family to turn to, and he has no assets.

2007-12-09 02:28:02 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Other - Society & Culture

Published: 12.09.2007

Wise men's bones part of Catholic relics exhibit
By Stephanie Innes
ARIZONA DAILY STAR
The history
Epiphany, a Christian holiday celebrated Jan. 6, commemorates the day the Magi visited the newborn Jesus. In Latin-American tradition, the day is known as Three Kings Day.
The Bible doesn't say how many Magi followed the star until they found Jesus, but through the years the number three has been adopted in Christian tradition because they brought three gifts — gold, frankincense and myrrh. The story says the Magi — or wise men — came from the East and followed the star in search of the newborn king.
The three men are believed to have been astrologers, and their submission to Jesus often is viewed as the submission of magical arts and superstition to the Lord. Because the Magi apparently arrived after Christ was born, the date of Jan. 6 was adopted in about the fifth century. Various cultures adopted numerous Epiphany traditions through the years.
One that's popular in Europe includes blessing homes by writing the year, with the symbols C + M + B, in chalk above the front door of homes, a practice sometimes called smudging. Next year, that symbolism would read: 20 C + M + B 08.
Some believe the letters stand for the names of the three Magi later adopted by tradition: Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar. Others say they symbolize the Latin phrase "May Christ bless this house" — Christus mansionem benedicat.
If you go
The "Relics of the Three Wise Men" exhibit will be at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 8650 N. Shannon Road, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. today; and at St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Ave., 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Tiny fragments of bone believed to be remains of the three wise men who visited the newborn Jesus will be on display in Tucson for two days this week.
The Catholic relics tour, titled "Come Let Us Adore Him," will be at the Northwest Side's St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church today, and at Downtown's St. Augustine Cathedral on Tuesday.
"This is the closest I'm going to get to God in my physical lifetime," said Arizona Knights of Columbus spokesman John Garcia. "And since this is a time of Christmas, it puts us closer in touch with the birth of Christ."
The Arizona Knights of Columbus, a Catholic men's group, and the Apostolate for Holy Relics, a non-profit organization, are co-sponsors.
The exhibit is also expected to feature relics from the manger, fabric from the Virgin Mary's veil and Joseph's coat, and a bone fragment from St. Elizabeth, who was the Virgin Mary's ninth cousin.
"It's a tangible thread between heaven and Earth," said Thomas Serafin, a lay Catholic who is president of the Apostolate for Holy Relics.
"It allows us to gather as Christians and sometimes as non-Christians, put aside the man-made differences, give thanks, and ask for intercession for our lives and our families," he said.
The relics, which come from a collection in the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) in Cologne, Germany, were on display in Phoenix Nov. 30 and Dec. 2 and will return to Phoenix and Gilbert after the Tucson exhibit. Arizona is the first stop on the relics' international tour. The next stop is Guam.
Though the authenticity of the relics hasn't been scientifically proven, Garcia, the Arizona Knights of Columbus spokesman, said they have a long history of being venerated.
"Remember that this was a time when they needed something physical to believe with. It was a time of coming out of superstition," he said.
The Apostolate for Holy Relics says Emperor Flavius Zeno brought the Magi relics from Persia to Constantinople in the fifth century. Believers say the relics later appeared in the Basilica of St. Eustorgius in Milan, and then were taken to Cologne in 1162 after Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa of Germany invaded Italy.
The display in Cologne is called the Sarcophagus of the Magi. The exterior is seven feet of gilded silver and jewels, and inside are three golden-crowned skulls believed to belong to the Magi, or wise men.
"If my faith is what it is, it allows me to believe these articles really do go back to the point and time when they touched the Lord and Savior," said Tucsonan Antonio Otero, a parishioner at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and marshal for the Arizona Knights of Columbus. "That's why I'm so excited — it's something tangible that I can see with my eyes, and my Lord's eyes gazed at them as well."
Otero said he's not sure what turnout to expect. It is a busy time of year and it's difficult to gauge interest in relics, he said.
But he added that the relics are coming during the season of Advent, the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas, an important time of year to reflect on the Christmas season.
Serafin's organization has sponsored similar relic tours in Tucson.
In October 2003, about 2,000 Tucsonans saw the Tilma of Tepeyac relic, a half-inch square of cloth that Catholics believe was part of a tilma — an Aztec word meaning a poncho-like cloak — worn by St. Juan Diego in 1531 when the humble Aztec peasant spoke to the Virgin Mary on Tepeyac Hill outside Mexico City.
In February 2005, at least 1,200 Tucsonans saw the Relics of the Passion, said to be from Jesus Christ's last hours.
"We do need tangible things to make our minds work," Serafin said. "Scientific testing isn't as important as the meaning in the hearts of the people who visit the relics."
The history
Epiphany, a Christian holiday celebrated Jan. 6, commemorates the day the Magi visited the newborn Jesus. In Latin-American tradition, the day is known as Three Kings Day.
The Bible doesn't say how many Magi followed the star until they found Jesus, but through the years the number three has been adopted in Christian tradition because they brought three gifts — gold, frankincense and myrrh. The story says the Magi — or wise men — came from the East and followed the star in search of the newborn king.
The three men are believed to have been astrologers, and their submission to Jesus often is viewed as the submission of magical arts and superstition to the Lord. Because the Magi apparently arrived after Christ was born, the date of Jan. 6 was adopted in about the fifth century. Various cultures adopted numerous Epiphany traditions through the years.
One that's popular in Europe includes blessing homes by writing the year, with the symbols C + M + B, in chalk above the front door of homes, a practice sometimes called smudging. Next year, that symbolism would read: 20 C + M + B 08.
Some believe the letters stand for the names of the three Magi later adopted by tradition: Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar. Others say they symbolize the Latin phrase "May Christ bless this house" — Christus mansionem benedicat.
If you go
The "Relics of the Three Wise Men" exhibit will be at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 8650 N. Shannon Road, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. today; and at St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Ave., 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.
● Contact reporter Stephanie Innes at 573-4134 or sinnes@azstarnet.com.

2007-12-09 02:27:04 · 10 answers · asked by Hatikvah 7 in Religion & Spirituality

Aren't we already living in that reality? By your standards, the world has no God. We are all there is. What would you gain, by taking away religion?

If God is not part of the equation of life, I ask haven't we been living a life of atheism.

Who would dictate your lives better than the atheists who hide behind a puppet?

After all, are you ready to tell your children there is no heaven or hell?

That death keeps everything and we'll always be left with nothing.

Are you ready to tell them that all the success in the world means nothing, because it's all make-believe, just like the Bible?

I really want you to think hard. If you think religion is dead wrong.

What is life for? What are we suppose to be happy about, exactly? What life will be left?

Questioning the Bible is only the beginning, then we'll question the human mind / logic, human behavior, human value.

"God" is the key to our salvation. All which is good exists because that key is around. "Decisions"

2007-12-09 02:26:55 · 20 answers · asked by Adversity 3 in Religion & Spirituality

I am not perfect by any means, but:
I don't smoke, I never have.
I don't drink.
I never swear.
I have never broken the law.
I have never claimed benefits.
I have always worked (as a nurse).
My children tell me I am a wonderful mum.
I have never killed a living creature, not even a fly.
I have never hurt a living person, (knowingly).
I am considered kind and thoughtful.
My friends tell me they cherish me.
I recycle almost everything, I always have.
I don't drive a car as I care about the environment.
Part of my earnings go to charity every month.
I have always voted.
I am not a racist.
I am not xenophobic.
I am not against religion of any kind.
I care deeply about people animals and all living things.
I do voluntary work for the homeless.
But...
I cannot enter the kingdom of heaven because I express, as nature intended, for me, my love, sexual and emotional to women, not HATE, but love.
What is it that I have done that is so bad that I can't get into heaven?

2007-12-09 02:26:06 · 48 answers · asked by Bunny 4 in Religion & Spirituality

What are you doing for Christmas and New Years?

We are having all my family (mum's AND dad's side) over for the 3 days from Christmas Eve till St Stephens Day. There will be about 40 of us all in 1 house during the day (we'll stay in our house and my gaga Max's and nana felly's house.) It will be extra good cause Christmas day will be the Christening of my twin cousins!
For New Years all my mum's and dad's family have booked a hotel and we're having a mega big party (about 150 of us!!)
I can't wait!!

Merry Christmas and All the Best for the New Years

2007-12-09 02:25:58 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Christmas

2007-12-09 02:25:54 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

The best weather? And what were the situations like and where were you when you had these experiences?

2007-12-09 02:25:25 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Senior Citizens

I have members of my family that have not spoken together for more than two years. Have you experienced this also?

I am a Christian and I have spoken to both sides about forgiveness, but still to no avail. I also try to be an example by not getting angry at people, and by giving people room to apologize / repent. Is there anything else that I can do? All are welcome to answer.

2007-12-09 02:22:05 · 20 answers · asked by ignoramus_the_great 7 in Religion & Spirituality

I'm not talking about new ones I'm talking about the one you had to watch as a kid every single year. For me it was Rudolph the red nosed reindeer.

2007-12-09 02:21:02 · 14 answers · asked by kiss_of_angel_20 4 in Christmas

i live in iran. here we should pass university entrance exam. i did n passed it for the major i really love, chemistry for both my hometwon n another city. now i'm the student of iut in the other city. i wanna return my hometown. well the university doesn't accept me, sayin they don't have enough capacity for more students. the manager had said if she can't stand bein there she can quit university. if i wanna quit univ then i should wait 2 years n pass univ entrance exam again. i'm goin crazy. wat shall i do? all nights i'm awake cryin. that's why in day i can't stand classes n i can't concentrate while takin exams n endless quizes. i love my hometown. my hearts beats for there.

2007-12-09 02:18:34 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Other - Society & Culture

antichrist?

King Jesus is Gods gift to us? Why would religions say not to celebrate Gods gift to us?

2007-12-09 02:17:41 · 8 answers · asked by t a m i l 6 in Christmas

2007-12-09 02:17:27 · 11 answers · asked by Scott 3 in Other - Cultures & Groups

antichrist?

King Jesus is Gods gift to us? Why would religions say not to celebrate Gods gift to us?

2007-12-09 02:17:24 · 22 answers · asked by t a m i l 6 in Religion & Spirituality

Your religion affect that belief?

2007-12-09 02:17:12 · 29 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

That was Dec25,3BC. When the Magi brought the gifts to a child King Jesus.

That Jesus was born in June, conceived in September.
Does these months contradict with scripture?

Maybe we should rewrite our Christmas stories a little?

http://www.bethlehemstar.net

2007-12-09 02:14:49 · 7 answers · asked by t a m i l 6 in Christmas

Tell me about yourselves. Thoughtful answers only.

Sorry if this Q posts twice, my first one didn't make the list!

2007-12-09 02:14:27 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

That was Dec25,3BC. When the Magi brought the gifts to a child King Jesus.

That Jesus was born in June, conceived in September.
Does these months contradict with scripture?

Maybe we should rewrite our Christmas stories a little?

http://www.bethlehemstar.net

2007-12-09 02:14:24 · 8 answers · asked by t a m i l 6 in Religion & Spirituality

things that stretch out the ear lobes and he has these two black "earings" surrounded by his ear lobes. Now I have seen this on t.v. before and didn't think it was an attractive look but didn't think that much about it. When this guy came to our table I don't know what came over me but it actually made me nauseated. He was clean, well mannered, and a really good and attentive waiter but I couldn't look at him because it made me sick to my stomach. We haven't been back since then and we used to eat there about once a week. I kept my son from seeing him by distracting him with other things, because my son is the worst if he sees something "gross" the meal is over. Is there anything I can do to help myself get past this sick feeling when I see this guy? I hate that I feel like that because I don't want to seem mean. Thanks.

2007-12-09 02:13:58 · 15 answers · asked by Corona 5 in Etiquette

I think in Christianity there can be no ETS, because they would also have the similar sin problems that we have, and therefore have need of Christ also. A problem involving simultaneous Christs and Second Comings would exist, for one thing. Also all evil would have to be eradicated throughout the universe at the same time, or then you would also have problems about the existence of multiple Satans, you know - no longer on earth, but still existing on Planet X or something.

From a Christian doctrinal or philosophical expansive perspective, what do you think?

2007-12-09 02:13:40 · 8 answers · asked by ignoramus_the_great 7 in Religion & Spirituality

something nice and cute but also practical. she is a really nice girl and i want to get her something nice. she wont ask for anything either. thanks for the ideas.

2007-12-09 02:11:22 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Christmas

2007-12-09 02:11:09 · 26 answers · asked by NHBaritone 7 in Religion & Spirituality

2007-12-09 02:09:24 · 9 answers · asked by davesildavid 1 in Senior Citizens

Christians refrain from answering this is not for you and I do not want any rude replies we are evil going to hell etc.

Is it just a one day ritual or do you celebrate over many days?
Plese state religion as Wicca Druid etc.

2007-12-09 02:09:10 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

2007-12-09 02:07:52 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

2007-12-09 02:07:16 · 17 answers · asked by Kevinlad 3 in Religion & Spirituality

...IF you were going through the drive through at your bank,...and you were going to deposit, lets say, ...$300.00...and ...later....driving home, you noticed an envelope along with your slip, showing it was clearly deposited.....however, the teller also gave you back your 300 dollars in an envelope. Now knowing theres nothing they can do ....would you go back....or ...keep it?
..* ...I'm not looking for answers saying what's "morally right" either, (i already know that answer!!) ..i'm asking you, ...what you would do. (I overheard this topic at work yesterday)

2007-12-09 02:06:36 · 13 answers · asked by ? 5 in Etiquette