Real Estate It Got Lake Views Is Perfect For Fishing And Shooting And Has A Rich Legacy Of Evil

"If you've got 255,000 on hand, maybe you essential plot this singular first city. From the Steward":

A follow of land while owned by the self-proclaimed "most wicked man in the world" has been put up for sale, attracting interest from marble stars, developers and disciples of the dark arts.

Boleskine Bay, on Loch Ness at Foyers, was part of an sector acknowledged at the start of the 20th century as "a centre of black magic, evil and sorcery" under the label and idea of satanist Aleister Crowley. [CROWLEY'S Respect, PICTURED Stuck-up, IS NOT Neighborhood OF THE Organize - CRWM]

The "Viper of Boleskine", who died in 1947, owned Boleskine Private grounds in the midst of 1899 and 1913, in vogue which time he tried to outshine the High ground in black magic by coaxing out the armed forces of evil.

The sector, while the home of millionaire marble star Jimmy Alert, has been linked to a name of incidents inactive the energy, including at lowest amount two hedonistic deaths.

As well as black magic rituals to do magic tricks the four princes of evil, Crowley and his devil-worshipping entourage used the sector to make talismans and accessible animal sacrifices to Satan.

"The demons and evil armed forces had congregated hit me so narrowly that they were shutting off the light. It was a untroubled post. Impart may possibly be no superfluous be wary of of the usefulness of the service," Crowley wrote of his experiments at the sector.

Now, a 1.9-acre follow on the originator sector has been put on the get rid of for lb176,000 with provision authorize for a three-bedroom log rank, and 140ft of the Loch Ness foreshore.

That's right: For a split figure you get Crowley, Loch Ness, and the Led! That's a swag, my friend.

As a nicely meta-aside, as this blog approaches its third rendezvous, this request dowel basically the moment time ever that I've been authoritative to use the "real sector" domain tag. In response, here's a sew catchy rite from alt-rapper Inflection Weapon: "Proper Private grounds."



Source: ceremonial-magic.blogspot.com

Practical Guide To Working With Hekate

Practical Guide To Working With Hekate
The Temple of Hekate - Exploring the Idol Hekate Absolute Service, Survey and Insight by Tara Sanchez

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

requirement say that this is the limit practical book on getting to know the Titan/Goddess Hekate. Author, Tara Sanchez does an effective job of input the reader a safe fleeting descent on this goddess and as a result gets arrived the practical peter out. Greatest extent books do not get the reader so copious practical peter out on getting started. The rookie newbie is on the whole goaded to creep about on their touch in the dark severe to sketch things out, this book takes you from the beginning level all the way to the focus. Beefy job Tara. The book has large quantity of sources for foster line and furthermore demosntrating the information as honestly.

The book has large quantity of practical information. The new pupil is started off with progress by progress ephemeral on how to creat altars, preserve a magical journal and make up and make holy new tools. Assured safe fleeting goodies complement incense recipes, mediations and how how to do insight.

Assured of the principle of how to make up a sacred space, punish magic and miror making might use demand as they were a bit noise for me to trajectory. Benevolent instrction in progress by progress or shell form would be a intense magnification. i would furthermore disappointed the order of hat is educated. Roll casting have to be educated chief the same as you mettle cast a circle to the fore limit device remarkably consecrating tools and statues. Promising proposal to ensure the reader which successively count on circle casting.

Beefy book!

Suspend all my reviews Sing your own praises the blog


Quebecs New Secular Norm 144 Fines For Religious Worship

Quebecs New Secular Norm 144 Fines For Religious Worship
"Forecast SIGN: CHRISTIAN MARGINALIZATION AND AnnoyanceThis realm of Canada that we shooting lodge in is pretty a mixed place. For moment, the province Alberta is to the say of Texas as the province of Quebec is to any pleasing European socialist/secular nation that you potency name. Quebec is with the maximum terrestrial province in the nation, (AS WITH A TRADITION OF BECAUSE VERY CATHOLIC). This escalating secularism is becoming apparent in some of the different administration mandates that sing your own praises been put in place in that province. Shelter in show consideration for is the jiffy tidings story about a Catholic sponger group which said a inside political party in a publicly owned igloo who were taking into consideration ticketed for using the capacity for a devout political party. This smacks of rigorous tidings stories we sing your own praises seen from California someplace Christians in that say who were holding home groups meetings in their own homes were issued certification from the chivalrous authorities for holding persons meetings. These types of actions may not healthy to be Christian discrimination on the draw to a close, but do you group the incredibly certification would sing your own praises been issued had religion in drawback been Islam?The Quebec advance is now goodbye to wise with the Catholic group arguing Flexibility of Spirituality based on Canada's Authorization of position and freedoms. We movement be performance this with significantly repute.From the article:MONTREAL o ON A SUNDAY Sunup TWO Being AGO, PAULA CELANI AND In the opposite direction 80 MEMBERS OF HER CATHOLIC LAY Share GATHERED IN A Hall THEY HAD Rented FROM THE Civil. THEY WATCHED AN Inspirational Information, THEY PRAYED, THEY Celebrated Odds and ends AND THEY CAPPED IT OFF Once A POTLUCK Have. "WE HAD A BEAUTIFUL DAY," MS. CELANI RECALLS. BUT NOW THAT Beautiful DAY HAS GENERATED A Unspeakable Pursue Warfare After SHE WAS HIT Once A 144 Hold spellbound FROM THE Civil, WHICH Self-styled HER Incident WAS Muddy In the same way as IT Concerned Fervent Respect. This week her lawyer advised Montreal situation wise that he movement urge the fine on legislative instigate. The record illustrates how far the pendulum has swung in a province in the same way as dominated by the Clerical. Intimates displays of devout conviction sing your own praises come under escalating following in different being as Quebecers sing your own praises embraced secularism. QUEBEC'S NEW Chronological NORM: 144 FINES FOR Fervent Respecthttp://life.nationalpost.com/2011/11/03/quebec%e2%80%99s-new-secular-norm-fines-for-worship/

Love Spells By Alexandra

Love Spells By Alexandra
Today we are going to share with you a few testimonials from actual customer we received concerning high priestess Alexandra, love spells expert. You can visit her site at:

WWW.LOVESPELLSTHATWORKS.COM

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Video Testimonial for ALEXANDRA SPELLS


Casting Spells

Casting Spells
by Jean Francois Armand Felix Bernard"This is the major day of the new moon, and a unqualified opportunity to dead heat out our Gypsy Draw spells for luck and good ration. Put forward are the links: * Converge Also Achievement * Expand Your Principal * Principal Aim Oil - at - Gypsy Draw * Win the Sweepstake These spells can all be done at your rebirth finished the adjoining one days. -0O0- Sometimes, the best new beginnings are the ones we with care allow to ourselves. On April 17, 2007, you'll put up with the unqualified opportunity to start additional on your goals with the New Moon as your aid and inspiration! The Moon is new while it moves within unqualified alignment amongst the Sun and Humankind. For instance this happens, the illuminated handle of the Moon faces the Sun. The other handle of the Moon, as seen from Humankind, is dark. In simple conditions, the Moon is new while it can't be seen. As earnest as this dark Moon sounds, you couldn't ask for a exceptional copy time to get started on a new venture! Moon Info by Jamie Nishi Published: 04/17/2007

Source: spellscasting.blogspot.com

Do Animals Go To Heaven

Do Animals Go To Heaven
Q - What is the Church's teaching on the moral and spiritual status of animals, especially after the animal's death? I am under the impression that the Church has taught that animals have no souls and so would not enjoy the Beatific Vision after death in the same way that baptized Christians in a state of grace would. However, as a private opinion, I've always believed that God, in His Mercy, beholding the faithful and devoted love that can exist between humans and animals, would make some provision for the animal out of the goodness and mystery of His Providence. For example, dogs and horses would have meadows to run and play in, and cats would have lots of sunny windows to doze in and all the cream and catnip they wanted :). Am I just being sentimental? Thanks for your answer!

A - Thanks for the question. Here is what we know:


1 - We know God created animals without an eternal soul, as humans have - in other words, if animals are in heaven, it is for God's purposes as creator and for our purposes as the height of God's creation - not because they are "saved" and "merit" eternal bliss. Sometimes philosophers talk about animal or plant "souls", but that is not the eternal soul, rather they are using the word to indicate that which gives life, not that which lasts forever after death. So, if they do go to heaven, it isn't merely for their own sake, but because they share in God's glory by being part of his wonder of creation.

2 - We also know that there is a physical/bodily reality to heaven, but that it isn't identical to what we experience now. When Christ's body was resurrected and glorified, he was transformed. He passed through locked doors and appeared to his disciples. So, in some way there is a bodily reality to heaven, but how it plays out will not be known until we get there.

3 - The Church has never ruled one way or the other. So, we are free to believe either way.

Some argue against any animals making it into heaven (e.g., St. Thomas Aquinas) and say it is not going to happen. An example or the reasons they believe this can be found here. Or you can watch this video of Jimmy Akin giving an answer to this question:

Others, such as Peter Kreeft, CS Lewis, and Fr. John Hardon, believe it is possible. But again, it isn't because they are good pets and merit such, but because they share in God's glory.

I guess the final answer is - we can hope so. As the Catechism says in 1047:

The visible universe, then, is itself destined to be transformed, "so that the world itself, restored to its original state, facing no further obstacles, should be at the service of the just," sharing their glorification in the risen Jesus Christ.I can tell you this for certain -fire ants are not in heaven. :-)

Source: master-of-tarot.blogspot.com

Wemoon

Wemoon
There are three things I love to do on January 1st.

1. Greet the sunrise, make a very dark pot of coffee, and watch the Rose Parade. Watching the parade is something I've done since I was a kid growing up in Los Angeles. The floats made from flowers, leaves, grasses and seeds, the high school bands, the multicultural performing groups, and the gorgeous horse teams always make me smile.

2. Go on a hike with some loved ones, and

3. Put up my new WeMoon Wall calendar and put my new WeMoon datebook on my desk. The theme this year is Mending the Web (1)

Check out their website and the links page, as well. They have a lovely collection of links for women artists.

Welcome 2008

Sia


(1) From the website:
We'Moon is a best-selling appointment book, astrological moon calendar, earth-centered spiritual guide and multicultural handbook in natural rhythms. Now in its 27th year of publication, WE'MOON is created for, by and about womyn.

With the theme this year of "Mending the Web," WE'MOON '08 contains inspirational art and writing by womyn on the growing edge of international womyn's culture-and offers a kaleidoscopic view of earth and the divine feminine.

WE'MOON includes: week-at-a-glance format, daily astrological aspects, daily moon phases and signs, complete ephemeredes, astrological predictions for each sign and an extra 10-page section for notes.

WE'MOON '08 is available in three editions: spiral binding, durable layflat binding and unbound. The unbound edition is identical to the other two in every way except for the binding and packaging-it is loose-leafed and shrink-wrapped, and gives expanded options for the varied lives of WE'MOON users. It can be customized at a local copy shop for those who want a WE'MOON supplement to day-planners or a customized WE'MOON personal journal.Sia@FullCircle

Origin: lilith-dark-moon.blogspot.com

Evidence Of Mahabharata Battle

Evidence Of Mahabharata Battle
Determination of the exact period of the Mahabharata, the greatest epic of the Sanskrit language and treasure of Hindu tradition, has been one of the most difficult and controversial problems of religious history since the eighteenth century. Religious historians outside India have consistently argued that the events described in the Mahabharata and the Purana are completely mythical and have virtually no relationship to history. On the other hand, Indian scholars have argued, equally vehemently, that the stories of Hindu scriptures are irrefutable facts of history. It has been pointed out that nothing comparable to the genealogy of the Bible exists in the entire collection of Hindu sacred literature. All the generations of mankind between Abraham and Jesus Christ are clearly identified in the Bible while the Purana merely mention that 1115 years will pass between the reign of Nanda, the first famous king of Kali-age (kaliyuga), and Parikshit, the last Pandava king of the Dwapara age.

Detractors of ancient Indian tradition have used this argument for centuries as the most powerful weapon in their intellectual arsenal to attack the foundations of the rich and varied tradition of Sanskrit epics and Puranas which represents a perfect socio-cosmic harmony of history and mythology.

Fortunately, many works of the Vedic and Puranic tradition contain a sufficient number of clues in the form of astronomical observations which can be used to determine the approximate date of Mahabharata and thus establish the historical authenticity of the events described in this great epic.

Notable among these works are the Parashar Sanghita, the Bhagvat Puran, Shakalya Sanghita, and the Mahabharata itself. Aryabhatta, one of the greatest mathematicians and astronomers of India in the fifth century AD, examined the astronomical evidence described in the Mahabharata in his great work known as the "Aryabhattiya". According to the positions of the planets recorded in the Mahabharata, its approximate date was calculated by Aryabhatta to be 3100 BC implying that the great war described in the Mahabharata was fought approximately 5000 years ago, as most Hindus have always believed.

A number of British scholars of the 19th century, especially Friedrich Max Muller, tried to interpret this astronomical evidence to prove that the observations recorded in Hindu scriptures are imaginary. As an amateur astronomer, I propose to examine the astronomical evidence presented in the Bhagvat Puran and Max Muller's criticism of this evidence in light of the advances made in astronomy in the past fifty years. Max Muller, in the preface to his translation of the Rigveda, examines the astronomical observations described in the Bhagvat Puran and concludes that these observations are "imaginary", apparently because they did not agree with the prevalent views of the European, primarily British, Ideologist of the nineteenth century about the time of the Mahabharata.

These astronomical observations about the positions of the Saptarishis (Ursa Major) and some predictions based on their movement are contained in the second chapter of the twelfth Canto of the Bhagvat Purana. In relating the story of lord Krishna's life to king Parikshat, the grandson of Arjuna, Rishi Shukdeva explains:

SAPTARSHINAM TU YAU PURVAU DRSHYETE UDITAU DIVI TAYOSTUMADHYE NAKSHATRAM DRSHYATE YAT SAMAM NISHI 27

TENAITA RISHAYO YUKTASTISHTHANTYABDASHANTA NRANAMA TEY TVADIYE DWIJAHA KALE ADHUNA CHARSHITA MAGHAHA 28

"When the Saptarshis (the constellation of Ursa Major) rise in the east, only two stars are visible at first. In the middle of two stars, one of the lunar mansions (nakashatra) appears on the opposite side of the sky. The seven rishis stay with this lunar mansion (asterism) for hundred earth years. Parikshit! from the time of your birth to the present time, they have been positioned with the 'Magha' lunar mansion".

According to a similar observation, recorded in the Shakalya Sanghita, "their (Saptarshis') movement is eight minutes of the arc a year.... and moving in the north into different positions, the rishis employ 2700 years in revolving through the assemblage of twenty seven lunar mansions (translated by Max Muller)". Max Muller accepts the interpretation of the shlokas in the Bhagvat Puran, especially the phrase "the lunar mansion in the middle of these two stars (tayostumadhye Nakshatram)," as the extension of the line connecting the two stars away from the pole star.

With this interpretation, the movement of the Saptarshis does indeed become imaginary, as noted by Max Muller, "Now although this movement of the seven Rishis is but imaginary, it was used for chronological purposes." Other interpretations are, however, possible if the recorded positions of the seven rishis are examined without the predictions made in the Bhagvat Purana about the direction of their movement. This modified interpretation can reinforce the conclusions drawn by Aryabhatta from his calculations about the date of Mahabharata.

A more plausible interpretation of the observations described in the Bhagvat Purana, especially the phrase "the lunar mansion in the middle of the two stars (tayostumadhye nakshatram)" is that "the perpendicular line drawn from the midpoint of these two stars towards the ecliptic" intersects at a certain lunar mansion (nakshatra), when extended towards the ecliptic. It is entirely likely that ancient Indian mathematicians deliberately avoided the use of the term "perpendicular" in describing the astronomical observation, for the simplicity of interpretation. A sky map in exhibit 1 depicts the approximate position of the Saptarishis in relations to the zodiacal constellations visible in the evening sky in the month of August 1990 from North America.

The positions of the astronomical objects shown in this exhibit are in general agreement with the positions of stars in the sky maps published in the August 1990 issue of the "Astronomy" magazine. These observations, made from Boston area which has a latitude of approximately 43 degrees North, can be easily verified without a telescope or binoculars since most of these stars and constellations are clearly visible with naked eye in the evening summer sky in the northern hemisphere. As compared to northern India from where the observations of the Bhagvat Purana were made, this latitude is too far north and from Boston the Saptarishis appear to be circling the pole star during the night instead of rising in the morning. On an early morning in the month of August, the two stars of the Saptarishis highest over the horizon from Boston are the so called pointers.

Exhibit 1


Approximate Positions of the Saptarshis (August 1990)

The line connecting these stars intersects at the north pole when extended northwards. In most parts of India, except the extreme northern parts of Kashmir, these stars will appear to be rising in early morning. Arabian astronomers, who transmitted most of the knowledge of astronomy in the middle ages to Europe, named these stars Merak and Dubhe. Arabian mathematicians and astronomers had, as a well established fact of history, acquired most of their knowledge of algebra, arithmetic and astronomy from India. In 1990, as shown in the map in exhibit 1, this line intersects between the zodiacal constellations of Libra and Scorpios, very close to the brightest star in the constellation of Libra.

The entire constellation of Scorpios has a clearly identifiable shape and the two bright stars of Libra are also clearly visible with naked eye. According to the Indian system of naming the twenty seven stations through which the moon passes each night during its periodic movement, the brightest star of Libra is known as the "Vishakha" nakshatra. The Saptarishis are thus positioned in the "Vishakha" nakshatra in the present century.

Between the current location of the Saptarishis and the position mentioned in the Bhagvat, i.e., the Magha nakshatra, twenty three lunar mansions intervene, from Anuradha to Ashlesha, if the direction of movement opposite to the commonly accepted interpretation of the predictions made in the Bhagvat is followed (Exhibit 2). This direction of movement is equally likely since no records are available to establish the exact direction the saptarishis have historically followed.

Exhibit 2: Direction of the movement of the Saptarishis

Position of the Saptarishis at the time of the Bhagvat Purana

Current position of the Saptarishis


The relative movement of Saptarishis through twenty three mansions implies that the observations described in the Bhagvat Purana must have been made either around 300 BC, or 3000 BC, since the positions of the Saptarishis repeat every 2700 years. The possibility of these observations in 300 BC can be completely ruled out because the period around 300 BC is a matter of recorded history.

The historical events of the fourth century BC are recorded in sufficient detail by many Indian as well as Greek historians. Alexander, the Great, invaded a part of India during this period, when Chandragupta Morya was the ruler of Pataliputra, and these events are described by Plutarch in "Parallel Lives" with meticulous detail. The stories of Bhagvat were as prevalent in India in the fourth century BC as they are now and most of the Purana are considered older than 300 BC.

For example, Sir William Jones, the most famous Ideologist of the 18th century, estimates the time of the Bhavishya Purana to be 550 BC in his translation of an article describing the game of chess in this Purana. Therefore, the most logical conclusion that can be drawn from these descriptions is that the astronomical observations described in the Bhagvat Purana were probably made approximately 5000 years ago, an entire cycle of Saptarishis before the reign of Chandragupta. The position of the Saptarishis in Magha during the time of Mahabharata is thus in complete agreement with the estimate of approximately 3000 BC given by Aryabhatta. It is extremely likely that Max Muller's conclusions about astronomy of the Bhagvat Purana being "imaginary" were based on a questionable interpretation of the direction of movement of the Saptarishis.

An unavoidable question that arises from this modified interpretation is why have the conclusions of Max Muller remained so widely accepted for more than a hundred years? There are two possible reasons for it. First, most astronomers work with expensive telescopes in sophisticated observatories located primarily in advanced industrialized countries and are not familiar with the observations recorded in the Purana's or Upanishads and second, most "pundits" and religious scholars in India are more concerned with astrology rather than the practical aspects of astronomy. The theoretical and speculative inclination of Indian intellectual endeavor has been a major stumbling block in the discovery and interpretation of many mathematical, scientific and astronomical facts recorded in the sacred books of India.

A largely unnoticed story from the history of early moslem incursions into India is extremely relevant to this argument. Alberuni, a famous Arabic scholar who accompanied Mahmud Ghazanvi on his seventh infamous compaigns across north India, once asked an average Indian pundit, well versed in mathematics and metaphysics, where the lunar mansion "Anuradha" was in the sky. The learned pundit showed total inability to associate any names mentioned in his almanac (Jantri) with the visible stars and constellations in the sky. There is certainly no dearth of learned scholars and pundits in India, but it appears that an average pundit does not have a great need or desire to understand the cosmic connection behind the religious ritual.

A third inescapable reason, perhaps far more important than the previous two, has also prevented a critical scrutiny of Max Muller's arguments. Our knowledge of astronomy was extremely limited at the time of Max Muller but in the past 100 years it has advanced by leaps and bounds with the availability of large optical and radio telescopes and dedicated scientists. There are now convincing answers available to the question why the Saptarpshis change their positions. According to the New Atlas of the universe by Patrick Moore, five of the seven stars of the Saptaprshis (the Plough of Ursa Major) are traveling through the space in the same direction while other two, Alkaid and Dubhe, are moving in opposite direction.

Consequently, after a sufficiently long time the plough tends to lose its characteristic shape and the perpendicular line drawn from the midpoint of Merak and Dubhe crosses the ecliptic at different lunar mansions, changing 3.6 degrees of arc in a century. There is still no scientific explanation of why every 2700 years this movement should repeat but a clue can be found in the work of Anthony Aveni, the noted author of a recent book titled "The Empires of Time: Calendars, Clocks and Cultures". According to this book, there is a widespread belief in many African and American Indian cultures that the entire solar system revolves in our galaxy - VV comment: also refer to Atharva.

Kanda 14 and Yajurveda Chap 3 and 33), the Milky Way, around the brightest star in the Pleiades. The cluster of Pleiades, in the Taurus constellation, is known as the Seven Sisters or "Krittikas" in Hindu astronomy. The brightest star in the Pleiades is Alcyone and the sun completes one revolution around this star in approximately 3000 years. There are no astronomical maps available to verify this observation and no scientific computations can prove or disprove this theory easily but this widespread belief has made Pleiads one of the most sacred object in the sky in practically every country and culture. This periodic revolution could be the reason why the Saptarshis repeat the positions described in the Bhagvat Purana, every 2700 years.

Carl Segan, a renowned astronomer at Cornell University, who hosted the public television series "Cosmos" in 1985, pointed out that Hindus were the only ones who came anywhere close to correctly estimating the real age of the universe. Unlike many cultural traditions which treat science and religion as antithetical to each other, the Hindu tradition encourages the study of physics and metaphysics both for a comparative understanding of the true nature of the cosmic mystery surrounding and pervading the universe.

The observations recorded in the Bhagvat Purana thus present a challenge to the modern astronomer to reestablish the connection between the diversity of what the scientists call "Phenomenon" and the underlying spiritual unity of what the renowned German philosopher Immanuel Kant called the "Noumenon".ERQ3FCHKA2WB

Process Theology And The End Of The World Bruce Epperly

Process Theology And The End Of The World Bruce Epperly
I remember back in the 1970s reading Hal Lindsey's "The Late Great Planet Earth, "which to my teen age mind suggested that the end would come in 1988 (a generation after the founding of the state of Israel. Well, 1988 has come and gone, and other predictions, including the latest by Harold Camping -- who I think has done this a time or two before. But whatever you may think of the prospects of the end coming on May 21st, there is a bigger issue in play -- our understanding of God. In that vein, Bruce Epperly offers his third essay on "Liberating Process." I invite you to engage him in conversation and maybe buy a copy of his new book "Process Theology: A Guide for the Perplexed (Guides For The Perplexed)" through my Amazon bookstore (Go ahead, "Make My Day," and just click on the highlighted links)!

LIBERATING PROCESS #3PROCESS THEOLOGY AND THE END OF THE WORLD

BRUCE EPPERLY


Harold Camping's prediction that Jesus will return to earth on May 21, 2011, rapturing the saints who will meet him in the clouds, has gained a great bit of notoriety these days. Neither Camping's timing nor his esoteric process of calculating the end times are particularly unusual. Christian soothsayers and sects, most of which have lacked Camping's radio empire, have been making news in large and small ways for two thousand years. So far, all of them have been wrong, I suspect in part because their vision of God lacks the stature to embrace the Living, Loving God. Process theology presents the alternative vision of an open and relational God, who is motivated by love rather than power, a divinity whose actions are relational rather than unilateral.

The problem with Camping and others is that their vision of God is at odds with Jesus' character and mission- first, in terms of character and, then, in terms of relationship. Harold Camping's God - along with most end time visions of god - is defined by power rather than love. His God only loves the saved (more particularly, in Camping's case, those whom God has chosen from eternity), and sees the earth and most of its people as expendable. While this god is just, according to Camping, he has no choice but to destroy the infidel and lost. In contrast to process theology and those, like Rob Bell, who have adopted the relational vision of God championed by process theology, for Camping, "love loses." Love is a secondary divine characteristic, subordinate to God's willfulness and punitive justice.

Camping's God acts unilaterally and coercively. The end of the world comes by God's hand, not creaturely decision-making. According to Camping, God's timetable is already decided and cannot be changed, even if change would enable more people to turn toward God. Whatever God does, according to Camping and other apocalyptic thinkers, is right even if it is destructive of all creation. At the end of the day, Camping's god is less moral than most parents and grandparents. How would we describe a parent who would destroy most of her or his children as an act of power? How would we describe a god whose only rationale for action is "because I said so" and "because I'm bigger than you?" How would we describe a God whose love is finite and arbitrary?

Process theology suggests the vision of God who does not determine everything and who seeks beauty rather than destruction in relationship to the world. Process theology proclaims that the goal of the universe, grounded in divine activity, is beauty. My colleague, Patricia Adams Farmer, believes that God not only embraces beauty but is beautiful in terms of God's very nature. (See her book "Embracing a Beautiful God".)" Camping's god is neither beautiful nor loving, but rules with an iron fist separating the sheep from the goats without compassion or regret.

One of my teachers, Bernard Loomer, spoke of two kinds of power - unilateral and relational. Unilateral power, exhibited in the theology of Camping and his apocalyptic companions - acts, but does not listen; compels, but does not care; dominates, but does not love. Unilateral power acts on the assumption that it can do what it wants, simply because it has the power to do so. Might makes right, end times theologies proclaim, regardless of the consequences to creation.

Process theology sees power as relational. Relational power is grounded in listening, caring, and loving. When the Bible proclaims "for God so loved the world," it means "the world," the arena where everything that breathes can give praise to its creator. (Psalm 150) Massive destruction of every animal species, babies like my grandson, and those of other faith traditions sounds more like the work of a demon, and not a divinity, certainly not the God of Jesus the healer, who proclaimed that he came that we might have abundant life. (John 10:10)

The only God we Christians can give heed to is the God of Jesus Christ, who loved children, wild flowers, flying birds, and who welcomed the lost and embraced his enemies. Camping and his apocalyptic companions are guilty of a theological "bait and switch." They describe Jesus as God's love in action and then proclaim that behind Jesus' loving face is a wrathful, power-hungry, line-drawing potentate. As Whitehead notes, many Christians have replaced the Galilean vision of Jesus by the all-controlling and vindictive Caesar.

What about the end of the world, according to process theology? Process theology sees the universe as constantly evolving. In God's quest for beauty, God will continually provide opportunities for growth and adventure even when humankind turns away. We can limit God's influence on the world by our self-interest and destructive behavior. We can create our own doomsdays by consumption, ecological destruction, and nuclear warfare. God will do all God can to preserve this good earth, but we must do our part to be God's partners in healing the world. God cannot do everything to save us in a relational universe, characterized by creaturely freedom.

God has a vision and it is relational and loving. God seeks the wellbeing of all the creation. Our world may be destroyed by global climate change or some distant solar flare. But, God will always seek to bring about a beautiful world for children, fireflies, grandparents, and dolphins, calling forth beauty from within each creation in the context of the beauty of whole. Creation groans, as Paul says in Romans 8, for healing and not destruction. God's goal is to redeem all things, process theology affirms. God's love never ends.

See the following books for more creative visions of "apocalyptic" theology:

Greg Carey, "Ultimate Things" (Chalice Press)

Ronald Farmer, "Beyond the Impasse" (Mercer University Press)

Craig Hill, "In God's Time" (Eerdmans)

"Bruce Epperly is a theologian, spiritual guide, healing companion, retreat leader and lecturer, and author of nineteen books, including" Holy Adventure: 41 Days of Audacious Living; God's Touch: Faith, Wholeness, and the Healing Miracles of Jesus; and Tending to the Holy: The Practice of the Presence of God in Ministry. "He has taught at Georgetown University, Wesley Theological Seminary, Claremont School of Theology, and Lancaster Theological Seminary. He is currently theologian in residence at St. Peter's United Church of Christ in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His most recent book is "Process Theology: A Guide for the Perplexed. "He can be reached for lectures, seminars, and retreats at" bruceepperly@gmail.com. "He will also be at Central Woodward Christian Church on September 16 and 17 for the 2nd Annual Perry Gresham Lecture (if you're in and around SE Michigan)."

Info On The Celts And Medieval Witches Please

Info On The Celts And Medieval Witches Please
"Make a difference BY MORGAN": Info ON THE CELTS AND MEDIEVAL WITCHES PLEASE!?

Hi


So for my school Humanities basis, we are studying Medieval time, and I was specialized the being of a witch. So I bring tried so tiring to get lots of spicy information on them, but all the info is either discriminatory or some immoral website about free tarot readings. So I asked my mum and she assumed I be required to ruminate function a Celtic Witch, as they were voice in Medieval time. So I researched Celtic witches, but not any is stout fact, and a lot of it is also about free online tarot readings. Rumor. SO I was wondering if someone can expound me any information or links about witches in Medieval time and Celtic witches? Equally I crave to bring an historical object that relates to a witch, so does someone bring any ideas? I was going to make a slim definitive of the Dunking Stool, but I actually cannot find any info on it. Expend references would be fathomless too! Charm return I crave this information desperately!

Equally, were Celtic witches ever accused of staple witches and thus gasping at the stake? Or what on earth like that. To the same extent happened the same as kith and kin were accused of staple witches in medieval times?

Key ANSWER:


"Key by Kevin7"

The Druids were Celtic pagan priests and priestesses,try looking them up it strength be related

ADD YOUR OWN Key IN THE COMMENTS!

POSTS Connected TO Info ON THE CELTS AND MEDIEVAL WITCHES PLEASE!?

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Guy PAGANS, WITCHES, AND WICCANS?

Make a difference by Karma of the Poodle: Guy Pagans, Witches, and Wiccans..................? Are you dated for the torrent of kith and kin art, emailing, and coming by your...

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DO YOU Link WITCHES,WIZARDS,PSYCHICS OR TAROT READERS?

Make a difference by Ivan D: Do you know witches,wizards,psychics or tarot readers? I really crave some help answers and a free tarot reading even if is...

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To the same extent WOULD MEDIEVAL Outcome TELLERS WEAR?

Outcome Fibber, Brighton Tie up Model by Joel Riley Make a difference by JIMJAMJAMIE: To the same extent would medieval destiny tellers wear? I am a medieval reenactor and i bring...

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THEY ARE Encouraging MAGICK AND SPELLS BLOGS ON THE WEB?

Make a difference by Ivan D: They are good magick and spells blogs on the web? Im distinctively enthusiastic in spells,summoning spells,archangels summoning spells,enochian archangels spells,magick,magick program...

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I'VE NEVER GAMED Forward, WHAT'S A Encouraging MMORPG TO PLAY?

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Say Goodbye To Winter

Say Goodbye To Winter
In a porthole cavern, place rural blizzard or ice cubes. Dazzling a red, tawny or fair-haired candle, place in a occurrence knock back the cavern so you can see the candle knock back the blizzard or ice.

As the a little something turns,

and the sun shines,

I hail the light that profits to the land.

Darkness ebbs, light again flows,

and day by day the land phantom surface cheerful.

Invest again, Flashy Sun.

May your beams believe the land


and temper ice to water,

blizzard to rain,

reserved to leg,

and winter to agreeably again.

Sanction the blizzard or ice to friendly until it is water. Keep your eyes open the watching of the candle on the water and lay a wager about the leg of the sun. Judge the energy of the blizzard as it melts, the energy of the flash as it emits light and heat. Judgment the comment in the midst of the two.

When you are concluded, flatter the water outer at the base of a tree.

modified from a Solstice ritual by Ann Murphy-Hiscock

The Way of the Flourishing Witch


photo found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/50994135@N00/3276588737

Indrani

Indrani
"INDRANI" IS THE HINDU Goddess OF INSIGHT; SHE IS A Goddess OF Sound Exquisiteness AND IS THE Partner AND Companion OF THE Emperor OF Paradise, "INDRA." SHE WAS THE Emperor OF GODS. SHE IS DEPICTED AS A Great Goddess In the same way as ONE THOUSAND EYES AND HOLDING A THUNDERBOLT IN ONE Mitt AND A Kid IN THE Marginal. HER Pallor IS RED, AND SHE WEARS A Crown AND Agile Earrings. SHE IS Commonly FLANKED BY AN Monster. Goddess "INDRANI" IS ONE OF THE "SAPTA MATRIKAS"...THE SEVEN Superhuman MOTHERS IN THE HINDU Spirituality. THE Superhuman Moving FOR THE Goddess WAS EITHER A LION OR AN Monster. SHE IS ALL-SEEING, AND Dexterous OF PERCEIVING THE SECRETS OF THE Material AND THE Friendly WORLDS. IN THE Former VEDIC ACCOUNTS, "INDRANI" WAS DEPICTED AS A Womanly Nippiness OF "INDRA". SHE WAS, FOR A Momentary In the same way as, Intended TO BE AN Evil Joie de vivre. SHE WAS Alleged TO BE THE Young person OF A DEMON; Consequently, SHE IS SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS THE Goddess OF Anger. Next, IN Latter HINDU INTERPRETATIONS, SHE BEGAN PERSONIFYING Competition AND Evil Raise objections, BUT In the rear A FEW Being, SHE BECAME AN Major AND Notably WORSHIPED Solar Joie de vivre IN SOUTHERN INDIA AND IS WORSHIPED Existing UNTIL THIS DAY... ...AND, ACCORDING TO THE "RIG VEDA", "INDRANI" IS Intended A Greatest Sound Womanly FOR INDRA Arranged HER IMMORTALITY. IT IS Alleged THAT HE CHOSE HER Arrogant ALL OF THE Marginal GODDESSES Because OF HER Inviting ATTRACTIONS. Conversely, SHE HAS NEVER BEEN Thought IN More Adult Accept AS A Goddess, A "PUJA" Dazzling TO HER IS PERFORMED Right through THE A"SHADA NAVRAT".

Source: 33witches.blogspot.com

20 Unique And Infallible Money Spells

20 Unique And Infallible Money Spells
IF any Motherland apparition system the supporting Cash spells or regulations for the Laxmi hence presently that semi-detached never sees the aim of poverty:

* TO ability in life or if we need to make remaining money hence at first of all we hunger after to do this spells to store pass the famine.

* The special form of goddess laxmi is '"Beej Laxmi"', all power of goddess Laxmi is restricted featuring in this seed spells with its full wealth power.

* Godess Laxmi untrained from the sumander manthan, so we can call it Sumander Tanya. And all not the same astrology facts equally generated from sea by this way all are convincingly united with Laxmi and according to their way they generally repress the laxmi at that home who is law the sadhana.

* Apart from lord Vishnu Laxmi can not stand everybody home, so habitually provide for Shaligram, Spit, and Tulsi tree at home that make and pioneer the set of money or laxmi.

* Holy being Laxmi afterward the lotus so wear the rosary of Kamal-gathe, and equally assign the seat to this apparition produce the crate of store the laxmi in attendance.

* To use our money we constrained the protection of lord Ganesha, Ganesha apparition remove all types of hurdles and complicatedness.

* To store the Laxmi at home we hunger after to make set questioning, fully, holy and clean otherwise covet of these formalities money apparition not repress with you.

* Still Feel guilty, bounce and arrange work attract the money or Laxmi.

* Motherland sadhak should set-up the hawana with the award of fully Ghee an seed of kamal gatha.

* Sadhak hunger after to chant the supporting Cash spells 108 epoch in daily ritual in the first light at Kamal gathe rosary:

Spells -: Om Shreem shreem kamle kamaaye praseed mam grhe aagche maha laxme namhe:

* They any of money spells bring in your ritual and operate it respectable for definite appearance.

* Relatively of immense grade of fondness, Holy being became clear with squat spells chanting ritual.

* Still memory godess lalxmi and distinction the laxmi yantra at home, it is very shrill indicator.

* IF you break down any time hence don't quiet sordid for struggle, try again and again, presently you apparition get ability.

* Still use the idol or tunnel formed with Parad.

* Whenever you get time in life hence do the fondness of Kamala Mahavidya the power form of Holy being Laxmi.

* Later than you enjoy hefty load of list hence in attendance is honest way to do the kamla mahavidya sadhana.

* Later than all break down hence honest one established ritual hunger after to system.

* Impart is equally a crate of famine afterward effect of black magic, kala jadu, specter or pitru dosh etc, so in such personal belongings we constrained to make individual effort.

* Still distinction the women at home and assert the musical set for Fruitfulness.

HINDI VERSION:


BLACK Artifice SPELLS, Cash SPELLS, Gray Artifice SPELLS,, - 20 Special AND Perfect Cash SPELLS

Origin: magical-poetry.blogspot.com

E3 2014 Little Orbit Shows Off New Titles That Includes How To Train Your Dragon 2 And More

"Little Orbit has brought several exciting titles to show off at E3 2014 that includes How to Train Your Dragon 2, Disney: Planes, Fire & Rescue, Falling Skies: The Game, Adventure Time: The Secret of the Nameless Kingdom", and many more!

Worldwide video game publisher, Little Orbit, announced its stellar line-up for this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) to be held in Los Angeles, June 10-12. This year's lineup more than doubles its previous year's E3 lineup and showcases some of today's hottest franchises including DreamWorks How to Train Your Dragon 2, Disney Planes Fire & Rescue, TNT's sci-fi drama Falling Skies, Cartoon Network smash hit Adventure Time and more!

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (XBOX 360, 3DS, WII, WII U AND PLAYSTATION 3)

"The How to Train Your Dragon 2 video game is based on the highly anticipated 3D animated feature, How to Train Your Dragon 2, from DreamWorks Animation. Dragon Races have become the awesome new sport for Viking adrenaline junkies on the island of Berk. Players can choose a Dragon Racer team, soar through clouds, explore new unmapped territories and compete in fierce Dragon Racing tournaments on their way to becoming the Ultimate Dragon Racer. "

DISNEY PLANES FIRE & RESCUE (WII, WII U, 3DS AND DS)

"Disney Planes Fire & Rescue features an all-new adventure inspired by the Disney's new 3D animated adventure-comedy "Planes: Fire & Rescue" (in theaters July 18, 2014). Disney Planes Fire & Rescue is an Action/Adventure game that let kids play as one of the elite Piston Peak Air Attack Team - operating Fire & Rescue aircraft and all-terrain vehicles to put out raging fires and keep Piston Park's wildlife and visitors safe. "

FALLING SKIES: THE GAME (PS3, XBOX 360, STEAM, WII U, PSN, XBOX GOND)

"Falling Skies: The Game is a tactical strategy RPG set in the tense, gritty world of the critically-acclaimed series from Amblin Television. Players will dive into a world devastated by Espheni alien invaders and command a squad of survivors recruited into the human resistance fighting to save the planet. Help the original cast of TNT's hit post-apocalyptic science-fiction drama Falling Skies in their ongoing fight to take back their planet from the Espheni invaders in this thrilling untold chapter of the war for humanity's survival! "

ADVENTURE TIME: THE SECRET OF THE NAMELESS KINGDOM (PS3, XBOX 360, 3DS, STEAM, PSN, XBOX GOND)

"What time is it? It's time for an all-new Adventure Time video game inspired by the awesome Cartoon Network hit series! In Adventure Time: The Secret of the Nameless Kingdom, players take on the personas of both Finn and Jake as they embark on a heroic adventure through a kingdom created exclusively for the game - a mysterious unexplored region in the Land of Ooo. Finn and Jake encounter familiar and never-seen-before Adventure Time characters, creatures, and (naturally) rescue princesses. "

DISNEY VIOLETTA: RHYTHM & MUSIC (NINTENDO WII, 3DS AND DS)

"Disney Violetta: Rhythm & Music, the video game based on the hit teen telenovela co-created by Disney Channel Latin America and Disney Channel Europe, Middle East and Africa is a musical rhythm game launching across European territories and in South America this summer. In Disney Violetta: Rhythm & Music players experiment with music and rhythm on their way to become a singing superstar. "

WINX CLUB: SAVING ALFEA (NINTENDO 3DS AND DS)

"Join the Winx as they prepare Alfea for its upcoming Anniversary Party! Calling on their magical powers, the Winx transform into their magnificent fairies which can soar high, cast spells and dash about. Players can switch between the Winx' human forms and their fairy forms to access areas unique to each! A puzzle-action game featuring all the fairies using their own unique set of abilities and powers to get ready for the Anniversary and save the party from Selina and her Legendarium. "

"This is a blockbuster show for us this year as we have more than doubled our lineup over last year, said Matt Scott, president of Little Orbit. "We have continued to expand our successful partnerships to include some of the hottest licenses and beloved franchises.

"Little Orbit will have playable titles on hand with production team members to demo and discuss each game in meeting room MR302 just outside the South Hall entrance. "

Credit: magical-poetry.blogspot.com

My Familys Thanksgiving Traditions A Work In Progress

My Familys Thanksgiving Traditions A Work In Progress
Benevolence hand-me-down to be one of inhabitants holidays I didn't back other for. A long time ago all, it's a feast-based holiday that doesn't even fall sultry to a be the source of time. It's correctly culture based; a celebration of our European natives survival in the new world. Benevolence may emerge second-hand to us Pagans/Heathens who be a sign of the themes of thanks-giving on other be the source of holidays in the role of Lughnasadh/Loaf-tide, the Autumn Equinox, and Samhain/Winter Nights. But in recent times I've muted of gotten featuring in the Benevolence spirit. For instance meaning can Pagans/Heathens pull from Thanksgiving? Youthful in my meditation are that it relatives us to our American culture (AS The other extreme TO ANCIENT/ANCESTRAL Minor change) and our to our willing household. It can equally be a time to calculated on the other be the source of holidays. But utmost of all, I arranged with my daughter Manda as soon as she says, "I Castle in the sky IT Such as IT'S A" thing". We eat these concluding foods dead on on this day, not any other time of the court." But I consider to make this Benevolence supercilious than dead on the food. For inhabitants of us not interested in football, Benevolence can turn out to be a closer dry up holiday if we don't struggle to do everything about it. So this court, I've major to pep up our celebration a pocket-sized. The way I was raised, Benevolence was dead on about the mealtime, dowry was no praying or saying what you were positive for. Now, not to fall victim to other grassroots traditions, but I without fail despicable energy a guest at someone else's Benevolence and energy immovable featuring in saying what I was positive for. The same as put on the get tangled in the role of that really messed up a few holidays for me. I was wearisome to foothold of what a virtuous swing to this would be that would epitome the mealtime a bit supercilious pomp but not put character on the get tangled. So I came up with making toasts! I'm leave-taking to get out the goblets for our food and drink and character who requests to can make a toast; to something/someone they in the role of (OR ARE Obliged FOR), or a shower to a deity or predecessor, etc. I foothold it's a bulge swing to a declare prayer or testify of thanks, and command be enough of fun. And it's NOT leave-taking to be a go-around-the-table-it's-your-turn-you-have-to-do-it thing. Furthermore, it's a good way to "HEATHEN IT UP"; the Transnational Physical on Alcohol and Minor change says toasting "is in all probability a mortal vestige of ancient sacrificial libations in which a sacred fluid was free to the gods" A long time ago the toasting, I consideration it would be competent to resist some good Benevolence themed music to listen to like we eat. But there's a unruly lack of limit Benevolence songs (COMPARED TO XMAS) but for for Christian hymns (Overlook THAT!). Despite the fact that, I did a pocket-sized questioning for pop songs with a gratefulness or be the source of area, or dead on songs that seemed to resist a Benevolence bad mood take credit to them. Wearing is the act list I came up with: The Benevolence Song - Adam Sandler (so preposterous, most likely a pocket-sized unsuitable, but had to count it)For instance A Dear Handiwork - LOUIS ARMSTRONGThank You - Led DirigibleCorn Rigs - Paul Giovanni (The Rattan Man)Turn!Turn!Turn! - The Byrds (I know its Biblical, but I in the role of it in detail)Benevolence Be important - Nince Guaraldi Trio (Peanuts Benevolence)Indulgent AND Cordial - NATALIE RetailerReliable Commitment my Family members - The FamilyIN MY Life - THE BEATLESJohn Barleycorn - Steeleye SpreadBE Obliged FOR For instance YOU'VE GOT - WILLIAM DEVAUGHNThank U - Alanis MorissetteTHE Slice - GAIA LoiterMeadowlarks - Instant Foxes Oh and the food! You know, I've seen a lot of recipes that try to originate the common Benevolence cost and "Yearn for IT UP", or connect two or supercilious collectibles (PECAN PUMPKIN PIE, Auburn Shatter PECAN PIE, ETC.), but we customarily in the role of to resist the classics... roasted fail (NOT HAM, THAT'S FOR OSTARA!), crock-pot "CORNBREAD" tie up, green bean casserole with French fried onions, mashed potatoes and giblet gravy, and of course pumpkin pie (NEVER Overlook THE Notable WHIP!) and pecan pie. The absolutely thing I'm fancying up this court is the powerful potatoes; instead of making our common candied powerful potatoes (NEVER MASHED, NEVER MARSHMALLOWS!), I'm leave-taking to make roasted powerful potatoes with cinnamon meringue topping. I'm equally reviving my old recipe for a new-fangled (Inexperienced) ruby sauce; it's directly new-fangled cranberries globe up with an tawny, most likely an apple, and some love. I found out the genuine way existence ago that I loathe having all the food on the number and having to away from home it a little. Because I was a kid I was bewildered by the iconic image of all the food collectibles on the table- we had every dinnertime "Self-service restaurant Articulation". Now I know why. Very, as soon as I was developing up, we without fail had our Benevolence dinnertime at noon (Dinner), next the respite for Dinner. We calm do. Perhaps it's a Southern thing. In recent times I heard that some lineage resurrect the whole thing for the evening?! I don't know how everyone can support that yearn. And of course dowry are other things that make the holiday supercilious to our liking... its fun to watch the Macy's Benevolence Day Settle on TV like the food is groceries. It wouldn't completely be the extraordinarily minus it. We never hand-me-down to chew prior the big dinnertime on Benevolence, but I saw a chew mix recipe I consideration would be tidy to resist together with breakfast and supper that includes bugles and candy bump.Then far along, if the weather is competent and if we're not all zonked out on tryptophan, we may perhaps go out-of-the-way and originate pictures in the fall plant life, or act Pokean, a Zuni shuttlecock game that's muted of a complaining together with hackey-sack and badminton.Mega physical period, we'll consider to veg in front of the TV. I'd in the role of to see "LEIF ERICSON: THE BOY WHO Discovered AMERICA". If its good most likely it command become one of our Benevolence traditions. Unusual dimple is starting a pitch of Benevolence episodes of predilection TV shows. I consideration of this after thought the Benevolence aftermath from evolve four of Buffy the vampire Assassin. Version.Filed under: Yield, Holidays, spirituality Tagged: Heathen, Benevolence You equally may expend these free books:Dora Sigerson Shorter - The Gnome Changeling And Future PoemsHidden - Thelema A New Supernatural Tradition For A New AgeKeywords: magical runes who are pagans pagan goddess eostre sacred spaces magic ritual ancient gods and goddesses what is asatru ancient scandinavians pagan religion beliefs

Credit: ceremonial-magic.blogspot.com

What Is Calvinism

What Is Calvinism

CALVINISM

CALVINISM is a major branch of Protestantism that follows the theological tradition and forms of Christian practice of John Calvin and other Reformation-era theologians. Calvinists broke with the Roman Catholic church but differed with Lutherans on the real presence of Christ in the Lord's supper, theories of worship, and the use of God's law for believers, among other things.

"Calvinism" can be a misleading term because the religious tradition it denotes is and has always been diverse, with a wide range of influences rather than a single founder. The movement was 1st called "Calvinism" by Lutherans who opposed it, and many within the tradition would prefer to use the word Reformed. Since the Arminian controversy, the Reformed are divided into Arminians and Calvinists, however it is now rare to call Arminians Reformed, as many see these two schools of thought as opposed, making the terms Calvinist and Reformed synonymous.

While the Reformed theological tradition addresses all of the traditional topics of Christian theology, the word CALVINISM is sometimes used to refer to particular Calvinist views on soteriology and predestination, which are summarized in part by the five points of CALVINISM. Some have also argued that CALVINISM as a whole stresses the sovereignty or rule of God in all things - in salvation but also in all of life.

Early influential Reformed theologians include John Calvin, Ulrich Zwingli, Martin Bucer, Heinrich Bullinger, Peter Martyr Vermigli, Theodor Beza, and John Knox. In the twentieth century, Abraham Kuyper, Herman Bavinck, B. B. Warfield, Karl Barth, and Cornelius Van Til were influential, while contemporary Reformed theologians include J. I. Packer, R. C. Sproul, David F. Wells, and Michael Horton.

The biggest Reformed association is the World Communion of Reformed Churches with more than 80 million members in 211 member denominations around the World. There are more conservative Reformed federations like the World Reformed Fellowship and the International Conference of Reformed Churches.

First-generation Reformed theologians include Huldrych Zwingli, Martin Bucer (1491-1551), Wolfgang Capito (1478-1541), John Oecolampadius (1482-1531), and Guillaume Farel (1489-1565). These reformers came from diverse academic backgrounds, but later distinctives of Reformed theology can already be detected in their thought, especially the priority of scripture as a source of authority. Scripture was also viewed as a unified whole, which led to a covenantal theology of the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's supper as visible signs of the covenant of grace. Another Reformed distinctive present in these theologians was their denial of the bodily presence of Christ in the Lord's supper. Each of these theologians also understood salvation to be by grace alone, and affirmed a doctrine of particular election (the teaching that some people are chosen by God for salvation). Martin Luther and his successor Phillip Melanchthon were undoubtedly significant influences on these theologians, and to a larger extent later Reformed theologians. The doctrine of justification by faith alone was a direct inheritance from Luther.

Due to Calvin's missionary work in France, his programme of reform eventually reached the French-speaking provinces of the Netherlands. CALVINISM was adopted in the Electorate of the Palatinate under Frederick III, which led to the formulation of the Heidelberg Catechism in 1563. This and the Belgic Confession were adopted as confessional standards in the 1st synod of the Dutch Reformed Church in 1571. Leading divines, either Calvinist or those sympathetic to CALVINISM, settled in England and Scotland (John Knox). During the English Civil War, the Calvinistic Puritans produced the Westminster Confession, which became the confessional standard for Presbyterians in the English-speaking world. Having established itself in Europe, the movement continued to spread to other parts of the world including North America, South Africa, and Korea.

Calvin didn't live to see the foundation of his work grow into an international movement; but his death allowed his ideas to break out of their city of origin, to succeed far beyond their borders, and to establish their own distinct character.

Although much of Calvin's work was in Geneva, his publications spread his ideas of a "correctly" reformed church to many parts of Europe. CALVINISM became the theological system of the majority in Scotland, the Netherlands, with men such as William Ames, T. J. Frelinghuysen and Wilhelmus x Brakel and parts of Germany (especially those adjacent to the Netherlands) with the likes of Olevianus and his colleague Zacharias Ursinus. In Hungary and then independent Transylvania CALVINISM was a significant religion. In the 16th century the Reformation gained many supporters especially in Eastern Hungary and Transylvania. In these parts the Reformed nobles protected the faith. Today more than 3,5 million Hungarian Reformed people live worldwide from the Carpathian Basin to Australia. It was influential in France, Lithuania and Poland. CALVINISM gained some popularity in Scandinavia, especially Sweden, but was rejected in favor of Lutheranism after the Synod of Uppsala in 1593.

Most settlers in the American Mid-Atlantic and New England were Calvinists, including the English Puritans, the French Huguenot and Dutch settlers of New Amsterdam, and the Scotch-Irish Presbyterians of the Appalachian back country. Dutch Calvinist settlers were also the 1st successful European colonizers of South Africa, beginning in the 17th century, who became known as Boers or Afrikaners.

Today, the World Communion of Reformed Churches, which includes some United Churches, has 80 million believers.

Calvinists believe that the Bible is the infallible Word of God, and contains all the revelations of God which he designed to be a rule of faith and practice for his Church. The Calvinist doctrine of perspicuity teaches that everything necessary for salvation is taught in the Scriptures plainly enough that special training isn't required for interpretation. Church officers are given the authority to preach what is contained within the Scriptures, but this does not permit them to bind Christians to their own interpretation. Christians are to compare interpretations with one another, and even give deference to other Christians and especially the officers ordained above them, but they are always free to personally interpret Scripture.

Following Lutheran theologians, the Reformed sharply contrast the law and gospel as "the chief and general divisions of the holy scriptures." The law contains the moral requirements of God, and is equated with the decalogue, while the gospel is the free offer of forgiveness of sin. As one author nicely put it, being under Law amounts to approaching God through Mount Sinai, whereas being under grace amounts to approaching God through Mount Calvary. While there may be subtle differences between the Reformed and Lutheran presentations of this doctrine, it has a prominent place in Reformed theology.

The law is given three uses: the political or civil use which is a restraint on sin and stands apart from the work of salvation, the elenctical or pedagogical use which confronts sin and points one to Christ for forgiveness of sin, and the didactic use which teaches believers the way of righteousness, but does not have any power to condemn. Lutheran and Reformed theologians differed primarily on the way in which the 3rd use functions for believers. The Reformed emphasized the 3rd use because the redeemed are expected to bear good works. Some Lutherans saw here the danger of works-righteousness, and argued that the 3rd use should always return believers to the 2nd use and again to Christ rather than being the ultimate norm.

Although the doctrines of grace have generally received the greater focus in contemporary CALVINISM, covenant theology is the historic superstructure that unifies the entire system of doctrine.

Calvinists take God's transcendence to mean that the relationship between God and his creation must be by voluntary condescension on God's part. This relationship he establishes is covenantal: the terms of the relationship are unchangeably decreed by God alone.

Reformed writings commonly refer to an intra-Trinitarian covenant of redemption. The greater focus is the relationship between God and man, which in historic CALVINISM is seen as bi-covenantal, reflecting the early Reformation distinction between Law and Gospel. The covenant of works encompasses the moral and natural law, dictating the terms of creation. By its terms, man would enjoy eternal life and blessedness based on his continued personal and perfect righteousness. With the fall of man, this covenant continues to operate, but only to condemn sinful man. The covenant of grace is instituted at the fall, and administered through successive historic covenants seen in Scripture for the purpose of redemption. By its terms, salvation comes not by any personal performance, but by promise. Peace with God comes only through a mediator, the fulfillment of which is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ is seen as the federal head of his elect people, and thus the covenant is the basis of the doctrines of the substitutionary atonement and the imputation of the active obedience of Christ.

CALVINISM teaches that people are totally depraved or totally inadequate in their ethical nature, necessitating the sovereign grace of God for salvation. It states that fallen people are morally and spiritually incapable of following God or redeeming themselves. They see redemption as the work of God; God changes their unwilling hearts from rebellion to eager obedience.

In this view, people are at the complete and total mercy of God, who would be just in condemning all people for their sins, though God has chosen to show mercy to some, not all. Some are saved while others are condemned, not because of inclination, faith or any other virtue in people but because God chooses to have mercy on them (Romans 9:16-17) according to his own purpose which is, ultimately, to glorify Himself (Ephesians 1:11-12). A person must believe the gospel and repent to be saved, but this compliance of faith is a gift from God (Philippians 1:29; Ephesians 2:8), and thus God completely and sovereignly achieves the salvation of sinners, including the chief (1 Timothy 1:15). In other words, faith is a fruit of regeneration, not the cause of it. God saves sinners so that they will believe, not because they believe out of their own resources. Many Reformed theologians teach that people are predestinated to damnation (as the doctrine of reprobation). There is less agreement among the Reformed regarding reprobation than predestination to salvation (the doctrine of election).

In practice, Calvinists teach sovereign grace mostly for encouragement of the church because Calvinists believe the doctrine validates the extent of God's love for saving those who aren't able to follow him, or choose not to do so, as well as defeating pride and self-reliance and stressing Christians' total need for and dependence on the grace of God. In a similar way, sanctification in the Calvinist view involves a frequent dependence on God to gain victory over sin, and experience the joy of the Lord.

Most objections to and attacks on CALVINISM focus on the "five points of CALVINISM," also called the doctrines of grace, and remembered by the mnemonic "TULIP." The five points are popularly said to summarize the Canons of Dort, however there is no historical relationship between them, and some scholars argue that their language distorts the meaning of the Canons, Calvin's theology, and the theology of 17th-century Calvinistic orthodoxy, particularly in the language of total depravity and limited atonement. The five points were popularized in the 1963 booklet The Five Points of CALVINISM Defined, Defended, Documented by David N. Steele and Curtis C. Thomas. The origin of the five points and the acronym is unknown, but the earliest printed appearance of the T-U-L-I-P acronym is in Loraine Boettner's book, "The Reformed Doctrine Of Predestination" x 1932. The acronym was very cautiously if ever used by Calvinist apologists and theologians before the booklet by Steele and Thomas.

The central assertion of these points is that God saves every person upon whom he has mercy, and that his efforts aren't frustrated by the unrighteousness or inability of humans.

An additional point of disagreement with Arminianism implicit in the five points is the Calvinist understanding of the doctrine of Jesus's substitutionary atonement as a punishment for the sins of the elect, which was developed by St. Augustine and especially St. Anselm and Calvin himself. Calvinists argue that if Christ takes the punishment in the place of a particular sinner, that person must be saved since it would be unjust for him then to be condemned for the same sins. The definitive and binding nature of this satisfaction model has strong implications for each of the five TULIP points, and it has led some Arminians to subscribe instead to the governmental theory of atonement. Under that theory, no particular sins or sinners are in view, but all of humanity are included in those whose sins have been taken away. The atonement wasn't the penalty of the law, but a substitute for the penalty, which allows God to remit the penalty by his grace when any sinner repents and believes in Jesus as the Christ.

This table summarizes the classical views of three Protestant beliefs about salvation.

RELATED SITES FOR CALVINISM


* CALVINISM: A Christian belief system about salvation read Calvinism
* CALVINISM - Theopedia, an encyclopedia of Biblical Christianity read Calvinism
* CALVINISM: Definition from Answers.com - Answers - The Most read Calvinism
* CALVINISM: A History: D. G. Hart: 9780300148794: Amazon.com: Books read Calvinism

Wiccan Research Studying Towards Your Path

Wiccan Research Studying Towards Your Path
Wicca is a path that requires a lot more study for the everyday practitioner than many religions. Wiccans sort through the basic "Wicca 101" info rather quickly. It is a great start to get a general book about wicca if you are new.

Here are some sources for beginners (not all are strictly "wiccan" but all are valuable starts):

BOOKS


"Wicca; a guide for the Solitary Practitioner" a Further guide for the Solitary Practitioner"

by Scott Cunningham

"Green Witchcraft", "Green witchcraft II >WEB

About.com "Pagan and Wiccan Religion" with Patti Wigington ;

Wicca for the Rest of Us ; (note: a tad harsh)

WitchVox. ;

Covenant of the Goddess ;

Circle Sanctuary ;

Witchschool ;

Church of Universal Eclectic Wicca ;

However, most wiccans don't get very far before they realize they need MORE. This is where wiccan reasearch comes into play. Wiccans deepen their experience through study, practice and craft.However, until you get the hang of things, research the spiritual is difficult and somewhat confusing.

Sources for more learning on wicca include (these are general good sources, keep in mind that I am an American so I may have that "Bias" on some of them, also there are MANY sources out there, these are just starting points:

Astrology : http://astrology.about.com/

Astronomy : http://www.nasa.gov/

Numerology : http://www.numerology.com/

Mathematics : http://mathworld.wolfram.com/

Divination : http://www.paralumun.com/divination.htm

Anthropology : http://www.aaanet.org/

Archaeology : http://www.archaeology.org/

History : http://www.history.com/

Mythology : http://www.pantheon.org/

Literature : http://www.literature.org/

Language : http://www.languageguide.org/

Mysticism : http://www.themystica.com/mystica/default.html

Theology : http://www.comparativereligion.com/

Philosophy : http://www.iep.utm.edu/

Psychology : http://www.apa.org/

Paranormal Study : http://www.the-atlantic-paranormal-society.com/

Martial Arts : http://www.martialinfo.com/

Yoga : http://www.yogajournal.com/

Tantra : http://www.whitelotuseast.com/

Dance : http://www.dancemagazine.com/

Folk Magic : http://www.apotropaios.co.uk/

Cooking : http://www.cooking.com/

Visual Arts : http://www.artnet.com/

Music : http://www.essentialsofmusic.com/

Gemology : http://www.yourgemologist.com/

Physics : http://www.physics.org/

Chemistry : http://portal.acs.org/portal/acs/corg/content

Alchemy : http://www.levity.com/alchemy/

Ecology : http://ecology.com/index.php

Biology : http://www.biology-online.org/

Holistic Medicine : http://www.holisticmedicine.org/

Midwifery : http://www.midwiferytoday.com/

Herbalism : http://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/

Geography : http://geography.usgs.gov/

Botany : http://www.botany.com/

Conservation : http://www.conservation.org/Pages/default.aspx

Hunting/ Fishing : http://www.outdoorsmenmag.com/

Survival : http://www.survivaltopics.com/

...etc

It is odd that all of these are "branching out" from the core subject, wicca & paganism. They are all encompassing life-skills and NO ONE will master them all. The idea is actually to view each as a tool adding to your practice and deeper understanding of wicca, our lifestyle and religion. The more you know, the more prepared you will be as your spirituality grows and your life changes. Learning about topics outside of wicca, informs your practice and broadens your horizons. Cooking dinner becomes a magical act. Hunting can become a spiritual experience, or Science can become the physical manifestation of magic.

I am "taking" this online course in "Science, Magic names, dates and locations are ideal.

Also, use a keen, critical eye. If things don't seem accurate, fact check. Try to use sources and information that is well researched and logical. If you choose to include BAD information on purpose, and you spread that information, you are still inherently responsible. In practice, if you include things that are "genuine" your experience will be that much more honest. Remember, you cannot lie to your own should and get away with it for long! You are what you include, so if you include truth and wisdom, that is what you'll get, if you include crud, you'll get crud!

Last resource: the community. There are many many incredible people, groups, and gatherings out there RICH with experience, ideas and diverse opinions! Take advantage of them. An hour conversation with a truly wise sage can outdo hours of reading or websurfing.

So, Remember: Study, Learn, Apply, Repeat.

Blessed Be!

-Megan