During the week, Write a Religion Topic of Your Choosing. Due Nov 6th

Thoughts On “Elie Weisel”

This story about “Elie Weisel” is a very sad story. His was a survivor of the “Concentration Camps” in World War II. Despite his entire family being executed in the death camps, he would later inspire the world with his remarkable determination of strength, will, and courage. As I can see, he became a well renowned writer of the 20th Century. His stories have touched all people and admirers who have read his literature. This man is the perfect example, of one who never gives up his faith in life. No matter what devastating circumstances he may have emcountered due to discrimination and hate, “Elie Weisel” has become a modern day “hero” for the oppressed people of the world. He has helped to educate people of all races, colors, and cultures. Maybe, “Elie Weisel” can write a letter to help the monks who are being beaten and killed in Myanmar, formally know as “Burma”. I am sure that with his great reputation, it should help the monks in Myanmar achieve the religious freedom that they truly deserve! His positive feedback will greatly influence the government and the country of Burma to listen to what he has to say. He might organize and march in some type of peaceful demonstration, for the monks. The story of “Elie Weisel” has touched the entire world we all live in. Please post any comments?

http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/wie0pro-1

Chris Thoma
Relg109DFB
6:15P.M to 9:05 P.M
Fall 2007Professor Susan De George

Dr. Rev. Thomas A. Hughart Leader of The Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church In Yonkers, New York

Question to ask clergyperson: Of the religious tradition, regarding the traditions beliefs, ethics, and ritual practices and how they are related to one another?

Dr. Rev, Thomas A. Hughart was ordained 51 years. I spoke with him following the services being held at the Presbyterian Church In Yonkers, New York on Sunday October 21, 2007. We spoke about beliefs, rituals, ethics, and the Presbyterian Community in Yonkers, New York.

Beliefs

What does the Congregation emphasize?“Diversity, which is celebrated. In the church 17 different countries from South America, Europe, and Asia etc are honored” (Hughart).

What does Presbyterian mean? “Is a Greek word (power of the church) which is vested in (Elders church session) all the Power is in the “Church Scriptures” (Hughart).

Over time, what has changed Presbyterian Religion’s major beliefs, issues, Church? “Interpretations of Scriptures used as a “Metaphor” for understanding our life of events” (Hughart).

Rituals

How has your worship practice changed over the years?“Inclusive of Hymns, from Latin America, and Africa. Rock Contemporary music was used in Church (Bruce CockBurn CD) Projections were used in Church (Modern Technology)” (Hughart).

My religion is Catholic Vs. Presbyterian religion? “In communion Catholics are given every mass, only once a month in the Presbyterian religion. They serve grape juice, not wine. The Rev Thomas Hughart will visit hospitals and bless people who are ill and serve them Communion. “The Lords Prayer” is said “debts and debtors”(Hughart).

Ethics

Big issues denomination? “Do not ordain Gay and Lesbians” (Hughart).

What is the Role of Women? “Its is very important, they can serve in all positive positions in the church as an Elder or Minister”. Yes, “women can become a minister or a Reverend” (Hughart).

What are your Community Affairs? “Nest for Korean, Indian congregation fellowship, Orthodox Church of India, Senior Citizens Group, Recovery Group for Mental Illness in Yonkers, New York, Alcoholic Anonymous in Yonkers, New York”(Hughart).


How would your church help immigrants? “We welcome them, with English as second language Spanish as a second language, and computer classes that are free” (Hughart).

How would you help with the War In Iraq? “Opposing the war in Iraq. The Presbyterian Church does not believe Israel controls God’s Foreign Policy” (Hughart).

Community

Do you work with other Churches? “Good Shepard Jointly on Walnut Street, in Yonkers, New York” (Hughart). “The Good South Presbyterian Church on Radford Street, in Yonkers, New York” (Hughart).

Chris Thoma
Relg109DFB
6:15 to 9:05 p.m
Professor Susan De Georoge
Fall 2007

THE BRYN MAWR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH GOING FORWARD-GROWING STRONGER

I was raised Catholic while I was growing up in New York. The Presbyterian Religion always fascinated me. I wondered what the differences were between the two religions.My research began with The Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. This Neighborhood Landmark Church originally was across the street on Lockwood Avenue, Yonkers, New York. They moved the church 50 years ago in 1957 to Buckingham Road. The Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church was built in the year of 1911. The present day leader of this church is Dr. Rev, Thomas A. Hughart. The Parish Associate is Rev. Win Peacock. The Organist/Choir Director is Mrs. Judith Skoog. The emphasis of this church is “Going forward-Getting Stronger”. Pastor Tom’s attire was a black rope with green trim. His left arm had three red stripes. The interior of the church is beautiful. The stained glass windows are multicolored Art Deco glass with the image of “Jesus Christ” facing the congregation. Beautiful red velvet cushions were on the oak benches. There were a small gathering of people of different races and cultures, all sharing the same Presbyterian belief. The ceremony began with organ music that began the worship at the Presbyterian Church on October 21, 2007 Sunday at 10:00 a.m. The books of Presbyterian religion are the Presbyterian Hymnal and the Bible. These books were used for the celebration of the “Scriptures” as interpreted by the Presbyterian religion. The choir lady brought a dog into the church and sang in the choir. This religion does not require the congregation to kneel in church like in the Catholic Church. “The Lord’s Prayer” was somewhat different from the Catholic version of “Lords Prayer”. Communion is served every other week, unless if it is Lent. The title of the sermon was “Finding God In The Gaps”. There was also an event after service; “Blessing The Animals”. The congregants could bring their pets to be blessed by Pastor Thomas Hughart. There was prayer for the dead, and sick people. The minister spoke of the “Gift of Gratitude”, “God with your spirit bless this offering for peace and justice in your world”. Many beautiful Presbyterian Hymns were sung in Church. “For the Beauty of the Earth”, Let Us with a Gladsome Mind”, and “Christ of the Upward Way” were the melodies of the choir. The morning offering had two ladies come with an offering plate to collect donations. The donations were collected in a circular pan that was gold in color. Scriptures as interpreted by the Presbyterian Religion are strictly held by the faithful as to what you are taught, and what you believe. Everything in the Scriptures is God’s Word, all of which is useful for teaching, and helping people, and correcting them, by showing them how to live. Scriptures train God’s servants to do all kinds of good deeds. Preach God’s message do it willingly, even if is not the popular thing to do, we must correct people and point out their sins”. Also cheer them up, and when you instruct them always be patient. “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3.16 Presbyterian Hymnal).

THE TITLE OF THE SERMON: “FINDING GOD IN THE CAPS”
“Time of the children”

Rev Thomas Hughart was addressing the “Time of the children”. “He was speaking of people who are under 40 years old, and he considered them still as children” (Hughart). He also considered those who are over forty years old; still have a child living in all of them”(Hughart). Rev Hughart said “that this morning he needs the help of “Bruce Cockburn”, to help him with “Time Of The Children”. (Hughart). “We all need to be educated, that is, that is what you came for”(Hughart). He is also encouraging the audience to listen to this song. Written by “Bruce Cockburn” he is a Christian Rock Star, and recorded a number of different albums. One of his songs is called “Message of the main Sermon”. He will sing the song in contemporary terms. The title of the Song is: “Lovers in a Dangerous Time” and the verse is really like a text for the sermon. The verse is “Keep kicking until the Sunlight bleeds in” and “Keep kicking at the Darkness until the sunlight bleeds in” The Rev Thomas Hugart played the CD in church. All observers were in disbelief, including myself, that Rock Contemporary music was being played in a Presbyterian church. Thomas Hughart “said, “ou all must felt like you were in a wrong church”, “and, “you all must have felt you were in the wrong building”! (Hughart). “But you are in the right place”! (Hughart). Emphasis of the song was, “Keep at the darkness until the sunshine bleeds through”. I got the message; it was a beautiful song being sung by the Rock Star. It was very moving, and totally unexpected. It would inspire a lot of young churchgoers to come to the Presbyterian Church in Yonkers, New York. The meaning of this song was meant to encourage all of us to work through the trials and errors we make in our lifetime. Our God in our church will help us get through these difficult times. The Presbyterian Church is truly “Going Forward”, and “Growing Stronger”.

Bruce Cockburn

“PERSISTENT WIDOW” (From The Bible)

The Persistent Widow is about, praying and never quitting. They talk about a corrupt judge who had no religious faith. There was a widow, whose need for justice. She kept her battle going on with the corrupt judge. Eventually the judge would be influenced by her strength, faith, and wisdom. This story was used to strengthen the audience who were attending the service on Sunday October 21, 2007. This story was retold by Rev Thomas Hughart to help the congregation with problems in their own personal life.

THE MEANING OF PERSISTENCE

2007, happens to be 200th anniversary of the abolition of slave trading in the British Empire. The man responsible for this was William Golderforth a young man member of the Parliament, in Great Britain. He cared less about social issues and justice. Robert Parsons was a friend of his, and influenced him, to devote his life the abolition of Slave trade. For the next twenty years of his life, Golderforth was lobbying and talking to people in the British Parliament. Eventually, he got enough support from the British government to end their enrollment in Slave trading. William Golderforth was an example of “PERSISTENCE”. For him god is the one who comes to us when we feel that God is in the absence, of our lives. Calling in god to fill up the gaps. God in the gap. He will come down and intervene and reinforce us. Prayer is more than just intellectual exercise, and exhibition of faith. It is the total commitment by you. Jesus said, prayer should be in your heart, and mind. God is filling in the gaps. “We can all bring greater justice to the world”. “There is a complexity of the moral issues of world, only the Bible can help us understand and figure out what to do” (Hughart).

Evolution is an Example Used By Pastor Tom

God caused the process of evolution, and encourages us to move forward. Rev. Hughart said, “that there is scientific evidence that the universe was created, by a variety of animals, and plants, and that God is in the Gap” (Hughart).

Point of View By Rev. Thomas A. Hughart

Congress’s recommendation that Turkey be condemned, for the genocide of one million and half Armenians. The Leader of the Church called this a dilemma. Against genocide if we condemn Turkey, then we loose their support in the fight against Iraq, which is a threat to Israel. “This is the kind of complex world we live in”(Hughart). Rev. Hughart job is to sort out such dilemmas. He will help you to raise your awareness for some of these issues. Pastor Tom is against the war in the genocide in Turkey. However we have to handle Turkey carefully, because she gives us military support.

BLESSING THE ANIMALS

There was a service “Blessing The Animals” from 11:30am to 11:45 am on October 21, 2007 Sunday. People in the neighborhood and members of the Congregation owned the majority of the dogs that were blessed outside of the Presbyterian Church. Pastor Tom blessed these beautiful animals, with their beloved masters. The breed of the pets included poodles, beagles, and various dogs. God loves all creatures great and small.
































































Chris Thoma
Relg109DFB
6:15 to 9:05 P.M.
Professor Susan De George
Fall 2007

MY PERSONAL KAMIDANA

DOG

My Akita who happens to be a Japanese breed is named Jade Ono. Like Jade, she brings us good luck, and strong faith.

TREE

The trees provides us with oxygen, shade, protection from the wind, and cold winters.

ROSEARY BEADS

They are a symbol of the Catholic religion. We pray to Mary our Blessed Mother.

CRUCIFIX

Represents Jesus Christ’s “Ultimate Sacrifice” for all Christians, who believed in him.

FLOWERS (chrysanthemums)

Represent Joy, peace, vitality, and happiness. In Japan, they celebrate the Kiku festival using these beautiful chrysanthemums.

FAMILY

My family is the strength of my life. They give me love, affection, and education.

My Kamidana would be place on the mantle of our home. The fireplace is focal point to a family’s home. When company comes they gather in that sacred area. I can admire and show more gratitude for all these important objects, and people in my life. Shinto religion would respect the sacred objects of other religions, such as the Catholic Rosary Beads, and Crucifix that are found on my Kamidana (Holy Sacred Shelf). The tree and chrysanthemums are sacred symbols of nature. The Shinto religion would look at them as if they were gods. My dog would also be worshiped as a sacred gift from a god.


Chris Thoma
Relg109DFB
Wednesday 6:15pm to 9:05pm
Professor Susan De George
Fall 2007

Monks Make Appeal for Peace

Burmese monks and supporters walk and marched through Rockland County on October 22, 2007. The marcher’s focus is on the violence that is going on in Myanmar, which is formerly known as Burma. Protesters that said “Free Burma”, as sweet aromas rose from candlesticks, wore many posters. The peace walk, was lead by Jun Yasuda, a Buddhist monk. This peaceful march in protest it being done as a request to ask the U.N Security Council to take action on this matter. Hopefully, the U.N and the world will end military violence in Myanmar. Buddhist monk and leaders, who are already in prison for working for democracy, are afraid of being executed to death. “The group has between 25 and 50 walkers everyday”(The Journal News 22 Oct 2007). They also ask if we write letters to the U.N Security Council and the leaders of our government. Perhaps we can write letters or march peacefully in the support of these gentle people of Burma. The entire world is watching as this continues to go on. Please post any comments.

http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007710220351

Discussion of the Ideas of Lao-Tzu and Confucius and The Dali Lama

Tao-tzu said to live simply. Live like nature, don’t be jealous of others. Help nature flourish for the years to come. We intend to address the internal way of the universe. All that has, does, and will exist. All things in existence must be of the external way. Don’t overly use your credit card. Don’t buy more than you need in you everyday life. The philosopher Confucius said wise sayings in China to help people learn about nature, the world, and human behavior. He helped give advice to the government of China and the emperor by teaching them lessons on how the emperor should rule China successfully. Both philosophers combined will help us live a peaceful and simple life. We will live more like god’s creatures. In today’s modern world we have the Dali Lama in Tibet. He is a spiritual leader of his country and mentor to the world. He recently received the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. He spoke on behalf of his country of Tibet, to Congress, and the world. He is a pacifist who is encouraging the U.S to help fight for the people of Myanmar to achieve freedom and democracy. He wants us to promote harmony and human rights and justice. He does not want to get involved with the big state government of China. The Dali Lama appears to be inspired by Confucius when he lectures to the people of the world against big government. But he does not want the government to restrict the people’s basic rights. His attire is a symbol of his stoic nature, and love of the simpler things in life. The world should respect these religious leaders and their philosophers. The world will become a much better place to live in.

Chris Thoma

Relg109DFB

Wednesday 6:15 to 9:05 pm

Fall 2007

Professor Susan De George

Ideas of Tao and Wu Wei to your own life.

Tao is literally, the way, or the way of nature. Tao means the path or the way. It is a universal principle that underlies everything from the creation of galaxies to interaction of human beings. Teachings of Tao are vast and beyond human logic. If you would like to understand Tao, reasoning alone will not suffice. You must also apply intuition. Don’t get too much involved with the knowledge. Do not work very hard. Do not boast about yourself. Life is to be lived very simply. Wealth is not to be aspired to. Fancy Cars, homes, should not be our top priority, that kind of thing. Do not be envious of someone else’s academic achievement. You should be interested into the day-to-day basis of everyday life. They did not have much interest into gods or life after death. The tallest tree will be cut down first. The lumberjack sees it first. This religious faith encourages you to bind with nature and its natural environment. Wu Wei is Taoist principle of non-aggression and pacifism. Pacifism means to join the antiwar protest. Help the Buddhism monks. You can join the Peace Corps. Work against domestic violence in America. Work against road rage in our country we live in. Vote for an anti-war presidential candidate. Refuse to pay income tax against as protes towards Iraq War. Wu Wei is defined as knowing when to act, and not to act. Wu is not to have. Wei may be to do, act, serve as, govern. Wu Wei is without action. To achieve a state of perfect equilibrium, or alignment with the Tao and, result is to obtain an irresistible form of soft and invisible. The animals live in harmony. Peaceful coexistence with the other animals, and the other beings on the planet is what we should care about most. We should live simpler lives. Use solar energy in our homes. Don’t rely on modern technology, such as air conditioning, and electricity, too often. This could save our natural resources. Too much development in our towns and communities could lead to a global catastrophe. Global warming is on the rise throughout the entire the earth. I am willing to carryout these tasks on a day-to-day basis. I feel by doing so, it will strengthen my soul, and compassion for people, and wildlife.

Chris Thoma

Relg109DFB

Wednesday 6:15 to 9:05pm

Fall 2007

Professor Susan De George

Some Big Questions Regarding Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism

HINDUISM

BUDDHISM





JAINISM

SIKHISM

God is called Brahman the Ultimate Reality in Hinduism. Central to Hinduism are the concepts of reicarnation, the caste system, merging with Brahman or the Ultimate Reality finding morality, and reaching Nirvana. Nirvana is the peaceful escape from the cycle of reincarnation. Buddhism is regarded as a religion without an Absolute Creator God who created the universe. Absolute Creator God is absent in most forms of Buddhism, vneration and worship of Gautama Buddha and other Buddhas do play a role in both Theravada and Mahayanna Buddhism. When speaking of the Jainism perspective, God does not create, nor does he favor those who praise him, for what would make God imperfect. God simply inspires, and that is what Jain worship is for. The fundamental belief of Sikhism is that God exists, not merely as an idea or concept, but as a real enity, indescribable yet knowable and perceivable to anyone who is prepared to dedicate the time and energy to become perceptive to his or her persona. Buddhism focuses on the now, making it as good as possible. We are responsible for our own lives. We should be involved in our community to improve it. Jainism broke away form Hinduism. Jainism soul is considered life it is eternal. Thus souls are held in matter, which comes from Karma, which are the past's actions of our life's, so the soul is never free, and it lives endless lives. The world existed forever and ever it was never created. They don't rely on gods. It is an urban religion. They feel if you do good work on earth your soul will be released. They don't really speak of a heaven. Sikhism is a very simple religion. They have no priests. The people are the ministers. Indra is the god of the thunderbolt, rain, cluds, and the ruler of heaven. Nirvana is literally blowing out of the end cousciousness. Releases to the cycle of rebirth. It lets you extingusih yourself. Sansara is dying and being reborn 1000 different lifetimes. Does your personal religion relate to anyone of these types of religions? Please post any comments.

Chris Thoma
Relg109DFB

Wednesday 6:15 to 9:05p.m

Professor Susan De George

Fall 2007

World Reaction to People in Myanmar

Marchers protest in Myanmar. They are fighting for change. These people are looking for democracy. The Buddhist monks are like Gandhi. They are leading peaceful protests. While they are protesting they are being killed. At first the world was not aware of this situation. Now, a UN representative was sent to talk to their military leaders. The UN leader felt that he did not make any progress. More intervention will probably become available as more people learn of these horrors. It is like these poor people are put to war in their own country. The UN representative will hopefully go back again to solve this dilemma. Also monks are marching in other parts of the world, such as London, Australia, Paris. The British Prime Minister Brown said, “the anger of the world has been expressed about the outrages that have taken place against the people of Burma”(The Journal News 5 Oct 2007). In Taipei hundreds of people protested during a typhoon. To help the Buddhists monks in Myanmar. I feel great that other parts of the world are putting pressure on them. What do you think is going to happen? Do you have any suggestions on this topic. Feel free to post your comments?

News Article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071006/ap_on_re_as/myanmar_071003233642

Chris Thoma

Relg109DFB

Wednesday 6:15pm to 9:05pm

Professor Susan De George

Fall 2007

Due October 9th

Observation of Immigration In Our Community.
What Would Buddha Think?


Many Hispanic people are coming to this country illegally. Hispanic immigrants have a reputation as being hard working people. They work in construction sites, local restaurants, and also work in upper middle class homes. They have varied occupational jobs such as cooks, maids, landscaping, and nannies. Many average American citizens do not want to do these types of jobs. Because there has been so much controversy surrounding these immigrant people and their place in American society, and because of our government’s concern about terrorism, our government had started to round up employees from McDonalds restaurants and arrested them. Many of them have lived here for many years and started families. These hardworking classes of people have contributed to our great country. Last week law enforcement went to several different McDonalds restaurants and apprehended these foreign born workers. Their homes have been broken into over night. Not all immigrants are terrorist for sure or criminals! Buddhism teaches us that people must find their own enlightenment by helping themselves. In my opinion, these people are showing self-discipline, by leaving their country. They made huge sacrifices leaving their own families behind. When they work at these jobs they are demonstrating self-discipline. These people should be well respected. I believe they are leading a type of life that Buddha would admire and respect! Buddha speaks of people exercise this self-discipline as becoming saints. The advocates are people who help these people. They might also be considered saints, such as social workers, Hispanic organizations, politicians, church leaders, and organizations. Gov. Eliot Spizter has proposed a bill to give the people driver’s licenses and better health insurance for their children. “Spizter decries ‘Hysterical rhetoric’ over immigrants” (The Journal News 3 Oct 2007). Assemblyman Greg Ball, Republican from Carmel says, “He is extending a huge loophole which is a national-security nightmare,” (The Journal News 3 Oct 2007). Spizter has New York seeking a lawsuit with seven other states to force the Bush administration to allow better health insurance programs. This is not about socialism it is about helping more children. Buddha would consider Eliot Spizter as a modern day saint. This would be a partial solution to this immigrant controversy. Immigrants would have a better standard of living in our country. Everyone at one time was an immigrant, whether it would be our parents or grandparents. Do you think that Buddha would approve of this practice? Please post your comments.

Article: http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007710030355

Cartoon Article: http://davies.lohudblogs.com/files/2007/10/davies100307.jpg

Chris Thoma
Relg109DFB
Wednesday 6:15pm to 9:05pm
Professor Susan De George
Fall 2007

Due October 9th. Post a Religion topic of your choosing

Buddhist Monks being killed in Myanmar

The monks are supposed to be saints, according to Buddha. The Myanmar government is killing them off, because they are protesting peacefully to obtain democracy. The monks live very simple lives. They try to help others. We can look at them as the Buddha’s who come down to earth to help men and women. The government they are living under in Myanmar is under the influence of the military. As the protest has gotten larger, then began to use many weapons against them, and have killed them. The world is watching in horror as this is going on. As of October 4th, a United Nations representative was sent to talk to the leaders of the country. But he is not optimistic on how much they listen. I actually saw a picture on a Buddhist monk floating face down in the waters of Myanmar, on a televised news report. This is a terrible situation, which must be corrected. Additionally, the Myanmar government is breaking into people’s homes as they sleep as a form of intimidation for protesting. Should our government get more deeply involved in this matter? What is your opinion? Please post your comments.

Article Link: http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007709260460

Chris Thoma
Relg109DFB
Wednesday 6:15pm to 9:05pm
Professor Susan De George
Fall 2007