Catholicism and Pope Francis

The message is clear that I get from the new Pope.  He is not pushing Catholicism onto people nor is he forcing rules of Catholicism onto the public.  Pope Francis is spreading humanity and kindness and joy and help to the poor.  Around the world, Catholics and non Catholics gather to see him and his radiant energy of love. 

I have always envisioned Catholics to be Christians and to believe in the same words, but with stricter rules and regulations regarding faith and God.  But that is not what I see these days with this Pope leading the way.

Looking at his daily mass, at http://www.news.va/en/sites/reflections, Pope Francis speaks of God and love over and over again.  His focus is on the homeless, the sick, the poor, no matter their religion.

Rather than condemn Catholics when their marriage has failed, he prayed that they be accompanied in their time of need.  He met with a transgender man.  He comes across open and honest, even on touchy subjects like the abuse of children in the Catholic church, which tried to be covered up in previous years.

Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury describes the Pope as "humanity on fire."

Pope Francis said "resist competing for souls and make concrete gestures of acceptance and dialogue." He urges us to have Christian unity.

He also says "the most effective antidote to violence among Christians and Muslims is learning about each other and then accepting differences."

Check out more illuminating articles and quotes at http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/pope-ridding-stereotypes-key-christian-muslim-relations-28449597

I never considered myself Catholic, I always thought that I, myself, could ask God for forgiveness without confessing to a Priest.  And it is relieving and inspiring letting go of words in my heart and mind to God, but I can imagine it being just as uplifting speaking my sins to a Priest.  Also, I think birth control is a blessing and that children should come into a world of love and not regret and if birth control helps ease the pain and burden of some then it can't be all bad.  Furthermore, it is God that provides us the knowledge to create medicine and technology and it is up to us to use it responsibly.

However, the message coming from Pope Francis and Catholics is a message I believe in.  I can say that part of me is Catholic and my hope is to spread love and humanity just as much as Pope Francis.

Kleicha-Food that Reaches Across Religions- Jews, Christians,and Muslims

Food always seems to bring people together and inspires laughter and smiles with a full belly.  That's why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  Its only about the food, no presents, no expectations (except eating), just a general appreciation of life and people and family and grateful for the food we have.  I started thinking that perhaps food could also bring religions together like it seems to do for families.   In my search, I came across United Noshes.  They are attempting to prepare food from all of the countries in the world!  Its a great feat and I'm excited to try some of their recipes. 

One in particular showed my interest.  Kleicha.  This date filled pastry is from Iraq and from a time when Iraq was filled with many religions.  Jews, Christians, and Muslims would all make this pastry to celebrate the holidays of each of the religions.  It is said to even have origins as far back as Babylonian times!



For the recipe, http://maryamsculinarywonders.blogspot.com/2013/01/285-iraqi-date-kleicha.html.

For United Noshes and other world cuisine, check out http://www.unitednoshes.com/.

Yazidis

Yazidis have been in the news a lot lately, due to their persecution by ISIS.  Who are they?  It is another religion I have never heard of until recently.  It makes me wonder how many more religions there are out there...And I can't wait to explore them all!

Yazidis primarily reside in Iraq, Syria, and Turkey.  Many of Yazidi beliefs come from Christianity and Islam together.  And Yazidis adhere to much of the Bible and the Koran.

It is rumored to have been founded by an 11th century Ummayyad sheikh, and comes from Zoroastrianism, an ancient Persian faith, believed to be the world's first monotheistic religion.

Children are baptized, and circumcised, like Christianity.  Yasdan, the Creator of the world, or God, is the almighty for the Yazidis and can't be worshipped directly.  Yasdan has seven great spirits or angels and the greatest is the Peacock Angel, called Malak Taus.  The peacock is a symbol of immortality in early Christianity because the skin doesn't seem to decay.  Yazidis pray to Malak Taus five times a day, like Muslims pray five times a day and refrain from eating pork, like Muslims.  They sacrifice animals and believe in rebirth of the soul or reincarnation like Hinduism.  So, this ancient religion is even more than Christianity and Islam.

Malak Taus has yet another name, Shaytan, which is Arabic for devil.  And this is why Yazidis are believed to be" devil worshippers".  But Yazidi is derived from the Persian "ized" and means angel.  Izidis actually means "worshippers of God".

It is a strong religion that has lasted centuries of persecution and yet the Yazidis march on, never abandoning their faith.  And also never converting others to their religion. One cannot convert to Yazidi, you have to be born into it to be a part of this unique religion.

Therefore, their faith I can say is solid and true and a part of Omnism.  Though I can't convert to Yazidi, I can accept and believe in what they do.

Check out BBC for a great article about the Yazidis.  http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-28686607

 

Worshipping Rats

When I told my husband that I believe I'm an Omnist, he asked me if I will start worshiping rats then?  I laughed at his joke, thinking that there was no such religion that worshiped rats. 

Well there is actually, worshipers of the  Hindu goddess Karni Mata.  She was born in 1444 and lived 151 years and it is believed that she could perform miracles.  In the village of Deshnoke in India, there is a temple, Karni Mata Temple, where worshipers go and give gifts to the rats at the temple, believing they are the incarnation of the goddess and the tribes people of the clan, until they are reborn again as human anyway.  So, people travel great distances to feed the rats or the goddess and their tribes people in the temple.

Hinduism is a complicated religion and one I haven't touched on.  I don't know for certain the exact number, but it has many gods or goddesses that different regions and people worship and believe in.  Some of the Hindu's I have spoken with tell me that it could be impossible for them to know all of the gods and goddesses personally but each Hindu holds one or a few sacred to them. I do hope that in my Omnism journey, I will learn more about the amazing Hindu religion.

As an Omnist, I can't say that I will be walking along the temple in Dashnoke, nor will I be feeding or dining with rats anytime soon.  But I do not begrudge anyone that believes in the goddess Karni Mata, nor her incarnation.  And I do believe that the faith in the goddess and the reincarnation of the tribe is real.  It reminds me that we should respect all living things, because you never know if you shall be reincarnated as a rat in the next life.


Here's a great article of the Temple with National Geographic,
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/06/0628_040628_tvrats.html
 

Sikhism



Sikhism seems to be a more and more popular religion.  It has been in the news quite often these days and I wonder why?  I never even  heard of it until just recently, even though it is now the world's fifth largest religion.

After researching Sikhism.  I can understand the fascination.  It is a giving religion, focusing on living a good life and doing good deeds and avoiding sins and showing compassion and kindness, believing all are equal and not doing empty religious rituals.  Like so many religions, these are the core beliefs.

Sikhs are monotheists, the belief in one God, it's important to them to do good works and not false rituals, have God in your heart, give to the poor, and serve others. 

Sikhism began in the India, Pakistan region in the 1500's with Guru Nanak.    They did not believe in the caste system and idol worship as was and is still popular in the region.  I'm sure it was difficult for them in an area ruled by Hinduism and Islam, but the religion stayed strong with nine more Guru's leading the way the years to come.

When accepted into the religion, you become a member of Khalsa and are baptized and must follow the Sikh code, or the five K's.   Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (a steel bracelet), Kanga (a wooden comb), Kaccha (cotton underwear) and Kirpan (steel sword). 


Sikhs believe in birth, life, and rebirth.  And Karma, what you do in this life, will determine the quality of your next life. To achieve a good life, Sikhs must follow Nam Japna, keeping God in mind at all times; Kirt Karna, earn an honest living and avoid crime; and Vand Chhanka, giving to charity.  These are the three duties.  There are five vices that Sikhs must overcome, lust, greed, attachment to worldly items, anger, and pride.  If the vices are overcome, a Sikh may have a better life in the next life.
The Sikh place of worship is the Gurdwara. 
The Sikh book of worship is Guru Granth Sahib.

For more facts on Sikhism, check out the description here http://www.sikhs.org/

Overall, I would say that this is a great religion to add to my list and I do believe as the Sikhs do.  We are all equal, and we should take care of those less fortunate than us, and life isn't about religious rituals but just in keeping God and goodness in our hearts.  I also believe in Karma and making this life count and the possibility of being born again or rebirth.

What Omnism Means to Me

Wikipedia states that Omnism is the recognition and respect of all religions.  Merriam-Webster says that an Omnist is one that believes in all religions.  For me Omnism and being an Omnist is exactly those things and more.  It is certain that religions are true.  The belief and power people put behind religious teachings makes them true.  The inspiring essence of God and wonders of the world brings faith and a smile to our hearts.  The history and proofs of religions that have held steady through thousands of years makes them true.  I cannot within my conscience say that one is wrong over the other. 

Omnism is more than even all of that.  It is a peace of mind and a united people.  It is letting go of hate to those that are different and letting go of arguments that try to prove who is right and who is wrong in their belief.  It is acceptance in what is and could be.  Omnism is a feeling of not only faith but of extraordinary rather than explanation.


Here is a good article that talks about Omnism that I enjoyed reading.
http://www.psychicsuniverse.com/articles/spirituality/living-spiritual-life/omnism-new-spiritual-belief
 

About Me

I was raised Christian and still very much believe in God and Jesus.  My family, though not extremely religious has always instilled God in my life and the teachings of the Bible.  They have taught me what is right and wrong, moral values, and the ten commandments.  Christianity has been in my heart and will never leave me.

I met my husband while in the Peace Corps and living in Muslim country, Mauritania.  My husband is Muslim and there are so many things that are right in his religion also.  We have many similarities in our religions.  The belief in one God, or Allah, is just one of many.  I do believe Mohammad came to the world and brought change with him.  My thoughts are that Mohammad and God saw sin and Mohammad was a way to bring morals to society once again. 

Judaism was the beginning of both of those religions and was what Jesus himself was raised.  Therefore, if you believe in Christianity and Islam, then you must believe in Judaism also.

Then there are the many Christian sects.  Catholicism, Protestant, Baptist, and so many more.  They are the same and use the same Bible.  Just different interpretations and opinions on one word.  But ultimately, all encompass Christianity.

Finally, Buddhism, which has been a recent fascination.  I am drawn to the serenity and beauty of this calm religion.  And I believe in the truths of Buddhism and meditating, though difficult, does bring a peace of mind. 

There are many more religions that I haven't mentioned and know little about.  But as my discovery of Omnism continues, I hope to find them to be as true as I do the ones I am already familiar with.