text:
- Peter Hodges
- Taunton
- United Kingdom
This conversation is closed.
Does religion have any relevance in the modern world ?
Given that most religions are founded on ideas and teachings that come from books written hundreds, or even thousands of years ago, and that their relevance to modern ideas have been superceded by scientific discoveries, is it logical to have any belief in religion ?
Apr 18 2012: Logic is not the gauge by which to measure religion.
"religion" and "science" are not in competition for the same job. I don't even think they work in the same building..
Apr 18 2012: Hi Scott, I agree they are not completely mutually exclusive, but there is a tense overlap where science may challenge some religious notions depending on the religion. E.g. that the Earth is 6,000 years old.
Deist concepts have less conflict.
Apr 18 2012: I agree Scott, that religion and science are not in competition for the same job....well put!!!
It seems like the "tense overlap" is not caused by the practices, but rather by people. It is only insecure people who get "tense" when his/her belief is challenged with different information:>)Apr 18 2012: Good point. I find it disturbing when religion is presented as science. Especially in 'educational' texts. It's like wearing a "proved by science" badge to legitimise belief and faith.
I figure there's room for all proofs and faiths in this universe. God is a Scientist.
Apr 18 2012: Good point Scott!
If we are all made in the image and likeness of god, like it says in the bible, then you're right...god is also the scientist! And if god created all things...like it says in the bible, then he/she/it created the process of evolution too:>)Apr 19 2012: Have faith in God, not in religion. Again, many people mistakenly think one is the other.
We should not "believe" in religion, as religion is merely the practise of a belief. The belief is in something greater than ourselves, which quite frankly is relevant, because the best of people come to thefore when they get outside of their self-interest.
Comment deleted
Apr 20 2012: Humility, exactly. I agree. Humility is actually one of the strongest personality traits, especially since it is considered so utterly without value in our culture, where self-aggrandisement and bravado and rugged independence is the ultimate personal goal.
edward long
Apr 18 2012: Now that I know that by "religion" you mean purely human constructs having to do with deities I can answer your question: religion has no relevance in the modern world. This would be a totally different question if the word religion were replaced by the word God. Most people think those two words are synonmyous. They are absolutely not!
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Apr 18 2012: Actually my answer would be pretty much the same for god, religion, immortal spirits etc
Highly speculative concepts.
Now transcedent experience and personal spiritual journies can have a profound impact on people.
Prayer or meditation also.
My view are these experiences are real.
The interpretation is highly subjective and seen through the belief system and world view of the individual.
It may be all in our heads.
Or maybe it is something more.
No one really knows.
Back to the original question, I would suggest that religion and belief in gods is not even necessary to have a very personal consciousness journey.
Certainly religion or god or divine speculation is probably the most common approach.Apr 17 2012: Obviously it is relevant to billions of individuals.
It impacts all of us whether you believe or not.
Is it logical to have religious beliefs?
Maybe it is logical to avoid being alienated, to want to be part of your society, to please your parents.
Believing all the conflicting beliefs can be correct is illogical.
Eun A Jo
Apr 16 2012: Faith cannot be superceded by scientific discoveries.
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And personally, though I consider myself an agnostic, I enjoy the sheer diversity of cultures and perspectives of people around me, and religion is a grave part of it. Though it's true that religion has often been misused for the purpose of illegitimate control, the core teachings, as Colleen points out, can be meaningful.
Apr 16 2012: I agree Eun A Jo,
I do not practice a religion, and personally think/feel that much of the dogma is limiting and controling, However, as long as a religious belief and practice does not adversly impact other people, I enjoy the diversity of cultures and perspectives of all people in our world:>)
Apr 17 2012: Actually, no, the word supernatural means over, above, or beyond the scope of the Natural realm. Natural means of nature. Nature means the physical, observable universe. Secular Humanism doctrine insists that everything is natural including anything and everything Man can observe or imagine. I do not refuse to admit the existence of a cause over, above, and beyond the Natural which does, in fact, "limit and control" the Universe. I hope you will permit me to answer "No" to your question, I would find it both limiting and controlling if you do not. Thank you for your question Ms. Steen. Best wishes.
Apr 17 2012: Thanks Edward,
I'm aware of the meanings of natural and supernatural. It is not my position to "permit" one to answer one way or another, and in fact, "I enjoy the diversity of cultures and perspectives of all people in our world", as I mention in the comment above:>)
In another post, you write..." do you consider religion to be a strictly human invention, or do you think there must be a supernatural component? Mr. Just and Mr. Monaghhan clearly believe religion is of human origin. I believe the distinction is critical. Which do you mean by your question, of human origin, or supernatural, or possibly both?"
I believe religions to be of human origin. After a near fatal injury, the energy that powers the body left, and visited what you may describe as "over, above, or beyond the scope of the natural realm". I felt it to be very natural, in fact, maybe more natural than the earth school experience, because it was recognized that everything and everyone is interconnected with energy. There was no seperation because of religions.Apr 17 2012: What a delight to meet someone who also believes religion is a "wholly" human invention. Thank you!
I suggest the next question is, "Is ____________ a religion (of human invention)?" [Fill-in the blank with the name of any of the many religions]. Imagine the impact of a true "No" answer. We would need to face the reality of someone, something, over and above us, something supernatural controlling and limiting us, particularly in our depraved tendancies. Best wishes young lady.
Apr 17 2012: My pleasure Edward:>)
As I said, I believe religions to be of human origin, and I do not think/feel that we are "depraved".Apr 19 2012: Edward, what makes you think we all need something above us or we will revert to the law of the jungle.
Take a look from our perspective - If there are no gods we are as we are now.
In fact our ancestors have been living in groups for longer than we have been modern humans.
We are getting slightly better getting along, more equality, more civil societies. I don't need relgion or a god to live a reasonably good life. I am equipped with reason and instinct for both good and bad.
I imagine the impact would be pretty much like any place is now. Perhaps we might be a bit more objective on some issues. Maybe we might make some progress on female equality in some places etc.
The 10-20% of non believers in Australia are not any worse than the believers.
Isn't it better to do good and be compassionate because you think it improves the human condition than because it is your gods will.
In fact believe in god doesnt seem to make much difference at all to living a good or bad life.
Mark Kurtz
Apr 16 2012: Peter,
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I think religion is relevant for those who seek truth, want good relationships, and want a foundation for hope for continued life after this material shell is exhausted. What is apparent in your question is the assumption there is nothing of lasting worthy value from old teachings for adoption in one's life. Who said we are to rely on logic anyway? As I said before, logic is only a part of the whole and not all answers are found in logical assessment. Is it logical to always look backward for where one is going, i.e. destiny?
What is appropriate is to ask everyone if all answers for life are to be found in math and things material. All answers for all questions of meanings, values, and the clinging on to something we cannot see with eyes. Science is not excluded in meanings, values and hope. Religion must change to adapt to the changes you cited and scientists must be honest within their centers of being and admit not all is known through a purely scientific approach to life. Honest religionists and scientists can get along OK!
Leave some room for thinking and philosophy, which really is a gift to help us reconcile material and spiritual realities. Personal, private thinking, hoping, trusting, and accepting possibilities for a spirit reality is justifiable for the near and far field until man is able to find evidence in science and physics that no other person has experienced God. What have we to lose, really?
Religions change, but the need for man to find deep meaning and to cling to hope of a Higher parent does not change. Religion is the slowest of man's experiences to change.
After we are dead and gone, who will influence and control your life and the surviving earth humans? If there is no hope and no dependence on evolving religion, then there is nothing but end.
Religion will always be relevant because people need their Creator.
Others will have their say on your question.
Apr 17 2012: "Religion will always be relevant because people need their Creator."
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Thumbs Up!
"Leave some room for thinking and philosophy, which really is a gift to help us reconcile material and spiritual realities"
Thumbs Up!
"What have we to lose, really?"
Thumbs Up!
You usually are the first to comment on this great topics. And you usually say alot....I have picked out some parts I especially enjoyed reading...
Peace to you,
MaryApr 18 2012: Dear Mark,
You say..."religion is relevant for those who seek truth, want good relationships, and want a foundation..."
I suggest that many people who seek the same qualities, do so without the practice of a religion.
I agree with you that if religions are going to be relevant in our world, "religion must change to adapt to the changes you cited"....and..... "Honest religionists and scientists can get along OK!"
Honest is the key word.
I agree with you...."Personal, private thinking, hoping, trusting, and accepting possibilities..." is very important, and I suggest that a belief in a "Higher parent" is not necessary to achieve these goals.
You say..."Religion will always be relevant because people need their Creator".
I suggest that some people may need a belief in a creator to feel like they are living a productive, responsible, beneficial life adventure. Many people do NOT feel that need, and continue to live a beneficial, contributing life.
You ask..."What have we to lose, really?"
In my humble perception and experiences, many people lose the ability to make well informed decisions for themselves. Many people lose the ability to feel the interconnectedness of all people.
Peace to you my friend:>)
Apr 18 2012: Colleen, I replies to Mark and then read your reply
I think you put it more succinctly than I.
Religion and any god you choose may be one pathway to some sort of meaning.
But I suggest it is, well, false and a somewhat narrow view to think humans can not find meaning without these sorts of beliefs.
I'd go a bit further and say there may be meaning in any religion, even if they are all human constructs. Religious practices may encourage transcendent experiences, but is not alone in these. Many believers never have god speak or these wonderful feelings of oneness. I have a similar experience via meditation, or simply being in the "zone". Aha moments.
I know many non theists and theists and some in between and any existential angst depends more in the nature of the individual than their beliefs.
Perhaps it is a smidgen harder for atheists. Perhaps the social connection of church etc helps.
My tribe is mostly independent of religious institutions although some of my friends are devout Christians.
Apr 18 2012: Hi Obey,
You make some good points. There are many paths on the life journey, and religion may be the chosen path for some people. I agree that it is a narrow view to think that humans cannot find meaning without religious dogma.
I know and love lots of people who find meaning in religions, and they don't need to convince everyone else that it is the one and only path toward meaning. Again, I agree with you that "believers" in certain religious traditions are often the least willing to recognize oneness. I agree...we can experience oneness with meditation, being in the "zone"...aha moments...yoga...a day skiing or biking with friends...a day in the gardens....on and on....
I also have many family and friends who practice religions, don't practice religions, and as you say..."some in between", and I totally agree that it is not the practice necessarily that creates the person. It is the person who creates his/her life experience.
The people I choose to interact with (my tribe) are people who are open minded, open hearted, willing and able to explore further than their own limited beliefs.
It does not appear to be difficult for atheists, because there are more and more of them every day...for obvious reasons. As evolving humans, we are becoming more aware of our ability to think and feel for ourselves and make informed choices based on research and exploration, rather than simply accepting information that is given to us by someone else, with the threat to believe it or go to hell!Apr 21 2012: Colleen, what seems right to me for addressing this man's very good question, is to consider what the "heart" of a person desires. If the very center of a person really desires improvement, growth of values and beliefs, then there will be action in mind. A passive mind achieves nothing. If inner ambition drives a person to seek answers, then well, good!
What the heart desires is what the person becomes. Religious details help people to discover what they value, but cannot fully explain. Science attempts to find answers and to explain, but religious details and relationship with the Mysterious One helps a person to value something good. Truth is variable according to experience and education as man discovers. Beauty can be expressed and appreciated beyond material realities. Goodness is desired and found in action in a person's mind and is observable and held in respect or awe. These things can be coordinated in a person's experiences and development of character.
Could human beings do all that just by relying on logic, math, physical observance, scientific theory or procedure?
I suspect mankind will always need a reach of some sort for the unknown! Religion enhances his efforts at finding value for life.
What do others say?
Apr 21 2012: Mark,
We are on the same page with many of our thoughts, feelings and beliefs. I totally agree that it is important to "consider what the heart of a person desires...improvement, growth of values and beliefs" are very important, as you insightfully state.
I agree that a "passive mind achieves nothing", and "inner ambition drives a person to seek answers", and that is a good thing:>)
I also agree that "what the heart desires is what the person becomes", and "truth is variable according to experience and education as man (humans-my addition) discovers". I agree that "beauty can be expressed and appreciated beyond material realities..."goodness is desired and found in action in a person's mind and is observable and held in respect or awe"..."these things can be coordinated in a person's experiences and development of character"....all very well stated Mark, and I agree with all of it.
Now I turn the page...
Religion is not necessarily the only path to these life qualities, and to think that, is limiting yourself and your perception of the life experience:>) I respect and honor YOUR dependance on religion to offer and reinforce the qualities you speak of. To believe that others, who are NOT dependant on a religion, cannot experience the qualities you speak of, seems arrogant and an effort to seperate us. I believe we are all connected, and I respect other's choices IF the choice does not adversly impact other people.Apr 18 2012: Hi Mark, I agree in way with some of what you say.
Other parts depend on whether you think there is a god or some inherent good in the religious perspective.
Your idea of a spiritual reality may be very different to mine and many others, Perhaps you believe we have some immortal spirit etc. Our amazing minds, consciousness, "spiritual" type experiences good be non spiritual, just the product of our suped up monkey brain.
The bit I agree with is that the sort of meaning you may be referring to is not going to be found in the process of science. Science is about understanding the universe. Our minds are part of that. Add objective history, Philosophy and reasoned thought and you may get a pretty good picture of life and the universe, and an understanding of the development of religions and human transcendent experiences.
Actually the origin of life, how consciousness works, and the origin of the universe are some of the most complicated questions we may have the least confidence in the current theories. They are work in progress. Also working out what happened 4 or 14 billion years ago is a tough ask.
Anyway, this understanding, partial though it is, can be used to find meaning in life without religion or gods.
Religion and gods is one way. But it is not the only way unless you believe there is no meaning without connecting in some way with the correct god or something similar.
From this view point we probably cease to exist when we die. Life is precious. This is it. Time is precious. Make the most of it. Love and live way. No god needed.
I completely disagree with your belief that we will always need religion. You assume there is a creator.You assume we need this creator if there is one. I'm not sure if you are a Deist or align more with a traditional religion. I suspect something in between. Some big calls. Do you care to elaborate on how you come to these conclusions.
I agree that religion is one of the stickiest cultural memes. Worthy of understanding.Apr 21 2012: people who are spiritual will pursue the standards of the religion that they believe in! so i think it doesn't matter to them the advancement in the scientific theories!
edward long
Apr 19 2012: @ Obey-- re: "what makes you think. . . ": Your Humanist thinking has limited the scope of possibilities in life sir. We humans do not need something above us. Everything in the Universe is not determined by human needs. Possible explanations of existence go far beyond human determination. Consider the idea that Man is not supreme. re: "If there are no gods. . . ": You invoke Atheist doctrine as the only possible explanation for the Universe, which it is not. re: "We are getting better. . . ": Really? Better? The evil side of Man does not change with the times. Predators, destroyers, parasites and all the other evil doers have always been, and always will be, with us. You are right that we are equipped with reason and instinct for both good and bad. The problem is the bottom line always shows enough bad to prevent the good from prevailing. re: "Unbelievers are no worse than believers.": Correct. In fact many "believers" are far worse than the typical unbeliever. Human behaviour is not what determines the relevance of God (I said God, I did not say religion). re: "isn't it better. . . ": If you do good and show compassion your motivation for so doing is not really relevant. God is relevant. Religion is not relevant. Thanks Obey.
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Apr 21 2012: You say that God is relevant Edward. What is your concept of what God actually looks like ? Does he (or she )
exist in physical terms, or is he merely a spiritual being ?
Apr 22 2012: The God of Christianity, Judaism and Islam is one God. He is described in the Holy Bible. God is Spirit. Infinite, eternal and unchangeable in His wisdom; being; power; holiness; justness; goodness; mercy and truth. God is uncaused. He is one, existing in three forms: the Father; the Son; and the Holy Spirit. Religion is man's effort to know God. It is boundlessly subjective and utterly without authority except where it aligns with the Holy Bible. Otherwise religion is without relevance in the modern, past, and future world. God is not a synonymn for religion. Knowing God is supremely important and relevant. Knowing religion is dispensable and irrelevant. Thanks Mr. Hodges.
Comment deleted
Apr 27 2012: As an atheist I look on the bible as a fairy story. It would be just as logical to believe that Grimms fairy tales are true. Just because something is written in a book does not mean it's true. No one can ever prove that Jesus existed.Apr 29 2012: I think democracy is a step up from monarchy or theocracy.
I think secular human rights, including freedom of religion within limits, is a step forward.
I think an understanding that there are no real gods telling us how to live, that we have to sort this out ourselves is a better approach.
I don't know if there are gods for sure. I'm pretty confident none of the thousands of human inventions including the Abrahamic belief systems come close if there is. Its almost ridiculous to think the creator of the universe is relying on a collection of books originally associated with a particular tribe in the middle east and then waited until 2000 years ago to sort out things for the rest. It looks just like a cultural construct.
Why do you think the bible is pointing in the right direction in terms of god?
What it you were born 2100 years ago in America? You might be arguing shamanistic theology.
Its a kind of cultural arrogance to think your cultural religion has a basis any more sound that any other.
I don't know if there is a god. If there is I doubt any human belief system comes close including the bible based ones.
Is religion relevant - yes for many and it still impacts the non believers.
Is it logical. I think if you could grow up away from any religious dogma, then took a look at the world, studying the history of religion you'd see it to be man made.Apr 17 2012: I, like Collleen, do not practice a religion. I do have a private belief. The difference is that a religion has a public aspect. From outside of the "religious box" I see religion as a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and world views that establish symbols that relate humanity to spirituality and often moral values. You infer that a person must chose between science and religion. Why. Science comes from the latin meaning knowledge and is a systematic approach from explinations, predictions, facts, and truths to arrive at a conlusion. If I look at the two as I have defined them above I cannot see a reason I cannot be a religious scientist. To coin a phrase "give unto Ceaser that which is Ceaser's". Having defined the terms I would state that the relevance of religion in the modern world is that we must maintain a belief in something. If you wish to call that religion or personal belief makes little diffrerence both provide the essential need of HOPE. With respect to eveyones beliefs ... I wish you all the best. Bob
Peter Law
Apr 16 2012: Hi Peter.
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If your jaundiced view of religion were accurate, then we would indeed be better off without it .
As far as Christianity goes however; it is very relevant & up to date. It explains the current world problems & provides solutions. Famine, war, financial collapse, middle east crisis, moral decline, unbelief; it's all there for those who are interested enough to find out
Apr 18 2012: Do you know a time ever without those kind of problems and has Christianity ever brought any solution for it. In fact it played its part in it all over the last two millennia.
Apr 18 2012: Hi Frans
Yes these problems have always been around, but there is more focus today.
1. Our understanding of technology has exploded.
2. Israel exists, & it's people are surrounded by enemies.
3. A one world government is in the making.
4. Our fiscal foolishness (greed) makes the cashless society inevitable.
5. A universal religion looks likely.
6. Constant civil unrest.
I could go on, but it is very clear that things are booming to a head.
Apr 18 2012: @Peter Law:
I have only read bits and parts of the Bible and the Koran. So I don't claim to be an expert at either. But your 4 caught my eye. The Koran prohibits charging an interest on loans, and it prescribes giving away 10% of your income for the poor. I am not aware of any such mandates in the Bible. So, in answer to Frans Kellner's question, Christianity does not address your point 4, but Islam does. Any thoughts on that?Apr 19 2012: I remember talk of a one world government in church in the late 1990's.
We are no where near a world government.
The most powerful countries like USA are unlikely to give up their position.
The European union is financially broken.
If this is required for armageddon then we are safe for a while yet.
I recall the cashless society also being discussed. Tattooed bar codes.
I think there may actually be embedded chips possible.
Paypal etc. The need for cash is decreasing. Cheques even.
So this may have legs on it.
You say a universal religion. Not in our lifetime.
About 1 billion hindus, another 1 B Christians, and another 1 Billion Muslims
Even the Christians and Muslims can not agree amongst themselves.
Are you referring to humanism or atheism (no religions)
According to some studies (Pinker) we are on average more peaceful than ever. Less deaths from wars. Less murders. Perfect? No, a long way from it. Getting worse no.
Could it get worse. Yes - with or without prophecy humans have the ability to stuff it all up.
Interpreting Revelations is a subjective nightmare. But even some of these interpretation are way off base I suggest.
We had preachers saying Henry Kissinger was the antichrist and the world might end 2000.
Its been end of days for 2000 years now. Time for a rest?Apr 19 2012: Peter if you refer to the end of days I have to disappoint you.
St Paul was teaching the end of time to be near and if you listen carefully, within his lifetime.
It didn't happen and it didn't happen in the year 1000 and not in 2000 and in the year 3000 AD people will have other things on their minds.
They have to clean the oceans from all plastic waste and dangerous chemicals like BPA. To survive that long we have to deal with environmental issues first and I guarantee that no one will descent from heaven on a cloud to do it for us.Apr 19 2012: Hi John.
These issues in Islam are pretty similar to the bible. Islam recognises (in theory) the authority of the bible, it sees the Koran as an update. The Lord hates interest, & most serious Christians give at least a tenth of their income to the church. How the particular church uses it is moot, but Islam has the same problem.
The point I was making is that the bible foretells the cashless society; & the other points as well. Things are rapidly coming to a close.
This makes the bible very relevant to today's society,
Apr 19 2012: I believe that Muslims do not donate to mosques as part of this 10%, but they are asked to help the poor via more direct charity.
Contrast http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zakat with http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tithe. On this basis, I would say Islam addresses it directly, at least on paper.Apr 19 2012: Hi John.
What folks do is up to them. I am part of a small group. Anyone can suggest a worthy cause, & to date all have been accepted. Most goes either locall, or to Africa. God is more concerned with our willingness to give than the detail. You cannot really judge; theoretically we are the same church as the Vatican, but that's not the way it works. Feel free to give to the Muslim church if that's your bag.
John Frum
Apr 19 2012: Hi Peter,
- +1
Islam has clearer mandates for point 4. Christianity might have clearer mandates for some other kinds of "good deeds". I wrote all that as background for making the following point: most people who want to do "good deeds" use their discretion anyway. Each of these religions has its own faults too, and again, we use our discretion to figure out which bits to ignore. So, why not just bypass religion, and use our discretion all the time? I suppose this is what Peter Hodges' question was addressing.Apr 19 2012: Hi John and Peter L.,
I'm not convinced that Islam has clearer mandates regarding the 10% contribution to the church, nor do I feel that the giving is always willingly. As I recall, it DOES say something in the bible about tithing (to pay or give a tenth part of esp. for the support of the church; to give a tenth of one's income as a tithe)
I remember when the catholic church was building a new school, a representative of the church came to our house to solicit a pledge. They told my brother, who was recently in the work force, trying to save his money, that he was obligated to pledge 10% of his income for several years. My bro said he would give them a certain amount of money , and that's all he could afford. The church representative would not accept what he offered, insisting that he MUST give 10% of his earnings.
While I was staying with Benedictine nuns in Mexico more recently (another of my religious explorations), they were frustrated with the priests and bishops, who continually told the people they MUST give 10% of their earnings to the church, even though they were living in poverty conditions, with barely enough money to buy food for their families.
Peter L,
You say..."God is more concerned with our willingness to give than the detail"?
God ought to send a memo to his representatives here on earth, to advise them not to pressure those who are unable or unwilling to give the 10% the church demands.
I don't think the catholic church leaves any room for "discretion". I believe it is better to use our discretion all the time, rather than be threatened with an eternity in the fires of hell, and I agree John...that seems to be the question Peter H. is asking.Apr 20 2012: Hi John .
"why not just bypass religion, and use our discretion all the time? "
On balance, I would say you have a point. There are too many church roofs needing fixed. Money has become an idol in many churches as well as in the general populace. However I don't have a lot of faith in 'discretion ' either. We are selfish people, religious or not.
Colleen. I share your misgivings on the catholic church. I am often tarred with the same brush, which is uncomfortable.
Benedictine nuns in Mexico ? For a religious skeptic you sure know how to test yourself , (lol) my hat off to you. :)
Apr 21 2012: Hi Peter:>)
I prefer not to label myself, and appreciate NOT being labeled by others, so I don't accept the label of "religious skeptic". "Skeptic" suggests that I have doubt, and in fact, I'm very clear with my beliefs.
Yes Peter...Benedictine nuns in Mexico! It was a wonderful experience staying in their convent and going out to the small poor villages with them daily. They are lovely, kind, generous women, who are truly working with the people to help change their circumstances for the better. I LOVE the fact that in all the time I stayed with them, there was no attempt to convert me, or anyone! The conversations were all about making our world a better place for everyone:>)
I've talked about exploring religions extensively Peter. Did you think that meant simply reading a book? Attending a service? A weekend workshop? LOL. When I "explore", I emerse myself in the adventure!
I stayed with Benedictine brothers, working in their gardens, attending services, eating and interacting with them on a daily basis. That is how I got connected with their sisters in Mexico:>) The Benedictine segment of the Catholic church are self sustaining, work very hard, nursing, educating, teaching life skills, carpentry, logging, gardening, maple-sugaring, sewing, cooking for themselves, cleaniing their own space, etc. I admire and respect them and their practices.
I read hundreds of books, studied Buddhism, practiced and studied Sufism, Congregational, Methodist, UU...etc.
My religious education started pre-school, when the Jahovah's Witnesses visited our home. My mom sometimes talked with them, as I was beside her or on her lap. She knew the bible from cover to cover, and was soon reminding them that what they were preaching was not truly in the bible. Then, there were 12 years of catholic schools and bible study for me.
My mom taught me to follow my heart, trust myself, ask my own questions, seek knowledge, and evaluate, rather than simply accepting information from others.Apr 16 2012: Peter,
Obviously, religions have relevance for some people. Some of the ideas and teachings that religions were based on are relevant...love thy neighbor...do unto others....etc. To me, it makes sense to embrace some of those original teachings, and we can do that without embracing all aspects of the religion. Unfortunately, many religious beliefs/teachings have been twisted and manipulated in a way to control people, and in my perception, that is not beneficial to humankind.
Each and every one of us will take what s/he wants or needs from ANY teachings, whether it be based on science or religion. I believe humans are evolving to the point of wanting to think and feel for themselves, rather than be led by dogma which is controling.
Apr 16 2012: Hi Colleen, I agree with much of what you say. There are certain aspects of religions that are still relevant today concerning interpersonal relations. The main objection I have is that, even though science has removed the need for a belief in an anthropomorphic deity, many people still believe that the stories in the bible are literally true; when to any logical person, it is obvious that the bible is essentially a fairytale and nothing more. As someone who understands science I don't see how it is possilble to be a scientist, and at the same time, believe in a deity.
Apr 16 2012: Peter,
I don't agree that "science has removed the need...". Science may provide more information, and the "need" obviously is still active, otherwise no one would be practicing a religion...true?
People will believe what they choose to believe based on their individual need. What good does it do you to "object"? I object to beliefs that manifest in behaviors which adversly impact other people, and I cannot see any point in objecting to people practicing a religion if it does not impact others.
You know there are scientists who believe in a deity...right? I'm not a scientist, and I don't believe in a deity. We all do our own research, and base our understanding on so many different things, it seems kind of a waste of time to object to something you can do nothing about....doesn't it?Apr 16 2012: According to data , information available
For majority still YES....
For many it's NO & that is growing part.....
I feel
Religion is not a matter of LOGIC, Reasoning or Evidence.....Apr 29 2012: There have been some interesting posts on my question, and I thank everyone who took the time to write them. My opinion on my question is that religion as such, does not have any relevance today, as I think that science has led to a new way of understanding the world, and superstition belongs in the past.
I will leave the final word on religion to H L Mencken, which happens to be my favourite quote of all :-
"The cosmos is a gigantic flywheel making 10,000 revolutions per minute. Man is a sick fly taking a dizzy ride on it.
Religion is the theory that the wheel was designed and set spinning to give him the ride"Apr 29 2012: Yes.
As justification for committing evil.
If a synagogue, temple, wat, mosque, church or other place of worship, burns to the ground, is the religion dead?
NO, because it is the people, the founders, leaders, spokespeople, believers and followers.
To my personal experience, the main purpose of religion is the total destruction of the human spirit.
And God, if there is one, has done nothing to stop any of it.
As far as I can determine, humans do have documentation that virtually all who have been impoverished, enslaved, tortured, killed, incarcerated, persecuted, prosecuted, condemned, labeled and demonized, burned at the stake, disemboweled with their intestines rolled up on spools, and suffered other such atrocities, were close to 100% of them innocent. Yet, it still continues today with thanks to Judaism, Islamism and Christianity.
All in the name of their respective God who does nothing. As someone wrote:
Is God willing but not able? Then He is not omnipotent.
Is God able but not willing? Then He is malevolent.
If God is both willing and able, whence does evil come?
If God is neither willing nor able, why call Him God?
Does religion have Relevance? For that kind of world? Yes.
Does it have a Place? No! It has no place in a civilized world, but we don't have that, do we?
No, we don't civilization because of religion.
Religion is the biggest barrier to peace there ever was.
By nature it is Fascist and Totalitarian.
Do this or else. Believe this or else.
And Sharia Law is even worse.Apr 28 2012: Thanks to science and atheism, we have the following;
I don't have a problem with the teachings of science except for those that tell us we are a cosmic accident, That that which created the universe doesn't exist, and that there is no retribution for sin. Other than that, I have benefitted much from science including my way of life.
I separate the teachings of science with those of religion because they are not related in any way. One tells us how the universe is ordered and how it works, the other teaches us about our dark side and bids that we beware of its temptations and learn to overcome it.
Science can teach us how to build a nuclear weapon. Science cannot teach us where and when to use it. That requires a deep soul search. If you have lost your ability to search your soul, then there is plenty on the internet about how to survive a nuclear holocaust.
Apr 29 2012: Actually the decision of the US to use two nuclear bombs had nothing to do with a deep soul search. The decision was argued on the grounds of the number of people expected to die in the outcome versus the number that were expected to die if the war continued. The sites were strategically calculated. And these decisions all by self-proclaimed religious men - the ones always running the USA.
Religion does not educate, it indoctrinates. That is the opposite. And the US is good at indoctrination.
I don't see the relevance of the link to fear-mongering propaganda that you shared other than to support my otherwise unsupported statement about indoctrination. Science is certainly not to blame for that propaganda, it is clearly derived from a faith-oriented perspective.
Should we not try to learn together rather than separate ourselves (or demonise)?
We will always have faith, and it is good as long as it is not immutable. Faith and reason must coexist and balance, without one we are not human.
Apr 29 2012: Enrico, you are right, science is not to blame for that propaganda. The rejection of religion is.
You don't think that our leaders did a lot of soul searching before deciding to drop the bomb? The United States decided on the grounds that fewer people would perish even though they knew the devastation that it would cause. That's not an easy decision to make.
As far as indoctrination goes, I have an issue with that myself. I see the value in religious writings even though I don't see the value in how it is being taught today. My fear is that we will lose the good with the bad. Whether you see it or not, you can conjure up a dark side with science if you ignore any moral implications on how it is to be used.
Should we not try to learn together; I say Amen to that. There is too much negativity coming from religion today. I have been at odds with it ever since I was in grade school. I have had spiritual experiences that took me beyond the words. I can only hope that others would share in those experiences. They are very positive, revealing, and uniting. They are what religion was intended to produce. If you want to reject modern day religion, fine with me. Just don't throw the baby out with the bath water.
Apr 29 2012: Indeed, as I have said faith will never leave us, and that is good. I see no baby or bath water, only people. I have found there seems to be a spectrum of the depth people try to travel along a path of enlightenment: and it requires both true education and empathy. The beauty with science (reason) is that we can make deductions about whether we should believe something. The beauty with faith is that we are free to believe anything that can not otherwise be deduced.
Elsewhere there is an example on the issue that many believe the world is not as old as it really is regardless of the reasonable evidence.
Regarding Little Boy and Fat Man, I am sure many did soul searching, however it did not have significant weight in the decisions - Bob Lewis' remarks after releasing the former showed evidence of the cold rational operation that took place - deferred to reason. (if decision-makers soul-searched enough beforehand would they have refused to act?)
Reason and faith work together to give us our moral values.
No matter what I think I know I always allow myself to question, to assess my information along with someone else's perspective, that allows me to learn moral values on my own rather than by manipulation.
I maintain that the propaganda link is not due to the rejection of religion per se, may be the rejection of a certain religion, which is also done by other religions. So as long as there are multiple religions there will be such propaganda regardless of the fact that it is really faith that matters, not religion. Religion is merely an institution that seeks to indoctrinate people, no matter how subtle the action may be. It can not be otherwise because there is no religion (that I know of) which seeks to encourage followers to honestly question it's 'teachings'.
Religion leaves people in a potential morality trap, only when one embraces faith without religion can one be free of the potential morality trap. And likewise there is a morality trap with poor reason.Apr 29 2012: Enrico,
You have made some good points that jump out at me, and I believe to be the basis of why religions don't work well in our evolving world.
You say "Religion does not educate, it indoctrinates"
Most religions do not encourage believers to really explore life. They "indoctrinate", as you say, with some of the same twisted information they have been using for years to control people. They encourage people to follow the words in the holy books without question. Sometimes, people follow certain teachings or phrases without knowing the whole context, and without question.
You ask..."Should we not try to learn together rather than separate ourselves (or demonise)?"
I say ABSOLUTELY learn together, and that is how we may live peacefully, respectfully, contentedly as humans, sharing this earth. Religions generally discourage connectivity with each other, while each religion is trying to convince everyone that they are the one and only, "right" one!
You write..."We will always have faith, and it is good as long as it is not immutable. Faith and reason must coexist and balance, without one we are not human".
I totally agree that to evolve peacefully, faith and reason must coexist and balance, and that cannot happen when people are balking at change. There are people who practice religions and also live peacefully in our changing world. I believe with that mindset, religions can be relevant. There are also believers who cling to the belief that the scriptures written hundreds of years ago are the one and only "truth".
"Reason", tells me that whatever people want to believe in the privacy of their own little world is ok....IF....it does not impact the freedoms and human rights of other people. When someone's belief impacts others, "reason" tells me that is not acceptable in our world, and that is when religions, or some religious dogma, seems to not be relevant. Faith should never usurp reason.Apr 29 2012: Enrico,
The reason for the link is that I see a lot of it coming to pass. More and more potent drugs are getting to younger and younger people. We have a lot of drug issues in our community, many of which the people refuse to acknowledge (out of sight, out of mind). I know of educators that claim they are having trouble maintaining order in the classroom because there is no discipline at home. I see the poverty issue increasing. I see money going for job growth, but they aren't telling us how many existing businesses were lost because the community is being saturated by coffee shops, restaurants, and small business owners. They put up a Walmart. Caldors, K-Mart, and Ames all went out of business. I liked those stores better. No sooner do I see a new restaurant, I see closed signs on those we used to attend. Now you can sell your home back to the bank. It's called a reverse mortgage. Many young people are losing their inheritance because of credit card debt by their families. They want it all but can't manage their finances. We now have two casinos in our region. The gambler's anonymous flyers are all getting scooped up by people with gambling issues. My brother's company just took its production phase to China. Fortunately for him, he is in R&D and his job is still secure. But many of his coworkers will be getting a pink slip. It looks like the calm before the storm. All looks good on the outside, but people are hurting on the inside.
I have been fortunate. My walk with God has led me into the right decisions. My family taught me to question things, which I see as a blessing. They taught me to put trust in God by following my intuition. I was trained in the sciences and worked for an electric power company as the control room supervisor. So I have a lot of respect for science. But I also have respect for spiritual matters. I have felt a guiding hand in most of what I do. I see the benefits of an uncorrupted religion.
Apr 29 2012: Dear Roy,
You are right...we have drug issues, lack of discipline, poverty, an unsteady business climate and economy. gambling issues, outsourcing, etc. Religion has had centuries to "fix" the issues of the world, and in my perception, have often times caused more problems, rather than "fix" anything.
You are indeed fortunate that your "walk with god" has led you into the right decisions. I also have respect for spiritual matters and for those who choose a religious belief for him/herself. It is good that you see the benefits of a religion.
I see the benefits of religion for SOME people, depending on how one uses the religion. Some folks use religion as a beneficial life guide, and some folks use it to create more chaos in our world.
I respect you for your beliefs. It would feel really good if believers would respect my beliefs, rather than continually try to convert me. The message that is sent, when people think/feel that everyone must believe as they do, is that I am not intelligent enough, or informed enough to make my own decisions.
I have lots of friends and family who practice a variety of different religions on many different levels. Never, in all my life, have I encountered so much pressure to embrace religious, as I've encountered here on TED. Why do you not trust that I can make my own choices?
I agree with you that we are experiencing a lot of changes in our world. I truly believe part of the change, is that people are thinking and feeling for themselves rather than accepting the dogma other people are trying to give us. Embracing a religion, or a god, is NOT the ONLY way to live a meaningful life, and it's tiring to hear this story over and over again.
Thanks for your consideration to what I choose to believe, and how I choose to live my life.
I respect you and your choice as well. I too see the benefits of "uncorrupted religion", however, that is not what we have experienced in the past, nor are we experiencing it in our world today.Apr 29 2012: Roy do you honestly believe society is worse now than it was 2000 years ago?
I don't. Do we have problems yes.
I think you might be indicating that religion provided a moral compass.
Religion is a failing social technology because it is based on falsehoods. That there is a god or gods. That we know what god wants. These are the rules. And our interpretation is the truth and all others are wrong. It is so obviously man made it no longer works.
Its pronouncements are based on false authority. Religion is much more than a moral compass. It is deeply embedded in the self of self, tribe or nation. Don't forget all the bad stuff. You might think that is not pure religion. But that is what religion is as well. When a 13 year girl is mutilated to help promote morality - religion is in the mix. Religion can be used for good and evil. I support human rights. The rights of the child.
I agree with increasing freedoms there is the risk of pleasure seeking self destruction.
If you see from our point of view that religion is apparently manmade - a cultural construct - you can see how it has no moral authority. Once you detach it from your cultural imagined god it is nonsense.
I want to live a good live. I refuse to accept man made religious non sense.
So perhaps the solution is coming up with a secular moral compass.
Religion based on cultural superstition is no longer a sustainable solution to these problems
Apr 29 2012: Obey,
No I don't believe that society is worse now that it was. Nor do I believe that religion is based on falsehoods. I believe that it is no longer understood. The fact that it is misunderstood doesn't make it based on falsehoods. The misunderstandings are falsehoods. And maybe it doesn't work for you but it still works for me because I don't just follow along with the teachings, I have gone way beyond that point.
As far as the bad stuff, I have to agree with you that there is a lot of it. I won't argue that religion is in need of reform. I won't argue that we need to accept the evidence of science. I won't argue that the falsehoods all need to be exposed. That is what I am trying to do here. But I will argue that we need to do away with it because it is all based on lies, because it is not all based on lies. There are a lot of lies and they need to be done away with.
I don't accept religion as truth when science tells me something different. I won't support the negativity it fosters to the ignorant. I won't allow myself to be blindly led. Nor will I judge those who find it pointless. I understand your viewpoint. I held that same viewpoint at one time.
Apr 29 2012: Roy, I commend you for your attitude.
I hope you understand my overall perspective. I think I understand yours, in part...
I am still unsure about the motive behind having introduced the propaganda link and the inflammatory accusations that you accompanied with it.
Have I suitably explained my view for you to understand regarding the propaganda?
Please would you elaborate any continued justification that you may for the link (whether contradicting my view or not)?Apr 29 2012: Hi Roy,
I saw the video from your link. If I was the devil I would make such a video to put fear back into the minds of the people.
Luckily there is no devil nor evil but lots of ignorance and stupidity.
There is no good nor bad there only are people that try to do the best they can, the best for what they know.
For this to work in a positive way it is necessary for humans to trust their inner guidance and live their personal characteristics. Our natural history has supported all things needed for human cooperation and all we call healthy. When natural behavior is suppressed by the rules of any society the result is frustration and even more if you need to fear what is natural.
So if religious rules and doctrines are replaced by love, parental love and brotherly kindness our inborn inquisitive mind will learn all it can know and with this knowledge return all love naturally through all our life to all we meet.
People that have missed this love from birth they need some bad, they need some devil for it can be regained only from all that is the opposite. Maybe you yourself have sometimes met some loving and kind person with a violent painful history.
Apr 29 2012: "So if religious rules and doctrines are replaced by love, parental love and brotherly kindness our inborn inquisitive mind will learn all it can know and with this knowledge return all love naturally through all our life to all we meet."
This is exactly what we are told in scripture Frans.......LOVE.......that is all it boils down to.
Some have already discerned this. Others are still fighting their way through the many many gears of the paradigm shift required to bring them to this enlightenment.
Changing the way we think is hard.
And, when you have money and power and fame it is almost impossible.
I think that is why the earth cannot have peace and harmony.........because those in charge are the ones with money, power, and fame.
I enjoyed reading your comment. And yes, many come to learn love and kindness because of past suffererings. If you are able, read and see what another TEDster ( I. Munoz) wrote to me a few hours ago in this conversation:
http://www.ted.com/conversations/10975/what_is_the_most_painful_lesso.htmlApr 28 2012: Hi Peter,
I am not a big follower of all the scientist in the world but I can say prominent scientist like Albert Einstein believed in God . If you have watched paranormal activity, the spirits also change the magnetic field around you so don't be hard on yourself , accept the fact that god does exist... You might not have seen him, maybe he is within you ...
BharathApr 28 2012: Here is some food for thought out of a magazine:
"Regular involvement in religious activities goes hand in hand with better physical health and a longer life, according to a statistical analysis of 42 independent studies published since 1977 that have addressed this issue," states Science News.
"Religious involvement, especially the public type, showed a statistically significant relationship to higher survival rates, the scientists say."
Several reasons have been proposed for the findings—the shunning of risky behaviors, marital stability, less depression associated with matters beyond direct control, greater social contacts, and positive emotions and attitudes.
One report concludes: "Frequent religious attendance has now been found . . . to be associated with a reduced hazard of dying, particularly among women. Frequent religious attenders . . . reported greater social support, less depression, and better health practices.
Apr 28 2012: Well as the report says - Several reasons have been proposed for the findings, the shunning of risky behaviors, marital stability, less depression associated with matters beyond direct control, greater social contacts, and positive emotions and attitudes. - So one could say that it is nothing to do with the religious belief at all but the practicing of those behaviours.
My own personal experience as an ex-christian and then ex-new ager type was that once I had given up spiritual beliefs I was a lot less worried about matters beyond my direct control. I had stopped wondering when bad things happened what I was supposed to learn from it all, what should I do? It actually made me less worried and genuinely happier than I had been before. I was freed froma burden of responsibility that I had otherwise felt while still valuing other people as much as myself, still not wanting to go out and rob and kill. I'd say lack of belief had a much more beneficial effect on my mental well-being than belief ever did.
Though of course I realise this is just my own anecdotal evidence. Still it worked for me so I offer my experience up in the hope it will be of benefit to other people struggling with the sort of thing I went through.
Apr 28 2012: Thank you Terry.
I too feel that religious dogma which sometimes reads as a "Do not do list" is a terrible way to live ones life.
Some religious people live in fear. This is terrible, and robs us of joy.
I simply presented the information above because it related to the question Peter asked.
I am a Christian, and I make a concerted effort to respect everyone's right to choose how to live.
Thank you so much for including your viewpoint. I have spoken to many individuals who feel like you. I used to be one of them.Apr 29 2012: Mary M, none of this makes any religion correct, or the truth.
Social cohesion, health benefits etc is not a valid rationale to say believing in something most likely false is the appropriate way to live.
Some of us can not abide by the imagined gods and superstition religion is tied up with.
Probably none of the 3000 + gods are real. No good linking some social and health benefits to religious delusion of any variety for those of us who see these gods for what they are. But perhaps we need something to replace the failing social technology of religion. I'm all for teaching ethics, social interaction, and teaching our kids about the consequences and leading by example.


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By Claire Walla
Above: (left to right) Veronica Baum, Lucy Beeton, Charlie Browning, Ryan Brown (all third graders); Hayley Schimmer, Sam Miller, Adrian Pickering, Emily Verneuille, Siena Remkus-Fabiano (members of Pierson High School's National Honors Society).
When your hometown has been devastated by rising floodwaters — homes washed away, jobs dissolved — the holidays are not the easiest time of year. But for the Windham School District in upstate New York, which was seriously damaged by Tropical Storm Irene back in August, the holiday season has already arrived.
Last Friday, December 8 Sag Harbor School District Superintendent Dr. John Gratto and Sag Harbor Elementary School Principal Matt Malone, decked out in matching Santa hats, showed up at Windham with a van full of toys. In total, they presented 12 large cartons of gifts, as well as a shoebox full of gift certificates, to the school's guidance counselor and representatives from the school's student council.
"The school could not have been more appreciative," Malone told members of the Sag Harbor School Board at a meeting last Monday, December 12. "Sag Harbor deserves a nice congratulations."
The Sag Harbor School District has a special relationship with the Windham School District: it's where Dr. Gratto had been superintendent before coming to the East End.
After reaching out to the school's guidance counselor, the Sag Harbor School District received a list of holiday items specifically requested by students at the Windham school. (The list represented items listed by students from 44 families that the Windham guidance counselor identified as being most in need.) Those items were then written on pieces of paper made to look like light bulbs. Members of the Sag Harbor School District were asked to pick a bulb and bring back the corresponding present.
School Board Member Sandi Kruel commented on the enthusiasm Pierson High School students demonstrated during this collection process.
"The student council was basically forcing people to take bulbs off the tree," she said with a laugh after describing having been relatively accosted by student council members demanding she take a bulb as well. The students did a good job, she concluded.
"Our [high school] students worked very hard to package these gifts," Dr. Gratto said. And just before their departure up north, he added that students from both Pierson and the elementary school worked together to pile the toys into the administrators' metaphorical sleigh. (Actually Mr. Malone's mini van.)
"The Windham community was very appreciative," he reiterated.
In other news…
Creative Writing Flourishes
"I used to think of writing as a chore, rather than an interactive medium," Pierson High School senior Drew Devito told members of the Sag Harbor School Board on Monday, December 12. But, he said, that was before he attended the intensive, five-day writing workshop put on by the Young American Writers Project (YAWP) through Stony Brook Southampton.
"My experience there was amazing," Devito explained. "I learned to appreciate writing a little more than I had before."
He attended this workshop with four other Pierson students as well as students from around Long Island and one from the Bronx. The students stayed in dorms on the Southampton campus and spent at least eight hours each day participating in free-form writing exercises and a final project.
"Each one of us wrote a finished one-act play," Devito continued. "Just to say that, in my opinion, it's an amazing feat."
The plays ranged from Devito's humorous, semi-autobiographical account of a lactose-intolerant student who consumes pizza and ice cream with whipped cream on top; to Amanda Gleeson's play, which she described as a little more abstract.
"It's a commentary on how society teaches us to alienate touch, and our innate human need for it," she said.
Sophomore Matthew Frazier's play — an end-of-the-world thriller about the love between a flame of fire and an ice cube — was chosen from among the bunch to be performed at the Avram Theatre on the Stony Brook Southampton campus this past weekend.
Elementary School Awarded
Sag Harbor Elementary School Principal Matt Malone announced that Sag Harbor Elementary School has been recognized by the Character Education Partnership (CEP) for its "Blue Slip" Awards and its "Soup-er Bowl" Celebration.
Each year, students are awarded "blue slips" by parents or administrators for actions that adhere to the school's Standards of Behavior. And to celebrate the Super Bowl — instead of veg-ing out on chips and dip — elementary school students gather in the auditorium with a can of soup and predict the winner of the big match by placing their can in a pile for the team of their choice. (All cans are later donated to the Sag Harbor Food Pantry.)
"The joke is that I show up as Howard Cosell," Malone joked. "And the kids are like, Who's Howard Cosell?"
CEP, a nonprofit organization that promotes character education programs in schools across the country, honors many schools for programs that demonstrate "promising practices." This year, Sag Harbor Elementary is one of 260 award winners chosen from an applicant pool of 500.

subset: commoncrawl


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Anyone calling this a failure fall in to two categories, imo.
#1) Looking for reasons to hate on Bellator
#2) They don't understand how truly archaic the pay per view model is these days.
That's really promising for Bellator to pull 100k, I haven't been the biggest supporter since they moved to Spike TV, but in this market, that's a good number for a company not named UFC. Good to see MMA thriving, no matter what the name on the banner is.


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Female Kifwebe Mask
The kifwebe masquerade is a genre shared by the Luba and Songye, indicative of the interaction that has occurred between the two societies. Kifwebe masks represent either male or female beings. Both mask types are characterized by angular and thrusting forms, and in both cases the entire face is covered in patterns of geometric grooves that are uniquely characteristic of these masks. Female masks, such as this one, are distinguished by the predominant use of white clay and the rounded form of the head crest.
- Culture: Songye
- Medium: Wood, pigment
- Place Made: Tanganyika Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Dates: late 19th or early 20th century
- Dimensions: 12 x 7 1/8 x 6 1/8 in. (30.5 x 18.1 x 15.6 cm) (show scale)
- Collections:Arts of Africa
- Museum Location: This item is on view in Northwest Corner, Intro Gallery
- Exhibitions:
- Accession Number: 2011.4.2
- Credit Line: Collection of Beatrice Riese
- Rights Statement: Creative Commons-BY
- Caption: Songye. Female Kifwebe Mask, late 19th or early 20th century. Wood, pigment, 12 x 7 1/8 x 6 1/8 in. (30.5 x 18.1 x 15.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Collection of Beatrice Riese, 2011.4.2. Creative Commons-BY
- Image:
- Catalogue Description: The object is a female mask with projecting mouth, triangular nose, pierced eyes, overall concentric linear carving, and polychrome pigment. Condition is excellent. Two small holes made in back at a previous time for suspending wire through the mask's widest point. Separate mount.
- Record Completeness: Best (85%)


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Percy Jackson, the son of Poseidon, continues his epic journey to fulfill his destiny, as he teams with his demigod friends to retrieve the Golden Fleece, which has the power to save their home and training ground, Camp Half-Blood.
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SciGirls | Tree's a Crowd Activity | PBS
Watch SciGirls en Familia participants give the tree rounds activity a try. 10:03
SciGirls | Gloss Girls | PBS
Jazi and Danielle make lipgloss in this video. Watch SciGirls en Familia participants test drive this fun activity. 13:07
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Somos Emma y Gracie, y vivimos en Ketchikan, Alaska, donde el promedio de lluvia al año es de ¡25 pies! Toda esta agua... 07:06
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We're Emma and Gracie, and we live in Ketchikan, Alaska, where it rains 25 feet a year! All that water helps trees and... 07:06
SciGirls en Familia Introductory Webinar | PBS
Full Program: Welcome to SciGirls en Familia! View this webinar to learn more about our program. 01:42:39
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Visit the IPTV Education website to access timely, relevant resources for your classroom.
Series Description: This series showcases bright, curious real girls putting science and engineering to work as they answer questions and make unexpected discoveries in the world around them.
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NEWARK, Del. -- Delaware State Troopers say the suspect in a Newark bank robbery was taken into custody Wednesday after his car ran out of gas.
According to police, a man wearing a knit cap and sunglasses walked into the M&T Bank on Fox Hunt Drive Wednesday afternoon and demanded money from two bank tellers.
When the tellers gave him the money, police say he drove off.
Using a description of the man's vehicle from a witness, troopers say they found the suspect's car unoccupied on the side of North Dupont Highway at South Heald Street.
Police say when the suspect returned carrying a gas can, he was arrested. According to Delaware State Police, a search of the man's car turned up evidenced linking him to the robbery.
Police have identified the suspect as 47-year-old Rodney Morgan of Newark.


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Pb Elemental's Beachaus I is a Smart LEED Platinum Prefab in British Columbia
Beachaus I is a 2,085 sq ft home that includes a large separate office/studio space and bright shared spaces. The project was developed by InHaus Development, whose mission statement is to "Live smart, not large". The home was created by Pb Elemental who exclusively designs for InHaus. This home features two bedrooms, utility space and a studio downstairs, with the shared living/kitchen/dining and master suite upstairs. A deck of the living room provides views out to the bay and lots of windows let in natural daylight and add to the views.
Certified LEED Platinum, the home boasts a smart, energy-efficient design including, HRV air-exchange system, high performance windows, radiant hydronic heating, tight thermal envelope with high performance spray foam insulation. Rainwater is harvested from the roof and used to help irrigate the xeriscaped, low-maintenance yard. Inside, the home features bamboo flooring, FSC certified cabinetry, and water efficient fixtures.
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Fuchsia 'N Fur™ Francie® Doll
Francie Fairchild is Barbie doll's fun and fabulous cousin. Fresh as a daisy and fancy free, she's back again, dressed in pink! Faux fur coat featuring black vinyl trim covers a sleeveless faille mini dress. We've missed her whimsical style and now, for the first time ever, Barbie Collector presents an African-American Francie with Silkstone body—so MODern!
Doll Details
|Body Type:
|Silkstone Francie
|Skin Tone:
|Silkstone Afra
|Facial Sculpt:
|Fashion Sewn On?:
Included with doll:
There is a limit of 5 dolls per BFC™ membership while supplies last.
Refunds only. No exchanges.
You must be a member of the BarbieSM Fan Club to order.
Fashion designed especially for the Silkstone® Francie® doll body. Not for use with other Barbie® dolls.
For the adult collector.
Production doll may vary from the photo shown above. Mattel reserves the right to modify the fashion/fabrics, sculpt, hair color/style, and accessories. Doll cannot stand alone as shown.


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Noncredit Offerings
If you experience issues locating a course for which you would like to register online,
please call 212-998-7150.
Noncredit Offerings at the NYU School of Professional Studies
The NYU School of Professional Studies is a leader in noncredit continuing education. People from across the country and around the world enroll in our noncredit courses, online offerings, and intensives. Professionally oriented programs are offered as well as those geared toward personal enrichment. Day, evening, and weekend schedules are available to fit your busy lifestyle. Courses are taught by top industry professionals, who provide you with the latest information in your area of interest.
No matter what your passion or career path, you will find that the School offers a noncredit learning environment like no other. From Creating Websites for Mobile Devices to Collecting and Appraising Rare Books, there is something for everyone.
Ready to Proceed?
DownloadSummer 2015 Bulletin
Noncredit courses can provide the information needed to hone your current skills, learn new ones, or simply enrich your life. Choose from thousands of courses that are offered online and onsite. Many can apply towards earning noncredit certificates.
Intensive programs offer course content in condensed formats. They run throughout the year, but are most prevalent during the summer months. Programs range from 1-12 weeks and provide total immersion in subject matter.
The NYU School of Professional Studies offers a large number of online noncredit courses. So, you can learn at home, at work, or on the road. Some courses are offered completely online, while others combine online and onsite instruction.
New noncredit courses offered by the School put you on the fast track to success by helping you to acquire new skills and to expand upon existing knowledge. A wide selection of new courses are added throughout the semester.
To register for a course, call (212) 998-7150; visit sps.nyu.edu; or visit us in person at 7 East 12th Street, Room 133, Mon.–Thurs., 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; Fri., until 5 p.m; and Sat.–Sun. 9 a.m.–6 p.m.


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Gonzaga Activities Board
GAB is here to provide activities outside of the classroom which help to support the Jesuit philosophy of developing the total self. The seven board members plan a variety of activities ranging from Welcome Week to large scale concerts such as Ben Folds and performances like Last Comic's Standing Josh Blue. We also provide lectures, weekly music events and weekend and diversity programming. Check out www.gogsba.org for more information on how you can get involved and look at what upcoming events we have planned.


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Anybody have some spare dosh to fund a bit of a action horror web series: Gabriel Cushing at the Carnival of Sorrows?
Shameless cash grab as they are friends of mine and I've posted about them a few years ago when they made a short film starring the character Gabriel Cushing:
They have since made another series last year but I forgot to post about it.
This year they are going bigger!
They've reached they're funding target of £3,500 with 3 days to spare (I know, late posting again...) but every little more helps and there are loads of great benefits!


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Good News
Job Search
Celebrity Revelations
Which 'SNL' Star Did Crack?
Seems Tara Reid never married after all. Arriving at LAX Tuesday, a groggy Reid told a cameraman she and Zack Kehayov "never really married" during a Grecian holiday in August. "No, never legal," she said. In August, Reid broke the news that she was engaged and married in the same day. "I got engaged!," she tweeted, followed up by, "Greece married!"
Which 'SNL' Star Did Crack?
Seems Tara Reid never married after all. Arriving at LAX Tuesday, a groggy Reid told a cameraman she and Zack Kehayov "never really married" during a Grecian holiday in August. "No, never legal," she said. In August, Reid broke the news that she was engaged and married in the same day. "I got engaged!," she tweeted, followed up by, "Greece married!"
The Girls Are Back! 'Sex and the City 2' Preview
According to the Hollywood Reporter, The CW will premiere "The Carrie Diaries," a prequel to "Sex and the City" which focuses on main character Carrie Bradshaw's early 1980s high school years.
Craig Blankenhorn/Warner Bros. Pictures
Ashton Kutcher Scores a Mega-Trailer
Ashton Kutcher's "Two and A Half Men" trailer in Burbank, Calif. is quite impressive. The two-story mobile estate, known as "The Heat," is 53ft long and includes satellite television. Cameras mounted on the outside offer 360-degree video security and surveillance.
Anderson Mobile Estates
'80s 'Hair Metal' Icon Found Dead
Who doesn't remember Annie -- the curly, red-haired orphan with the big heart? Aileen Quinn, now 40, appeared on ABC's "Nightline," to discuss her life since she became famous in 1982. She said on the show, "I realize that the film was iconic and who knows if I'll ever do another iconic film but I just want to keep working as an actress - it doesn't matter if it's iconic!"
'Cheers' Star Joins 'CSI' Cast
Sarah Jessica Parker is featured on the August cover of Vogue magazine's age issue, alongside her twins Tabitha and Loretta. The mother of three talks about her commitment to parenthood with husband Matthew Broderick, struggles with infertility and how her life is nothing like her infamous "Sex and the City" character Carrie Bradshaw's life. "Bradshaw's life is nothing -- nothing -- like mine... Every choice we've made has been different."
Mario Testino, exclusively for Vogue magazine
So Long, Snooki: 'Jersey Shore' to be Recast
Is it time to say goodbye to t-shirt time, Snooki's "poof" and tans? MTV's hit "Jersey Shore" is rumored to be recast after the original members tape season five this summer in Seaside Heights, N.J. Three of the show's original cast members — Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, Jenni "J-Woww" Farley and Paul "DJ Pauly D" DelVecchio — have already signed up for spinoffs. The new stars will be "a lot cheaper," a source told Us Weekly magazine. The current housemates each reportedly make $100,000 per episode. MTV denies the report: "We love the present cast, and their summer adventures have just begun. We currently have no plans to recast the show."
Batgirl Back On Her Feet
Batgirl is back! Twenty-three years after she was shot in the back by The Joker, rendering her a paraplegic, DC Comics has decided to bring her back. Batgirl, portrayed by actress Yvonne Craig in 1960's television series, will miraculously regain the ability to walk in an issue to be released in September 2011, according to the Guardian Newspaper. Photo: Yvonne Craig as Barbara Gordon/Batgirl from the TV series "Batman."
20th Century Fox Television/ABC
Meredith Viera Leaving "Today" Show
Meredith Viera announced she is leaving NBC's "Today" show in June 2011. A teary Viera revealed her decision on May 9, 2011 during an emotional moment with her co-anchors on the program. Ann Curry will take her place as co-anchor alongside Matt Lauer. Viera has been with the show for nearly five years.
Courtesy Valleycrest Productions Ltd.
Report: Couric to Announce CBS Exit
Lindsey Lohan had a candid interview on the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" April 27, 2011, admitting that has made mistakes ni the past, and is ready to move forward. "I feel like I've let a lot of my fans down by putting myself in situations when I was young and wasn't thinking clearly. I really just want to be the person that I aspire to be, and be the actress, and be in this industry and make movies and do what I love to do, and bring characters to life that people can relate to. And my fans have been really supportive of me doing that," she said.
Lebron James' Mother Arrested
Eva Longoria was brought to tears on "Piers Morgan Tonight" April 7, 2011, as she talked publicly for the first time about her failed marriage to Tony Parker. Parker and Longoria ended their four year marriage in January 2011. Of their marriage, Longoria said, "So many people want me to hate him and destroy him, but I don't want to. I want him to be happy. He's not a bad person.I do believe in forgiving and forgetting. There was a reason we were together. I just want to hold on to the good times."
arnold schwarzenegger
For his next act, Arnold Schwarzenegger is coming home to familiar territory: he's going to be a superhero. The former body builder, "Terminator" star and Governor of California revealed to Entertainment Weekly that he's developing an animated TV show and comic book called "The Governator," inspired by his life story. "When I ran for governor back in 2003 and I started hearing people talking about 'the Governator,' I thought the word was so cool," Schwarzenegger, 63, told EW. "The word Governator combined two worlds: the world of politics and the movie world. And [this cartoon] brings everything together. It combines the governor, the Terminator, the bodybuilding world, the 'True Lies.'" Schwarzenegger is working with "Spider-Man" co-creator Stan Lee on the project.
Jodie Foster on Mel Gibson: "God, I Love That Man"
While he'll soon be busy promoting "The Beaver," right now, Mel Gibson is dealing with his legal woes. On March 16, he was booked in connection with a misdemeanor battery charge stemming from a 2010 fight with his ex-girlfriend, Oksana Grigorieva. On March 11, Gibson was sentenced to informal probation, community service, anger management classes and $570 in fines for pleading guilty to misdemeanor battery.
Courtesy El Segundo Police Department
Is That You, Heidi Klum?!?
Cameron Diaz revealed to Jimmy Kimmel that she enjoys watching adult films. "I love porn!" she exclaimed. Diaz went on to talk about how easy it is to order the films in hotels. "You know what I love about hotels? How discreet they are," she said. "They always give you that little thing at the bottom - 'Your room will be charged the same as any other room, no titles will be used.'" To Watch Cameron Diaz on Kimmel CLICK HERE
ABC News
Gosselin is a Construction Worker?!
Heidi Klum gets her makeup done by a 7 year old on her new show, "Seriously Funny Kids." The half-hour series follows Klum as she interacts with children.
Joan Rivers Photographs Daughter While Naked
Jon Gosselin shown here doing construction work. TMZ printed photos of the famous father's new gig for Green Pointe Energy -- a Pennsylvania-based company that specializes in renewable energy.
Courtesy TMZ
Ashley Judd Reveals Sex Abuse
Flashing Lights: Star Fame Seekers
Celebrity Revelations
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Celebrity Revelations
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F-16, Small Plane Involved in Midair Crash, FAA Says
Courtesy Traci Eubank
Why This Family Was Overjoyed That Strangers Crashed Son's Party
Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA Wire/Getty Images
10th Anniversary of The London 7/7 Bombings
Peter Mountain/Walt Disney Pictures/AP Photo
Johnny Depp Visits Children's Hospital Dressed as Jack Sparrow
New Zealand Department of Conservation
'Extremely Rare' White Humpback Whale Spotted
Alex Broadway/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Inside the Secret Bunker at Wimbledon
Alexey Sazonov/AFP/Getty Images
A Pair of Iron Fists: 'Lenin' and 'Stalin' Come to Blows in Red Square
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So there's the qusetion, whose waiting for The Hobbit?
I've lost count of the amount of times i've watched The Lord of the Rings films that my wife slaps me when I quote them (sad I know). But with the cast thats there, even if your not a fan it must be worth a watch.
I'm definately going gold class to see this one


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The problem with Tito isn't that he's taken too much damage (although he might of) he's simply not a good fighter at this stage of his career relative to low-mid competition. Tito doesn't have very good striking; his takedown offense is average to below average; his submission defense is fine but since he cannot get a fight to the ground anymore his submission offense is irrelevant; he has an average chin; he has below average endurance - he's simply worn and old - he can't out-athletic the competition anymore like before.
There are no exciting matchups for him, who can you put Tito up against where it would be competitive? Anthony Perosh? Joey Beltran? Kyle Kingsbury? Those are the only people I can see Tito being competitive against and I would still pick against him in every one of those fights.


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