text:
What is Islam?
The word Islam means voluntary "Submission" or "Surrender" to the Will of God. It derives from the root word "salam," meaning peace.
In the Quran, God defines that the only purpose for which He created mankind is to Worship Him. Islam recognizes that humankind has free choice in whether to obey or disobey God, but ultimately we will be held accountable to God in the next life for the choices that we make in this life. (Read more: Concept of God in Islam)
Islamic position on Prophets
God sent Prophets to teach mankind how to worship Him; starting with Adam, including Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and the last of the messengers, Muhammad (peace be upon them all). The Islamic position is that all of these prophets came with the same message, that there is no deity worthy of worship except the One True God, known in Arabic as Allah.
Islam places great importance in the belief that the soul gives life to a human body. Likewise, in its absence, the human body dies and disintegrates. However, the soul is eternal and will be reunited with the body on the Day of Resurrection, when God will raise everyone to answer for their deeds on earth. Islam encourages the individual to focus on keeping the soul healthy, through the remembrance, obedience and worship of God. There should be a correct balance in strengthening the soul and not over-indulging with the pleasures of the body.
Islam: A way of life
Islam is a natural way of life that encourages one to give due attention to their relationship with God and His creation. Islam teaches that it is through the doing of good deeds and seeking the pleasure of God that souls find true happiness and peace. It is in this context that the word Islam derives from the root word "salam," or peace.
82 Comments
This has been a much needed effort. There's a lot of misinformation out there and you guys have done a good job putting this site together.
Thanks for this. Very informative and I have had lots of questions. Good job on the site.
Great work on putting this website together to inform the many misinformed people who automatically associate Islam with negative things. There is so much hatred based on ignorance, and I really hope that this website will be visited by those people who harbor the most ignorance and hatred.
Thank you for sharing your beliefs and beautiful religion with the world! And kudos to CNN for covering this effort…it is what drew me to the website!
thanks Rebecca , indeed many people associates Islam with bad thing such as terrorism, hate, revenge ….. i am a Muslim and i can tell everybody that Islam has nothing to do with any of the these awful things……
This site is a very nice site. It helps people UNDERSTAND what Islam is. I'd love to visit this site over and over and over again.
This is simply a PERFECT site.
I've come to this website thanks to some literature I received at the Philadelphia Stand Down in Levittown, PA. The literature is very educating and the website has so many answeres to questions I've had for quite sometime. Thank you for your knowledge, patience and understanding of/with the world.
Great job guys!
may Allah bless and guide you always. InshaAllah Ameen
I love this site, a starting point, to open ones mind
to know better about our creator and the main purpose why people
are created. May of us forget about our souls. In sha Allah,He give
me more wisdom to understand deeply about islam.
Great educational site!
This site is so informative. I urge all non-Muslims to use it to educate themselves and others.
asalamu caleykum all of you iam so happy to join u today because I like you so so much thaks alot.
asalamu caleykum
This is so prefect and educative site.
I proud on my religian as a Muslim
The word Islam means voluntary "Submission" or "Surrender" to the Will of God. It derives from the root word "salam," meaning peace.
In the Quran, God defines that the only purpose for which He created mankind is to Worship Him. Islam recognizes that humankind has free choice in whether to obey or disobey God, but ultimately we will be held accountable to God in the next life for the choices that we make in this life.
God sent Prophets to teach mankind how to worship Him; starting with Adam, including Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and the last of the messengers, Muhammad (peace be upon them all). The Islamic position is that all of these prophets came with the same message, that there is no deity worthy of worship except the One True God, known in Arabic as Allah.
Islam recognizes the close relationship between the body and soul. Whereas the body originates from the earth and has a defined period of life on this earth, the soul originates from God and does not die. Islam encourages the individual to focus on keeping the soul healthy, through the remembrance, obedience and worship of God. There should be a correct balance in strengthening the soul and not over-indulging with the pleasures of the body.
Islam is a natural way of life that encourages one to give due attention to their relationship with God and His creation. Islam teaches that it is through the doing of good deeds and seeking the pleasure of God that souls find true happiness and peace. It is in this context that the word Islam derives from the root word "salam," or peace.
It is a true complete way of human life ISLAM
Wow this is a way well done job by informing the nation that islam is a peacel religion. Am happy am a muslim.
Islam is the only way of life.
Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life!
Is there any way to ask question thru email or thru any oth r way about Islam
ISLAM is a complete code of life
I just wanted to tell every one that the word Taliban means knowledge seeker . but the terrorist use this name just to creat the hateret for the Muslims in the world . I swear to God (ALLAH) that they are not Muslims
I wish that every one would believe in Islam easily !
Sure, I'd be happy to answer all your Q's
As a non-Muslim who's had many questions, I think this site is absolutely wonderful and informative. Its answered questions i have about myself and my own beliefs.
Asalamwalkum to everyone I have one question does A true love is alowed in Islam
If A muslim eat non ..muslim food is it haram for I slam
Hatun Fayez Asalamwalkumj plzzzz answer my question does in islam a true love is allowed& 2 nd question does Islam allowed us to eat non muslim food is it not haram
Shila Nurani All feelings are absolutely allowed. What's not allowed is when you talk, meet or have any relationship with that foreign one who you love, unless you two are engaged. Generally, you can have a conversation with foreign men since you're wearing your modest hijab. That's only in case of necessity or in formal situation (work, education, health,..etc.)…… Islam allows you to eat whatever you wish ( in any place and from any nationality ) since the food are not haram.
You can eat non-Muslims food since it's halal.
Hatun Fayez thanks alot brother for help now I ll do wht is true thanks
Hatun Fayez & I have one more question If we go outside if we didnt cover our face is it allowed in islam
Hatun Fayez tnaks for your comment
Shila Nurani There is a doubt regarding this issue. There is some evidence that muslim women were covering their faces when there were men in the same place. I can't give you an actual answer to this. But if you are afraid to do something that might be haram, then the best thing to do is to avoid it. By the way, I cover my face, this doesn't kill me. Since I am doing this for Allah, then I am happy.
Shila Nurani Any time, I'm happy to help
Hatun Fayez ok i got it now tnx once more
Hatun Fayez sorry am distrubing you again dear sis bt am really confussed abut this question plz help me in this quetion if we are not ready to marry some one who we dont knw or its force by our parenst since we are not happy to marry tht person wht does islam say abut this matter plz once last question i ll nt distrub again
Shila Nurani What you should do in this case is to pray (al estekhara) prayer. By praying al estekhara you ask Allah to choose the best for you. You should believe what Allah has chosen for you is the best even though you feel uncomfortable, the others might be worse. Allah is the only one who knows what will happen in the future.
If Allah choose something for you, the others are definitely (not might) worse
Shortly: Islam is our heart
Hatun Fayez, is it an obligation to read the whole Quran at least once in your life ? And if you do not know how to read Arabic, what do we do in that case? PLZ ANSWER!!!!!
On the authority of an-Nu'man ibn Basheer (may Allah be pleased with him), who said:
I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say, "That which is lawful is clear and that which is unlawful is clear, and between the two of them are doubtful matters about which many people do not know. Thus he who avoids doubtful matters clears himself in regard to his religion and his honour, but he who falls into doubtful matters [eventually] falls into that which is unlawful, like the shepherd who pastures around a sanctuary, all but grazing therein. Truly every king has a sanctuary, and truly Allah's sanctuary is His prohibitions. Truly in the body there is a morsel of flesh, which, if it be whole, all the body is whole, and which, if it is diseased, all of [the body] is diseased. Truly, it is the heart."
so logicaly if the someone you love is righteous then you love him for the sake of allah then you should propose to his family to marry him if hes not and you met him through illegal ways then know that this love is from your own desires and satan had beautified it into your heart so you should move one and pray to allah to make his love greater in your heart. hope i have answered question
I olny have one question that no muslem will answeror can answer. If mohamed was a prophet from yahuah not allah a title. Acording to deut 13 1-5 witch was wrighten waaaaay before anyone ever heard of islam how can islam be true? Any muslems care to answer?
islam is the solution for every problem tthe world has
wa3alaykoum assalam.Sister,we usually love for the sake of Allah and we hate for the sake of Allah.But Islam teaches us that a man and a woman who love each other can build up a good relationship founded just on marriage.and in islam,love is restricted by marriage and a love without marriage is not allowed in islam … i hope my answer was useful
If you cannot read Arabic, you can easily find a transliterated copy of the Qur'an at the Masjid inshaallah. Some transliterated books also have the Arabic texts inside it. Once you're able to read in arabic, then you may read the Arabic Qur'an inshaallah.
Islam is considered the last closing revalation of the Abrahamic religions. First of all the name Allah means the one and only God worthy of praise, leaving it to mean that Allah's subjects are monotheistic. Second of all your English is horrid and hard to understand. Thirdly, in Deutronomy it states that a false prophet will steer God's followers AWAY from God and praise other Gods. The Prophet Muhammad believed ONLY in ONE God and that is Allah (a name used because the name Allah is singular, undividing, unmultiplying; not like God can become Gods or Goddesses), and taught his followers to ONLY praise and love God for the sake of God. I thought that as a Jew you are NOT allowed to write "God" or Yaweh on anything that may be thrown out? A Jewish friend of mine explained that even on the internet the word "God" may not be written for the sake of respect and to avoid getting the text printed later on and be thrown? So why are you typing God instead of G-d? Are you one of those extreme people at happenstance representing your religion when you're around your people and just angry and condescending when you're not reminded of your religion? I wonder. Also isn't the word "Elohim" plural? Why is that when Jews believe in only one God?
ok.. #1 you have consulted info from a fake jew who more than likely practices judaism a man made religion based off of oral man made traditions written in the talmud. the real yahudim are black and are in exile tell there appointed time of redemption along with the 11 other tribes.#2 the arab language stems from the aramaic a sister language of hebrew allah is a title in aramaic they say allahim in hebrew its elohim witch translates mighty ones but is still a title. you have a name that identifies you RAYA JOYCE NAJJAR if i called you women thats not your name. there are many women. YAHUAH is the name of the god of abraham,isaac and jacob. as far as typing god or saying his name is no sin listed in the torah.the command is to never blaspheme his name. the laws given to moses that are forever that muhammad did not teach.instead its now sharia law a violation of the written commandments given to moses as it states deut 13 1-5 says( and keep in mind this was before islam was ever heard of or sharia law) if a prophet of a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder saying,let us go after other gods witch you have not known and let us serve them YOU SHALL NOT LISTEN TO THAT PROPHET or that dreamer of dreams for YAHUAH your god is testing you to know if you love YAHUAH your god with all your heart and with all your soul. you shall fallow YAHUAH your god and keep his commandments (torah) and obay his voice and serve him and cling to him but, that prophet or dreamer of dreams shall be put to death because he has taught rebellion against YAHUAH your god who brought you out of the land of egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery to seduce you from the way witch YAHUAH commanded you to walk so,you shall purge the evil from your midst. ask your jew friend about this command id love to hear his response. this is why they reject YAHUSHA aka jesus becouse the christians olny read paul and think the torah is now done away with or horribly translated as old testament. iven in kumon the essien community still obeyed the torah.proof is in the damascus scroll along with that was the dead sea scrolls. no quran was ever found. so again how can he be a prophet like un to moses? moses gave the torah muhammad dident teach it. as it is written, to the torah and the testimoney if they do not speck according to this word it is becouse there is no light in them yeshaYAHU 8;20 book of isaiah. and no im not angry jest tryin to figure this out. shalum
Lamisse Yousra I understand 'Love for the sake of Allah (God), But 'Hate for the sake of Allah (God). It seems God doesn not want us to Hate but love, even our enemies.
Lamisse Yousra ur right
Praise God for the blessing of Islam and Islam is the religion of God
Praise God for the blessing of Islam and Islam is the religion of God
I don't care what religion people want to worship…. however I feel compelled to answer, Jamila, I have witnessed myself what happens when a Muslim and a non muslim try to get married.. firstly there where raised "opinions" then the male non muslim was taken outside by the "brothers" and told that he could marry the "sister" as long as he converted to Islam, as he didn't want to do this he was told that Honor of the family would mean it will cause trouble….. he was left in no doubt at all as to what would happen to him or / and her.and that was about 20 years ago in Londonistan UK
I certainly will never believe in Islam…. or any other religion or cult. But unlike a majority of muslims I wouldn't wish you dead because of it……
Then you clearly have NOT read or understood the Koran.
Mohammad Ashour, if that where true then why hasn't the Muslims of the world dealt with the terrorists in Iraq and Siria and other parts of the world ? How can the problem be the solution ??
If muslims doesn't folllow fully Islam n doesn't get benefitted then there is no way to blame Islam…..follow fully you will get all of your prolblem solved………..by the desire of God….
what about the massacre of world war 1 and 2 ??? All religion fought this war no one said Christianity is terrorist religion…. not religion is blamed of terrorism except Islam….aren't the people who slaughtered the million of African slaves n red Indian in USA?? what about their religion???
ISLAM is not what muslims do,but what they are supposed to do.
Brother Martin Robert Altria, could you give me references from the Quran that you believe supports your claim?
In the past I had questions about certain topics in Islam. After doing some investigation I found my answers and were happy with them. Islam is a beautiful faith that is filled with common sense, compassion, and forgiveness. I invite you to learn more about this faith by ordering a quran from whyislam.org. WhyIslam can also provide other literature e.g. Holy Quran Translations. Here is a link to a really beautiful recitation of a chapter from our holy book. You will LOVE it In Sha Allah. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5aIi3OqOJU
Yes you are correct Fahad Shahid
Martin Robert Altria My friend, do you honestly have a copy of the Holy Qur'an and have you read it cover to cover?
Martin Robert Altria Why not? They wish you were dead because you dont believe.
Mande Lock You obviously havent, Islam is a political, military and finally a religious ideology like communism, stalinism and naziism and the world is waking up to that reality. Sharia law is bigoted, oppressive and is based in bronze age myths and legends that are not in any way based in reality.
No its not. Its a way to oppress non believers and women. It gives men the excuse to rape women and molest children, kill everyone that dont believe in allah and dont follow their superstitious nonsense.
Redson Starr https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9npzbSAPNUU
Hatun Fayez yeah and if he violates that pathetic, imbecillic law hes to be put to death, Dont sugar coat the truth and lie to get followers. You morons make me sick. You hide what islam really is and probably dont even know yourself.
John Wilkins : we should take k review of history shouldn't we so that we knw clearly who rapes after winning n who treats them with politeness?? agree??
Islam is a political, military and finally a religious ideology very close to stalinism, communism and naziism. It is a detriment to mankind and as such we will fight it at everyturn. The world is waking up to your ridiculous and oppressive attempts to immigrate and conquer the world through this military ideology.
Martin Robert Altria Because the whole ideology of islsam is world domination and they see it as their way to advance that goal.
jews are more keen to world dominaiton than us n also christian waiting for jesus so that they can rule then why every foll criticize islam
Umer Farooq Because that ideology is mostly secular and christians are tolerant where as islam is not. I dont see people being killed or threatened with death for drawing a funny picture of jesus. I dont see people killing women for being raped. I dont see children being forcefully married at age of 7. You really think that there is a god with all the evidence to the contrary? And finally, your ideology has been used many times in the past to immigrate, populate, then decimate other countries and it wont happen here. Germany has already deported many muslims and the rest of the world is about to follow suit. Japanese imperialism, russian communism, germany's naziism was all exactly like your ideology and we see it for what it really is.
Umer Farooq Yeah, sharia law? What a joke!
you are true lydia..
this you should teach to your relations
you are true my friend
Martin Robert Altria: Inshallah Islam will remain forever, Jahadd is very important for anti-Islam.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.


text:
The Big Green Technology Company
4 kW Enphase Solar PV System - Installed UK Wide
Brand: Manufacturer
Product Code: 4 Kw Enphase Solar PV System Installed UK Wide
Availability: In Stock
Product Code: 4 Kw Enphase Solar PV System Installed UK Wide
Availability: In Stock
Price: £7,995.00
Ex Tax: £7,614.29
Ex Tax: £7,614.29
Qty: Enquire
4 KW ENPHASE Solar PV System - Fully Installed UK Wide
4KW Enphase Solar PV system fully installed UK wide. Includes VAT, structural survey, scaffolding, EPC Certificate, Black Solarworld German High Performance Solar Panels, Enphase micro inverter system with a 20 year guarantee and smart phone monitoring. All work is independantly warrantied for 10 years. You can expect to earn £25,800 over 20 years.
- Feed in Tariff £11000
- Export Tariff £1800
- Energy Saved £13000
We can also install Solar PV Hot Water heaters. The Solar iBoost or immerSUN take all the spare energy you produce and heat your hot water free of charge. They pay for themselves in approx 3 years.
Our popular VH60HD Voltage Optimiser will also save you approx £120 off your elec bill per year.
Write a reviewYour Name:
Your Review: Note: HTML is not translated!
Rating: Bad Good
Enter the code in the box below:

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Sign to Speak - Babies Can Talk
Dr. Daniels' latest book is a practical guide for early communication through signing and fun activities. This book is perfect for teachers and parents alike who want to introduce signing in hearing children's language development. In addition to the detailed explanation for why sign is effective, it offers thoughtful activities to make sign language instruction fun. Dr. Daniels' latest book is recommended by a number of leading educators and pediatricians, including Dr.
Jeanne E. Ziter
who remarked "
Dr. Daniels' latest book is the perfect blend of how to use signing with hearing infants to promote early communication and why."
Sign to Speak - Toddlers At Play
A perfect companion to
"Sign to Speak - Babies Can Talk,"
"Toddlers At Play"
is an ideal guide for those passionate about the early learning development of toddlers. The practical and fun activities are perfect for teachers and parents who want to introduce signing in hearing children's language development. Detailing how sign language can be used to improve hearing children's vocabulary, reading ability, self-esteem and self-expression, the book offers a wide array of activities to connect with toddlers. Educators and luminaries agree that Dr. Daniels' latest book helps to quickly advance communication between toddlers and parents.
Elaine M. Gustafson
Associate Clinical Professor at Yale School of Nursing noted that the "
book is one of the most comprehensive books I have seen on this topic.
Dancing with Words: Signing for Hearing Children's Literacy
Since the publication of
Dancing with Words: Signing for Hearing Children's Literacy
, it has become the classic text for students, educators and parents seeking to advance the literacy of children through the use of sign language. Marilyn Daniels offers a complete explanation of its use, a short history of sign language and its primary role within the Deaf community, an identification of the steps to reading success delineated with suggestions for incorporating sign language, plus the results of studies and the reaction of students teachers and parents.
highly recommends
Dancing with Words
and finds that it "not only constitutes an important addition to the existing literature but also opens the door for very different discussions about sign language." This book is the first to detail research that demonstrates using sign language with hearing children increases their English vocabulary, improves their reading ability, adds to their spelling proficiency, self-esteem and comfort with expressing emotions. Most importantly, it indicates that sign language promotes a comfortable environment which initiates an interest and enthusiasm for learning.
Benedictine Roots in the Development of Deaf Education, Listening with the Heart
Published by: Bergin & Garvey, 1997
Examining the educational instruction of the deaf individual from its Benedictine beginning to its present condition in Gallaudet University, this book traces the historical pedagogical affinity among Pedro Ponce de Leon, Juan Pablo Bonet, Charles Michael de l'Epee, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Edward Miner Gallaudet. The Executive Director of The American School for the Deaf said, "this book is one of the most important treatments of deaf education and its history to be published in my thirty-three years as an educator of the deaf."
See what others say...
Read an Excerpt
The Dance in Christianity: A History of Religious Dance through the Ages
Published by: Paulist Press 1981
This book traces the role of dance in Christianity from biblical times to the end of the 20th century. From earliest times ecstatic bodily movement has been closely allied to the religious impulse. Dance is a way of uniting the body and spirit in a spontaneous act of worship. The biblical base for dancing is articulated in this enlightening volume. Daniels outlines the significant place dance has held in liturgical celebrations since its emergence in the early church. Between the time King David danced around the Ark of the Covenant and 19th century Shakers danced in their pure and simple way in the United States this art form was an active presence in Christian liturgy. The Reformation and the Enlightenment inhibited the use of dance in Christian ceremonies. Gradually liturgical dance was reduced to formal gestures and postures as found in bowing the head, kneeling, forming the sign of the cross, genuflecting, and the ministrations of a priest during the celebration of the Eucharist.
2012 Marilyn Daniels Ph.D.


text:
Drop dead gorgeous models & pornstars lured into sleazy motel rooms with promises of fame and fortune only to have their bouncing bare bottoms spanked red raw because they're bad, bad, baaaad girls. This is the real deal. This is Bun Beating FUN !
Tags: spanking, pornstar, otk, Shayne Ryder, blondes, pain, porn stars, small tits
Categories: Reality
Submited: 1 month old


text:
The National Academies | 500 Fifth St. N.W. | Washington, D.C. 20001
Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
Terms of Use and Privacy Statement
Chaperoning brain degeneration ."
(Sackler NAS Colloquium) Self-Perpetuating Structural States in Biology, Disease, and Genetics . Washington, DC: The National Academies Press,
2002 .
Please select a format:


text:
A - Thanks for your great question. Let me warn you that while my answer may be longer than most of them on this blog, it won't cover everything you need to know about Vatican II.
Now, whenever I talk about Vatican II with a group of people I begin by asking them what Vatican II did. They almost universally respond by talking about the changes in the liturgy. While these are the most visible changes, they are not the most important things to come from Vatican II. Let me explain.
Vatican II was the 21st ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church. All other councils were called because of some crisis or problem that the Church needed to address. For instance, many heresies (arianism, gnosticism, etc.) were addressed by proclaiming what is orthodox ("right teaching") through the councils.
Vatican II was different because the Church didn't need to address any major crisis. It was called by John XXIII more as a pastoral council than doctrinal. Now, that doesn't mean it didn't proclaim doctrine, but rather that it was aimed more at helping Catholic live out those teachings. It's main purpose was to help apply the truths of Christ to modern-day life.
When John XXIII called the Council, the Church was in shock. 'Why' was the question.
John XXIII's theme for the Council was put forward in a document to open the first session. (Gaudet Mater Ecclesia) "Mother Church Rejoices". The Church is called to teach, govern and sanctify. But, unlike most other councils of the Church, there was no crisis in doctrine that proceeded it. There was also no need for dogmatic definitions. What the Church needed was for to apply the teachings the Church already had to the present and foreseeable future.
So, he wanted the Church to examine itself and ask the question of "what do we need to do to make our faith deeper and more lively."
There was a deep need to have doctrine stated in a relevant way, but in a way that did not change what was being taught. It's formulation and presentation needed updating without leaving any truth behind.
John XXIII's vision of the council was:
1 - Awareness - The Church is aware of itself
2 - Renewal - After we become aware we reform (note you cannot reform what you don't know about)
3 - Dialogue - Dialogue with the world at large.
There are four major documents called Constitutions. One is on the liturgy, one is on the Church, one is on Revelation, and the last is on The Church in the Modern World. These four documents are the most important. But, there are others that are very important as well. Including documents on religious freedom, the laity, and ecumenism (unity of Christianity).
Paul VI became pope during the council. Later, after the council, John Paul II became pope. During the implementation of the council, there was one major question - how do we go about implementing the teachings in the council?
Some saw in Vatican II an opportunity to "update" the Church's doctrine. They wanted the Church to change the moral teachings on contraception, sex, etc. They also wanted doctrines such as the all-male priesthood, etc to change.
This caused an upheaval and confusion in the Church that has lasted until our day. Every parish and diocese was greatly effected by this confusion. Many people left the Church, not knowing what was going on, others simply drifted along. During this time religious education was very poor and generations of Catholics since have been poorly formed, including my own generation.
On the bright side, the Church has begun to correctly implement the teachings of Vatican II more recently. There has been a re-capturing of the truth found in the teachings of Vatican II and a proper balance to it all. We are doing much better at educating the people and I believe a corner has been turned. While we still have a long way to go, there is great reason to be hopeful that we are headed in the right direction.
Now, what specifically did Vatican II teach? Well, to get it all I urge you to pick up the documents and read them. You can buy bo0ks and commentaries on Vatican II or you can even get them from the internet. Here is the Vatican's website with all 16 documents.
Some of the major themes / teachings include:
- Aggiornamento - this is a word that means to "bring up to date". This doesn't mean the Church's doctrine changes, but how we teach, communicate, and apply it might. It can be seen as a way of trying to read the signs of the times and adjust where we are willing and able to.
- Ressourcement - this word means a "return to the sources". The Council Fathers balanced the updating with a retrieval of some of the lost practices of the early Church. RCIA is a fruit of this effort.
- The universal call to holiness - everyone is called to perfection in the spiritual life.
- Renewal in the Church - it begins by understanding God and the nature of the Church as well as our imperfection.
- Changes in liturgy - the liturgy is our source and summit of the spiritual life.
- Dialogue with the world - when we engage the world and culture with the truth of Christ, we can help renew both.
- Call for the laity to "reform the temporal order".
Some of the major changes to the liturgy include:
- Using the vernacular (language of the people)
- The priest facing the people during the Eucharistic prayer
- The call to "active participation" of the entire congregation (though some mis-interpreted this as a call to change many things not intended to be changed).
- Call to catechize more about the liturgy to help the congregation grow in understanding of the action of the liturgy and therefore faith in Christ.
- Greater use of Scripture. We have an extra reading since Vatican II.
Some of the other topics in the documents include:
- marriage
- family
- culture
- social life
- economics
- political community
- moral basis of authority
- Sacraments
- media
- Eastern Rite Catholic Churches
- Ecumenism
- Office of Bishops
- Religious
- Priestly formation
- Christian Education
- Non-Christian Religions Laity
- Religious liberty
- Missions


text:
Q: How did you become interested in Psychology?
C: I was watching on episode of Oprah one day (don't ask me why) and I heard this guy talking named Dr. Phil McGraw. At the time my life had really hit rock bottom and what he was saying really seemed to m ake sense. I went out and bought his books and CD's and completely inhaled them. After that I became interested in guys like Anthony Robbins, Robin Sharma, Albert Ellis and others.
Q: What are your current credentials?
C: At the present time I am curren tly enrolled in college pursuing a Masters Degree in Psychology. Besides my academic endeavors, I have researched and studied literally hundreds of psychologists and their theories through books, seminars, lectures,and web-sites. Because of my willingness to dive as deep into my chosen field as possible,I have been able to learn a variety of skills that are considered to be cutting-edge as well as extremely effective.
Q: So what is your favorite subject concerning
C:I have two favorites: human persuasion, and behavior change. These two subjects are fascinationg to me!
Q: What is your over-all philosophy on those
C: As far as pursuasion is concerned, I believe whole-heartedly in Dale Carnegie's philosophy: "You can get people interested in you a lot faster by becoming interested in them. This works better than anything else you could try." The great benefit of this technique is that, besides the ability to pursuade others, you also learn alot by shutting up and listening . Most people are very poor listeners.
As for behavioral change, I believe that human beings are slaves to two things: their habits and their beliefs. As human beings, we only do the things we do out of our need to gain pleasure or our need to avoid pain. And the way we choose to meet those needs are based on either our habits, or our beliefs about what are actions will bring. But when you change both your habits and beliefs, you create immediate results in your behavior!
Q: Why should anyone listen to y ou in regards to changing behaviors or lifelong habits? I mean, you aren't a certified psychologist yet.
C: This is true. And though I've learned a lot , I still have far to go. However, the techniques I describe to people aren't things that I've just ma de up of theorized. These are priciples that I've learned from professionals and experts in the field of human psychology. I've studied the techniques of guys like Dr.Phil McGraw, Robin Sharma, John Grinder, Albert Ellis, and many others.But besides study ing these techniques, I've used them personally on myself and others to make lasting changes in lifestyle! I used these techniques to techniques quit smoking, spending money frivolously, and eating poorly!
Q: What's the number one thing that holds people back from creating the lasting changes that they want?
C: As Anthony Robbins says, "Change is nev er about ability; it's always about motivation." When someone has a strong enough reason, they will flat-out change, period! I mean, haven't you ever been in a situation where you kept trying to change and never could and then one day you decided that you'd had enough and you just said, "That's it! No more! Never again!", and you never went back to that same old thing again? That's the day you got enough motivation! In psychology we call that "leverage".The problem is that most people , when they get a li ttle pain they want to run from it. What they don't understand is that if they allow themselves to feel how much pain their getting from that unwanted habit, then the pain will serve them! The pain will finally give them the leverage that they needed to m ake a change.
Q: I see. So in what other ways can psychology make a difference in peoples lives?
C: Well, after studying experts such as Albert Ellis, I've learned to become a lot more rational in my thinking. For instance, in the past, if someone cut m e off in traffic I would become instantly irritated or even enraged. But through studying Ellis's Rational Emotive Terapy, I've learned to use rational thought to better asses the situation. I say things to myself such as, "Maybe they had a crummy day and didn't realize what they were doing. Or, maybe they're old, or they're running late for something important." Even if the case is that they're simply an insensitive ass,why should I let their actions ruine my day? This type of thinking is what has given me a life of much more peace and well-being. Everyone could benefit from this type of psychology!
Q: So what are your future plans?
C: I plan to finish my degree, write a couple of books, and begin giving lectures. I'd like to work with corporations and businesses on effective communication, and also break into the field of personal coaching.
Q: Good Luck!
C: Thanks!
|© 2002-2008. Blurty Journal. All rights reserved.