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MA Islamic Studies
The MA Islamic Studies is a dynamic and exciting programme of study, appropriate for all those seeking to further their knowledge in the multidisciplinary academic fields associated with the study of Islam.
Course Overview
The programme is taught by experts with diverse interests in Islamic Studies, encouraging students to explore in depth a range of topics relating to the Islam and Muslims in contemporary and historical perspectives. Islamic Studies is a long-standing discipline at the university, and our academic team have contributed to the field through publications, specialist research, and participation in international conferences.
The MA provides a high quality student experience suitable for those working within – or associated with - Muslim communities, in minority and majority contexts, especially those wishing to develop a greater understanding of the people, cultures and religious perspectives with in which they are working.
The programme is delivered as a full-time and part-time programme of study, and is also available as distance learning. All module content is available through the University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and students will be supported throughout their studies through regular access to their module tutors, either one to one (by email, skype, phone), in groups (using media such as Skype), or via VLE module discussion forums or wikis.
Campus-based students will be supported through lectures, research seminars and public lectures. An annual residential graduate summer school is held for all students in July where students are able to experience lectures and seminars covering both issues related to generic learning and subject-specific information and to engage with a number of our research students
This school offers programs in:
- English
The programme has been designed to attract students interested in developing both their generic as well as their subject-specific skills. It offers opportunities for students who have recently graduated to move on to work at level 7 in their specialist field of study and help prepare them for careers in education, ministry and research. The programme also offers excellent continuing professional development for teachers at various stages of their career, ministers currently in pastoral charge seeking further professional development and other interested parties. In addition, the programme will be attractive to students who wish to study out of personal interest or faith commitment.
Entry Requirements
Normally the entry requirement for this programme is a first class or upper second class undergraduate degree. In addition, the School encourages students with an equivalent and appropriate professional qualification or significant and relevant professional experience to apply.
A non-graduate may also be admitted to candidature provided that she/he has gained a minimum of three years professional experience relevant and appropriate to the programme and they can demonstrate a satisfactory level of writing /analytical skills.


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Beispielbild für diese ISBN
Bibliografische Details
Titel: Advanced English Dictionary: English-Spanish...
Verlag: Biblograf, Barcelona
Erscheinungsdatum: 1997
Einband: hardcover
Zustand: Very Good
Zustand des Schutzumschlags: No Dust Jacket
Art des Buches: Used
Hardcover without jacket. Item is cocked, with superficial scores on front and rear boards. Lightly worn upper edges; leading corners and spine ends are bumped. Page block is marked. Title page is creased. Final two pages are uncut at upper corner and lower edge. All content is clear and pages are clean. TS. Buchnummer des Verkäufers 280697
Dieser Anbieter akzeptiert die folgenden Zahlungsarten:
[Im Angebot des Anbieters suchen]
[Alle Bücher des Anbieters anzeigen]
ZVAB Verkäufer seit 6. Oktober 2003
To pay by PayPal, just paste this link into your browser: paypal.me/PsychoBabelSkoob PsychoBabel Books in Oxfordshire and Skoob Books in London (Russell Square Tube) are solely owned by Chris Edwards, 56b Jubilee Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon Oxfordshire. OX14 4RX. Prompt dispatch on clearance of payment. If any doubt about condition of book in addition to that described please e-mail or call. PsychoBabel & Skoob Books 56b Jubilee Avenue, Milton Park Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4RX Telephone 0123...[Mehr Information]
We post every weekday! All shipping quotes are based on fast efficient service with the best possible packaging.
Standard charge is based on average weight of books - about 0.9Kg. Heavy items (over 1.5Kg) may require extra postage depending on destination. We'll e-mail you if necessary.
Anbieterinformationen: To pay by PayPal, just paste this link into your browser: paypal.me/PsychoBabelSkoob PsychoBabel Books in Oxfordshire and Skoob Books in London (Russell Square Tube)are run and owned by Chris Edwards operating as a sole trader. We have bought all our books and take great care with the storage and listing of each one. As well as over 107,000 listings we have nearly 100,000 in our London shop and probably five times as many awaiting attention in the warehouse. We have been selling with a five-star rating continuously sine 2003 on AbeBooks. PsychoBabel and Skoob buy from private individuals and prestigious libraries. We are NOT 'barcoders' but dedicated book lovers, offering an excellent service. We enjoy receiving phone calls and we handle each order individually. We dispatch our orders daily and accommodate customers all over the world. Our wonderful packaging is not charged for. Please email or call with any queries or requests for photos.

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AVG v MSEOld posts Tagged Old posts, Old posts April 26th, 2010
A computer running Windows XP SP3, fully updated and running AVG 8.5 also fully updated. There is a REGCURE popup which will not go away and, not unsurprisingly, the uninstall for REGCURE throws up an error message. AVG 8.5 appears to be blissfully unaware of its presence and makes no attempt to remove it.
I uninstalled AVG, and installed Microsoft Security Essentials from a USB drive. MSE's first scan showed two problems, both being summarily cleaned from the system. I rebooted and then ran Malwarebytes free version. The ensuing report showed no problems.
AVG 8.5 gets a fail - MSE gets a win
There is no perfect anti-virus program or suite, but AVG should have caught and cleaned out REGCURE. It is not an unknown infection.
Microsoft is making sure that its new AV solution works well and, so far, I have found it to be a very good product, installing it in place of all other free offerings and one or two well known subscription AV's from other companies.
I will admit to running the ESET NOD32 Security Suite on my machine, but I also run a spare machine and a Toshiba laptop which have MSE installed. All of the machines remain virus and Trojan free.
One Response to "AVG v MSE"
Teckset Says:
April 27th, 2010 at 13:29
I haven't recommended AVG in over a year due to its seemingly low effectiveness against script based drive by infections. MSE does seem very capable, but I still find it less suited for advanced users who (for instance) may wish to temporarily disable it for say a large files transfer.
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Laurie Alexandra - Canterbury
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Laurie Alexandra in Canterbury is passionate about creating amazing and creative makeup. These talented makeup artists only use the best products which result in a flawless finish. And it's not…Book Appointment
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Paul A. Greene, Ph.D.
Paul A. Greene, Ph.D.
|Professions: Clinical Psychologist, Marriage & Family Therapist, Psychotherapist
|License Status: I'm a licensed professional.
|Primary Credential: Psychologist - 005968
|Office 1
New Rochelle, New York 10804 Click for Map Get Directions
- Service Animals Welcome
|Office 2
Scarsdale, New York 10583 Click for Map Get Directions
Billing and Insurance
Click here to ask this therapist for billing and insurance information.
See other therapists in New Rochelle, NY.
See other therapists in Scarsdale, NY.
For more than 30 years I've been a practicing psychotherapist, university professor, and licensed psychologist. I've talked to many clients about their lives, experiences, and what's been done to them. We've discussed the things they've done and felt, their regrets, anxieties, frustrations, and fears, as well as their hopes, successes, failures, losses, and illnesses.
We have looked for ways to help troubled adult children, and troubled aging parents. My clients and I collaborate to find solutions and strategies that bring them closer to their goals and aspirations. Self-knowledge and understanding can help, but specific instructions derived from well-constructed and tested protocols are useful.
I practice psychotherapy by treating treatment as a collaboration to clarify your desires and develop the steps to achieve those goals. I've built my practice around psychological science and many decades of experience. I support approaches known as evidence-based treatments, because these approaches are backed by empirical evidence and real-world results. These interventions include cognitive-behavioral therapy and other proven approaches.
Because many life events aren't easily classified and have not been thoroughly researched, I also rely on my professional knowledge and clinical experience. Psychotherapy is about a cooperative, trusting, and honest relationship. I support the policy statement by GoodTherapy.org titled The Elements of Good Therapy.
Email or Call Paul A. Greene, Ph.D. at 1-800-651-8085 ext. 04732
What I Usually Need to Know to Help
Generally, I need to know how we will recognize that you are finished with therapy. What are your goals and how will we know that you are there? I will give you direct feedback, interaction so that you know where I stand and what I think. If your goals are questionable, I will ask for clarification. If I am not clear or not meeting your needs, I need you to tell that to me so we can do what will get you to that place where we will know that you are done with treatment.
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By using this site, you signify your assent and agreement to the Terms of Service.


text:
Game of Thrones s5e7 "The Gift" gifs and memes
Adam Rifkin stashed this in Game of Thrones!
Stashed in:
Game of Thrones s5e7 discussion:
This is some Gladiator shit right here!
"My name is Ser Jorah Mormont, heir to the shamed house of Mormont, General of the Northern regions and loyal servant to the TRUE queen, Danaerys Targaryen. Son to a murdered father, a man without a wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next."
More Reddit comments:
What's frustrating to me isn't the threat of savagery or even the graphic illustration of it. (If I can stomach a Hall of Fame drama ending with a soda commercial, I can handle a little light disemboweling.) The problem is that the longer Game of Thrones has run, the more I find myself seduced by the outrageous imagination on display: the epic sweep of the fictional cartography, the absurd intricacies of tax law and grain supply, the small flourishes of everyday life that dot the margins of every scene like stone men in the ruins of Old Valyria. To inhabit a universe so richly sculpted, so teeming with stories and then be constantly railroaded into familiar brutality is disheartening to say the least. There's a whole world out there for the exploring, and we keep finding ourselves staring at the same abattoir walls.
The truth is there's much to look forward to in the remaining hours of Season 5. I expect Winterfell to get a righteous sacking, and I love a good Jon Snow road trip. And, at long last, Daenerys has found a fire-breather she can't lock in the basement. Tyrion has been away from power for so long that we forget how masterful he is at wielding it and (especially) advising those with more of it. After seeing the jokers Daenerys has surrounded herself with thus far, it's a wonder she's able to hold on to her hat, let alone three teetering megalopolises. Pairing the Mother of Dragons with the Killer of His Father is as exciting as it is overdue. The truth is, Game of Thrones desperately needs Daenerys to be a robust protagonist, not an antiwar metaphor. Unlike the other pretenders, her claim on the throne isn't based on spite or prophecy. She carries with her a radical agenda of hope and change, and, if people aren't buying that, she's got dragons.
Daenerys doesn't want to win the world as much as she wants to remake it. And as the story craters and dead-ends all around her, it's time for just this sort of radicalism to take flight.
tl;dw Jorah the Explorer: http://imgur.com/a/IVsZk
Reddit comments:
I am the gift. ~Tyrion Lannister
Smug Cersei gif gfy gfycat: http://gfycat.com/ThoroughUnkemptIriomotecat
High Quality Cersei screaming internally gif:


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About MeIm unique, im fun, im a hard worker and very love able, im always up for a challenge, I bring a mystical essence to every shoot my name is MIMI. I am looking to work with professionals in the fashion and art industry. I have much respect for artists and what they do and most of all I love to be an inspiration and part of a great master piece.
I hope to work with you soon. XOXO
I will do nudes for pay!!! :)
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This step is optional but will dramatically raise your chances of getting interest from other Christian members on the site. Write a little about yourself, your pasttimes and upload some good photos of yourself.
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Discovered someone who looks suitable? Send a note to them or just a wink and see what comes of it. With a little luck you'll be on your way to uncover the love of your life.
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text:
Political Damage to Euro Could Be Serious
If political will is the glue holding the euro together then euro-zone politicians had better start talking fast.
Since the start of the year, the problems of the euro zone's peripheral debtors have had little impact on the single currency.
Financial markets had been convinced that, come what may, there was enough resolve in the region's political community to ensure that a solution will be found.
So, even though the debt servicing costs of some peripheral debtors continued to rise and insurance premiums for holding their debt became nearly prohibitive, the euro itself remained strong–taking its cue more from the hawkish stance of the European Central Bank and the outlook for higher euro-zone interest rates instead.
But all this has changed in the last few days.
[Find out more over the jump.]


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Sun, 15 March 2015
Join Dr. Park on this installment of his Expert Interview Series, where insomnia and sleep medicine expert, Dr. Gregg Jacobs, unveils his proven and effective methods for stopping insomnia, without the use of harmful and expensive medications.
Here's what you'll learn during this teleseminar:
An Insomnia Specialist at the Sleep Disorders Center at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Dr. Gregg Jacobs is the leading authority on the treatment of insomnia. His insights on insomnia and sleep are eye-opening and enlightening. During this 64 minute call, Dr. Jacobs answers your questions.
Direct download: Overcome_Insomnia_Without_Medications.mp3
Category:Ask Dr. Park -- posted at: 9:33pm EDT
Fri, 22 March 2013
Finally, useful information on how to use your CPAP without struggle…
Dr. Park's Expert Interview with Mr. Chip Smith, the President of Restoration Medical is an expert on the proper use of CPAP machines to treat obstructive sleep apnea as well as upper airway resistance syndrome.
As President of Restoration Medical, a durable medical equipment company specializing in supplying CPAP machines to sleep apnea patients, Chip Smith has unique insights into how to manage and effectively choose the right CPAP machine.
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• What's better, a full face mask or nasal pillows?
• And much much more…
Direct download: CPAP_Machines_Revealed.mp3
Category:Ask Dr. Park -- posted at: 8:27am EDT


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text: Spinal reflex properties in the long term after stroke.Jan S Groenewegen, Jurriaan H de Groot, Alfred C Schouten, Andrea B Maier, J Hans Arendzen, Carel G M MeskersJournal of electromyography and kinesiology…2012In the long term after stroke, secondary functional deterioration may be observed while patients also get older. Possible underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. We aimed to assess neuromuscular degeneration represented by alterations in peripheral reflex loop characteristics as a function of follow-up time after stroke, controlled for age. Twenty-one… (More)


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A coalition of six state attorneys general called on the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to adopt a standard requiring that all crude oil transported by rail in the U.S. achieve a vapor pressure of under 9.0 pounds per square inch.
Roadrunner names executive vice president, chief financial officer, USA Truck hires vice president, chief technology officer, Crete Carrier names president of Crete Carrier and Shaffer Trucking, and the Port of Long Beach gains deputy executive director.
The American Association of Port Authorities says members are concerned about declines in federally funded port programs in the proposed fiscal 2018 budget, but encouraged by plans to support $1 trillion in infrastructure over 10 years.
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BlueWater Reporting illustrated the ports of Norfolk and Savannah rank as the top two U.S. East Coast ports for transpacific alliance services deploying capacity from Asia.


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A very lovely cruise!!
Sail Date: August 01, 2013
Reviewed: 3 years ago
Traveled As: Singles/Friends
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Click table then swipe to view all columns.
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Wood You Like To Craft?
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Back in 2002 when I listened to Songs About Jane on repeat on my Discman, I never thought that the high-note hitting guy singing it would one day be all over my TV set. But Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine--yes, the coach on NBC's The Voice--will be expanding his prime-time presence in a big way.
The star of NBC's The Voice is going to start acting.
It's been reported that the musician is very close to finalizing a deal for his first acting role. The gig? A character on season two of the FX series American Horror Story. He'll be playing what is being described as "a contemporary character and half of a couple called 'The Lovers,'" according to Entertainment Weekly. No, I don't know what that means at all either-- though apparently the producers loved him so much that they're planning to shoot around his M5 summer tour schedule. The show returns in October.
As noted in our 15 Pop Culture Moments We're Looking Forward To In 2012, *AHS *is getting a major revamp. After season one ended, co-creator Ryan Murphy and company broke down the sets, said farewell to the cast (including Dylan "Swoon" McDermott and Connie Britton, who only signed on for a single season anyway) and will start anew. So what do we know about season two? It will take place on the east coast, a handful of previous cast members WILL be back (Jessica Lange, Zachary Quinto and Sarah Paulson signed new deals) but as completely different characters, and Adam Levine is apparently involved with the drama.
I'm not sure how I'm feeling about Actor Adam yet. While I admittedly was a huge fan of his first album, that love affair pretty much ended there. I never got into any of Maroon 5's other stuff and the endless chatter about his sex life has been a turn off. (Yup, I know you're a rock star and like to sleep with a lot of people. Good for you.) I think he's great on The Voice. He has this love/hate thing with Christina Aguilera, which is fun to watch, and seems like a natural in the role of voice coach. But then he's also launching a fragrance (after publicly trashing celebrities who have them) and now this acting thing... I'm feeling a little Adam Overload and don't know if I can handle him taking over one of my favorite TV shows too. I guess I'll have to see him in action before I can really judge, though I can't say this is my favorite idea.
Tell me what YOU think: Will Adam be a great addition to the revamped American Horror Story? How do you think he'll be as an actor? What are your feelings about him generally? Talk back about all things Adam below. And be sure to read our recap of last night's The Voice here.
More on TV...


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Directions for use: Apply sparingly to the required area and massage gently into the skin 2 to 4 times daily. Arnica gel is not recommended for children under 12 years of age. For external use only. Do not apply to inflamed or broken skin. Avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes.
Store at room temperature in a dry place. Keep out of reach of children. If pregnant or nursing please consult your healthcare provider.
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- Free buffet breakfast
- Free WiFi in rooms and public areas
- Free parking
- Indoor pool
HighlightsInformation missing or incorrect? Tell us!Opens in a new window
Comfort Suites Altoona
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
Comfort Suites Altoona features an indoor pool and a fitness center. Public areas are equipped with complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-related amenities consist of a business center and meeting rooms. A complimentary breakfast is offered. This business-friendly hotel also offers gift shops/newsstands, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and laundry facilities. Onsite self parking is complimentary.
Comfort Suites Altoona is a smoke-free property.
- Total number of rooms - 65
- Business center
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- Free breakfast
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- Indoor pool
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry facilities
- Sofa bed
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Cribs/infant beds (complimentary)
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Free self parking, RV, bus, truck parking
Room Amenities
Comfort Suites Altoona offers 65 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Beds feature premium bedding. Plasma televisions come with cable channels and pay movies. Refrigerators and microwaves are provided.
Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and complimentary toiletries.
- Pay movies
- Premium bedding
- In-room climate control (air conditioning)
- Air conditioning
- Free local calls
- Refrigerator
- Coffee/tea maker
- Microwave
- Free toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Iron/ironing board
- Desk
- Sofa bed
- Cable TV service
- Free WiFi
- Connecting/adjoining rooms available
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Plasma TV
Where to Eat
Guests are offered a complimentary buffet breakfast.
Nearby Things to Do
Recreational amenities at the hotel include an indoor pool and a fitness center.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
- Golfing nearby
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please note them at check-out when you book your room.
- Accessible bathroom
- In-room accessibility
- Roll-in shower
Hotel Policies
Check-out time is noon
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Kids stay free! Children 18 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
- Free cribs (infant beds)!
- Pets not allowed
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
No rollaway/extra beds available
24-hour check-in
Hotel Name
- Comfort Suites Altoona
- Comfort Suites Hotel Altoona
- Comfort Suites Altoona Hotel Altoona
We should mention
Children 18 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding. The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.


text:
Actress Celeste Roberts and director Mark Adams speak with KUHF's Bob Stevenson. Main Street Theater is presenting their third staging of Terrence McNally's Master Class … with evening performances, Thursdays through Saturdays … and Sunday afternoon matinees through January 24th at Main Street's Chelsea Market facility. Listen Download
KUHF's Meghan Hendley, speaking at the Wade Wilson Gallery with artist, Joseph Cohen. His exhibition of new paintings, Forging the Path of the Concrete, is on view through February 13th at Wade Wilson Art on Montrose Boulevard. Listen Download


text:
Same-sex marriage in Vietnam
Same-sex marriage is not legal in Vietnam, nor is any other form of same-sex union recognized.
Previous laws against all forms of cohabitation were repealed under a new marriage law approved by the parliament in 2000.[1]
In May 2012, a gay couple in Ha Tien held a traditional, public wedding at their home but were stopped by local authorities. The event was reported widely on Vietnamese media and started a heated debate on the issue.[2]
Two months later, the Vietnamese Justice minister, Ha Hung Cuong, announced that the government was considering legalising same-sex marriage, stating that "in order to protect individual freedoms, same-sex marriage should be allowed." The subject was expected to be debated at the National Assembly congress in spring 2013.[3][4] However, in February 2013, the Ministry of Justice requested that the National Assembly avoid action until 2014.[5]
In June 2013, the Ministry of Justice submitted the bill that removes the ban on same-sex marriage from the Marriage and Family Law and provides some rights for cohabiting same-sex couples.[6] The National Assembly debated it in October 2013.[7] On 24 September 2013, the Government issued the decree abolishing the fines on same-sex marriages. The decree took effect on 11 November 2013.[8][9][10] On 27 May 2014, the National Assembly's Committee for Social Affairs removed the provision giving legal status and some rights to cohabiting same-sex couples from the government's bill to amend the Law on Marriage and Family.[11][12] The bill was approved by the National Assembly on 19 June 2014, and took effect on 1 January 2015.[13][14][15][16]
Article 64 of the Vietnamese constitution states that: "The family is the cell of society. The State protects marriage and the family. Marriage shall conform to the principles of free consent, progressive union, monogamy and equality between husband and wife. Parents have the responsibility to bring up their children into good citizens. Children and grandchildren have the duty to show respect to and look after their parents and grandparents. The State and society shall recognise no discrimination among children."[17] In November 2013, the article was repealed and replaced by Article 36, which does not contain a definition of marriage.[18][19]
From 12 November 2013, however, the government would no longer impose any fine on people who carry out public gay weddings.[20] In the case local authorities appear to sanction or make intervention, they can take this Decree to protect their legitimate interests.[21]
Public opinion[edit]
A survey carried out in December 2012 showed that 37% of Vietnam's population supported the legalization of same-sex marriage, while 58% were against it.[22]
A March 2014 poll found that 33.7% support same-sex marriage while 52.9% were opposed.[23]
See also[edit]
- ^ Vietnam Revised Marriage Family Law
- ^ Gay Couple Fined by Local Authorities, TuoiTre Online
- ^ Vietnam considers legal recognition for gay couples
- ^ Vietnam considers same-sex marriage
- ^ "Vote on same-sex marriage in Vietnam likely to be delayed until 2014".
- ^ (Vietnamese) P.Thảo (2013-06-26). "Sẽ không cấm kết hôn giữa người đồng giới?". Dân Trí. Retrieved 2013-06-28.
- ^ Gay rights in South-East Asia: Fifty shades of pink
- ^ Vietnam to remove fines on same-sex marriage
- ^ (Vietnamese) NGHỊ ĐỊNH - QUY ĐỊNH XỬ PHẠT VI PHẠM HÀNH CHÍNH TRONG LĨNH VỰC BỔ TRỢ TƯ PHÁP, HÀNH CHÍNH TƯ PHÁP, HÔN NHÂN VÀ GIA ĐÌNH, THI HÀNH ÁN DÂN SỰ, PHÁ SẢN DOANH NGHIỆP, HỢP TÁC XÃ
- ^ (Vietnamese) Một số điểm mới về xử phạt vi phạm hành chính tại Nghị định số 110/2013/NĐ-CP
- ^ Vietnamese lawmakers back down on giving rights to same-sex couples
- ^ Vietnam's Proposed Marriage Law Disappoints LGBT Activists
- ^ LAW On Marriage and Family
- ^ Vietnam allows surrogacy within families, denies same-sex marriage
- ^ Vietnam removes ban on same sex marriage
- ^ Vietnam Set To Lift Gay Marriage Ban
- ^ Constitution 1992 CHAPTER FIVE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE CITIZEN
- ^ (Vietnamese) Nghị quyết sửa đổi, bổ sung Hiến pháp năm 1992
- ^ DPA (2013-11-28). "Vietnam amends Constitution". Thehindu.com. Retrieved 2014-01-05.
- ^ Vietnam legalizes gay weddings
- ^ Survey undermines progress of same-sex marriage in Vietnam
- ^ "One in three Vietnamese support marriage equality". GayStarNews. March 31, 2014.


text:
The first differences between (S)he and sheMature
"Hey Alex, what's your favourite food?"
"Alex, what more sports do you practice?"
"Hey, uumh, I have homemade chocolate cake, would you like some?"
"Hey, you there; move, I want to talk to Alex!" "No you move, I am talking to Alex!"
Alex this, Alex that, why were people so noisy? I couldn't stand it any longer so I stood up, excused myself and left the room to look for some quiet place to spend the rest of my lunch break. I went upstairs, hoping that there wouldn't be anyone on the rooftop but before I could open the door I could hear people talking.
"I want to break up." A familiar voice broke through the thin door.
"Why? What happened? Why do you want to break up?"
"I just loved you because you were the strongest."
"Oh, so you want to break up because I lost from one person?"
"Yes, he is hot, smart and strong. There is no way a brain dead like you can be compared to him."
"You will regret saying these things." The voice that was filled with love just a few minutes ago became a shout out of anger.
"What are you going to do?! Let go of me!" The girl shouted from panic.
I was seriously doubting about opening the door and helping her or just leaving the place and doing like nothing ever happened. But even though the girl was a bitch for breaking up with her boyfriend over something like this, she still didn't deserve to get hit or raped. (Or whatever the guy intended to do to her, but something told me that he was not going to kiss her or give her a hug.) I opened the door and the first thing I could see was a guy lifting his fist against a girl. I dashed to the surprised man and hit him instead. The shocked guy fell down and looked at me with flaming eyes. "Don't interfere in our business!" he shouted. When I turned around to check whether the girl was alright, I was completely shocked about what I saw. The heartless playgirl was Alice, my best friend! How did she get here and how did she turn in to a player like this? I stared at her with my brownie coloured eyes, still dumbfounded about the fact that the bitch was my best friend.
"Alex… behind you!" Alice's voice shook in fear. But you know, I had done karate and all, so of course I heard that dude standing up and running towards me. I turned around, stopped his punch with my left hand and punched him with my right hand. He tumbled down as he was dying with pain. I know it's dirty to hit twice at the same place but it is also dirty to attack someone from the back! I left the guy perishing on the ground, turned around and grabbed Alice's hand. "Come with me!" I commanded.
She nodded dreamily and followed me like child who was lost.
"I couldn't believe he heard my entire conversation, what am I supposed to say to him now?" I thought. The disapproving look in his eyes was so suffocating, that I almost wanted to cry. Of course I did not mean what I said, but how would he know the real me when I was just a stranger to him? It was so embarrassing! However the part about him being a perfect prince was not a lie. And since I had the time to observe him up close, I came to realize that this guy's perfections went beyond my imaginations. The fan girl inside me screamed: "he's so perfect!" but deep down in my heart I was still worried about my very bad first impression.
"Good, I think you're save now, Alice. Take care and… behave yourself!" I couldn't believe that someone's voice could be this mesmerizing.
"Wait!" I screamed, scared to never to be able to talk to him again. "How did you know my name?" I didn't remember giving him any information about myself.
"Well, when you two were discussing things so loudly, I stood there behind the door. I didn't want to be rude or something, but he said your name and all, so of course I know your name." It is funny how his gorgeous face turned into one of a child who had just been caught eating candy in the classroom and wanted to protect his dear food. Maybe this guy was not only perfect but maybe he was also very cute?
Then suddenly the bell rang, it was time to go back to our classes. I guessed it was going to be goodbye forever. It was sad; I already grew attached to his presence.
"Oh, got to go, see you later, Alice!" he said to me as he walked away.
I had a good feeling that this was not the last time I was going to be able to talk to him. Since you said "see you later," there must be a "Welcome back!" waiting for me, right? A faint smile appeared on my face for the first time since I broke up with Math.
While I descended the stairs with Alice, I felt the gazes burning on my skin. I guessed I went back to being an animal in the zoo, heh? "Maybe I should buy a mask or something like that." I had asked the prof before. "But wouldn't that be more eye-catching? You should look for something more common to wear" he had replied like I had said something stupid, again. But you know, it was easier said than done! What common thing could make my out-of-the-world-handsome face, that could let people who just had passed me by turn around, transform my face into something ordinary? "Sigh, I want to put a paper bag over my face, but then I would risk having policeman chasing me down, because I looked too suspicious." I had sighed in the car.
"He's so perfect!" The irritating voices broke through my thoughts.
"Can't you guys just leave me alone?!" I wanted to scream out loud, but I didn't want to make enemies on the first day of school. So I kept my big mouth shut.
Seeing that Alice was looking at me, confused, I smiled at her. Her face made me too comfortable that I made a big mistake: How could I have blurted out her name when she hadn't even told me who she was? Her jerky boyfriend didn't call her by her name either. But I had to find an excuse, worthy enough to let her believe in. Not knowing what I said, I just blabbered something out. I never thought she would be naïve enough to believe me.
Riiiiing, the bell rang and I could see a stream of students running back to their classroom. I didn't want to cause trouble for the second time today so, after I said goodbye to Alice I ran off to my classroom.
While running like this some voices came through my mind. I remembered that people always said that I never looked where I was going, but that was not true. They always nagged when they saw me run against something. It was not like I destroyed something, you know? They should be helping me instead! However others just laughed out loud and some would point a finger at me like I was some kind of idiot who lost his brains some years ago. I was not clumsy; I was and will stay normal! And I didn't always run against someone or something!
I opened the classroom door and entered gracefully….
"Augh, can't you look where you're going?" I screamed. The guy turned around and looked at me as if I was pathetic. How dare he look at my face like that? After looking down on me and making me felt like I was some annoyance he turned back and went to his seat.
-Switch- He turned my evil side on.
"Dude, shouldn't you be apologizing?" I grabbed his shoulder and turned him around. I could feel that he was pretty strong.
"I wasn't the one who bumped against someone," he replied coldly, very coldly, almost as cold as his eyes behind his glasses. I've never seen this colour of eyes before; they were silver-coloured with little blue traces.
After staring at his eyes, I wanted to give him some beating but I could see the teacher entering our classroom. So I just turned around and went to sit on my place.
Luckily there were more guys than girls. The fewer nuisances for me! Most of the guys were handsome. I was pretty sure that I would have drooled if I had never seen myself in the mirror today. I simply couldn't bring myself to drool at something that was "mediocre" compared to this face of mine. The girls also were very beautiful, and I was a bit jealous of their long legs and big eyes. But something in me told me that they weren't that beautiful on the inside.
"Alex, what's the answer to this question?" The voice of the teacher brought me back to reality.
"Of course, teacher." I replied on the question as fast as I could, so I would be able to daydream on my seat again.
After replying I felt the gazes on me. "What did I do, to make them look at me like this again." I thought. Even the teacher seemed surprised.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Nothing, I just didn't expect you to answer it this fast. A normal student would have done this in at least 10 minutes." The teacher explained.
"Oh" was my only reply. After that, no one dared to interrupt me. I felt like I was being left out. They saw me more like god now, rather than a classmate. I never expected this to be so terrifying lonely. I could imagine the prof's face when he heard that I kind of was being left out because of my face. The damn man would laugh at my face and even roll on the ground if it didn't affect his image. It made me want to slap him.
"pffft." Suddenly someone started laughing. I looked up at the clock. Without realizing it, school was already over.
"Hehe, you're so silly." Alice was not ridiculing me and I really appreciated her warm smile, after a lonely day like this, so I smiled back. For the first time, since I've gotten this body, the smile was natural and not fake.
Then the conversation fell silent. She was staring intensely at the ground as if plants would grow out of it if she tried hard enough to harass it with her eyes. I pitied the ground: After today, there was no one who could understand the feelings of being harassed by the eyes of humans better than me, right?
"If you don't mind… I am going home now." I announced, after thinking a lot of useless things. But I couldn't help it, not that I really liked doing so, but I just never noticed when my mind went off to a far away place.
I was about to leave the classroom, when I felt someone pulling my shirt. I turned my head and saw her holding the corner of my shirt with two fingers. Just like child, she looked at me with pitiful eyes. With a silent voice she asked; "I… umm, can you accompany me to somewhere?"
And so I ended up in the pub where I drunk the medicine: walking silently as if I was walking alone. Looking right to left, hoping that no one would remember what happened to Lise. If someone told her that a weird man took my unconscious body away, she would suspect my absence and would end up looking for me who could never be found.
"But and I don't think he would." Alice finished her line and kept looking at me as if she was waiting for my reply. Too bad I was not listening. I was more concerned about her finding out what happened with me.
She couldn't bear the silence much longer so she asked one more time. "Will you?" Her cheeks reddened slightly.
"Uh, okay." I said and took my cocktail from the waiter. My head rested on my linker hand and with my left hand I took my glass of cocktail. The shy waiter kept staring at me, overwhelmed by my awesomeness, as I nonchalantly pressed my lips against the cold glass. She almost tripped when she walked back to the bar. Then I turned around and noticed that Alice was staring at the girl, angrily. I didn't know what she did wrong but I can sense some rivality here.
"What's wrong, Alice? You don't look too well." I teased her. I knew that there was no way in hell she would tell me that she was angry about something trivial. She never told anyone what was in her heart; the only exception was me, as Alice of course.
"I… there is nothing… but since you've already agreed on it, please don't act like this in school. It won't look too convincing." She nagged. After being hinted like that I still couldn't find out what exactly I agreed on, but it seemed like I won't be able to get out of this easily. She left me no other choice but seducing it out of her. Without noticing I slightly grinned.
I lifted my head from the hand I was resting on, leaned for over and asked with tempting voice level 14. (Warning: Tempting voice level 14 can paralyze the pray and make its heart beat faster. Please do not use against innocent objects.)Well, she's not an object. "So, what do you want me to do?" My eyes fixed on hers like a wolf looking at a helpless little rabbit.)
"No… nothing, like this is fine." She looked away, unable to force herself to look at me any longer. I could catch a glimpse of her tomato-red ears before her blonde hair fell down from the shoulders like a waterfall and covered it.
Damn, she won't tell me… Stubborn girl like always, I guess I'll give up for now.
Once she had calmed down a little she peeped at me. With those bright blue eyes Alice seemed like she wanted to talk to me but was too scared to.
Teehehe, cute! Wait what am I thinking?! I am a delicate girl as well! No need to compliment others.
While I was wrestling with my thoughts, I didn't notice that she had begun to smile again. If I did see that laugh, it would have been fatal.
Author's note:
(sigh, I know, it's a long looong chapterr...)


text:
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text: Overview Discussion topics Read Activity Members 1–2 of 2 comments Locked: Read Me! Read Me! Posted by xela9991 on May 8, 2011 Add reply Share Send to a fan or friend Short link: xela9991 posted May 8, 2011 (link removed) Group Manager nickb Plus Advice posted May 8, 2011 Locking, please follow group rules:http://www.protagonize.com/group/shameless-self-promotion/topic/3512 Back to top


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Category Archives: Free On Kindle Unlimited
The Whisper of TEMPTATION – Book 8 in the Girl on Fire Series
Remember: hearing is thought to be the last sense to
go in the dying process, so never assume the person
is unable to hear you. Talk as if they can hear you,|even if
they appear to be unconscious or restless." (Unknown)
Fingers press firmly but gently against my wrist. "Well, I have a pulse. Feeble, but it's there."
"Whew! That's a relief, doc. Whew!"
"So … what happened here, Davo?"
"Know my sister Liz, doc?"
"Yeah, yeah…?"
"Well, she's got this boy, Johno, big as an ox, strong too, but he's like, not all there in the head. Bit of a weirdo. Doesn't leave the house much. But at night, he goes walkabout with this metal detector thing, combs the place for treasure."
"Combing this place for treasure?" Chuckles. "Right!"
"Yeah, well, he does. Anyway, he tells Liz, 'Mum, I got me a new pet.' Liz goes to check it out, comes out screaming, 'She's dead! She's dead!' Screams for me. Asks me to get rid of the body. The corpse. Okay, I think, I gotta do something here. But when I see this … this … this thing – shit doc, she looks like she was from a horror movie. Covered in…I dunno – dirt and blood. Even her hair, blood and dirt, her mouth – blood and dirt. So, I check her pulse, I dunno why, but I check it, and I feel something. Faint, but it's there. I'm gobsmacked. What do I do? Can't call the cops – the boy will be arrested. So, I heard that you used to be a doctor a long time ago and all that. That's why I called you, hoping you can, like help us with her. But we gotta keep this quiet? You know what I mean?"
"Mm. She needs a hospital, though. She's probably not going to survive, Davo. The boy's done a good job on her, alright."
"Yeah … I was hoping you can fix her up here. There'll be too many questions if we take her to the hospital. Know what I mean?"
"Mm. But … what is she doing around here?"
"Dunno. Reckon she some sort of backpacker. Some foreigner. Exploring, got drunk, got lost …"
"You find any ID on her?"
"Nah, nothing. Just her. No bags, no camera, no nothing. Liz think she's from some boat. Some illegal. Refugee. The place is crawling with boat people."
"Reckon we can fix her?"
"Gotta take a proper look, Davo." I get a whiff of stale beer on my face. "How long has she been here?"
"Not sure, doc. Liz discovered her this morning and I called you right away."
"Pretty banged up, she is. Looks like Johno tried to slit her throat."
"Shit! Bloody boy is nuts. Should be in the madhouse. I warned my sister about him, but she don't never listen. Now look what's happened."
"Mm. Got a good few blows to the head too. Must have used a knife or something."
"Shit! Shit! Shit! That kid …man…"
"Yeah …"
There is a long silence as the hand probes my body, causing me to wince from the pain.
"So … what you think?
Another silence before the man with the beer breath speaks. "Davo, I'll do my best for … what do you call her again?"
"Love." A short chuckle.
"Yep, that's what Johno named her. Named his pet, doc. His pet."
A short chuckle from the man with the beer breath. "It's going to take a while to fix her. Plenty stitches all around, shave her head…"
"Truth be told, she's probably not going to make it."
"Yes. All you can do is make her comfortable, do what you can and hope for the best in cases like these."
"Yep. I'll do my best, though. Can't guarantee anything. You understand?"
"Yeah, sure I understand. Sure."
"Gotta any grog? This sure is thirsty work."
"Yeah. Been brewing heaps of it."
"Oh yeah?"
"Oh yeah. Heaps, doc!"
"Good. Run along and fetch me some, then."
A short while later, I get a fresh blast of booze on my face, before something sharp pieces into me, again and again. I scream in agony, yet not a sound escapes my lips. Why?
"She's moving. Hold onto her, Davo. Gotta stitch her up."
"Okay, got it, doc." My arms are held down tightly as the piercing continues.
The pain is so intense, I drift in and out of consciousness. The thing that remains throughout this ordeal is my hearing. I hear every word they say.
"See what your boy's done, Liz?"
"She's got no business being here in the first place, Davo. No business at all." The woman's voice is mature and nervous. "This is private property. She got no business being here, unless … she wanted to steal something and –"
"Steal something? Here? Like what, Liz, what? Look 'round you. This place is a dump. Nothing to steal here. Nothing."
"Well …"
"Bottom line, Liz – the boy, he's dangerous. He tried to kill her, then he brought the body here to like, finish her off. Slice her up and who know – maybe eat her."
"Aw, shaddup, Davo. Johno's not going to eat her up."
"Liz, I'm telling ya over and over again – your boy, you gotta get him some help, man."
"You did that Johno? You tried to kill the girl? Huh? You did what Davo say you do?"
"No, mum, I find her like that," another voice says. A younger voice, more like that of a boy. "I find her in the dark, mum. Her phone, it make ring! Ring! and I hear it, mum. I put my metal detector on the ground and it go beep! Beep! Beep! I hear it mum."
"That's a lie, boy! She doesn't have a phone. Where's the phone? Huh?"
"See? There's no phone, boy. You killed—"
"Shh! Davo, I'll handle him, okay? I know my boy – he's harmless. Wouldn't even kill a cockroach."
"Oh, please!"
"He's my boy and I will handle him, not you. Johno, I need you to tell me the truth, son, did you hurt this … this …?"
"Her name is Love, Mum. She my pet. Where's her hair, mum? What you do with all her hair?"
"I'm telling ya, Liz; better do something or they are going to lock him up forever."
"Johno, son, listen to me, you have to be honest with me, tell me everything, the truth, now, okay?"
"Okay, Johno?"
"I hear her phone mum. I dig and dig and dig and I find them."
"Yeah, mum."
"Two women? Did you find two women?"
"Nah. Love and a man, mum."
"A man? Where's the man now, son?"
"He crawl away mum. He's gone in the dark. He's scary, mum. But Love, she not scary, so I bring her here. I wash her face, mum. Look."
"He killed the man, Liz. He killed him and he's lying about taking care of Love."
"Is true. I take care of my pet. I feed it water and I give it a blanket. Keep it warm. And sometimes I sing happy birthday to it."
I hear a long sigh.
"Okay, okay. I'll take him in tomorrow. In the meantime, just see what the doc can do for her. If she dies while I'm gone, bury her on the hill and put some leaves over her grave."
"Fine. Just take him away before you we all end up in jail because of him."|
"Yeah, yeah. And keep the shotgun close. That man who crawled out of the grave, he might come back looking for Love. Don't know what's gonna happen then."
The Whisper of TEMPTATION, part 8 in the Girl on Fire Series is coming soon!
Below is the order of the Girl on Fire Series, a romantic crime & suspense series about revenge and redemption. Click on the image below to access the first book (it's free) in the series.
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text:
Local vs. Global Church
Fr. George Okoth Acting Dean of the School of Theology and Religious Studies at St. John's University of Tanzania reflects on how the current situation in the Anglican Communion has theologically, politically, and socio-economically affected local parishes' ability to deal with serious disagreements about theological Issues. What role does the interpretation of scripture play in disagreements in my home parish Sakawa – Tanzania, in the Anglican Communion? What are my initial thoughts about a way forward? How useful are the Apostle Paul's epistles for churches in a time of conflict?
In its long history, the Church has often been disturbed and divided about doctrines, but at least Christians usually believed that they were fighting for something worth fighting about. Very often Christians can quarrel over trivial matters like other people, for sin and pride has not yet been banished out of the Church. But there are also times when Christians quarrel about very important things. When Jesus attacked the Pharisees, it was not because they were attacking Him, but because He believed that they were dishonoring God whom they professed to worship by their hypocrisy, and putting obstacles in the way of many people who wanted to return to God (the so called "sinners").
On the other hand, people very often quarrel with the people they love and know best. For instance, if we see a man or a woman quarreling with their wife or husband, or with his own (blood) brother or sister, do we always conclude that there is no love between them? By no means! Sometimes it is those whom we love who have to bear the burden of our bad temper, or bad moods, because we know in our hearts that these are the people who are closest to us. They are like friends; a friend is someone who can tell you something which you can not hear from someone else. A friend claims ownership of you. And you will not refuse to give whatever they need from you. In this paper I am going to explore how the current disagreement in the Anglican Communion (AC) has affected our parish, Sakawa, in a remote part of Tanzania – East Africa. I will also explore briefly how the authentic Pauline epistles can be useful for the churches in a time of conflict.
John Mbiti, a famous African Theologian once asserted that "the church is at home politically [in Africa] but [is at home] ecclesiologically overseas."
Mbiti meant that most of the theologies taught in Africa, and major decisions concerning the life of the church today are still being dictated by the Western churches. Most of the churches which were established by western missionaries (including Sakawa) are still financially dependent on their founding churches. Most of the programs and projects which received funds from the Western churches are still "sitting on the rock" (stalled), for the bishops have refused to accept funds from the Episcopal Church, since the issue of human sexuality began in the Anglican Communion (AC).
The consecration of the first publicly confessed gay bishop in the history of Christendom in 2003, and the approval of a same-sex blessing service in Canada, messed with everything. Our Bishops (Anglican Church of Tanzania-ACT) at the National level made critical judgments towards the behavior of the Episcopal Church in the USA and the Canadian Church, without considering the autonomous nature of the AC. In fact, the decision reached by the ACT bishops was unconstitutional and undemocratic for the house of the laity was not consulted. For a decision to be binding in Tanzania, it must go through the ACT synod which comprises the house of bishops, clergy and the house of the laity. Here we fail to see the bishops treat the laity as equal partners in mission, but just as if the clergy and the laity are people who cannot make meaningful contributions to their church. I honestly interpret this as a symbol of bishops' refusal to acknowledge the importance and maturity of the laity and the clergy in the Church.
Having done my theological studies in the United States of America (USA), I have come to learn that the Worldwide Anglican Communion have got less or no idea on how the Episcopal Church is governed. In the Episcopal Church the laity are fully involved in the decision making process. Church authority is equally divided amongst bishops, clergy and the laity. It is not a top down hierarchical system found in the other components of the Anglican Communion. The policies which govern the Episcopal Church are formulated during the General Convention which meets after every three years. The General Convention is made up of the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies.
For a policy to be passed it must be voted amongst the representatives of the two houses. In order to maintain the autonomy of the Episcopal Church, no central governing body has absolute power over all the Episcopal Church of USA (ECUSA). The Presiding Bishop is respected though considered "first amongst equals." In line with this kind of framework of freedom, one would now understand why one diocese in ECUSA can embrace for instance, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) practices even if others object.
This kind of freedom enjoyed in the ECUSA is yet to be observed and understood in the Anglican Church of Tanzania where Bishops pass decisions without proper consultation amongst all stake holders. On this ground, it is sad to say that Christians in our parishes are suffering the consequences which they do not even understand deeply. Our Christians are only concerned mainly with how to get food on their tables. What they want is for their children to go to good schools, and they require affordable medicine. They need accessible roads and provision of other amenities. As you can grasp, doctrinal matters as concerns human sexuality is not a practical problem here. In our local parish, Christians would rather speak about the problems of witchcraft, polygamy, poverty, ignorance and diseases. Having said this, let me now turn to the issue of Biblical interpretation.
I must say that the Bible, instead of uniting Christians against those things which divide them, it is doing the opposite. The Bible itself does not speak with one voice, take a look at the Gospels. Each Gospel gives a different version of the Good News about Jesus Christ. The Bible has failed to help us to set aside our differences and learn to live together as Donn Morgan says:
The canonizers…instead of producing a Bible that was systematic and monochromatic, with clear answers to the question of how to live faithfully in God's world, they created a canon of multivalent scriptures filled with diversity.
Maybe the real problem is not with the Bible but lies with the interpreters themselves. Some interpreters think that the Bible is fundamentally a human account of a particular people's experiences of God. While others think that the Bible is an exact reproduction of the thoughts of God. The Bible is not only a human witness to divine revelation, but it is at the same time God's witness to Himself. The Bible came to us in language and concepts meaningful to the Hebrew and Graeco-Roman cultures of the Bible's times. Consciously and unconsciously it has been contextualized to be meaningful to people in cultures to which the Christian message spread, in which the church developed, and from which it sent out its cross-cultural missionaries. It is therefore the role of interpreters to decontextualize the Biblical message/doctrines to limit the intrusion of materials growing out of the missionary's own culture. They then must re-contextualize the message to communicate effectively to contemporary Christians.
The interpreter may now distinguish between culture-bound aspects of the Christian message, which are open to modification, from revelatory content which has nonnegotiable supra-cultural validity. Thus, acceptable contextualization is a direct result of ascertaining the meaning of the biblical text; consciously submitting to its authority and continuity; and applying that meaning to a given situation. The results of this process may vary in form and intensity, but they will always remain within the scope of meaning prescribed by the biblical text. The famous expression "don't throw out the baby with the bath water" may help to shed more light on what I am trying to say here. The baby must be retained, imagine how awkward it would be for the baby to be thrown out with the bath water either accidentally or intentionally!
It is therefore the role of the interpreters to figure out God's intention in whatever He spoke (the Gospel) and to discard the cultural trappings which came with it. This isn't simple work, it needs prayer, contemplation and meditation as the Spirit helps the interpreter to look at the Holy Scriptures closely. No doubt, as preachers we need to have a close reading of the text, pulling out what is in the Bible through prayer, and opening ourselves to God by literal reading. "Literal reading" has been misused to mean narrow reading or narrow understanding of the Bible. This should not be the case; it should be used in its wider sense – the abuse does not invalidate its usefulness (Lt., abusus non tollit usum). The following questions might need to be observed as we deal with the hermeneutics:
I. What did the text mean when it was written?
II. What does it mean here and now?
III. If that is what the text said to those people then, how do we put the words so that they may make sense to us today?
It is my conviction that contextualization is the way forward, that contemporary Christians will not lazy to the extent of neglecting the art of doing theology. The Apostle Paul actively did theology in different contexts where God sent him. I believe that any Christian can do theology. Anybody who lives a Christian life is able to do theology. So we must liberate theology from these academic and ecclesiastical chains. When we talk about contextual theology, we refer to people doing theology themselves, relating it in their own daily life. Thus theology is a response to everyday life and the problems, questions and issues every human faces. To many people theology is often associated with academia, for those who know the rules and jargon of the science—addressing problems and issues out of touch with everyday living. This kind of assumption should not be given room.
Whenever, my parishioners disagree on any doctrinal matter, they ask four important questions.
- What does the tradition of this historic church say about the matter?
- What does the Bible say about the matter?
- What does human reason say about the matter?
- What is the general experience of the local church on the matter?
Recently we have been experiencing the death of the use of common sense amongst our people. People do not know what is wrong and what is right. But thanks be to God, the life of fasting, prayer and tolerance has always been so helpful to our parishioners whenever there is any disagreement. There is a popular African saying that "whenever two bulls fight, it is the grass that suffers." So in order to save the grass, whatever decision we make in God's name, it is to consider the future of our children and the growth of the church. The discussions are held in the spirit of love. This does not mean that conflicts do not exist in our parish, by no means! Psychologist's talk about the "love-hate" attitudes we have towards those who are closest to us. So in some circumstances, quarreling among Christians may be a sign not of hatred, but of their concern for one another.
So when Paul "withstood Peter to the face" at Antioch, was this a sign of hatred, or was it rather that he loved Peter so much that he could not bear to see him to make a mistake? On the other hand, "conflict is not in itself a bad thing," it is inevitable. Conflict is in many ways necessary, as it fosters growth within a person, family, community and society. As Bernard Mayer beautifully asserts:
Conflict can help build community, define and balance people's needs as individuals with their needs as participants in large systems, and help them face and address in a clear and conscious way the many difficult choices that life brings to them.
It should be noted that the body of authentic Pauline epistles typically starts with thanksgiving words. But in his epistle to the Galatians – the thanksgiving paragraph is missing. This reflects how Paul was mad at these people. How could the Galatians slide back and believe in another Gospel – the Gospel of works preached by the "super apostles", the Gospel which he did not preach to them? The Apostle Paul preached the Gospel of grace to the Galatians. It is by grace through faith alone that human beings are justified, and it is by faith alone that human beings are to live out their new life in the freedom of the Spirit and not by the works of the law.
Paul powerfully points out that the Galatians need to stay together in unity; and that they should not let the doctrine of works of the law divide them. The foundation he laid for the Galatians should remain solid for the glory of God. They should not buy into the new materials the "super apostles" (sarcastic word implying false apostles) are trying to sell them over the ones they had received from him.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.
The joy in our parishioners is like the one which was in Paul while in prison. He rejoiced in the continued advance of the Gospel in spite of difficulties he faced in prison. Although being imprisoned might be seen as a set-back for the Gospel, it is God's plan to let Paul go to prison in order to preach to the inmates. Taking advantage of preaching the Gospel does not make him feel bad beause God is being glorified. The Apostle Paul wanted the Philippians to continue the good work which they were already doing. He and the Philippians were in a business partnership in the venture of the Gospel.
Paul prays that the Philippians should imitate the humble nature of God. The mind of God is that of being humble to an extent of accepting death on the cross. The Philippians should not fight amongst themselves, but each one should be able to consider others as better than themselves. No selfish ambition should be given room in their midst, but they should willingly lay down their lives for the sake of the Gospel, for Jesus himself had shown the way.
Many people nowadays are blatantly and unashamedly living for themselves. They are not interested in other people. They focus on what they want, what they need, and what they feel will most benefit themselves. In Paul's epistle to the Philippians he is encouraging Christians to overcome the temptation of wanting to live selfishly.
It is evident that in the AC hate speech is being practiced openly, without apologies or apparent fear of the bad consequences. This will just make this historic church experience division and a slow death. The spirit of humility and the attitude of wanting to consider others better than ourselves is ceasing very quickly; everybody is looking for their own interests. The doctrinal disagreement in the AC has gone beyond repair. I might be wrong here but this is what I personally feel, smell, hear and think. "There is more than meets the eye" in the sour relationship between members of the AC. It is high time we learned to be generous and gracious with our words to each other, like the Apostle Paul himself did in his epistles. It is only on few occasions, like in his epistle to the Galatians, that his generous and gracious words are missing. He was in pain and could not understand why those people could turn to the false apostles.
It seems none is willing to abide with Paul's exhortations to live in a manner worthy of the gospel. These words just seem to go straight over their heads as they drag each other to law courts and spend a lot of money which could have been used for the expansion of God's kingdom elsewhere. The Apostle Paul encourages Christians to imitate Christ's humility – to be Christ minded. This does not mean uniformity in thought, but that we should be united under the same purposes of working together as we serve each other for the sake of the Gospel.
The Anglican Communion has always boasted about the fact of its comprehensiveness. I think the comprehensiveness of the AC should be properly defined. The AC should not compromise everything in the name of comprehensiveness or inclusiveness. The core values of the AC, like the place of the Scriptures etc., should be championed for the glory of God. And minor values like style of worship, belief etc, can simply be contextualized according to the needs of a particular local congregation.
Above all, I strongly suggest that something be done about this freedom or nature of autonomy in the AC. The AC should have central leadership vested with more power and authority to show the way thorough consultation whenever there are serious disagreements threatening to split the church. The AC has left bishops and the laity to behave like mongrels eating their own children, even as it paid lip service to the autonomy of the church.
The idea of the "covenant" is meant to bring cohesion amongst the worldwide Anglican Communion. Yet the word has been viewed negatively by other members of the Anglican Communion. The covenant is a bad idea especially amongst the Native Americans, Aboriginals, Maori, the civil right movements in Tanzania, etc. Many people do not trust those who come to them with the idea of covenants. Historically, the colonialists in different parts of the world abused the word "covenant", meaning to rob the natives of their birthrights. Yes, history is good in the sense that it helps us not to repeat what happened in the past. After all, we are not the slaves of history; history helps us shape our future in a more positive manner without repeating what came before. History positively encourages us to acknowledge our errors and to be open to welcome new insights.
On this ground, I argue that the covenant is meant for good and not for bad, and thus Anglican Communion members need not to be skeptical when asked to sign it. It will make the members of the Anglican Communion walk humbly before God with more clarity about what it means to be part of this historic church. Some identify the covenant with the famous proverbial words "spare the rod, spoil the child" (disciplinary), that Anglican Communion is dropping down its culture of tolerance and moving towards telling everybody what they should believe.
Other members of the Anglican Communion are afraid of the "covenant" for they think it bears colonial mentally of forcefully pulling back the whole Communion to be loyal to the Archbishop of Canterbury. I am not sure whether this is true, but to me the covenant will help make our identity as a church crystal clear. It will demonstrate that the Anglican Communion still respects its tradition of acknowledging differences of opinions as a sign of maturity. The Archbishop of Canterbury will always remain "the first amongst equals" and thus will not have the authority and power that Pope enjoys over the Roman Catholic Church.
Our autonomy will not be taken away for its God's gift to us; but, we need to have a structure which will help settle arguments and conflicts within the church. As I pointed out before, disagreements or conflicts are inevitable, but what is problematic is when there is no laid-down structure on how to handle it. Bernard Mayer helpfully asserts:
The strength of social systems lies in part in how they prevent serious conflicts and, when conflicts do arise, how they address them so as to maintain system integrity and preserve the well-being of their members.
When I was exploring above the four (4) questions my parishioners wrestle with whenever there is a doctrinal disagreement in our church, I did not mention two ways taht our local congregation tries, through thick and thin, not to allow to take precedence, as it looks for solutions to the identified problem. I now briefly turn to address them:
- Use of force – The stronger crushes the weaker, either by threat of physical force, or by bullying, or by social pressure (e.g. ostracizing), or by emotional means or black-mail, or by use of his or her prestige and authority. This is the worst kind of solution. It is unsatisfactory in most situations as it usually lead to bitterness and further conflict in the future. Such behavior is of course completely shameful in the Church.
- Avoiding the issue or problem. Sometimes it may be right or prudent to try to avoid an issue, especially where strong feelings are concerned. This is not usually the right way of dealing with a conflict situation.
For instance, if we see great injustice being done before our eyes, can we sit by and pretend that nothing is happening? Sometimes, if people's feelings are hidden and not allowed to appear, there is danger of an "explosion", then damage will be greater than if we had brought the matter out into the open at an earlier stage, before feelings had become so strong. In line with, this most people today would argue that "justice delayed is like justice denied."
This is why other members of the Anglican Communion, especially the ECUSA and the Canadian Church, can barely wait for the directives of the Archbishop of Canterbury. They consider themselves as not hostages of the Archbishop of Canterbury, they are free and independent and if Rowan Williams does not recognize the Presiding Bishop Katherine as an elected leader, then the ECUSA will have no obligation to accord him respect. This is what I echo from Katherine's response to Rowan William's 2010 Easter epistle.
Katherine is bold to stand beside the oppressed; she often calls for the need of respecting human rights. She would not hesitate to stand up and make it known that all people are created and thus growing into the unique image of God. Thus, nobody should claim to know it all. So, whenever religious leaders deny people their basic human rights using Christianity as their justification, she finds this incredible. To her remaining silent in the presence of evil is evil. Imagine if Jesus would return today, who would Jesus hang out with? – The homosexuals, the immigrants, the poor, the single parents, the down trodden, the outcasts, etc.
Now I turn to explore briefly some of the authentic Pauline epistles in line with the subject under discussion – The usefulness of the Apostle Paul for churches in a time of conflict.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome even though he did not establish this church. He had never been to Rome before. It is not clear who started the church in Rome, but it could have been started by those people who had come back from Jerusalem and had experienced the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. Christians in Rome might also have been those who migrated from the churches which Paul had started in Asia. This sounds more familiar to me for our diocese – the Anglican Diocese of Mara in Tanzania was started by people of Mara who had gone to work in Nairobi City- Kenya. They embraced Anglicanism while in Nairobi and, on their return back home, they decided to establish the Anglican Church in the North Western part of Tanzania near Lake Victoria.
The Apostle Paul makes it clear in Romans that God's plan of salvation is inclusive. He declares that both Jews and Gentiles fit into God's plan of salvation. God welcomes everyone who comes to Christ by faith. Thus, the Jews and the Gentiles despite their original differences, should live righteous and harmonious lives together – "for all have sinned and fall short of God's glory".
There was big suspicion, tension and rejection amongst the Jewish Christians and the Gentile Christians as far as the interpretation of salvation was concerned. The Jewish Christians still thought it was very important for the Mosaic laws to be observed. "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…" This is the Apostle Paul's gospel of tolerance and call for unity of the body of Christ. The Anglican Communion in conflict today should learn that changed and righteous lives are not a condition for salvation, but are something which is expected to spring naturally out from a new life lived out in the spirit of freedom.
Martin Luther in the 16th century found God in a new way after reading this epistle. He was moved to pin his Ninety-Five Theses on All Saints' Church door in Wittenberg, Saxony in Germany. He condemned the Roman Catholic Church practice of selling indulgences in return for salvation. Luther believed that salvation is a gift of God's grace, received by faith and trust in God's promise to forgive sin. That there is nothing we can do, that there is nothing we can add for our salvation above what Christ had done for us on the cross. Other things apart from this were mere corrupt human traditions which could not make anybody gain righteousness.
I Corinthians
The Apostle Paul founded the church in Corinth on his second missionary journey. He was heart-broken when he received reports from the household of Chloe regarding quarrels in the church at Corinth. The church had sent a delegation to Paul seeking his advice on various issues which threatened the life of the church (consider the use of the words peri de [περί δέ], "concerning" in 7:1). Thus the Apostle Paul wrote this epistle to address specific issues which were brought to him. There is no doubt, Paul is a good model of a contextual theologian. He wrestled with the problems which were real and caused trouble on the ground. He was not trying to answer unasked or irrelevant questions culled from some different geographical area.
The Apostle Paul used this opportunity to remind both individual Christians and the collective church of the significance of the cross of Christ. He reminded them that through the cross we are empowered to live transformed lives. We are to live lives which are totally different from the surrounding world. Even though believers were still powerfully influenced by their cultural environment they should be determined to live in victory.
It does not matter how bad the circumstances surrounding believers seemed to be. The believers should be able to say, "God we do not care whatever comes against us. We do not care how long it takes; this thing is not going to defeat us". I have seen people dealing with huge problems – tragic death in the family, incurable diseases, divorce, bankruptcy, and all sorts of calamities. Yet they are happy and at peace – they are living in an attitude of faith. They believe and trust that things will change. They are not looking for quick fix. In short, his purpose in this epistle is to instruct and to restore the church in its areas of weakness, for the sake of promoting a spirit of unity amongst believers. He wanted people to stay together:
I appeal to you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment….what I mean is that each one of you says, "I belong to Paul," or "I belong to Apollos"….is Christ divided?
Here once more, Paul reveals his true shepherd's heart which I am sad to say is missing amongst the Worldwide Anglican Communion members, where others are just thinking of breaking away. The Apostle Paul's language here is all about one body of Christ staying together. This does not allow considering other brothers or sisters in Christ Jesus to be less Christians because they hold different views from us. In a nutshell, Paul firmly addresses the solution to the problems of divisiveness in the church in chapter 13 – that "love" must take precedence.
This is an individual epistle addressed to Philemon who owned slaves. Philemon's house had enough space to allow for the meeting of the church (house church). Since this epistle was read publicly in the church it could have been meant to address other slave owners who attended the same church, so that they could have a human face when dealing with the slaves. He writes this epistle strategically to achieve his goal, see verse 2. Some critics argue that the Apostle used sugar-coated words to win acceptance in the eyes of Philemon, that he cleverly chose words to make Philemon bend to his request. And it does not make sense to some critics why Paul did not go ahead and condemn slavery as something evil!
How could one human being own another human being as property? Well, reading this epistle through the lens of the world of today, it completely makes no sense. But if it is closely read in the social, political and economic context of Philemon's time, around CE 60 or 61, it clearly holds water. If Roman laws were observed strictly, a runaway slave like Onesimus could have been put to death. Thus Paul was under the influence of God's wisdom in tackling this sensitive issue. Paul does not condemn the act of slavery here, but he is trying to put it in a way that it is difficult to treat Onesimus as a slave. Paul has promoted Onesimus to be an apostle—"one sent."
No doubt, Paul demonstrated his fatherly love in his rescue of this new-found brother in Christ, Onesimus. Paul, out of love, was willing to pay back whatever Onesimus owed his master. "Just charge this to my account; Paul will pay whatever Onesimus has stolen from you." This can be compared to Jesus Christ's sacrificial love. Evidently, Paul is fitting well the African communal saying, "a person is a person through other persons" or "I am because we are"—your pain is my pain, your loss is my loss. The Lord intends to set the solitary in families. We may be converted as individuals, but we are then incorporated into the family of God where we have many brothers and sisters.
Paul's epistle to Philemon sounds just like getting a letter from your bishop. If a bishop writes to you like this, his humbleness can push you to do what the he needs from you. It is very powerful and beautifully written. We see Paul lowering his power and authority as he writes this epistle. This is something to note, and worth putting into practice when we communicate in situations of extraordinary tension and difficulty as members of the Anglican Communion or as church leaders.
It is also worth noting how Paul talks about his associates in a good manner or way – "Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved fellow worker, Apphia our sister and Archppus our fellow solder…" Paul's generous, gracious speech to his co-workers is so powerful that it can not be overlooked. It is also clear here that Paul was not a "lone ranger" worker. He worked with others as a team. Thus, we as Christian leaders, whether in the midst of conflict or joy, need to learn from Paul that generous gracious words should not be missing from our mouths when referring to our co-workers in God's ministry. We must make them feel special, we must accord them the respect that is due, for this will always lower the tension as we do God's work together.
It is my prayer that God will pour his Grace on us in the worldwide Anglican Communion as we continue our dialogue to figure out our common ground and as we seek to do God's mission together in unity. As reflected in Paul's letters, our agenda now is to bring our people together and plan for the future as a united team – unity is vital for the Anglican Communion. In a wrestling contest you don't sit on someone forever once you have floored him, you extend a helping hand and work together.
1 Mbiti, Crisis, 2.
2 Morgan, 68.
4 Gal. 2:11
5 Mayer, 24.
6 Galatians 3:28-29.
7 Phil. 1:12-18
8 cf. Phil. 1:10, 27; 2:3-5, 12, 15; 4:4-8.
9 Phil. 2:2.
10 cf. Rom. 12:1-2
11 Mayer, 24.
12 Romans 1:16ff
13 Romans 8:1f.
14 Acts 18:1-17.
15 I Corinthians 1:10ff.
16 Mbiti, J. S., African, 113.
17 Ps. 68:6.
18 Phlm. 5:1ff.
Mbiti, J. S., African Religion and Philosophy, London: Heinemann, 1969.
Mbiti, J. S., The Crisis of Mission in Africa, Nairobi: HUP, 1986.
Mayer Bernard, The Dynamics of Conflict Resolution, San Francisco, CA: Jossey- Bass, 2000.
Morgan Donn, Fighting with the Bible, NY: Seabury Books, 2007.
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Jamie Lee Curtis and Geoffrey Rush, below, are entangled in a web of machinations in John Boorman's clever post-cold-war spy film ''The Tailor of Panama,'' based on the 1996 John le Carré novel. The movie also stars Pierce Brosnan, as an unsavory British agent, who shows the flip side of his James Bond persona.
A. O. Scott's review, Page 12.Continue reading the main story


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