Abortion: Islamic and Jewish views on when a human soul enters a human fetus

by Rabbi Allen S. Maller

I am a Rabbi who frequently writes articles about the close connections between Judaism and Islam for Islamic web sites as well as for Jewish web sites; and 31 articles previously published by Islamic web sites are in my book ‘Judaism and Islam as Synergistic Monotheisms: A Reform Rabbi's Reflections on the Profound Connectedness of Islam and Judaism’.

The following article appeared this week on the Islamicity web site; and on The Times of Israel:

All the continuing political disputes over abortion in the USA and other countries ignore the fundamental religious issue: when does the fetus in the womb of a woman’s body become a human fetus? At conception it is a living physical body, but when does this soul become a spiritual human being? (more…)

BE AWARE for Goodness Sake!

By Niann Emerson Chase

I am aware of how messed up our world is in many ways and have written numerous articles about the complex problems of our planet. In those same articles I have included hope for opportunities to solve problems and change things for the better because I am at heart an optimist—a realistic optimist who appreciates the practical application of scientific, philosophical, and spiritual facts and ideals in day-to-day life.

Why am I such an optimist when I am so aware of evil (yes, I dare to use the e word)? Because I am also aware of the presence and power of goodness—goodness residing deep within individual persons and goodness in various groups aimed at improving some aspect of civilization. In fact, I believe that there is a pattern of goodness present on our planet, a reservoir of potential goodness for us humans to pull from.

I think that a divine pattern is present in the particles of space as well as in the particles on this world, a pattern that can partially be seen through telescopes and microscopes. And this divine pattern—cosmic and earthly, huge and humble—is always good and beautiful. (Yeah, yeah, this is getting to sound a little too metaphysical. But hang in there. I think this is important to explore a bit.) (more…)

Mitakuye Oyasin

The Wisdom of the Ancient Ancestors Moving Into the Twenty-first Century

by Gabriel of Urantia

Throughout history, the wisdom of the ancestors of many indigenous peoples has been passed on, generation after generation, family after family.  As we look at the crises happening across our strife-torn world today, we find ourselves searching like never before for solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems.  Yet I believe the ancient ones had a key:  in Lakota it is said, “Mi Ta Ku Ye   O Ya Sin,” — “we are all related.” (more…)

Solution to Complex Problems

By Dr. Stewart Bitkoff

In solving problems, people look for one step solutions. We regularly search for and propose singular approaches to often very complex problems. Now this technique works sometimes, where one adjustment or change results in a useful outcome. We must recognize this is the way our mind works: looking for the most expedient, uncomplicated remedy.

Yet, many problems, particularly social problems can only be ‘fixed’ with multiple and varied approaches that depend upon changing circumstance and require adjustment over a period of years. Yet, people continue to propose one solution and often debate that their way is the correct way to make things happen. Hence, there are arguments, particularly, when the solution requires a ‘political remedy.’  People have opposing agendas and often cannot agree on which approach to use; they fear they will lose and have to give something up. (more…)

Then There's Only One Choice

By Wolfgang Borchert

This month marks the 70th anniversary of the death of Wolfgang Borchert, a young German writer who was seriously wounded in World War II then imprisoned for resistance activities. Physically destroyed, he lived only two years after the war. During that time he wrote antiwar literature that is widely read in Germany but little known in the USA, where it is currently most needed. His play about a traumatized veteran, DRAUSSEN VOR DER TÃœR (THE MAN OUTSIDE), brought him literary fame after his death. "Dann gibt es nur eins!" ("Then There's Only One Choice") is the last poem he wrote before his death in 1947 at the age of 26. It shows a perceptive foresight of the inevitability of global destruction unless the people of the world refuse to serve the military.
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An Optimistic View of Pre-Messianic Developments

By Rabbi Allen S. Maller

Human society changed more rapidly, violently and fundamentally in the last century of the second millennium than ever before in history.  Doctors saved the lives of millions.  Dictators sacrificed the lives of millions. Populations exploded and birthrates declined.  Technology produced both worldwide prosperity and pollution at the same time.

Knowing all this, should we look upon the first century of the third millennium with optimistic hope or with fatalistic trepidation?  Are the world and our society heading towards a wonder-filled new age, or toward a doomsday; or are both occurring concurrently because breakdown is always a prelude to breakthrough?  (more…)

Solving the World/America’s Problems

By Dr. Stewart Bitkoff

Initially I wrote this piece in 2013 (after a mass shooting in Arizona) and offer it again as a beginning solution to the world’s problems. Gun control and gun violence is one aspect of the larger problem. The larger problem: Is how to make better people?

Better people make a better world and collectively, we must work on this together. Solutions are possible and may take a long, long time; but it is time for more action and movement forward. I hope you enjoy this piece and share it with others. Perhaps, then, we can continue our conversation about how to accomplish this goal. (more…)

Behaviour

by Sheelagh McGrath

I have a plethora of ideas, beliefs and events to write about. The one thing that really pops out at me at the moment, is behaviour. Why has our behaviour to ourselves, to our fellow human beings, to animals and plants and indeed, to the earth, become so degenerate?

Where have the human values of kindness and goodness gone? Where has respect and humility gone? (more…)

Teaching metaphysics and beliefs to our children and grandchildren

by Sheelagh McGrath

It is of the utmost importance to instill in our offspring the values of right and wrong. With the evil that is sweeping our world at this present time we need to teach them our civilized values and teach them that they can change the World by positive thought and manifestation. We must teach them to stand tall and fight for freedom so that we can maintain our civilized way of life. And add into the mix, a belief, in a greater power than ourselves. (more…)

Educating child to make Good Human Being

By Lt Col R K Langar

Some time back I read a news item in Times Of India(TOI) newspaper under the heading- ‘Role of educators, the way forward’. It was emphasized in this write up that a child’s education should be such that after completing the education, the child passes out as a good human being. I liked this write up immensely since it focused on the inner personality of a child. Today if there is anything which is in acute short supply in India, it is the availability of good human beings. Our newspapers today are telling us that how corruption, murders and rapes have spread in our country since our people lack goodness which is the first hallmark of a human being. Therefore before we become anything else, we must first become good human beings. We are inclined to believe that those who are occupying high posts in the society are good human beings. This is not so. Capability and goodness are two different things. Professional efficiency can take you on top of the ladder even if you lack good inner qualities. A good person is always good from inside wherever he may be. (more…)