What is Hinduism
Hinduism is derived from the Persian word for Indian. It differs from Christianity and other Western religions in that it does not have a single founder, a specific theological system, a single system of morality, or religious organization. Its roots are traceable to the Indus valley civilization (circa 1500 to 500 BCE) from the steppes of Russia and Central Asia. They brought with them their religion of Vedism. These beliefs became mixed with the indigenous Indian native beliefs.
During the first few centuries CE, many sects were created, each dedicated to a specific deity. Typical among these were the Goddesses Shakti anf Lakshmi, and the Gods Skanda and Surya.
Hiduism grew to become the world's third largest religion, claming about 13% of the world's population. It is the dominant religion in India, and among the Tamils in Sri Lanka. Hindus totaled 157,015 in Canada's 1991 census.
Early History of Hinduism
Hinduism is derived from the Persian word for Indian. It differs from Christianity and other Western religions in that it does not have a single founder, a specific theological system, a single system of morality, or religious organization. Its roots are traceable to the Indus valley civilization circa 4000 to 2200 BCE. Its development was influenced by many invasions over thousands of years. One of the major influences occurred when Indo-Europeans invaded Northern India (circa 1500 to 500 BCE) from the steppes of Russia and Central Asia. They brought with them their religion of Vedism. These beliefs became mixed with the indigenous Indian native beliefs.
During the first few centuries CE, many sects were created, each dedicated to a specific deity. Typical among these were the Goddesses Shakti and Lakshmi, and the Gods Skanda and Surya.
Hinduism grew to become the world's third largest religion, claiming about 13% of the world's population. It is the dominant religion in India, and among the Tamils in Sri Lanka. Hindus totaled 157,015 in Canada's 1991 census.
Sacred Texts
The most important of all Hindu texts is the Bhagavad Gita which is a poem describing a conversation between a warrior Arjuna and his charioteer Krishna. Vedism survives in the Rigveda, a collection of over a thousand hymns. Other texts include the Brahmanas, the Sutras, and the Aranyakas.
Hindu Beliefs and Practices
At the heart of Hinduism is the panentheistic principle of Brahman, that all reality is a unity. The entire universe is one divine entity who is simultaneously at one with the universe and who transcends it as well. Deity is simultaneously visualized as a triad: Brahma the Creator who is continuing to create new realities Vishnu, (Krishna) the Preserver, who preserves these new creations. Whenever dharma (eternal order, righteousness, religion, law and duty) is threatened, Vishnu travels from heaven to earth in one of ten incarnations. Siva, the Destroyer, is at times compassionate, erotic and destructive. Most Hindus follow one of two major divisions within Hinduism:
* Vaishnavaism: generally regard Vishnu as the ultimate deity Shivaism: generally regard Shiva as the ultimate deity.
* Simultaneously, many hundreds of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are worshipped as various aspects of that unity. Depending upon ones view, Hinduism can be looked upon as a monotheistic, or polytheistic religion.
The Rigveda defined five social castes. Ones caste determined the range of jobs or professions from which one could choose. Marriages normally took place within the same caste. One normally was of the same caste as one's parents. In decreasing status, the five castes are: Brahmins (the priests and academics) Kshatriyas (the military), Vaishyas (farmers and merchants) and Sudras (peasants and servants). The exact ranking of these three castes varied among villages. Harijan (the outcasts, commonly known as the untouchables) Although the caste system was abolished by law in 1949, it remains a significant force throughout India, particularly in the south. Humans are perceived as being trapped in samsara, a meaningless cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth. Karma is the accumulated sum of ones good and bad deeds. Karma determines how you will live your next life. Through pure acts, thoughts and devotion, one can be reborn at a higher level. Eventually, one can escape samsara and achieve enlightenment. Bad deeds can cause a person to be reborn as a lower level, or even as an animal. The unequal distribution of wealth, prestige, suffering are thus seen as natural consequences for ones previous acts, both in this life and in previous lives. Meditation is often practiced, with Yoga being the most common. Other activities include daily devotions, public rituals, and puja a ceremonial dinner for a God. Hinduism has a deserved reputation of being highly tolerant of other religions. Hindus have a saying: "Ekam Sataha Vipraha Bahudha Vadanti," which may be translated: "The truth is One, but different Sages call it by Different Names"
Hindu Sects and Denominations
About 80% of Hindus are Vaishnavites, who worship Lord Vishnu. Others follow various reform movements or neo-Hindu sects. Various sects of Hinduism have evolved into separate religious movements, including Hare Krishna, Sikhism and Theosophy. Transcendental Meditation was derived from a Hindu technique of meditation. The New Age movement has taken many of its concepts from Hinduism.
Hindu Sites on the Internet
* The Mining Company has a collection of articles on Hinduism at: http://hinduism.miningco.com/
* The Hindu Universe has a great deal of information available on Hindu scriptures, news groups, WWW sites, festivals, customs, anti-defamation work, etc. See: http://www.hindunet.org
* Many conservative Hindu links can be found at Pathways to Metaphysics. See http://ddi.digital.net/~egodust
* Two newsgroups devoted to Hinduism are: alt.hindu http://www.hindunet.org/alt_hindu_home/,
* soc.religion.hindu at: http://www.hindunet.org/srh_home/ .
* There is a Hindu E-mail digest at: http://www.hindunet.org/hindu_digest/
* Hinduism Today is a "Monthly Magazine Affirming Sanatana Dharma and Recording the Modern History of a Billion-Strong Global Religion in Renaissance." See: http://hoohana.aloha.net/~htoday/htoday.html
* The World Vaisnava Association's home page is at: http://www.owplaza.com/wva/ (may be a dead link)
* The Vivekananda Centre London is a non-commercial Hindu educational organization which follows the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda. See: http://www.btinternet.com/~vivekananda/
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
What is Buddhism?
Buddhism is a religion based on the ending of suffering and search of enlightenment. Buddhists don't believe in a god or supreme force of any kind. They do belive in reincarnation, though. When a person reaches enlightenment, they will attain Nirvana and no longer be reincarnated.
Buddhism has what is called the four noble truths. These are "the four facts of life." The Buddha's Four Noble Truths may be described (simplicitly) as:
1. There is suffering: everyone suffers
2. The cause of suffering: wanting
3. The end of suffering: attaining enlightenment
4. The eightfold path: how to attain enlightenment
His Eightfold Path consists of:
1. right understanding
2. right thinking
3. right speech
4. right conduct
5. right livelihood
6. right effort
7. right mindfulness
8. right concentration
Buddhism has what is called the four noble truths. These are "the four facts of life." The Buddha's Four Noble Truths may be described (simplicitly) as:
1. There is suffering: everyone suffers
2. The cause of suffering: wanting
3. The end of suffering: attaining enlightenment
4. The eightfold path: how to attain enlightenment
His Eightfold Path consists of:
1. right understanding
2. right thinking
3. right speech
4. right conduct
5. right livelihood
6. right effort
7. right mindfulness
8. right concentration
What is Christianity?
What is Christianity?
Christianity is founded on the worship of Jesus Christ as Son of God, the unique self-revelation of God to the human race. At the same time it remembers this same Jesus is a historical figure, a man of insignificant social standing who during his life was unknown outside the obscure corner of the Roman Empire where he lived and died.
Almost all we know about Jesus come from the four accounts of his life which we find in the New Testament. The account that follows is based on those Gospels.
Christianity is founded on the worship of Jesus Christ as Son of God, the unique self-revelation of God to the human race. At the same time it remembers this same Jesus is a historical figure, a man of insignificant social standing who during his life was unknown outside the obscure corner of the Roman Empire where he lived and died.
Almost all we know about Jesus come from the four accounts of his life which we find in the New Testament. The account that follows is based on those Gospels.
What is Sikhism ?
What is Sikhism
At the heart of Sikh religion lies the idea of the guru. It is the belief that God is the true Guru: that God's divine and creative word came ot makind in a distinctive way through ten historical figures. Also they Sikh community, continue the faith of the tenth guru, is itself the guru. God is the one, the ultimate and eternal Guru, who provides enlightenment and understanding for disciples who set their hearts on finding and serving the truth.
At the heart of Sikh religion lies the idea of the guru. It is the belief that God is the true Guru: that God's divine and creative word came ot makind in a distinctive way through ten historical figures. Also they Sikh community, continue the faith of the tenth guru, is itself the guru. God is the one, the ultimate and eternal Guru, who provides enlightenment and understanding for disciples who set their hearts on finding and serving the truth.
What is taoism ?
"Be like a mountian and flow like a great river." Lao Tze.
History of Taoism
Tao can be roughly translated into English as path. The founder of Taoism was Lao-Tse (604-531 BCE), a contemporary of Confucius. (Alternate spellings: Lao Tse, Lao Tsu). He was searching for a way that would avoid the constant feudal warfare and other conflicts that disrupted life during his lifetime. The result was his book: Tao-te-Ching
Taoism started as a combination of psychology and philosophy but evolved into a religion in 440 CE when it was adopted as a state religion. At that time Lao-Tse became popularly venerated as a deity.
It, along with Buddhism and Confucianism, became the three great religions of China. Taoism currently has about 20 million followers, and is primarily centered in Taiwan. About 30,000 Taoists live in North America; 1,720 in Canada (1991 census).
Taoist Beliefs and Practices:
* Tao is the first-cause of the universe. It is a force that flows through all life.
* Time is cyclical, not linear as in Western thinking
* Yin (dark side) is the breath that formed the earth. Yang (light side) is the breath that formed the heavens. They symbolize pairs of opposites which are seen throughout the universe, such as good and evil, light and dark, male and female. Intervention by human civilization upsets the balances of Yin and Yang. The symbol of Taoism, seen at the top of this page, represents Yin and Yang in balance.
* "The Tao surrounds everyone and therefore everyone must listen to find enlightenment." (8)
* Five main organs and orifices of the body correspond to the five parts of the sky: water, fire, wood, metal and earth.
* Each person must nurture the Ch'i (air, breath) that has been given to them.
* The goal of everyone is to become one with the Tao.
* Development of virtue is one's chief task. The Three Jewels to be sought are compassion, moderation and humility.
* Taoists follow the art of "wu wei", which is to achieve action through minimal action. "It is the practice of going against the stream not by struggling against it and thrashing about, but by standing still and letting the stream do all the work. Thus the sage knows that relative to the river, he still moves against the current. To the outside world the sage appears to take no action - but in fact he takes action long before others ever foresee the need for action." (1)
* One should plan in advance and consider carefully each action before making it.
* A Taoists is kind to other individuals, largely because such an action tends to be reciprocated.
* Taoists believe that "people are compassionate by nature...left to their own devices [they] will show this compassion without expecting a reward." (1)
Tai Chi
There is a long history involvement by Taoists in various exercise and movement techniques. (5,6) Tai chi in particular works on all parts of the body. It "stimulates the central nervous system, lowers blood pressure, relieves stress and gently tones muscles without strain. It also enhances digestion, elimination of wastes and the circulation of blood. Moreover, tai chi's rhythmic movements massage the internal organs and improve their functionality." Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that illness is caused by blockages or lack of balance in the body's "chi" (intrinsic energy). Tai Chi is believed to balance this energy flow
History of Taoism
Tao can be roughly translated into English as path. The founder of Taoism was Lao-Tse (604-531 BCE), a contemporary of Confucius. (Alternate spellings: Lao Tse, Lao Tsu). He was searching for a way that would avoid the constant feudal warfare and other conflicts that disrupted life during his lifetime. The result was his book: Tao-te-Ching
Taoism started as a combination of psychology and philosophy but evolved into a religion in 440 CE when it was adopted as a state religion. At that time Lao-Tse became popularly venerated as a deity.
It, along with Buddhism and Confucianism, became the three great religions of China. Taoism currently has about 20 million followers, and is primarily centered in Taiwan. About 30,000 Taoists live in North America; 1,720 in Canada (1991 census).
Taoist Beliefs and Practices:
* Tao is the first-cause of the universe. It is a force that flows through all life.
* Time is cyclical, not linear as in Western thinking
* Yin (dark side) is the breath that formed the earth. Yang (light side) is the breath that formed the heavens. They symbolize pairs of opposites which are seen throughout the universe, such as good and evil, light and dark, male and female. Intervention by human civilization upsets the balances of Yin and Yang. The symbol of Taoism, seen at the top of this page, represents Yin and Yang in balance.
* "The Tao surrounds everyone and therefore everyone must listen to find enlightenment." (8)
* Five main organs and orifices of the body correspond to the five parts of the sky: water, fire, wood, metal and earth.
* Each person must nurture the Ch'i (air, breath) that has been given to them.
* The goal of everyone is to become one with the Tao.
* Development of virtue is one's chief task. The Three Jewels to be sought are compassion, moderation and humility.
* Taoists follow the art of "wu wei", which is to achieve action through minimal action. "It is the practice of going against the stream not by struggling against it and thrashing about, but by standing still and letting the stream do all the work. Thus the sage knows that relative to the river, he still moves against the current. To the outside world the sage appears to take no action - but in fact he takes action long before others ever foresee the need for action." (1)
* One should plan in advance and consider carefully each action before making it.
* A Taoists is kind to other individuals, largely because such an action tends to be reciprocated.
* Taoists believe that "people are compassionate by nature...left to their own devices [they] will show this compassion without expecting a reward." (1)
Tai Chi
There is a long history involvement by Taoists in various exercise and movement techniques. (5,6) Tai chi in particular works on all parts of the body. It "stimulates the central nervous system, lowers blood pressure, relieves stress and gently tones muscles without strain. It also enhances digestion, elimination of wastes and the circulation of blood. Moreover, tai chi's rhythmic movements massage the internal organs and improve their functionality." Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that illness is caused by blockages or lack of balance in the body's "chi" (intrinsic energy). Tai Chi is believed to balance this energy flow
What is Agnosticism ?
Agnosticism is the philosophical view that the truth values of certain claims, particularly theological claims regarding the existence of God, gods or deities, are either unknown or inherently unknowable. The term and the related agnostic were coined by Thomas Henry Huxley in 1869 and are also used to describe those who are unconvinced or noncommittal about the existence of deities as well as other matters of religion. ...
What is Zoroastrianism ?
Zoroastrianism is an ancient religion based on the teachings of its prophet Zoroaster. He taught that God, was the whooly Good Creator of all things, of sun, moon and stars, of the spiritual and material worlds, of humans and of beasts. The Wise Lord (Ahura Mazda) is the bountiful sovereign, the friend not only of Zoroaster but of everyone. He is in no way responsible for evil in the world, this comes from the Destructive Spirit (Angra Mainyu) whose nature is destructive and violent.
What is Judaism
Judaism is the oldest of the three greatest monothesitic religions, and is the parent religion for Christianity and Islam. The Jewish people all believe that they are God's choosen people and the descendants of Abraham. The Jewish community also believes that there is only on true God, who is the creator and ruler of the world. According to a biblical passage, God apperaed before Abraham and said, "Go from your country....to the land of that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you.. and by you shall all the families of the earth be blessed." Centuries later, God is recorded as saying, "You shall be my own possesion amon all nations. You shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." This meaning that the Jewish people are called to a special relationship with God, and a great role in the relationship with mankind.
What is islam ?
Early History of Islam:
It was founded in 622 CE by Mohammed the Prophet (circa 570 to 632 CE) in Medina. It is the youngest of the world's great religions. Followers of Islam are called Muslims. "Muslim" is an Arabic word that refers to a person who submits themselves to the Will of God. "Allah" is an Arabic word which means "the One True God." An alternate spelling for "Muslim" that is occasionally used is "Moslim"; it is not recommended because it is often pronounced "mawzlem": which sounds like an Arabic word for "oppressor". Some Western writers in the past have referred to Islam as "Mohammedism"; this is deeply offensive to many Muslims, as its usage can lead some to the concept that Mohammed the Prophet was in some way divine.
Little is known about Muhammad's childhood. He was orphaned at the age of 6 and brought up by his uncle. As a child, he worked as a shepherd. He was taken on a caravan to Syria by his uncle at the age of 9 (or perhaps 12). Later, as a youth, he was employed as a camel driver on the trade routes between Syria and Arabia. Mohammed later managed caravans on behalf of merchants. He met people of different religious beliefs on his travels, and was able to observe and learn about Judaism, Christianity and the indigenous Pagan religions.
After marriage, he was able to spend more time in meditation. At the age of 40, (610 CE), he was visited in Mecca by the angel Gabriel. He developed the conviction that he had been ordained a Prophet and given the task of converting his countrymen from their pagan, polytheistic beliefs and what he regarded as moral decadence, idolatry, hedonism and materialism.
He met considerable opposition to his teachings. In 622 CE he moved north to Medina due to increasing persecution. The trek is known as the hegira . Here he was disappointed by the rejection of his message by the Jews. Through military activity and political negotiation, Mohammed became the most powerful leader in Arabia, and Islam was firmly established in the area.
By 750 CE, Islam had expanded to China, India, along the Southern shore of the Mediterranean and into Spain. By 1550 they had reached Vienna. Wars resulted, expelling Muslims from Spain and Europe. Since their trading routes were mostly over land, they did not an develop extensive sea trade (as for example the English and Spaniards). As a result, the old world occupation of North America was left to Christians.
Believers are currently concentrated from the West coast of Africa to the Philippines. In Africa, in particular, they are increasing in numbers, largely at the expense of Christianity.
Many do not look upon Islam as a new religion. They feel that it is in reality the faith taught by the ancient Prophets, Abraham, David, Moses and Jesus. Mohammed's role as the last of the Prophets was to formalize and clarify the faith and to purify it by removing foreign ideas that had been added in error.
Estimates of the total number of Muslims in the world vary greatly:
* 0.700 billion or more, Barnes & Noble Encyclopedia 1993
* 0.817 billion, The Universal Almanac (1996)
* 0.951 billion, The Cambridge Factfinder (1993)
* 1.100 billion, The World Almanac (1997)
* 1.200 billion, CAIR (Council on American-Islamic relations)
At a level of 1.2 billion, they represent about 22% of the world's population. They are the second largest religion in the world; Christianity has 33%.
Islam is growing about 2.9% per year which is faster than the total world population which increases about 2.3% annually. It is thus attracting a progressively larger percentage of the world's population. The number of Muslims in North America is in dispute: estimates range from under 3 million to over 6 million. The main cause of the disagreement appears to be over how many Muslim immigrants have converted to Christianity since they arrived in the US. Statistics Canada reports that 253,260 Canadians identified themselves as Muslims (0.9% of the total population) during the 1991 census. Those figures are believed to be an under-estimate.
Sacred Texts
There are two texts:
the Qur'an are the words of God. This was originally in oral and written form; they were later assembled together into a single book, the Qur'an. Its name is often spelled "Koran" in English. This is not recommended, as some Muslims find it offensive. The Hadith, which are collections of the sayings of Mohammed.
Muslim Beliefs and Practices
Muslims follow a lunar calendar which started with the hegira, a 300 mile trek in 622 CE when Mohammed relocated from Mecca to Medina.
A Muslim's duties as described in the Five Pillars of Islam are:
to recite at least once during their lifetime the shahadah (the creed: "There is no God but God and Mohammed is his Prophet"). Most Muslims repeat it at least daily. to perform the salat (prayer) 5 times a day. This is recited while orienting one's body towards Mecca. It is done in the morning, at noon, midafternoon, after sunset and just before sleeping. to donate regularly to charity through zakat, a 2.5% charity tax, and through additional donations to the needy as the individual believer feels moved. to fast during the month of Ramadan [began 1995-FEB-2, 1995 (Year 1415); begins 1996-JAN-22 (Year 1416) and 1997-JAN-10 (Year 1417)]. This is believed to be the month that Mohammed received the Qur'an from God. if economically and physically, to make at least one hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca Jihad (struggle) is probably the most misunderstood religious word in existence. It often mentioned on Western TV and radio during news about the Middle East, where it is implied to be a synonym of "holy war" - a call to fight against non-Muslims in the defense of Islam.
The vast majority of Muslims have an entirely different definition of Jihad. It is seen as a personal, internal struggle with one's self. The goal may be achievement in a profession, self-purification, the conquering of primitive instincts or the attainment of some other noble goal.
Common beliefs:
* strict monotheism. God is the creator, is just, omnipotent and merciful
* respect for earlier prophets and belief in their teachings: Abraham, Moses and Jesus
* that Mohammed is the last of the prophets
* belief in the existence of Satan who drives people to sin
* that Muslims who sincerely repent and submit to God return to a state of sinlessness
* belief in Hell where unbelievers and sinners spend eternity
* belief in Paradise, a place of physical and spiritual pleasure where the sinless go after death
* abstinence from alcohol and gambling
* rejection of racism
* avoid the use of alcohol, other drugs, eating of pork, etc.
* avoid gambling
* that Jesus is a prophet. They regard the Christian concept of the deity of Jesus to be blasphemous
* that Jesus was not executed on the cross
Originally, in Islamic countries, there was no separation between religious and civil law, between Islam and the state. Turkey and some other countries have become secular states during this century. This is a controversial move in Islamic circles.
Understanding of Jesus, within Islam and Christianity
Conservative Christians and Muslims have certain beliefs in common concerning Jesus. They both accept that:
* Jesus' birth was miraculous.
* Jesus was the Messiah.
* He cured people of illness.
* He restored dead people to life.
However, they differ in a number of major areas. Muslims do not believe:
* In original sin: that everyone inherits a sinful nature because of Adam and Eve's transgression.
* That Jesus was killed during his crucifixion. He narrowly escaped death, and later reappeared to his disciples.
* That Jesus was resurrected (or resurrected himself) circa 30 CE.
* Salvation is dependent either upon belief in the resurrection of Jesus or belief that Jesus is the Son of God.
Schools within Islam
There are four different schools of jurisprudence within Islam. Much blood has been spilt over disputes between them. The main schools are:
Followers of the Hanafi school are called Sunni Muslims and constitute a 90% majority of the believers. They are considered to be main stream traditionalists. Because they are comfortable pursuing their faith within secular societies, they have been able to adapt to a variety of national cultures, while following their three sources of law: the Qur'an, Hadith and consensus of Muslims. Followers of the Jafri school are called Shi'ite Muslims and constitute a small minority of Islam. They split from the Sunnis over a dispute about the successor to Mohammed. Their leaders, Imams promote a strict interpretation of the Qur'an and close adherents to its teachings. They believe in 12 heavenly Imams (perfect teachers) who guide the faithful from their locations in Paradise.
There are over 70 other groups which originated within Islam and broke away from the Sunni and Shi'ite faith communities:
* Sufism: a mystic tradition in which followers seek inner knowledge directly from God through meditation and ritual and dancing. They developed in the 7th century CE as an ascetic reaction to the formalism and laws of the Qur'an.
* Baha'i World Faith: This is an attempt to integrate all of the world religions. It was originally a break-away sect from Islam but has since grown to become a separate religion.
* Ahmadis: Followers of the Ahmadiyya Movement believe that God sent Ahmad as a Messiah, "a messenger of His in this age who has claimed to have come in the spirit and power of Jesus Christ. He has come to call all people around one Faith, i.e. Islam..." The movement's founder was Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908). He was born in Qadian, India. He felt that he had a mandate from God to correct a serious error within Christianity. Most Christians believe that Jesus is a member of the Godhead. "...because Jesus, whom God sent as a Messiah to the Israelites was taken for a God, Divine jealousy ordained that another man [Ahmad] should be sent as Messiah so that the world may know that the first Messiah was nothing more than a weak mortal."
After his death, the community elected a series of Khalifas (successors). The current and "Fourth Successor (Khalifatul Masih IV), to the Promised Messiah was chosen in the person of Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad" on 1982-JUN-10. The Ahmadiyya Community currently has more than 10 million members worldwide. They are very heavily persecuted in Pakistan.
It was founded in 622 CE by Mohammed the Prophet (circa 570 to 632 CE) in Medina. It is the youngest of the world's great religions. Followers of Islam are called Muslims. "Muslim" is an Arabic word that refers to a person who submits themselves to the Will of God. "Allah" is an Arabic word which means "the One True God." An alternate spelling for "Muslim" that is occasionally used is "Moslim"; it is not recommended because it is often pronounced "mawzlem": which sounds like an Arabic word for "oppressor". Some Western writers in the past have referred to Islam as "Mohammedism"; this is deeply offensive to many Muslims, as its usage can lead some to the concept that Mohammed the Prophet was in some way divine.
Little is known about Muhammad's childhood. He was orphaned at the age of 6 and brought up by his uncle. As a child, he worked as a shepherd. He was taken on a caravan to Syria by his uncle at the age of 9 (or perhaps 12). Later, as a youth, he was employed as a camel driver on the trade routes between Syria and Arabia. Mohammed later managed caravans on behalf of merchants. He met people of different religious beliefs on his travels, and was able to observe and learn about Judaism, Christianity and the indigenous Pagan religions.
After marriage, he was able to spend more time in meditation. At the age of 40, (610 CE), he was visited in Mecca by the angel Gabriel. He developed the conviction that he had been ordained a Prophet and given the task of converting his countrymen from their pagan, polytheistic beliefs and what he regarded as moral decadence, idolatry, hedonism and materialism.
He met considerable opposition to his teachings. In 622 CE he moved north to Medina due to increasing persecution. The trek is known as the hegira . Here he was disappointed by the rejection of his message by the Jews. Through military activity and political negotiation, Mohammed became the most powerful leader in Arabia, and Islam was firmly established in the area.
By 750 CE, Islam had expanded to China, India, along the Southern shore of the Mediterranean and into Spain. By 1550 they had reached Vienna. Wars resulted, expelling Muslims from Spain and Europe. Since their trading routes were mostly over land, they did not an develop extensive sea trade (as for example the English and Spaniards). As a result, the old world occupation of North America was left to Christians.
Believers are currently concentrated from the West coast of Africa to the Philippines. In Africa, in particular, they are increasing in numbers, largely at the expense of Christianity.
Many do not look upon Islam as a new religion. They feel that it is in reality the faith taught by the ancient Prophets, Abraham, David, Moses and Jesus. Mohammed's role as the last of the Prophets was to formalize and clarify the faith and to purify it by removing foreign ideas that had been added in error.
Estimates of the total number of Muslims in the world vary greatly:
* 0.700 billion or more, Barnes & Noble Encyclopedia 1993
* 0.817 billion, The Universal Almanac (1996)
* 0.951 billion, The Cambridge Factfinder (1993)
* 1.100 billion, The World Almanac (1997)
* 1.200 billion, CAIR (Council on American-Islamic relations)
At a level of 1.2 billion, they represent about 22% of the world's population. They are the second largest religion in the world; Christianity has 33%.
Islam is growing about 2.9% per year which is faster than the total world population which increases about 2.3% annually. It is thus attracting a progressively larger percentage of the world's population. The number of Muslims in North America is in dispute: estimates range from under 3 million to over 6 million. The main cause of the disagreement appears to be over how many Muslim immigrants have converted to Christianity since they arrived in the US. Statistics Canada reports that 253,260 Canadians identified themselves as Muslims (0.9% of the total population) during the 1991 census. Those figures are believed to be an under-estimate.
Sacred Texts
There are two texts:
the Qur'an are the words of God. This was originally in oral and written form; they were later assembled together into a single book, the Qur'an. Its name is often spelled "Koran" in English. This is not recommended, as some Muslims find it offensive. The Hadith, which are collections of the sayings of Mohammed.
Muslim Beliefs and Practices
Muslims follow a lunar calendar which started with the hegira, a 300 mile trek in 622 CE when Mohammed relocated from Mecca to Medina.
A Muslim's duties as described in the Five Pillars of Islam are:
to recite at least once during their lifetime the shahadah (the creed: "There is no God but God and Mohammed is his Prophet"). Most Muslims repeat it at least daily. to perform the salat (prayer) 5 times a day. This is recited while orienting one's body towards Mecca. It is done in the morning, at noon, midafternoon, after sunset and just before sleeping. to donate regularly to charity through zakat, a 2.5% charity tax, and through additional donations to the needy as the individual believer feels moved. to fast during the month of Ramadan [began 1995-FEB-2, 1995 (Year 1415); begins 1996-JAN-22 (Year 1416) and 1997-JAN-10 (Year 1417)]. This is believed to be the month that Mohammed received the Qur'an from God. if economically and physically, to make at least one hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca Jihad (struggle) is probably the most misunderstood religious word in existence. It often mentioned on Western TV and radio during news about the Middle East, where it is implied to be a synonym of "holy war" - a call to fight against non-Muslims in the defense of Islam.
The vast majority of Muslims have an entirely different definition of Jihad. It is seen as a personal, internal struggle with one's self. The goal may be achievement in a profession, self-purification, the conquering of primitive instincts or the attainment of some other noble goal.
Common beliefs:
* strict monotheism. God is the creator, is just, omnipotent and merciful
* respect for earlier prophets and belief in their teachings: Abraham, Moses and Jesus
* that Mohammed is the last of the prophets
* belief in the existence of Satan who drives people to sin
* that Muslims who sincerely repent and submit to God return to a state of sinlessness
* belief in Hell where unbelievers and sinners spend eternity
* belief in Paradise, a place of physical and spiritual pleasure where the sinless go after death
* abstinence from alcohol and gambling
* rejection of racism
* avoid the use of alcohol, other drugs, eating of pork, etc.
* avoid gambling
* that Jesus is a prophet. They regard the Christian concept of the deity of Jesus to be blasphemous
* that Jesus was not executed on the cross
Originally, in Islamic countries, there was no separation between religious and civil law, between Islam and the state. Turkey and some other countries have become secular states during this century. This is a controversial move in Islamic circles.
Understanding of Jesus, within Islam and Christianity
Conservative Christians and Muslims have certain beliefs in common concerning Jesus. They both accept that:
* Jesus' birth was miraculous.
* Jesus was the Messiah.
* He cured people of illness.
* He restored dead people to life.
However, they differ in a number of major areas. Muslims do not believe:
* In original sin: that everyone inherits a sinful nature because of Adam and Eve's transgression.
* That Jesus was killed during his crucifixion. He narrowly escaped death, and later reappeared to his disciples.
* That Jesus was resurrected (or resurrected himself) circa 30 CE.
* Salvation is dependent either upon belief in the resurrection of Jesus or belief that Jesus is the Son of God.
Schools within Islam
There are four different schools of jurisprudence within Islam. Much blood has been spilt over disputes between them. The main schools are:
Followers of the Hanafi school are called Sunni Muslims and constitute a 90% majority of the believers. They are considered to be main stream traditionalists. Because they are comfortable pursuing their faith within secular societies, they have been able to adapt to a variety of national cultures, while following their three sources of law: the Qur'an, Hadith and consensus of Muslims. Followers of the Jafri school are called Shi'ite Muslims and constitute a small minority of Islam. They split from the Sunnis over a dispute about the successor to Mohammed. Their leaders, Imams promote a strict interpretation of the Qur'an and close adherents to its teachings. They believe in 12 heavenly Imams (perfect teachers) who guide the faithful from their locations in Paradise.
There are over 70 other groups which originated within Islam and broke away from the Sunni and Shi'ite faith communities:
* Sufism: a mystic tradition in which followers seek inner knowledge directly from God through meditation and ritual and dancing. They developed in the 7th century CE as an ascetic reaction to the formalism and laws of the Qur'an.
* Baha'i World Faith: This is an attempt to integrate all of the world religions. It was originally a break-away sect from Islam but has since grown to become a separate religion.
* Ahmadis: Followers of the Ahmadiyya Movement believe that God sent Ahmad as a Messiah, "a messenger of His in this age who has claimed to have come in the spirit and power of Jesus Christ. He has come to call all people around one Faith, i.e. Islam..." The movement's founder was Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908). He was born in Qadian, India. He felt that he had a mandate from God to correct a serious error within Christianity. Most Christians believe that Jesus is a member of the Godhead. "...because Jesus, whom God sent as a Messiah to the Israelites was taken for a God, Divine jealousy ordained that another man [Ahmad] should be sent as Messiah so that the world may know that the first Messiah was nothing more than a weak mortal."
After his death, the community elected a series of Khalifas (successors). The current and "Fourth Successor (Khalifatul Masih IV), to the Promised Messiah was chosen in the person of Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad" on 1982-JUN-10. The Ahmadiyya Community currently has more than 10 million members worldwide. They are very heavily persecuted in Pakistan.
What is Atheism?
Atheism is not a religion, but more a philosophy. It is the lack of belief in the existence of God or Gods.
Atheists have analyzed the available material evidence of the existence of one or more deities and has concluded that there is no real evidence of any Gods or Goddesses. They believe that the universe, Earth and its life probably evolved by perfectly natural processes, without intervention by a supernatural entity.
They generally feel that ethical and moral systems governing human behavior can be developed without reference to any code of behavior of allegedly divine origin. Other Atheists have simply never been exposed to belief in a deity or deities and therefor have no belief in them.
Atheists have analyzed the available material evidence of the existence of one or more deities and has concluded that there is no real evidence of any Gods or Goddesses. They believe that the universe, Earth and its life probably evolved by perfectly natural processes, without intervention by a supernatural entity.
They generally feel that ethical and moral systems governing human behavior can be developed without reference to any code of behavior of allegedly divine origin. Other Atheists have simply never been exposed to belief in a deity or deities and therefor have no belief in them.
What is relationship ?
# a relation between people; (`relationship' is often used where `relation' would serve, as in `the relationship between inflation and unemployment', but the preferred usage of `relationship' is for human relations or states of relatedness); "the relationship between mothers and their children"
# a state of connectedness between people (especially an emotional connection); "he didn't want his wife to know of the relationship"
# a state involving mutual dealings between people or parties or countries
# kinship: (anthropology) relatedness or connection by blood or marriage or adoption
# a state of connectedness between people (especially an emotional connection); "he didn't want his wife to know of the relationship"
# a state involving mutual dealings between people or parties or countries
# kinship: (anthropology) relatedness or connection by blood or marriage or adoption
what is marriage bureau ?
marriage bureau
An introduction agency which arranges for single people wishing to find a husband or wife to meet potential partners.
An introduction agency which arranges for single people wishing to find a husband or wife to meet potential partners.
What is floristry ?
Floristry or flower arranging is the art of creating flower arrangements in vases, bowls or making bouquets and compositions from cut flowers, foliages, herbs, ornamental grasses and other botanical materials into floral designs; often the terms "floral design" and "floristry" are considered synonymous. A person who designs flower arrangements is known as a florist in Europe, Australia, New Zealand but in the US they are knows as floral designers. The term is not to be confused with floristics.
Many nations have their own distinctive traditions of flower arrangement. A notable example is ikebana, an Oriental style of floral design, noted for its simplicity and purity of lines and colors.
Floristry is most often understood as referring to the cultivation of flowers as well as their arrangement, rather than to the business of selling them. However, the floral industry is the basic drive behind floristry. Florists are people who work with flowers, and on the Continent with plants, generally at the retail level. Florist shops, along with telephone sales and online stores, are the main flower-only outlets, but supermarkets, garden supply stores and many filling stations also sell flowers.
The World Wide Web has had a significant impact on traditional florists, with the North American market experiencing a more than 20% decline in traditional, independently owned flower shops since 1998. Purchases from shops are slowly being overtaken by online flower delivery ordering and floral wire services.
Generally, a florist's shop will contain a large array of flowers, often spilling out into the street, or will have a large plate glass window to display the flowers. To keep them fresh, the flowers will likely be kept in water, generally in plastic bulbs, sleeves, or other containers.
The craft of floristry involves various skills. These include selecting flowers that will look good together (based on principles of design or general instinct), knowing how to cut, treat, and arrange flowers and other stock plants so they will remain fresh as long as possible, and (as explained above) selling them, which involves knowledge of customer requirements and expectations. Knowing how to form wreaths, bouquets, and other more complicated arrangements is also important. Wreaths can be made out of many different types of flowers and plants.
A name tribute ("MUM") at a funeral in England
Enlarge
A name tribute ("MUM") at a funeral in England
Another basic requirement of florist shops is the purchasing of flowers to replenish their stock. The flower market, like other agriculture markets, is subject to many fluctuations due to natural factors, supply and demand, and fashion. Learning how to buy in such a way as to continue to make a profit is not a simple skill.
The flowers sold in florist shops typically represent the varieties abundantly available in the season but also include blossoms flown in from around the world. Basic varieties include roses, tulips, irises, and lilies. Fashion plays a very major role in floristry; what is considered the flower that everyone needs to have today can change very quickly.
Typically, a florist will organize flowers by season and holiday. Most shops also stock gift baskets, fruit, and chocolates as well as flowers and wreaths.
The floral market is seasonal and is heavily influenced by the following holidays and events: Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mothers' Day, All Souls Day, Advent, Easter, weddings and funerals. These occasions make up the largest part of the business, with the sale of house plants and home decor being a much smaller, but more constant, part. Flowers for personal enjoyment as well as those selected to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, thank-you's and to send get well wishes are also a significant portion of a florist's business.
Many nations have their own distinctive traditions of flower arrangement. A notable example is ikebana, an Oriental style of floral design, noted for its simplicity and purity of lines and colors.
Floristry is most often understood as referring to the cultivation of flowers as well as their arrangement, rather than to the business of selling them. However, the floral industry is the basic drive behind floristry. Florists are people who work with flowers, and on the Continent with plants, generally at the retail level. Florist shops, along with telephone sales and online stores, are the main flower-only outlets, but supermarkets, garden supply stores and many filling stations also sell flowers.
The World Wide Web has had a significant impact on traditional florists, with the North American market experiencing a more than 20% decline in traditional, independently owned flower shops since 1998. Purchases from shops are slowly being overtaken by online flower delivery ordering and floral wire services.
Generally, a florist's shop will contain a large array of flowers, often spilling out into the street, or will have a large plate glass window to display the flowers. To keep them fresh, the flowers will likely be kept in water, generally in plastic bulbs, sleeves, or other containers.
The craft of floristry involves various skills. These include selecting flowers that will look good together (based on principles of design or general instinct), knowing how to cut, treat, and arrange flowers and other stock plants so they will remain fresh as long as possible, and (as explained above) selling them, which involves knowledge of customer requirements and expectations. Knowing how to form wreaths, bouquets, and other more complicated arrangements is also important. Wreaths can be made out of many different types of flowers and plants.
A name tribute ("MUM") at a funeral in England
Enlarge
A name tribute ("MUM") at a funeral in England
Another basic requirement of florist shops is the purchasing of flowers to replenish their stock. The flower market, like other agriculture markets, is subject to many fluctuations due to natural factors, supply and demand, and fashion. Learning how to buy in such a way as to continue to make a profit is not a simple skill.
The flowers sold in florist shops typically represent the varieties abundantly available in the season but also include blossoms flown in from around the world. Basic varieties include roses, tulips, irises, and lilies. Fashion plays a very major role in floristry; what is considered the flower that everyone needs to have today can change very quickly.
Typically, a florist will organize flowers by season and holiday. Most shops also stock gift baskets, fruit, and chocolates as well as flowers and wreaths.
The floral market is seasonal and is heavily influenced by the following holidays and events: Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mothers' Day, All Souls Day, Advent, Easter, weddings and funerals. These occasions make up the largest part of the business, with the sale of house plants and home decor being a much smaller, but more constant, part. Flowers for personal enjoyment as well as those selected to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, thank-you's and to send get well wishes are also a significant portion of a florist's business.
What is Honeymoon Registry?
What is Honeymoon Registry?
More couples are getting married after they have lived on their own and are established in apartments or homes. They have many of the household items that are traditional wedding gifts, such as pots & pans, toasters and dishes. Thus the nature of bridal registry has been changing. One offspring solution to this problem is honeymoon registry.
Honeymoon Registry Services offer a solution for these couples and their friends and family wishing to buy them meaningful wedding gifts.
After a couples' honeymoon has been planned, the honeymoon registry service can take those plans and put it into a registry list, just like a registry list that you would find at a department store. But instead of the list containing household items, it contains pieces of a couples' honeymoon. Not only do guests have the opportunity to help them pay for airfare and resort accommodations, but they can also buy romantic gifts, such as a candlelit dinner or an exciting afternoon of scuba diving. The items on honeymoon registry lists can include activities or "extras" that the couple would like to do on their honeymoon, the beginning of their new life together. Gifts are broken down into not only airfare and hotel, but also any activity that couples wish to do on their honeymoon. These activities may include items such as breakfast in bed, a champagne welcome, scuba diving, horseback riding, ski lift tickets, casino chips, tickets to shows and much, much more.
Honeymoon registry is just a new way of helping the couple begin their new life together. Dishes, toasters and china may break or get old, but a honeymoon gift will always be a memory of a special time in their lives.
However, all honeymoon registry services are not created equal. Some travel agencies advertising registry service, although all their service may include is allowing your friends and family to mail in checks towards your trip. You do need to make sure to choose the right service that will provide you and your guests with the best possible service.
More couples are getting married after they have lived on their own and are established in apartments or homes. They have many of the household items that are traditional wedding gifts, such as pots & pans, toasters and dishes. Thus the nature of bridal registry has been changing. One offspring solution to this problem is honeymoon registry.
Honeymoon Registry Services offer a solution for these couples and their friends and family wishing to buy them meaningful wedding gifts.
After a couples' honeymoon has been planned, the honeymoon registry service can take those plans and put it into a registry list, just like a registry list that you would find at a department store. But instead of the list containing household items, it contains pieces of a couples' honeymoon. Not only do guests have the opportunity to help them pay for airfare and resort accommodations, but they can also buy romantic gifts, such as a candlelit dinner or an exciting afternoon of scuba diving. The items on honeymoon registry lists can include activities or "extras" that the couple would like to do on their honeymoon, the beginning of their new life together. Gifts are broken down into not only airfare and hotel, but also any activity that couples wish to do on their honeymoon. These activities may include items such as breakfast in bed, a champagne welcome, scuba diving, horseback riding, ski lift tickets, casino chips, tickets to shows and much, much more.
Honeymoon registry is just a new way of helping the couple begin their new life together. Dishes, toasters and china may break or get old, but a honeymoon gift will always be a memory of a special time in their lives.
However, all honeymoon registry services are not created equal. Some travel agencies advertising registry service, although all their service may include is allowing your friends and family to mail in checks towards your trip. You do need to make sure to choose the right service that will provide you and your guests with the best possible service.
What is honeymoon ?
A honeymoon is the traditional trip taken by newlyweds to celebrate their marriage. Today, honeymoons are often celebrated in places that are secluded, exotic, warm, or otherwise considered special and romantic. A recent trend among couples is to combine the wedding and honeymoon into one experience or substitute one for another.
What is videography ?
Videography is a discipline related to cinematography, except focused on the capture of moving images on electronic media (traditionally tape, however some newer cameras record directly to a hard drive or solid state memory). The videography market is broken into segments based on the application, such as event video, corporate video, and broadcast video. The advent of digital cinematography is beginning to blur the line between videography and cinematography.
What is photography ?
Photography is the process of making pictures by means of the action of light. Light patterns reflected or emitted from objects are recorded onto a sensitive medium or storage chip through a timed exposure. The process is done through mechanical, chemical or digital devices known as cameras.
what is industrial catering & airline catering ?
Industrial catering
Industrial catering includes providing food for airline passengers, schools, prisons and other institutional settings. It can include contract management of client foodservice facilities.
Airline catering
Airlines often have divisions or hire third parties to provide food for passengers.
Industrial catering includes providing food for airline passengers, schools, prisons and other institutional settings. It can include contract management of client foodservice facilities.
Airline catering
Airlines often have divisions or hire third parties to provide food for passengers.
What is catering & what is event catering ?
Catering is the business of providing food service at a remote site.Event catering
An event caterer serves food with waiting staff at dining tables or sets up a self-serve buffet. The food may be prepared on site, made completely at the event, or the caterer may choose to bring prepared food and put the finishing touches on once they arrive. The event caterer staff isn't responsible for preparing the food but often help set up the dining area. This service is typically provided at banquets, conventions, and weddings. Any event where all the attenders are provided with food and drinks or sometimes only hors d'oeuvres is often called a catered event.
A catering company or specialist is expected to know not just food preparation, but how to make it attractive. Many events require working with the entire theme or color scheme. Catering companies have moved toward full-service taking charge of not only food preparation but also decorations, such as table settings or lighting. It's not that food is no longer a focal point, but rather that it is part of a broader mission. Many suggest that catering is about satisfying all the senses. A caterer and his or her staff should be friendly and coorperative because, after all, they are in the food service industry and should follow the motto "the customer is always right".
Catering is typically sold on a per-person basis, where adding additional people is a flat price per person. Keeping the cost of the food and supplies below this is required to make a profit on the catering. With the correct atmosphere, professional event caterers experience can bring clients satisfaction of all the senses in a way that makes an event special and memorable. Of course, beautifully prepared food can appeal to your sense of taste, smell and sight - perhaps even touch, but the decorations and ambiance should play a significant part in the clients enjoyment as well.
An event caterer serves food with waiting staff at dining tables or sets up a self-serve buffet. The food may be prepared on site, made completely at the event, or the caterer may choose to bring prepared food and put the finishing touches on once they arrive. The event caterer staff isn't responsible for preparing the food but often help set up the dining area. This service is typically provided at banquets, conventions, and weddings. Any event where all the attenders are provided with food and drinks or sometimes only hors d'oeuvres is often called a catered event.
A catering company or specialist is expected to know not just food preparation, but how to make it attractive. Many events require working with the entire theme or color scheme. Catering companies have moved toward full-service taking charge of not only food preparation but also decorations, such as table settings or lighting. It's not that food is no longer a focal point, but rather that it is part of a broader mission. Many suggest that catering is about satisfying all the senses. A caterer and his or her staff should be friendly and coorperative because, after all, they are in the food service industry and should follow the motto "the customer is always right".
Catering is typically sold on a per-person basis, where adding additional people is a flat price per person. Keeping the cost of the food and supplies below this is required to make a profit on the catering. With the correct atmosphere, professional event caterers experience can bring clients satisfaction of all the senses in a way that makes an event special and memorable. Of course, beautifully prepared food can appeal to your sense of taste, smell and sight - perhaps even touch, but the decorations and ambiance should play a significant part in the clients enjoyment as well.
What is wedding ?
A wedding now is an expensive rip off to take you for everything you have so that the bride can turn into a monster and everyone can watch her grow horns and treat everyone horribly so that she gets her way (ever watch bridezilla) lol
A wedding is suppose to be the joining of two people into a wonderous life of love, joy and happiness. Where families get together to show their love and support for their children as they merge their lives into one. To grow together, to see the future through loving eyes and friendship that should last forever. To bring beautiful children into the world and teach them all the loving values that have been taught through each generation. (in a perfect world anyway) God bless!!
A wedding is suppose to be the joining of two people into a wonderous life of love, joy and happiness. Where families get together to show their love and support for their children as they merge their lives into one. To grow together, to see the future through loving eyes and friendship that should last forever. To bring beautiful children into the world and teach them all the loving values that have been taught through each generation. (in a perfect world anyway) God bless!!
What is Wedding Insurance?
What is Wedding Insurance?
As with any other type of insurance there are many variables that determine the answer to such a broad question. Here we will go over some of the basics to give you an idea of what is out there. If you are interested in wedding insurance after reading this article you are strongly encouraged to contact at least 3 different companies for quotes before purchasing any wedding insurance policies.
There are two basic types of wedding insurance, Wedding Cancellation / Postponement Insurance and Wedding Liability Insurance. These are separate policies with most insurance companies and can be purchased individually or together. Most insurance companies will recommend that you purchase both policies (don’t they always?). However, you may only really need one type or even neither.
Wedding Cancellation / Postponement Insurance typically covers losses for wedding expenses from things such as severe weather, key people being unable to attend, withdrawn military leave, photos/video not coming out, special event gifts, special attire, special jewelry, loss of deposits. You need to read the specific policy you’re looking to purchase carefully to see what items are covered and under what circumstances. Not everything is covered and the things that are may not be covered under all circumstances. This type of wedding insurance is useful if your cost of rescheduling the wedding will be very high. If your wedding budget is only two thousand dollars this is probably not something you should consider.
Wedding Liability Insurance is similar to automotive liability insurance. This will help protect you in case someone is injured during the wedding. It may also cover damage done to the wedding site by your guests or possibly even your vendors (florists, photographers etc). Alcohol-related accidents may also be covered. If you are having a large wedding with many guests, guests you know can be “unruly” on occasion, are serving alcohol, or having the event at an expensive location (the furniture/fixtures of the location not what you paid to use it) then you may want to consider this type of insurance. Nothing can ruin your big day like being sued because uncle bill the alcoholic caused $30k worth of damage to the reception hall or worse yet injured someone driving drunk after your big event.
Now that you know a little bit about wedding insurance and what it could cover I encourage you to get at least 3 quotes from different carriers for your wedding plans. Make sure you read the details of what is covered and under what circumstances. Make sure you compare apples to apples with the different companies. Above all, have a joyous and safe wedding
As with any other type of insurance there are many variables that determine the answer to such a broad question. Here we will go over some of the basics to give you an idea of what is out there. If you are interested in wedding insurance after reading this article you are strongly encouraged to contact at least 3 different companies for quotes before purchasing any wedding insurance policies.
There are two basic types of wedding insurance, Wedding Cancellation / Postponement Insurance and Wedding Liability Insurance. These are separate policies with most insurance companies and can be purchased individually or together. Most insurance companies will recommend that you purchase both policies (don’t they always?). However, you may only really need one type or even neither.
Wedding Cancellation / Postponement Insurance typically covers losses for wedding expenses from things such as severe weather, key people being unable to attend, withdrawn military leave, photos/video not coming out, special event gifts, special attire, special jewelry, loss of deposits. You need to read the specific policy you’re looking to purchase carefully to see what items are covered and under what circumstances. Not everything is covered and the things that are may not be covered under all circumstances. This type of wedding insurance is useful if your cost of rescheduling the wedding will be very high. If your wedding budget is only two thousand dollars this is probably not something you should consider.
Wedding Liability Insurance is similar to automotive liability insurance. This will help protect you in case someone is injured during the wedding. It may also cover damage done to the wedding site by your guests or possibly even your vendors (florists, photographers etc). Alcohol-related accidents may also be covered. If you are having a large wedding with many guests, guests you know can be “unruly” on occasion, are serving alcohol, or having the event at an expensive location (the furniture/fixtures of the location not what you paid to use it) then you may want to consider this type of insurance. Nothing can ruin your big day like being sued because uncle bill the alcoholic caused $30k worth of damage to the reception hall or worse yet injured someone driving drunk after your big event.
Now that you know a little bit about wedding insurance and what it could cover I encourage you to get at least 3 quotes from different carriers for your wedding plans. Make sure you read the details of what is covered and under what circumstances. Make sure you compare apples to apples with the different companies. Above all, have a joyous and safe wedding
What is Exogamy?
What is Exogamy?:
Exogamy is the practice of tribal groups which limit marriage only to members outside of the tribal group and prohibit marriage inside the group (endogamy). Of course, the definition of what actually constitutes “one’s own group” varies widely, although there is some universal agreement that this group includes members of the immediate family — parents, children and spouses. Endogamy appears to have been the practice in the earliest biblical narratives; exogamy among just Jews was common later.
Exogamy is the practice of tribal groups which limit marriage only to members outside of the tribal group and prohibit marriage inside the group (endogamy). Of course, the definition of what actually constitutes “one’s own group” varies widely, although there is some universal agreement that this group includes members of the immediate family — parents, children and spouses. Endogamy appears to have been the practice in the earliest biblical narratives; exogamy among just Jews was common later.
What is Endogamy?
What is Endogamy?:
Endogamy is the practice of tribal groups limiting marriage to members of the group and prohibiting marriage outside the group (exogamy). Endogamy is more common in socially stratified societies, and is most common among aristocratic and ruling classes. European royalty traditionally limited marriage to other members of royalty and denigrated marriage to “commoners,” even if of the same nationality. The purpose of endogamy is to preserve the “purity” of bloodlines which might become “polluted.”
Endogamy is the practice of tribal groups limiting marriage to members of the group and prohibiting marriage outside the group (exogamy). Endogamy is more common in socially stratified societies, and is most common among aristocratic and ruling classes. European royalty traditionally limited marriage to other members of royalty and denigrated marriage to “commoners,” even if of the same nationality. The purpose of endogamy is to preserve the “purity” of bloodlines which might become “polluted.”
What is Bigamy?
What is Bigamy?:
The word bigamy comes from the Greek bis, which means “two” and gamos, which means “marriage.” Legally, it refers to the act of contracting a marriage when one is already married. In church tradition, however, it has also been used when a person contracts a valid marriage after the death of their first spouse (although this position is not currently reflected in civil law). Concubines, however, were traditionally accepted in the earliest Bible stories.
The word bigamy comes from the Greek bis, which means “two” and gamos, which means “marriage.” Legally, it refers to the act of contracting a marriage when one is already married. In church tradition, however, it has also been used when a person contracts a valid marriage after the death of their first spouse (although this position is not currently reflected in civil law). Concubines, however, were traditionally accepted in the earliest Bible stories.
What is Polygamy?
What is Polygamy?:
Polygamy is any marriage which involves more than two people. Polyandry involves one woman and multiple husbands while polygyny involves one man and multiple wives. Polygamy used to be common in the ancient world and was supported in most religions. Polygamy is obviously endorsed in the Bible, but it’s unclear to what degree it might have been limited to the upper levels of society. Monogamy seems to have become standard by the Roman Era.
Polygamy is any marriage which involves more than two people. Polyandry involves one woman and multiple husbands while polygyny involves one man and multiple wives. Polygamy used to be common in the ancient world and was supported in most religions. Polygamy is obviously endorsed in the Bible, but it’s unclear to what degree it might have been limited to the upper levels of society. Monogamy seems to have become standard by the Roman Era.
What is Muta?
What is Muta?:
Muta is the word for a temporary marriage, the duration of which is stipulated by contract. Only Twelver Shias recognize muta marriages, although evidence suggests that it was practiced followed by many before Islam appeared. Muta marriages continue to be legal in some Muslim areas, but they are denounced by many orthodox clerics as little more than formalized prostitution — and indeed, a muta mariage might be limited to just a night or a few hours.
Muta is the word for a temporary marriage, the duration of which is stipulated by contract. Only Twelver Shias recognize muta marriages, although evidence suggests that it was practiced followed by many before Islam appeared. Muta marriages continue to be legal in some Muslim areas, but they are denounced by many orthodox clerics as little more than formalized prostitution — and indeed, a muta mariage might be limited to just a night or a few hours.
What is Celibacy?
What is Celibacy?:
Celibacy is the state of abstaining from sexual intercourse and/or from marriage, usually in the context of holding some religious office or for private spiritual reasons. The label “celibate” is usually only applied, however, to those who have taken sacred vows of celibacy as part of an act of renunciation. Celibacy has been practiced by a wide variety of religious groups across the globe, but not by all. In early Christian tradition, celibacy was seen as superior to marriage.
Celibacy is the state of abstaining from sexual intercourse and/or from marriage, usually in the context of holding some religious office or for private spiritual reasons. The label “celibate” is usually only applied, however, to those who have taken sacred vows of celibacy as part of an act of renunciation. Celibacy has been practiced by a wide variety of religious groups across the globe, but not by all. In early Christian tradition, celibacy was seen as superior to marriage.
What is Levirate Marriage?
What is Levirate Marriage?:
In Judaism, a levarite marriage involves a widow marrying her brother-in-law. The Latin word levir is the equivalent of the Hebrew yabam, which means brother-in-law.
In Judaism, a levarite marriage involves a widow marrying her brother-in-law. The Latin word levir is the equivalent of the Hebrew yabam, which means brother-in-law.
What is biblical marriage ?
Biblical Marriage:
In the Bible, the relationship between Israel and God was likened to that of a marriage: one based upon a covenant between two unequal parties. The “marriage” between Israel and God was expected to be monogamous and mutual faithfulness was required from both sides — otherwise, the relationship might be ended.
In the Bible, the relationship between Israel and God was likened to that of a marriage: one based upon a covenant between two unequal parties. The “marriage” between Israel and God was expected to be monogamous and mutual faithfulness was required from both sides — otherwise, the relationship might be ended.
What is Marriage?
What is Marriage?:
Marriage is an institution which can be found in every human culture. Although the forms and rules differ, marriages always involve some form of legally legitimized sexual relationship. Traditionally, marriages have had a religious basis. In the modern, industrialized West, marriage is based on a legal contract. In the Bible, women occupied an inferior social position to the nearest male relations — fathers, brothers, or husbands. Marriages were usually arranged in the Bible by the parents.
Marriage is an institution which can be found in every human culture. Although the forms and rules differ, marriages always involve some form of legally legitimized sexual relationship. Traditionally, marriages have had a religious basis. In the modern, industrialized West, marriage is based on a legal contract. In the Bible, women occupied an inferior social position to the nearest male relations — fathers, brothers, or husbands. Marriages were usually arranged in the Bible by the parents.
What is Divorce Mediation?
What is Divorce Mediation?
DIVORCE MEDIATION - A Better Way
About Divorce:
There’s no escaping it -- divorce is an unhappy process for everyone involved, the divorcing couple, their children, their families. It is hard emotionally and it is hard financially.
Emotionally, the conflict that comes with divorce can wear on everyone involved, and everyone will probably go through a full range of unwelcome feelings, rage, anger, grief, sadness, depression. Divorce is, unavoidably, a loss for everyone involved
Financially, divorcing couples will be supporting two households with the same income that formerly supported only one. Financial loss and diminished lifestyles are practically unavoidable
Divorce mediation is a way, perhaps the best way, to minimize both the emotional and financial impact of divorce.
About Mediation:
Mediation is a process in which both parties agree to do their best to set aside past grievances and hurts in order to work out a mutually acceptable agreement that will become part of their divorce decree. Doing so mindfully and respectfully helps both parties to avoid getting bogged down in punishing the other person and to look out for their own interests in a clear-headed way.
Mediation has many advantages over negotiation through attorneys or going through a trial:
• You retain control over your divorce agreement rather than taking whatever a judge might impose or your attorneys may be able to negotiate.
• You avoid the emotional wear and tear of going back and forth with offers and counteroffers through your attorneys or, even worse, going through a trial before a judge.
• You save the cost of attorneys’ fees involved in negotiating an agreement or, again even worse, going through a trial.
• If you have children, you can lessen the emotional and financial impact on them while mediating a sound, supportive parenting plan.
• You can tailor your agreement to fit your specific financial and child-raising situation, in as much detail as necessary, instead of ending up with the broad-brush, one-size-fits-all approach of a negotiated agreement or court-imposed decree.
• You can arrange the mediation process to fit your schedule, and you can avoid the delays of crowded court dockets and the offer/counteroffer negotiation process.
Mediation, then, costs less -- less money, less time, less emotional wear and tear.
DIVORCE MEDIATION - A Better Way
About Divorce:
There’s no escaping it -- divorce is an unhappy process for everyone involved, the divorcing couple, their children, their families. It is hard emotionally and it is hard financially.
Emotionally, the conflict that comes with divorce can wear on everyone involved, and everyone will probably go through a full range of unwelcome feelings, rage, anger, grief, sadness, depression. Divorce is, unavoidably, a loss for everyone involved
Financially, divorcing couples will be supporting two households with the same income that formerly supported only one. Financial loss and diminished lifestyles are practically unavoidable
Divorce mediation is a way, perhaps the best way, to minimize both the emotional and financial impact of divorce.
About Mediation:
Mediation is a process in which both parties agree to do their best to set aside past grievances and hurts in order to work out a mutually acceptable agreement that will become part of their divorce decree. Doing so mindfully and respectfully helps both parties to avoid getting bogged down in punishing the other person and to look out for their own interests in a clear-headed way.
Mediation has many advantages over negotiation through attorneys or going through a trial:
• You retain control over your divorce agreement rather than taking whatever a judge might impose or your attorneys may be able to negotiate.
• You avoid the emotional wear and tear of going back and forth with offers and counteroffers through your attorneys or, even worse, going through a trial before a judge.
• You save the cost of attorneys’ fees involved in negotiating an agreement or, again even worse, going through a trial.
• If you have children, you can lessen the emotional and financial impact on them while mediating a sound, supportive parenting plan.
• You can tailor your agreement to fit your specific financial and child-raising situation, in as much detail as necessary, instead of ending up with the broad-brush, one-size-fits-all approach of a negotiated agreement or court-imposed decree.
• You can arrange the mediation process to fit your schedule, and you can avoid the delays of crowded court dockets and the offer/counteroffer negotiation process.
Mediation, then, costs less -- less money, less time, less emotional wear and tear.
What is divorce?
What is divorce?
Divorce, also known as “dissolution of marriage,” occurs when a marriage is legally terminated. Divorce law governs the sometimes complicated process of divorce, helping to determine how property and assets are divided as well as who will have custody of any children the couple may have. Couples going through a divorce may want to consider hiring a qualified divorce lawyer to help determine the most equitable decisions.
What are the alternatives to divorce?
The two most common alternatives to divorce are annulment and separation. Rather than ending a marriage, an annulment treats the marriage as though it never existed in the first place. Some couples choose annulment for religious reasons or because they do not want to be divorced. Annulments are most common among couples that have not been married very long. This is because annulments are primarily concerned with absolving marriages built on deception or misrepresentation. For example, if one spouse lies about his or her age or fails to disclose a known inability to have children, an annulment may be granted.
Separation occurs when a couple chooses to live apart without getting divorced. There are several types of separation:
* Trial separation – when a couple is unsure as to whether or not they want to permanently separate, they may choose to undergo a trial separation. During this time, they live apart, but their assets and debts are still considered mutual.
* Permanent separation – in a permanent separation, the couple has already made a decision not to get back together. They are actively choosing to live apart. Therefore, any material gains and losses are the individual’s rather than the couple’s responsibility.
* Legal separation – when a couple decides to separate permanently, they may choose to become legally separated. This means that a court decides how property and possession are divided and makes decisions about child custody, child support, and alimony.
Couples who are unsure whether they should seek an annulment, separation, or divorce may want to consider consulting an experienced divorce attorney.
What are the different types of divorce?
There are two types of divorce: fault and no fault. In the past, the spouse filing for divorce had to show evidence of wrongdoing on the part of his or her partner. Today most states no longer require it. There may still be divorce cases, however, when showing that one partner is at fault may be worthwhile. The following is a description of each type of divorce.
Fault Divorce
In some cases, one partner can be shown to be at fault in a divorce. This is most common when abuse is an issue. One spouse may also be found at fault if it can be shown that he or she is guilty of adultery or abandonment. In addition, a fault divorce may be given if one partner is unable to engage in sexual intercourse or if he or she is in prison. In some cases, the divorcing spouse may want to file a fault divorce, because he or she may be awarded a greater share of the couple’s assets. Fault divorces also tend to be processed more quickly as there is no separation period like the one required for a no fault divorce.
No-Fault Divorce
A no-fault divorce is much less complicated than a fault divorce. In a no fault divorce there is no need for evidence or proof of wrongdoing. Instead, any legally recognized reason for divorce is acceptable. Generally, “irreconcilable differences,” or the mere inability to get along, is considered a valid reason for no fault divorce. This means that the other spouse cannot prevent his or her partner from filing for divorce. By challenging the decision, he or she only lends merit to the fact that the couple does not see eye to eye.
Divorce, also known as “dissolution of marriage,” occurs when a marriage is legally terminated. Divorce law governs the sometimes complicated process of divorce, helping to determine how property and assets are divided as well as who will have custody of any children the couple may have. Couples going through a divorce may want to consider hiring a qualified divorce lawyer to help determine the most equitable decisions.
What are the alternatives to divorce?
The two most common alternatives to divorce are annulment and separation. Rather than ending a marriage, an annulment treats the marriage as though it never existed in the first place. Some couples choose annulment for religious reasons or because they do not want to be divorced. Annulments are most common among couples that have not been married very long. This is because annulments are primarily concerned with absolving marriages built on deception or misrepresentation. For example, if one spouse lies about his or her age or fails to disclose a known inability to have children, an annulment may be granted.
Separation occurs when a couple chooses to live apart without getting divorced. There are several types of separation:
* Trial separation – when a couple is unsure as to whether or not they want to permanently separate, they may choose to undergo a trial separation. During this time, they live apart, but their assets and debts are still considered mutual.
* Permanent separation – in a permanent separation, the couple has already made a decision not to get back together. They are actively choosing to live apart. Therefore, any material gains and losses are the individual’s rather than the couple’s responsibility.
* Legal separation – when a couple decides to separate permanently, they may choose to become legally separated. This means that a court decides how property and possession are divided and makes decisions about child custody, child support, and alimony.
Couples who are unsure whether they should seek an annulment, separation, or divorce may want to consider consulting an experienced divorce attorney.
What are the different types of divorce?
There are two types of divorce: fault and no fault. In the past, the spouse filing for divorce had to show evidence of wrongdoing on the part of his or her partner. Today most states no longer require it. There may still be divorce cases, however, when showing that one partner is at fault may be worthwhile. The following is a description of each type of divorce.
Fault Divorce
In some cases, one partner can be shown to be at fault in a divorce. This is most common when abuse is an issue. One spouse may also be found at fault if it can be shown that he or she is guilty of adultery or abandonment. In addition, a fault divorce may be given if one partner is unable to engage in sexual intercourse or if he or she is in prison. In some cases, the divorcing spouse may want to file a fault divorce, because he or she may be awarded a greater share of the couple’s assets. Fault divorces also tend to be processed more quickly as there is no separation period like the one required for a no fault divorce.
No-Fault Divorce
A no-fault divorce is much less complicated than a fault divorce. In a no fault divorce there is no need for evidence or proof of wrongdoing. Instead, any legally recognized reason for divorce is acceptable. Generally, “irreconcilable differences,” or the mere inability to get along, is considered a valid reason for no fault divorce. This means that the other spouse cannot prevent his or her partner from filing for divorce. By challenging the decision, he or she only lends merit to the fact that the couple does not see eye to eye.
What is Dating?
It is a social engagement between two persons that often has a romantic character. The dictionary describes it so differently than what others might think of it as a chance to get to know a person better. Do different cultures have different perspectives on dating? Yes, it does since it includes teens that are young and immature. Parents tend to worry about them when they go out. But why would parents need to worry when they know where their child has gone? They worry because it always makes it hard for them to not worry. It is in our parent’s nature to worry when we go out. Should parents allow their teen to date? No, if the parent(s) think that the child needs to be more responsible and mature then it's OK for them to say no to he/she.
Every culture has different ways of dating. Even though if a teen is mature enough to date say like 18 years or older, some parents might think that dating is not proper even though they are old enough to date. In my opinion I feel that Dating is OK as long as you don't go out without telling anyone, where you are going for your date or you have responsibilities.
Teens who are immature shouldn't be allowed to date unless they can show that they are responsible for their actions. Immature teens always try to prove that they are mature and they are responsible, but the only thing they forget at that time is that one mistake can ruin their life. Some teens are mature for their age. They understand the consequences of dating. In a dating situation people are more excited and happy about what they are doing, but who knows what is really happening. Dating is both bad and good. It is Bad because you don't know what you are doing bad and end up doing something silly. Or sometimes you might not even know much about your date. In other ways it is Good because in that way you get to know who you want in your future and what kind of a guy/girl you want.
I think it is better to wait until you are old enough to think wisely. Why would you want to wait that long? Because if you wait you will be prepared on what's coming, you can think clearly while making decisions, and be responsible. It is not always the case that you should be 18 or older to date.
Being responsible and mature to date is not the only thing. You have to have respect for yourself and others around you. That is the most important thing that you would have to be careful about.
Especially after observing some teens for a long time I have come to a conclusion that teens with caring and loving family have had no problem in their dating life or neither has the parents been too worried. And the teen with working parents is more likely to start dating at a young age without adults' permission.
Every culture has different ways of dating. Even though if a teen is mature enough to date say like 18 years or older, some parents might think that dating is not proper even though they are old enough to date. In my opinion I feel that Dating is OK as long as you don't go out without telling anyone, where you are going for your date or you have responsibilities.
Teens who are immature shouldn't be allowed to date unless they can show that they are responsible for their actions. Immature teens always try to prove that they are mature and they are responsible, but the only thing they forget at that time is that one mistake can ruin their life. Some teens are mature for their age. They understand the consequences of dating. In a dating situation people are more excited and happy about what they are doing, but who knows what is really happening. Dating is both bad and good. It is Bad because you don't know what you are doing bad and end up doing something silly. Or sometimes you might not even know much about your date. In other ways it is Good because in that way you get to know who you want in your future and what kind of a guy/girl you want.
I think it is better to wait until you are old enough to think wisely. Why would you want to wait that long? Because if you wait you will be prepared on what's coming, you can think clearly while making decisions, and be responsible. It is not always the case that you should be 18 or older to date.
Being responsible and mature to date is not the only thing. You have to have respect for yourself and others around you. That is the most important thing that you would have to be careful about.
Especially after observing some teens for a long time I have come to a conclusion that teens with caring and loving family have had no problem in their dating life or neither has the parents been too worried. And the teen with working parents is more likely to start dating at a young age without adults' permission.
What is internet dating ?
Internet dating has become one of the biggest and most successful business ventures on the World Wide Web. There are hundreds of Internet dating sites on the net, and most large Internet providers, such as Yahoo! and Hotmail, have their own Internet dating sites. Basically, Internet dating is a way to meet people for either friendship or dating without actually having to meet them in person first.
The first thing to do if you decide to try Internet dating is to build your profile. This can include your hobbies and interests, life history, hopes for the future, whether you have children or not, and what you are looking for in a date. You can include how much money you earn and how much your are looking for your partner to earn. You can specify religious preferences, and even the body type of the partner you are looking for.
A photograph is optional, but many sites claim that a photograph increases the number of people who look at your profile. Be aware that once this photograph is posted, it can be seen anywhere in the world and it can be copied and used by anyone for any purpose. Many Internet dating sites will charge a one time registration fee to use their services. You may be able to browse people’s profiles for free, but if you wish to contact them you may have to pay. Credit card, check, or a Paypal account can be used.
One of the advantages of Internet dating is that you can meet people from all over the world. The sites list of countries and towns, and can even narrow the search down to your area by zip code. Another advantage is that you can communicate by email before you meet in person. You can decide how long you wish to speak to the person and how well you get to know them, then decide whether you would like to meet or not.
Thousands of people have met, fallen in love, and married through Internet dating. It is an excellent way for shy people to meet. It is also a way for people with busy lives to connect with others, and an easy way to meet people who share your interests.
Just as in conventional dating and love, there are some pitfalls to be aware of in Internet dating. The person you have been talking to on the net may not be who they say they are. Be very aware that there are some people who misrepresent their appearance or private details, such as marital status, income, and so on, for their own reasons. It would not be the first time that an unscrupulous suitor has scammed someone, and talk shows are full of cheating partners who have been caught dating over the Internet in their spare time.
Taking a few simple precautions should help you avoid some of the pitfalls involved in meeting people over the Internet. Never give out your home or mobile phone numbers, and never give out your exact location and surname. If you decide to meet, make sure that it is in a public place and that you have informed someone where you are going and whom you are meeting. Sticking to these guidelines should ensure that your Internet dating experience is fun, and as with any dating experience, you never know where it may lead.
The first thing to do if you decide to try Internet dating is to build your profile. This can include your hobbies and interests, life history, hopes for the future, whether you have children or not, and what you are looking for in a date. You can include how much money you earn and how much your are looking for your partner to earn. You can specify religious preferences, and even the body type of the partner you are looking for.
A photograph is optional, but many sites claim that a photograph increases the number of people who look at your profile. Be aware that once this photograph is posted, it can be seen anywhere in the world and it can be copied and used by anyone for any purpose. Many Internet dating sites will charge a one time registration fee to use their services. You may be able to browse people’s profiles for free, but if you wish to contact them you may have to pay. Credit card, check, or a Paypal account can be used.
One of the advantages of Internet dating is that you can meet people from all over the world. The sites list of countries and towns, and can even narrow the search down to your area by zip code. Another advantage is that you can communicate by email before you meet in person. You can decide how long you wish to speak to the person and how well you get to know them, then decide whether you would like to meet or not.
Thousands of people have met, fallen in love, and married through Internet dating. It is an excellent way for shy people to meet. It is also a way for people with busy lives to connect with others, and an easy way to meet people who share your interests.
Just as in conventional dating and love, there are some pitfalls to be aware of in Internet dating. The person you have been talking to on the net may not be who they say they are. Be very aware that there are some people who misrepresent their appearance or private details, such as marital status, income, and so on, for their own reasons. It would not be the first time that an unscrupulous suitor has scammed someone, and talk shows are full of cheating partners who have been caught dating over the Internet in their spare time.
Taking a few simple precautions should help you avoid some of the pitfalls involved in meeting people over the Internet. Never give out your home or mobile phone numbers, and never give out your exact location and surname. If you decide to meet, make sure that it is in a public place and that you have informed someone where you are going and whom you are meeting. Sticking to these guidelines should ensure that your Internet dating experience is fun, and as with any dating experience, you never know where it may lead.
What is dating violence ?
Teenagers often experience violence in dating relationships. Statistics show that one in three teenagers has experienced violence in a dating relationship. In dating violence, one partner tries to maintain power and control over the other through abuse. Dating violence crosses all racial, economic and social lines. Most victims are young women, who are also at greater risk for serious injury. Young women need a dating safety plan.
Teen dating violence often is hidden because teenagers typically:
* are inexperienced with dating relationships.
* are pressured by peers to act violently.
* want independence from parents.
* have "romantic" views of love.
Teen dating violence is influenced by how teenagers look at themselves and others.
Young men may believe:
* they have the right to "control" their female partners in any way necessary.
* "masculinity" is physical aggressiveness
* they "possess" their partner.
* they should demand intimacy.
* they may lose respect if they are attentive and supportive toward their girlfriends.
Young women may believe:
* they are responsible for solving problems in their relationships
* their boyfriend's jealousy, possessiveness and even physical abuse, is "romantic."
* abuse is "normal" because their friends are also being abused.
* there is no one to ask for help.
Teenagers can choose better relationships when they learn to identify the early warning signs of an abusive relationship, understand that they have choices, and believe they are valuable people who deserve to be treated with respect.
Early warning signs that your date may eventually become abusive:
* Extreme jealousy
* Controlling behavior
* Quick involvement
* Unpredictable mood swings
* Alcohol and drug use
* Explosive anger
* Isolates you from friends and family
* Uses force during an argument
* Shows hypersensitivity
* Believes in rigid sex roles
* Blames others for his problems or feelings
* Cruel to animals or children
* Verbally abusive
* Abused former partners
* Threatens violence
Common clues that indicate a teenager may be experiencing dating violence:
* Physical signs of injury
* Truancy, dropping out of school
* Failing grades
* Indecision
* Changes in mood or personality
* Use of drugs/alcohol
* Pregnancy
* Emotional outburst
* Isolation
Dating Safety
* Consider double-dating the first few times you go out with a new person.
* Before leaving on a date, know the exact plans for the evening and make sure a parent or friend knows these plans and what time to expect you home. Let your date know that you are expected to call or tell that person when you get in.
* Be aware of your decreased ability to react under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
* If you leave a party with someone you do not know well, make sure you tell another person you are leaving and with whom. Ask a friend to call and make sure you arrived home safely.
* Assert yourself when necessary. Be firm and straightforward in your relationships.
* Trust your instincts. If a situation makes you uncomfortable, try to be calm and think of a way to remove yourself from the situation.
Safety Planning for Teens
You should think ahead about ways to be safe if you are in a dangerous or potentially dangerous relationship. Here are some things to consider in designing your own safety plan.
* What adults can you tell about the violence and abuse?
* What people at school can you tell in order to be safe--teachers, principal, counselors, security?
* Consider changing your school locker or lock.
* Consider changing your route to/from school.
* Use a buddy system for going to school, classes and after school activities.
* What friends can you tell to help you remain safe?
* If stranded, who could you call for a ride home?
* Keep a journal describing the abuse.
* Get rid of or change the number to any beepers, pagers or cell phones the abuser gave you.
* Keep spare change, calling cards, number of the local shelter, number of someone who could help you and restraining orders with you at all times.
* Where could you go quickly to get away from an abusive person?
* What other things can you do?
Teen dating violence often is hidden because teenagers typically:
* are inexperienced with dating relationships.
* are pressured by peers to act violently.
* want independence from parents.
* have "romantic" views of love.
Teen dating violence is influenced by how teenagers look at themselves and others.
Young men may believe:
* they have the right to "control" their female partners in any way necessary.
* "masculinity" is physical aggressiveness
* they "possess" their partner.
* they should demand intimacy.
* they may lose respect if they are attentive and supportive toward their girlfriends.
Young women may believe:
* they are responsible for solving problems in their relationships
* their boyfriend's jealousy, possessiveness and even physical abuse, is "romantic."
* abuse is "normal" because their friends are also being abused.
* there is no one to ask for help.
Teenagers can choose better relationships when they learn to identify the early warning signs of an abusive relationship, understand that they have choices, and believe they are valuable people who deserve to be treated with respect.
Early warning signs that your date may eventually become abusive:
* Extreme jealousy
* Controlling behavior
* Quick involvement
* Unpredictable mood swings
* Alcohol and drug use
* Explosive anger
* Isolates you from friends and family
* Uses force during an argument
* Shows hypersensitivity
* Believes in rigid sex roles
* Blames others for his problems or feelings
* Cruel to animals or children
* Verbally abusive
* Abused former partners
* Threatens violence
Common clues that indicate a teenager may be experiencing dating violence:
* Physical signs of injury
* Truancy, dropping out of school
* Failing grades
* Indecision
* Changes in mood or personality
* Use of drugs/alcohol
* Pregnancy
* Emotional outburst
* Isolation
Dating Safety
* Consider double-dating the first few times you go out with a new person.
* Before leaving on a date, know the exact plans for the evening and make sure a parent or friend knows these plans and what time to expect you home. Let your date know that you are expected to call or tell that person when you get in.
* Be aware of your decreased ability to react under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
* If you leave a party with someone you do not know well, make sure you tell another person you are leaving and with whom. Ask a friend to call and make sure you arrived home safely.
* Assert yourself when necessary. Be firm and straightforward in your relationships.
* Trust your instincts. If a situation makes you uncomfortable, try to be calm and think of a way to remove yourself from the situation.
Safety Planning for Teens
You should think ahead about ways to be safe if you are in a dangerous or potentially dangerous relationship. Here are some things to consider in designing your own safety plan.
* What adults can you tell about the violence and abuse?
* What people at school can you tell in order to be safe--teachers, principal, counselors, security?
* Consider changing your school locker or lock.
* Consider changing your route to/from school.
* Use a buddy system for going to school, classes and after school activities.
* What friends can you tell to help you remain safe?
* If stranded, who could you call for a ride home?
* Keep a journal describing the abuse.
* Get rid of or change the number to any beepers, pagers or cell phones the abuser gave you.
* Keep spare change, calling cards, number of the local shelter, number of someone who could help you and restraining orders with you at all times.
* Where could you go quickly to get away from an abusive person?
* What other things can you do?
What Is Domestic Violence?
What Is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is not a disagreement, an anger management issue, or a normal part of an intimate relationship. It is a systematic pattern of abusive behavior with intent to gain and maintain power and control over another person. This includes dating, partner, spousal, and elder abuse, as well as abuse between present or former household members. Domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of their race, religion, age, socio-economic background, level of education, or sexual orientation. Domestic violence is a crime.
Types of Abuse
Abuse is any behavior use to control or intimidate another person and can be verbal, emotional, physical, or sexual in nature.
Emotional/Psychological Abuse: Name-calling, put-downs, threats, stalking, intimidation, degradation, tracking time, isolating victim from family or friends, forbidding victim to work or participate in outside activities, sleep deprivation, interrogation, accusing, using money to control, threatening to "out" a gay or lesbian partner, harming pets, destroying property, throwing objects near victim.
Physical Abuse: Pushing, shoving, slapping, kicking, punching, biting, restraint, hair pulling, strangulation, pinching, burning, grabbing, shaking, scratching, spitting, using weapons, throwing objects at victim.
Sexual Abuse: Any non-consensual sexual act or behavior, including forced sex, unwanted touching, sexual degradation, and violence targeted at the genital area.
Domestic violence is not a disagreement, an anger management issue, or a normal part of an intimate relationship. It is a systematic pattern of abusive behavior with intent to gain and maintain power and control over another person. This includes dating, partner, spousal, and elder abuse, as well as abuse between present or former household members. Domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of their race, religion, age, socio-economic background, level of education, or sexual orientation. Domestic violence is a crime.
Types of Abuse
Abuse is any behavior use to control or intimidate another person and can be verbal, emotional, physical, or sexual in nature.
Emotional/Psychological Abuse: Name-calling, put-downs, threats, stalking, intimidation, degradation, tracking time, isolating victim from family or friends, forbidding victim to work or participate in outside activities, sleep deprivation, interrogation, accusing, using money to control, threatening to "out" a gay or lesbian partner, harming pets, destroying property, throwing objects near victim.
Physical Abuse: Pushing, shoving, slapping, kicking, punching, biting, restraint, hair pulling, strangulation, pinching, burning, grabbing, shaking, scratching, spitting, using weapons, throwing objects at victim.
Sexual Abuse: Any non-consensual sexual act or behavior, including forced sex, unwanted touching, sexual degradation, and violence targeted at the genital area.
What is dating abuse ?
Teen Dating Abuse
Possessiveness and Jealousy Do Not Equal Love
There are several forms of abuse: physical, emotional, sexual and verbal.
Approximately 12% of all high school students will become involved in at least one violent relationship before graduation.
In most violent dating relationships, each partner has been both the victim and the abuser. Since females are the more physically vulnerable, they sustain the most severe injuries.
Alcohol is present in 40-50% of incidents of dating violence.
Alcohol lowers inhibitions when expressing anger that is already there.
Abusers are often described as playful, attentive, sensitive, exciting and affectionate when they are not being abusive.
Often abusers and victims of abuse have similar backgrounds. They include:
* Growing up in a violent family
* Learning as a child to respond to stress/conflict violently
* Growing up in an environment in which sex roles were exaggerated
* Poor self-image
Some characteristics to be aware of at the beginning of a relationship with a potentially abusive partner are:
* Possessiveness which surfaces and gets out of control
* Possessiveness may be expressed by showering the other with gifts, surprise visits, many phone calls - in general, the abuser may be overattentive.
* After awhile, the abuser may demand to know the exact details of the other's whereabouts. Possessiveness and jealousy begin to dominate the relationship.
What To Do
Stay Safe! Ask friends and family to assist you in making a safety plan. Have friends and family help to protect you. Stay Safe!
* Break it off! Really break it off. Refuse phone calls. Don't argue. Stay Away!
* If you are not ready to break it off, figure out a way to stay safe in the relationship.
Possessiveness and Jealousy Do Not Equal Love
There are several forms of abuse: physical, emotional, sexual and verbal.
Approximately 12% of all high school students will become involved in at least one violent relationship before graduation.
In most violent dating relationships, each partner has been both the victim and the abuser. Since females are the more physically vulnerable, they sustain the most severe injuries.
Alcohol is present in 40-50% of incidents of dating violence.
Alcohol lowers inhibitions when expressing anger that is already there.
Abusers are often described as playful, attentive, sensitive, exciting and affectionate when they are not being abusive.
Often abusers and victims of abuse have similar backgrounds. They include:
* Growing up in a violent family
* Learning as a child to respond to stress/conflict violently
* Growing up in an environment in which sex roles were exaggerated
* Poor self-image
Some characteristics to be aware of at the beginning of a relationship with a potentially abusive partner are:
* Possessiveness which surfaces and gets out of control
* Possessiveness may be expressed by showering the other with gifts, surprise visits, many phone calls - in general, the abuser may be overattentive.
* After awhile, the abuser may demand to know the exact details of the other's whereabouts. Possessiveness and jealousy begin to dominate the relationship.
What To Do
Stay Safe! Ask friends and family to assist you in making a safety plan. Have friends and family help to protect you. Stay Safe!
* Break it off! Really break it off. Refuse phone calls. Don't argue. Stay Away!
* If you are not ready to break it off, figure out a way to stay safe in the relationship.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)