If one were to ask at the Mormon what their beliefs are they will more than likely refer you to the 13 articles of faith. These are points at that were written by their founder Joseph Smith in order to explain what the Mormon church is based on. The Mormon church incidentally is the Church of latter-day Saints. Some of the points covered in the 13 articles are based on what they believe in God as being the eternal father and that his son is Jesus Christ and they also believe in the Holy Ghost. If one goes a little further to research this they will soon find that be are not considered as one and the same as Christian belief teaches but the Mormons believe they are three separate Gods.
They believe that man is punished because of what they do not because of what Adam did. They will tell you that they believed in the atonement of Christ and that all mankind will be saved but going a little further they will stipulate that saving comes from obedience to the Gospel. In essence they are taking away being saved by grace which was the payment Christ made when he died on the cross in accordance to the Christian belief. Continue reading →
People who follow one of the major religions don’t have to worry about finding the meaning of life. It’s spelled out for them. The major religions all prescribe the same attitudes and behaviors: treating others kindly, being honest and faithful, respecting parents and elders, obeying the laws, observing moral behavior, etc.
For those who don’t practice a religion, orienting oneself in the world is more problematic. The moral force of religion has diminished greatly over the past century. This, while the complexities and ambiguities of life grow ever more complex and ambiguous. We face more choices with fewer guidelines. We still need spiritual growth. Continue reading →
When most people think of Mardi Gras, the first thing that comes to mind is music, parades and fun on this holiday day. What most do not know is that this holiday actually has roots in two Christian holidays. In addition, while the majority of people can tell you it is related to Lent, many are surprised by the other one. Because the holiday is seen as a single day event or at most a two-week event, the beginning of the season is often times over looked. A good number of people are quite surprised to find out that the season actually begins with Christmas, at least what Europeans celebrate as the 12th day of Christmas. Those familiar with the Christmas carol The Twelve days of Christmas, will recognize the phrase although what many do not know is that the first day of Christmas is actually December 25th and January 6th is the twelfth day. Known as Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day celebrates the visit of the Wise Men bearing gifts to the infant Jesus.
It is Epiphany that signals the celebration of Carnival, a term of which nearly everyone has heard but few understand its relationship with Epiphany, Mardi Gras, Lent and the Easter season. Carnival is from the Latin phrase, Carne Vale that translates into “farewell to the flesh” and signals that a sober time of fasting and repentance. In the strictest sense, the term “Carnival” denotes the entire season, while the term “Mardi Gras” is used in relation only to the Tuesday that precedes Ash Wednesday. However, many who are unfamiliar with the name Carnival, use Mardi Gras has a catch all term to refer to the entire season. Continue reading →
Crosses are the traditional symbol of Christianity and hold a very sacred place in the hearts of Christians around the world. In many ways, the cross signifies the depth and importance of Christianity and because of this, you can find a cross wherever you find Christians. Crosses are that important. Crosses are a very simple design and they were used in Roman times to punish criminals. Criminals would be tied or nailed to crosses until they died. It was a very brutal from of punishment and it’s the same punishment inflicted on Jesus Christ for his alleged transgressions. Because of the atonement and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the cross became the symbol of Christianity. A cross was put up in many churches to remind people of the eternal sacrifice. Soon, the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on Calvary was symbolized for eternity in the image of the cross.
The cross is now an enigma. On one hand, it just as powerfully symbolizes the atonement of Jesus Christ. Any Christian looking at a cross can’t help but think of the sacrifice of the Lamb. The symbolism is powerfully etched in their minds and hearts. Nevertheless, the cross has also become a fashion symbol. Its simple design is easily understood, but the true meaning can sometimes be lost. Still others view the cross as a simple piece of art. It is art. Art, by definition, is work that is both symbolic and eternal.
The best place to find a cross is in a church. Some churches adopt for a very simplistic cross while other churches have crucifixes. You can also see crosses in the homes of many Christians. It’s their way of identifying a very important part of their life. For these Christians, a decorative wall cross is a very important artistic symbol to share with everyone.
There are two characteristic hills in the Attica Basin: Lycabettus, the higher and steeper of the two, and the Acropolis, at an altitude of about 150 m. above sea level, on the slopes of which spring waters still flow. It is on account of these springs that the rock has been inhabited from the neolithic age on.
The first walls were built in about the 13th century BC, when the townships of Attica federated into a city-state under Theseus. Then the inhabitants, having already acquired some power and wealth, needed to have safe havens to which they could withdraw in the event of danger. Later generations called this wall “Cyclopean” because only the giant Cyclops, they believed, could have moved the huge boulders which can still be seen in trenches in front of the Propylaea and the temple of Athena Nike. The distinguished archaeologist Spyridon Marinatos used to say that this myth of the Cyclops may possibly have originated from the foreign masons brought in to build the wall, who may have had large round eyes.
When the Pelasgians arrived in Attica from Thessaly, they built a second, curved wall, outside the first, on the entrance side, indicating how turbulent those years were. In this way the entrance, always on the western side of the Rock, led through a narrow passageway between successive walls, under the massive bastion where the temple of Athena Nike now stands. The military architecture of the period created an impregnable citadel on the highest edge (akro) of the city (polis), which became known as an acropolis. On it, and close to the present site of the Erechtheion, the first kings chose to reside, having first arranged for a a secret passage to be hewn into the rock for emergencies. Continue reading →
