Religious Tolerance IS a Two-Way Street | Filosofa’s Word

It may come as a surprise to some, especially Republicans, but there are approximately 100 million people in the United States who are not … I repeat NOT … Christians.  Now, that still leaves a majority of approximately 70% who do identify as Christians, and I fully respect that, but in return I fully expect those Christians to respect the rights of myself and others to believe differently than they do.  Fairness, tolerance, acceptance, trust, etc., are two-way streets.

Now, given that we’ve established that not everyone in the nation is Christian, then it’s time to stop asserting that this is a “Christian nation” and attempting to impose one sect’s beliefs on everyone.  There is a reason the framers of the Constitution built a wall of separation between church and state into the Constitution.  The document provides for freedom of (and from) religion, but nowhere in the document will you find anything giving one religion dominance over others.  Freedom to believe as one chooses, but not freedom to force their will on others.  Period.

Y’see, we elect our president, governors, senators, representatives, and other politicians, but we do not elect religious figures … they are chosen by their own churches, not by the voters of the nation. So … why all of a sudden does it seem that there is a Christian nationalist movement to take over the government?  A few examples …

  • Recently religious “charter schools” are being funded by taxpayer monies
  • There is a new push to force Christian prayer into public schools, even though some of the children are Jewish, Muslim, or other non-Christians
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson is unable to utter a sentence without invoking his ‘god’; he chose Pastor Jack Hibbs to serve as guest chaplain – Mr. Hibbs is a radical white nationalist who participated in the January 6th election and has condemned everyone and anyone who does not identify as a straight Christian
  • Florida is virtually attempting to ban the LGBTQ community, to erase their identity, if not their existence
  • The Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization that overturned Roe v Wade and took away a woman’s right to make her own health decisions based on Christian belief

Source: Religious Tolerance IS a Two-Way Street | Filosofa’s Word

Rose – Tanka 2024 #ThursdayDoors – Suzette B’s Blog

***FEATURED DOOR, Main Entrance/West Portal, Church of St. Trophime, Arles – France. Image credit: Leonid Andronov | Stock

 

carved master plan

silent ancients tell stories

standing at portal gates

years and continents apart

a copy builds a rose

**

 

Situated in the south of France in (if the area of  Camargue is included), the largest city in France by kilometers squared and rebuilt several times from the 6th to 15th century stands The Church of St. Trophime Arles, France.

Source: Rose – Tanka 2024 #ThursdayDoors – Suzette B’s Blog

Streetart – Marat Morik @ Esbjerg, Denmark – Barbara Picci

Location: Esbjerg, Denmark
Artist: Marat Morik (Russia)
For: Esbjerg Festuge
Curated by: Galleri Grisk
Size: 500×500 sm
Year: 2023

Photo Credits: Marat Morik

My second work for Esbjerg Festuge.
Waiting for the bus. 500×500 sm. outdoor paint, spray paint, oil and wax pastel on wood panels, 2023.
I had only two days for that wall so I was improvising a lot. The topic is inspired by the busless bus stop behind the wall.

Marat Morik 

Source: Streetart – Marat Morik @ Esbjerg, Denmark – Barbara Picci

Unveiling Dreams in Spring – Kaushal Kishore

 

In the folds of my heart, dreams concealed,

But with whispers of spring, secrets revealed…

Today, dreams materialise, a magical sight,

Once confined, now in splendorous light…

*

Morning’s resplendence, a fragrant spree,

Breeze plays, titillates nerves, setting dreams free…

Leaves unfurl, bathed in nature’s embrace,

Gently caressing, love’s tender grace…

*

Flowers chuckle, a joyous proclamation,

Your spring has dawned, a sweet elation…

Blossom and revel, in blissful smiles,

As dreams unfold across the miles…

*

Restless heart flutters, poised to soar,

Embarking on flights, dreams to explore…

In the vast azure sky, a purposeful glide,

Filled with hope and vibrant energy inside…

*

In the realm of reality, dreamy aspirations bloom,

Nature’s companionship dispels the gloom…

In learning’s embrace, life’s essence revealed,

Self-discovery’s joy, boundless and unsealed…

*

This spring stays, not just passing by,

Prompting self-renewal, guiding the sky…

Golden mornings, and melodies at night,

Filling each moment under the crescent light…

–Kaushal Kishore 

Source: Unveiling Dreams in Spring – Kaushal Kishore

From Teenage Tears to Adult Cheers – Anita’s Perspectives on Life.

 Embracing the Awkwardness of Adolescence

Ah, the teenage years – a time of angst, acne, and endless melodrama. If I could turn back the clock and have a chat with my teenage self, I’d probably start by handing them a tissue and a hefty dose of perspective. Because let’s face it, being a teenager is tough – but looking back, it’s also pretty hilarious.

I remember those days like they were yesterday: the tears shed over a pimple on picture day, the existential crises sparked by a failed math test, and the epic meltdowns over who-knows-what. Back then, everything felt like the end of the world – but today, I can’t help but chuckle at the sheer absurdity of it all.

From crushes that felt like the end-all-be-all to fashion choices that should have come with a warning label. My teenage years were a whirlwind of awkwardness and over-the-top emotions. And while I may have spent a fair amount of time lamenting my misfortunes back then, today I wouldn’t trade those moments for anything.

Because here’s the thing about being a teenager: it’s messy, awkward, and absolutely glorious in its own chaotic way. Sure, there were plenty of moments I wish I could forget – like that time I tried to impress my crush with a dramatic hair flip and ended up knocking over a stack of textbooks – but there were also moments of pure, unadulterated joy.

Like late-night strolls in the nearby park with friends or impromptu dance parties in the living room fueled by nothing but sheer enthusiasm and a questionable playlist. Those are the moments I treasure most, the ones that remind me why being a teenager – for all its ups and downs – was an adventure worth embracing.

A few things I want to suggest to teenagers today that I learned from my experience. Cease comparing yourself to others. Address your temper as it could have adverse consequences. Follow your passions and sharpen your observational skills. Your strengths and obstacles are distinctive – carve out your own path. Enjoy your journey without comparing it to others. Embrace your distinct voice and speak up confidently. Focus on your studies, enjoy with your friends, and chill.

So here’s to you, teenage self: thanks for the tears, the tantrums, and the unforgettable memories. You may have thought the world was ending back then, but trust me, the best is yet to come. And if given the chance, I’d relive every awkward, exhilarating moment all over again – because those moments, as cringe-worthy as they may have been at the time, are what made me who I am today.

Cheers to the teenage years – may we laugh, cringe, and cherish every moment, both then and now. After all, it’s all part of the wild ride of growing up.

Source: From Teenage Tears to Adult Cheers – Anita’s Perspectives on Life.

Una laguna reforestada de Colombia nuevo hogar para 183 animales silvestres rehabilitados – Stigmatis News

Sapos, ranas, camaleones, tortugas, iguanas o garzas y así hasta  183 animales silvestres que estaban siendo rehabilitados han sido liberados en un ecosistema controlado de más de 26 kilómetros cuadrados en San Martín, municipio del departamento de Meta (centro de Colombia) 

Source: Una laguna reforestada de Colombia nuevo hogar para 183 animales silvestres rehabilitados – Stigmatis News