Posts by Justitia Themis

That's what business owner groups claim about every state. I live WA, and every election cycle there is nonsense about how 'Washington taxes its businesses more than any other state.' IF the business climate in CA were as bad as owners claim, CA WOULD have a mass exodus. But most businesses understand that taxes will be about the same anywhere they go.

35

Broken vases and other ways we are made to feel damaged

by dinah in

jw
friends

those of you who have been around here for awhile now about this.......but while talking to hubby today another detail popped in my head.my jw adolescence was troubled.

i stayed in trouble.i want to tell you guys about my jc when i was 15 and the subsequent talk that was given in front of god and everybody during the ministry school.well, i had sex with a boy.

not just any boy.

Justitia Themis

Though I was a little older, I went through a similar experience. Several years after being reinstated, I was asked to me a bridesmaid in my friends wedding. Several weeks later, I was asked NOT to be in the wedding. He mother, the POs wife, didn't want anyone but virgins as bridesmaids.

17

What Islam Did for Science - New TV AAAAH!

by hamsterbait in

this is a rehash of the series "genius of islam" form the 80's.. what makes me mad is that making and keeping ice in the desert for iced cream, air conditioned bazaars.

new mathematical methods, astronomical observations and new theories on optics is nothing to do with a religion.. all that happened was that clever people used their intelligence to solve problems,.

and they happened to have been raised as muslims.. can you imagine the outcry if we put on a tv show called "genius of christianity" or "what christianity did for science"?.

Justitia Themis

What have they done for us lately?

Hhhmmm. I'm not understanding your point Nathan. I believe this thread is about historical evidence, not present-day evidence.

Europeans experienced the Dark Ages, which was fostered by Christian terrorists. However, eventually, they moved beyond that. In like manner, Muslims are experiencing an increase of their fundamentalism; hopefully moderates will be able to re-establish dominance. However, none of this alters their past accomplishments.

As for what they have done lately? Who knows. Most people are now known for their accomplishments, not their religion. I do know that in American, Muslims are more educated than the vast majority of religions, and they make on average approximately $70,000 yearly. It's highly unlikely that such an educated group of people do not have some substantial work accomplishments.

BTW, the first two Muslims in your state were two Boeing engineers.

17

What Islam Did for Science - New TV AAAAH!

by hamsterbait in

this is a rehash of the series "genius of islam" form the 80's.. what makes me mad is that making and keeping ice in the desert for iced cream, air conditioned bazaars.

new mathematical methods, astronomical observations and new theories on optics is nothing to do with a religion.. all that happened was that clever people used their intelligence to solve problems,.

and they happened to have been raised as muslims.. can you imagine the outcry if we put on a tv show called "genius of christianity" or "what christianity did for science"?.

Justitia Themis

MUSLIMS (the people who believe is Islam) both contributed to science and helped to perserve science, historical works, etc., during their so-call "Golden Age." ISLAM (the religion) helped to foster the mindset that allowed such activities to take place.

Because they controlled the trade routes and the land from Cordoba, Spain to almost China, intellectuals were able to gather at key trading centers (Madrasas) to discuss their discoveries. This led to the rise of modern day hospitals, etc., In addition, their process of interpreting Hadith led to what we now call the scientific method.

Their doctors mapped the circulatory system and performed surgeries with anesthesia in the 12th century; European doctors didn't map the circulatory system until around the mid-1500.

Like it or not, Muslims and Islam have contributed greatly to our society.

46

Another 1975 explanation - get your barf bag

by kurtbethel in

this is from a jw discussion group that tends to be full of apologists for the teachings.

when we lived in livermore, ca a special talk was given by brother from bethel.

he used an illustration that really stuck with me to describe the role of the fds.

Justitia Themis

The analogy was, in a way, correct, and it does not lead one to the conclusion the author promoted.

The security guard was relying upon human reasoning, and therefore erred. The FDS relied upon human reasoning, and therefore they erred.

Justitia

10

Iran Arrests 49 People For Wearing "Satanic" Clothes & Hairstyles

by minimus in

jw
friends

i wonder if they were wearing green.

Justitia Themis

They are trying to crack down on what is called "bad hijabi." The internet is challenging controlling religious groups everywhere, and Iranian women particularly are using it effectively.

Hadith

is the written summation of oral reports of Muhammad’s words and deeds, and since Mohammed is believed to be the perfect example of Muslim behavior, it and the sunnah are used to clarify how a Muslim should act in circumstances in which the Quran is silent. Hadith is esteemed second only to the Quran, and it comprises the basis for Muslim jurisprudence or sharia. Because of its elevated position, hadith textual exegesis can be used strategically by religious authorities and governments to legitimize political organizations and governmental stances, to promote and codify a particular form of Islam and to control adherent’s behavior and silence dissent. However, hadith legitimacy can be challenged based upon a variety of internal forces such as its context and its chain of transmitters; this results in multiple dynamic and diverse interpretations. However, it appears hadith interpretation, and its related sharia, is molded by non-theological, social pressures also. I will examine two such forces: the internet and the strategic use of economic capital.

How has the internet affected hadith?

The internet increases access to information and eases communication, which helps to empower the marginalized, encourages debate and challenges established secular and religious authority. It thereby levels the playing field and acts as a democratizing agent. Iran’s internet users grew to 23,000,000, or 34.9% of its population in 2008, which translates into 9,100% growth from 2000 to 2008. Increased access to the internet is enabling Iranian feminist activists to circumvent the state-controlled media to access information. In addition, the internet provides them a platform to transmit their ideas and affords them a novel means by which they can establish professional and personal support relationships.

This has led to the creation of "virtual ethnic communities that reach beyond traditional land boundaries, which link people of like descent, and has served instead to link in "Weblogistan" people of like mind as writers and bloggers. Weblogistan is presenting a challenge to those who traditionally have controlled hadith interpretation. These religious scholars’ authority usually is based upon their local reputation, and many assert that only those with specific scholarly credentials may legitimately interpret the Quran and hadith. However, with the advent of the internet, "the ability to claim religious authority has been democratized in the sense that anybody can assume the role of an imam." These internet imams, activists and jurists are using the internet to network, which is a necessary early maneuver to organize opposition. Increased networking is resulting in the formation of websites, e-magazines, blogs and international movements designed to challenge hadith interpretation and change sharia.

One such campaign is the "One Million Signatures Campaign Demanding Changes to Discriminatory Laws." The campaign’s official website features the story of one campaigner, Maral Farokhi, who learned of and subsequently joined the campaign as a direct result of her persistent inspection of feminist websites, which demonstrates the ability of websites to attract potential activist. In addition, it openly debates the Qu’ran and hadith, showing its ability to educate readers and present non-traditional hadith interpretations that support the desired sharia reform.

Currently, another website is presenting pro-female hadith interpretations that support the theory that an Iranian woman can be elected president. Per Ziba Mir-Hosseini, the internet is one of the main vehicles for Iranians to debate hijab, and this debate ranges from "personal opinions" to "sophisticated juristic arguments whether covering of the hair for women can be argued for on the basis of Qur’anic verses and traditions." They are hotly contesting Iran’s oppressive interpretations, and as Amir-Ebrahimi concludes, they are challenging hadith and trying to change sharia "through argument and reasoning to struggle against the discriminatory laws and rules that preside over today’s Iran."

Unfortunately, no laws have yet been changed in Iran as a result of this struggle; however, considering its authoritarian government and powerful, controlling Shia religious empire, the presence of such an athletic and proliferating dissident movement, due in large part to its internet presence, should be considered success.

11

Aussie news today Are most Muslim crazed fanatics or what?

by Witness 007 in

in bali yesterday three terrorist who bombed two night clubs killing and injuring many hundreds of aussies were executed by firing squad.

huge crowds of angry people showed up to support these martyrs.

in bali most people treat them like rock stars....the same with 9/11 middle eastern people dancing in the streets.

Justitia Themis

Define "muslim." Turkey is a secular state comprised of Muslims. Compare that to the statistic that the vast majority of "muslim" men who engage in honor killings are so unfaithful that they don't even participate in Friday prayers.

"Who Speaks for Islam" by Esposito

http://www.amazon.com/Who-Speaks-Islam-Billion-Muslims/dp/1595620176/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226450167&sr=8-1

81

Prop 8 - Petition against the tax-exempt status of the Mormons

by Devilsnok in

jw
friends

i see no reason why any organised religion should be exempt from paying their due taxes.

here's a chance to rob the mormon church of their tax exempt status.... please visit http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/review-the-501c3-status-of-the-church-of-latter-day-saints-the-mormons and sign it and pass it on to your friends.. .

the lds church contributed a significant amount of money and effort to endorse prop 8 in california via its network of church, media, and community outlets enshrining discrimination under the law for thousands of californians and their families.. .

Justitia Themis

The Mormon church was extremely involved in Prop 8, but demonstrating the link will be legally difficult. PACs, who just happen to be comprised of Mormons, bankrolled the advertising campaigns. From what I understand from my daughter who is in law school in CA., the most effective ad was one running shortly before the election.

It showed a blonde haired/blue eyed little girl running up to Mommy and Daddy after school. They ask her what she learned today, and she replies that she learned it is OK for a King to marry anKing, and for a Queen to marry a Queen, implying that Prop 8 would lead to changes in the Kindergarten school curriculum, which is totally untrue. It was akin to the McCain ads that said Obama's stance would lead to birthcontrol being taught to Kindergarteners. But, while Obama aggressively fought this minsinformation, Prop 8 people chose not to respond; it probably cost them the election.

Unfortunately, my daughter's law school just got a huge influx of Mormon's in this years class. Never before have they had any issues on campus regarding gays; this year, from a school computer, hate emails using "faggot" etc. were sent to all suspected gay students. One recipient is not known to be gay, but my daughter was able to link the email back to his mentee, a first year Mormon girl, who has access to his MySpace since she is his mentee. Since my daughter chairs the Mentor/Mentee program, she has launched an investigation and the school has launched an investigation. My daughter has recused herself from it due to an ethical conflict (she used to date the gay guy.)

In reality, this whole thing may backfire. This legislation is being challenged. If they lose in the Supreme Court, it could serve to legally establish at the highest level the un-Constitutionality of a ban on gay marriage.

22

Have you ever order food online?

by asilentone in

jw
friends

Justitia Themis

My oldest daughter works for Amazon. She orders her groceries online, fresh produce included, and has the choice of having them delivered to her home or her office. She loves it. Unfortunately, I live outside their delivery area.

BTW, try the "real" Coke from Amazon. It is from Mexico, and is made with real sugar instead of corn syrup. The brain doesn't register corn syrup and the muscles can not use it, which is why you can drink 32 oz. of corn-syrup Coke. Most people I know can not finish a bottle of Coke made with sugar.