Are Americans who practise Christianity headed for harsh persecution?

When he stated recently that the surge in worldwide attacks on Christians could pose a threat to American national security, a retired lieutenant general of the U.S. Army sparked controversy.

Boykin is not the only one who worries that America will move away from Christianity in the future. According to a 2017 survey by Public Religion Research Institute, many Americans, including 57% of white evangelical Protestants, believe that Christians face "a lot of prejudice" in the country today.

Those who keep up with the news have heard many accounts of Christians who have, in one way or another, felt some amount of pressure from people and institutions in our increasingly secular culture regarding their faith. Religious freedom developments at home should undoubtedly be properly watched.



However, there is currently a noticeable contrast between how Christians are treated abroad in many different nations and how believers are treated at home. Christian persecution in America is still mostly protected by the law, and it is nothing compared to the extreme levels of persecution endured by followers of Jesus in many other parts of the world.


The Taliban started reinstating its repressive rule last year by going door to door in search of Christian leaders. Those who identify as Christians face severe repercussions; according to our informants, torture or murder may occur. The likelihood of leaving the nation is essentially nonexistent. Traveling as refugees, who run the risk of being kidnapped and trafficked, is chaotic and challenging. The governments in the countries that border Iran and Pakistan are a little more tolerant of Christians. Unmarried women, widows, and senior citizens have a very slim possibility of leaving Afghanistan safely given these risks.

In America, Christian leaders have come under fire for their religious beliefs, but in countries like Vietnam, Christians experience even worse persecution. Recently, the authorities harassed and fined a number of house churches in the province of Dak Lok for publicly commemorating the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.


Important Jain Concepts Dravya, Pramana, Soul, and Karma

Jainism, one of the oldest religions that began in ancient India, gives deep insights about existence, ethics and spirituality. Fundamental ideas of Jain philosophy include Dravya (substance), Pramana (valid knowledge), Soul (Jiva) and Karma (action and its consequences). This inclusive examination will look into each of these pivotal concepts in Jain religion by clarifying their meanings, importance as well as implications for personal transformation and spiritual growth.

Dravya: The Essence of Existence In Jainism, Dravya signifies the basic substances or categories of reality that make up the universe. According to Jain philosophy, there are six eternal substances which never change; they are known as Dravyas:

  • Jiva (Soul): The sentient conscious being that has individual consciousness and undergoes birth, death, rebirth (samsara).
  • Ajiva (Non-living): The non-sentient inactive entities that exist together with souls but serve as their backdrop in order to make them experience life. Ajive is inclusive of matter (Pudgala), space(Akasha), time(Kala) and motion(Dharma).
  • Pudgala (Matter): Pudgala is a physical world’s material substance made up of atoms, molecules and all solid objects that one can touch. Pudgala has attributes which include; color, taste, smell and touch.
  • Akasha (Space): The space without boundaries between objects in the universe. Akasha enables matter and souls to exist or move about.
  • Kala (Time): Time is an everlasting dimension that never changes and determines the order of events as they happen in life. Time is a continuous flow with moments like past, present and future.
  • Dharma (Motion): Dharma refers to a natural impulse or force that causes objects or entities to move within the universe, interacting with each other. It makes reality dynamic by ensuring a constant change of existence.
  • To understand Jainism worldview it is important to comprehend Dravya– its essence lies in seeing everything around as interconnected whole that cannot be separated from one another. By understanding how Dravyas are interconnected Jains learn to acknowledge the sacredness of existence and reduce violence in their relationships with the world.

Unveiling the Wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 2, Verse 6

The Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita is known for its profound teachings on life, duty and self-realization. Its verses have a timeless wisdom that transcends time and resonates with verse seekers around the world. In this article we will explore the profound wisdom contained in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 Verse 6. Join me as we delve into the depths of this verse and discover its meaning in our spiritual journey. 

 

Fire Temples and Parsi Community Culinary Traditions Zoroastrian Cultural Heritage

Zoroastrianism, which is amongst the oldest religious faiths on Earth, has a rich cultural background displayed by its ceremonies, signs, and culinary arts. We will be discussing two important components of Zoroastrian cultural heritage; the symbolism behind Zoroastrian fire temples (Atash Behrams) as well as an exclusive Parsi cuisine that reflects influences from different cultures and religions in this article.

The Importance and Significance of Zoroastrian Fire TemplesZoroastrian fire temples (Atash Behrams) are decorated with deep symbolic meaning and are at the very heart of Zoroastrian religious worship. These houses of worship contain sacred fires that represent divine presence and are therefore held in high regard by followers. 

Normal Flames:Meaning of Fire: In Zoroastrianism, fire represents purity, enlightenment, and Ahura Mazda’s divine presence. The unceasing fire within Atash Behram symbolizes eternal truth lightened with wisdom.

Ceremonial acts & Sacrifices: In front of the sacred flame priests (mobeds) carry out rituals or prayers called Yasna where they offer sandalwood fruits among other items as a show of their love for God’s creation through gratitude while ensuring holiness is maintained by those looking after it.

तिरुपति, आंध्र प्रदेश में तिरुमाला वेंकटेश्वर मंदिर

आंध्र प्रदेश के चित्तूर जिले में स्थित, तिरुपति भगवान वेंकटेश्वर मंदिर के लिए जाना जाता है, जो देश में सबसे अधिक देखे जाने वाले तीर्थस्थलों में से एक है। तिरुमाला, तिरुपति की सात पहाड़ियों में से एक है, जहां मुख्य मंदिर स्थित है। माना जाता है कि मंदिर को वहीं रखा गया है जहां भगवान वेंकटेश्वर ने एक मूर्ति का रूप धारण किया था