A lot of people would say that I'm not a religious person because I do not attend church regularly. I would counter that by saying that I am probably more religious than most who go to church every Sunday and that you do not have to attend church to worship.

While growing up I did attend church regularly, and I might well have become a minister except for my terror of getting up in front of people and speaking. But, as I grew I began to feel that most who attended church were hypocritical and used church as a stepping stone up in their communities.

As a regular in your church, that may offend you but consider this. How many people do you know who attend church one day every week and spend the rest of the week drinking, lieing, cussing, and ignoring the ten commandments? Then come Sunday they go to church to pray for forgiveness, only to leave and repeat the same things that they had asked forgiveness for.

Probably most of the people you know!

I do not "wear my religion on my arm", but I believe in living every day believing in God and acting like it. The Ten Commandments are the guide that I try to live by. And yes, I do slip up every now and then and need to ask for forgiveness. But I do not ask for forgiveness, then go out and intentionally do the same things.

Not very long ago few people had ever heard of Scientology, but thanks to Tom Cruise and the media, Scientology has suddenly became a household word.

We already have a section on Scientology so it would do little good to repeat it here. If you are one of those who do not know about Scientology but would like to find out what it consists of, please scroll down to that section.

Conceptions of God can vary widely, but the word God in English and its counterparts in other languages are normally used for all of them, such as Latinate Deus, Greek Thoes, Slavic Bog, Sanskrit Ishvara, or Arabic Allah. The same holds for Hebrew El, but in Judaism, God is also given a proper name, Yahweh, harking back to the religion's henotheistic origins. God may also be given a proper name in monotheistic currents of Hinduism which emphasize the personal nature of God (Bhakti), mostly either of Shiva, Vishnu (or Krishna) or Shakti.

It is difficult to draw a line between proper names and epitheta of God, such as the names and titles of Jesus in the New Testament, the 99 Names of God in the Qur'an and the various lists of thousand names of God in Hinduism.

Conceptions of God vary widely. Theologians and philosophers have studied countless conceptions of God since the dawn of civilization. The Abrahamic conceptions of God include the trinitarian view of Christians, the Kabbalistic definition of Jewish mysticism, and the Islamic concept of God. The dharmic religions differ in their view of the divine, ranging from the almost polytheistic view of God in Hinduism to the almost non-theist view of God in Buddhism. In modern times, some more abstract concepts have been developed, such as process theology and open theism. Conceptions of God held by individual believers vary so widely that there is no clear consensus on the nature of God. The contemporaneous French philosopher Michel Henry has however proposed a phenomenological approach and definition of God as phenomenological essence of Life.

Religious belief usually relates to the existence, nature and worship of a deity or deities and divine involvement in the universe and human life. Alternately, it may also relate to values and practices transmitted by a spiritual leader. Unlike other belief systems, which may be passed on orally, religious belief tends to be codified in literate societies (religion in non-literate societies is still largely passed on orally.

Religious beliefs are found in virtually every society throughout human history. Many native traditions held clowns and tricksters as essential to any contact with the sacred. People could not pray until they had laughed, because laughter opens and frees from rigid preconception. Humans had to have tricksters within the most sacred ceremonies for fear that they forget the sacred comes through upset, reversal, surprise. The trickster in most native traditions is essential to creation, to birth".

The Christian Science Monitor newspaper in a 1998 article "Top 10 Organized Religions in the World" provides a listing the largest "organized religions":

1. Christianity 1.9 billion Has the most followers and most widespread presence of all well-recognized religions. Predominant religion in Europe, the Americas, Southern Africa, Oceania, and the Philippines.
2. Islam 1.1 billion A widespread religion with many countries majority Muslim, particularly in the Middle East, South Asia, Maritime Southeast Asia, Central Asia, North Africa, West Africa and some parts of Eastern Europe.
3. Hinduism 781 million Umbrella term for various Hindu denominations forming the majority in India, Nepal, North Eastern province of Sri Lanka, and the Bali & Java sub-province of Indonesia, parts of Latin America, Eastern Africa, Australia, USA and UK.
4. Buddhism 324 million Largely in East Asia and the Mainland Southeast Asia, and small parts of South Asia and Russia.
5. Sikhism 19 million Mostly in the Indian Punjab; also large numbers in other parts of India and the United Kingdom, the USA, Canada, Malaysia and Southeast Asia, Germany and East Africa.
6. Judaism 14 million A widespread religion with a majority in Israel; large populations in North America, Western Europe, and South America.
7. Bahá'í Faith 6.1 million Youngest of the group of 10, second most widely dispersed religion after Christianity; fastest growing (percentage) of top 10.
8. Confucianism 5.3 million Mostly in China proper; and in Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam.
9. Jainism 4.9 million Mostly in India.
10. Shinto 2.8 million Mostly in (and formerly the state religion of) Japan

Most religions that we are familiar with rely on the Ten Commandments for guidance. Each religion has slightly different interpretations of them however, and this can cause some tension between religions.

The commandment "Thou shall not kill" can be interpeted in many different ways because of slightly different translations.

In some translations it means that killing for any reason is a sin. In others it means that you shall not kill without "just reason". "Just reason" can mean different things to different people.

By following the highlighted links in this section, you will learn about these different interpretations.

The Ten Commandments, or Decalogue, are a list of religious and moral imperatives that according to religious tradition as recorded in the Bible, were written by God and given to Moses on Mount Sinai in the form of two stone tablets.

The phrase "Ten Commandments" generally refers to the very similar passages in Exodus 20:2-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21. Some distinguish between this "Ethical Decalogue" and a series of ten commandments in Exodus 34 that are labelled the "Ritual Decalogue."

The Bible has been translated into many languages from the biblical languages of Hebrew and Greek. The very first translation of the Hebrew Bible was into Greek, the Septuagint (LXX), which later became the received text of the Old Testament in the church and the basis of its canon. The Latin Vulgate by Jerome was based upon the Hebrew for those books of the Bible preserved in the Jewish canon (as reflected in the masoretic text), and on the Greek text for the rest.

The King-James-Only Movement is a position, usually of Fundamentalist Protestant Christians of English-speaking countries, which rejects all modern versions of the Bible, accepting only the King James Version (KJV), also known as the Authorized Version (AV), as the only accurate and reliable translation.

Some of the first translations of the Jewish Torah began during the first exile in Babylonia, when Aramaic became the lingua franca of the Jews. With most people speaking only Aramaic and not understanding Hebrew, the Targums were created to allow the common person to understand the Torah as it was read in ancient synagogues. The most well-known movement to translate books of the Bible appeared in the 3rd century BC. Most of the Tanakh then existed in Hebrew, but many had gathered in Egypt, where Alexander the Great had founded the city that bears his name. At one time a third of the population of the city was Jewish. However, no major Greek translation was sought (as most Jews continued to speak Aramaic to each other) until Ptolemy II Philadelphus hired a large group of Jews (between 15 and 72 according to different sources) who had a fluent capability in both Koine Greek and Hebrew. These people produced the translation now known as the Septuagint.

Click on this link for more on Bible Translations On Wikipedia!

I had never been able to understand how a war can be fought because of religion and believed that the real reasons for these wars has more to do with greed and hatred than religion.

A religious war is a war justified by religious differences. It can be the forces authorized by one state that has an established religion against those of another state with either a quite different religion or a different sect within the same religion, or, at the level below a state, it can be a faction motivated by religion attempting to spread its faith by violence either within the state or elsewhere. The French Wars of Religion, the Crusades, and the Reconquista are frequently cited historical examples.

How can anyone justify a war by using religion as a cause for it? One of the Ten Commandments is "Thou Shalt Not Kill", however in different religions this, as well as other commandments have been translated and understood differently.

In some religions this commandment is interpreted
"forbids taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbor, unjustly". To some, killing in the name of their religion is a just cause.

Who is to say which interpretation is the correct one? It would take someone much smarter than me, but I do not choose to believe that God condones killing in his name.

The first Church of Scientology was founded in 1953.

Scientology is a body of beliefs and related practices initially developed by L. Ron Hubbard in 1952 as an outgrowth of his earlier self-help system, Dianetics. Hubbard later characterized Scientology as an "applied religious philosophy" and the basis for a new religion. Scientology encompasses a spiritual rehabilitation philosophy and techniques, and covers topics such as morals, ethics, detoxification, education and management.

Scientology and the organizations that promote it have remained highly controversial since their inception. Journalists, courts and the governing bodies of several countries have stated that the Church of Scientology is a cult and an unscrupulous commercial enterprise that harasses its critics and abuses the trust of its members.

Scientology's beliefs and related techniques comprise 15 basic books, and 3,000 recorded lectures. There isn't a single Scientology book that is the equivalent of the Bible or the Qur'an, but the study of Scientology is achieved through the chronological study of its basic books and lectures.

Please visit Wikipedia for more information on Scientology.

Beginners Guide To Spiritual Gifts $13.99

Concentrating on the nine gifts that the apostle Paul listed together in 1 Corinthians 12, Dr. Sam Storms gives readers a biblical introduction to the spiritual gifts that God bestows on every generation of believers. He combines a solid biblical foundation and practical advice with first-hand illustrations of these gifts in action.

This Offer Expires T-shirt $9.97

Reads: Forgiveness and Redemption This offer expires when you do. John 3:16

My Space T-Shirt $14.99

It may be exciting to have your own personal space on the Internet - but it's nothing compared to the safe place He has prepared for you. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack . . . Amen. 2 Timothy 4:18. Enjoy wearing this parody tee!

Road to the Cross Figurine $34.99

Be reminded of what Christ went through while carrying His cross. Features Scripture passage from Romans 5:8. 7"

Ceramic Cala Lily Tealight Cross $19.99

Measures 4.75" X 7.875"

Heart with Gold Cross Necklace Jewelry $41.99

A classic design with a cross embedded in a gold heart. Features 18k gold on a Sterling Silver 18" chain.

Jewelry-Sterling Silver Cross $32.99

Features a 18" chain

Mizpah Necklace Set Jewelry $36.99

Features two sterling silver chains in two lengths (18" & 24"). Choose from either gold or silver tone pendants (sold separately)

Silver ID Tag Necklaces $6.99

Wear your favorite sport necklace while also proclaiming your faith.

Shout to the Lord Kids 1 CD $10.99

For Kids of All Ages!
Shout to the Lord Kids 1 is a totally new concept in children's worship music. In fact, it might better be called a worship project for all generations because it will stay on permmanent loan to teens and parents alike. Worship leaders Steve Fee, Candi Pearson, Jeffery B. Scott and Jennifer Carrozza, along with some of the most talented musicians in the country, present today's most powerful worship songs in a uniquely innovative way. Shout to the Lord Kids will capture the heart of kids of any age and inspire them to worship the Lord of All!
This album was recorded in conjunction with the North Poit Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia where parenta and kids are encouraged to laugh and learn together.
Songs Included:
* Every Move I Make * So Good to Me * All Things are Possible * Trust in the Lord * I Give You My Heart * Let Everything That Has Breath * Open the Eyes of my Heart * I Could Sing of Your Love Forever * My Heart, Your Home * Shout to The Lord * Worship You Forever * Forever

Bullfrogs & Butterflies: God is My Friend CD $7.99

This awarding-winning song and story series will fill your home with fun-filled praise of the Lord. Each audio provides wholesome messages that are sure to last a lifetime. Printed Lyrics for all songs included. Let your children and grandchildren enjoy the same classic music as you did, as it takes "you" on a trip down memory lane! Plus choose from 3 other Bullfrogs & Butterflies CDs!

Songs Titles:
1. Welcome To Agapeland, 2. Good Morning, 3. This Is The Day, 4. Rainy Day Song, 5. Kid Talk, 6. I Like Knowing God The Best, 7. My Hands Belong To You, 8. Friends, 9. Practice Makes Perfect, 10. Bullfrogs And Butterflies, 11. Noah, 12. You're So Good To Me.

Character Builders 4 DVD Set $29.95

Contains 4 DVDs in one set!
Volume 1 - Featuring: Obedience and Self-Control plus Goodness and Faith.
Volume 2 - Featuring: Honesty and Responsibility plus Thankfulness and Gentleness
Volume 3 - Featuring: Sharing and Kindness plus Politeness and Joy
Volume 4 - Featuring: Confidence and Love plus Patience and Peace
Entertaining songs, fun filled stories, and storybook animations help teach kids important lessons about character and virtues.

Charlie Church Mouse Early Elementary Computer Game $19.99

Charlie Church Mouse! Early Elementary is an interactive CD-ROM learning adventure for the PC. Here children have an opportunity to learn, explore, and have fun with the help of a lovable friend, Charlie Church Mouse. Children not only learn classic bible stories form the Old & New Testament, they also learn academic skills vital to early childhood development.
Loads of Learning Activities: *Addition, *Subtraction, *Time, *Music, *Spelling, *Rhyming, *Synonyms, *Antonyms, *Art, *Reasoning Skills, & *Much More!
Hours of Fun and Excitement: *Games, *Puzzles, *Coloring Pages

3 Levels of Difficulty: Three times the learning potential, three times the fun!
Minimum System requirements
%u2022 Pentium 300
%u2022 64 megs RAM
%u2022 24x CD-ROM %u2022 WIN 98 or higher
%u2022 Windows compatible sound card

If you've made it to the bottom of this page it means that something on this lens has peaked your interest. Leave a comment to let us know if there is something else that you would like to see here.

As I said in my profile, I enjoy collecting and since I retired I've found that building these lenses is a great way to stay busy; And, I hope that I'm helping some of you out by gathering information on your favorite subject and putting it all in one place so you don't have to spend hours searching for it.

I spend part of my time designing t-shirts and buttons to help supplement my social security because, as many of you know, it's pretty difficult to make it on social security. My on-line t-shirt shop is called Dene's Place after my wife.

My "retirement" came a few years earlier than I would have liked because they found that I have an inoperatable tumor about the size of a softball in my right pelvic area. They still don't know what to do about it because for now it has quit growing. One of those "leave it alone and see what happens" type things.

Anyway, if you've made it this far, I'd appreciate it if you would check out Dene's Place to see if there's anything that you might like for yourself or as a gift. It helps me pay the bills!

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to check out my other lenses when you have time.

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