Burning incense may create a sweet scent, but regularly inhaling the smoke could put people at risk of cancers of the respiratory tract, researchers reported. Incense is usually derived from fragrant plant materials, like tree bark, resins, roots, flowers and essential oils. A recent study conducted and presented by the researchers of the department of epidemiology from Copenhagen’s Statens Serum Institut, shows that there is a connection between the exposure to burning incense and airway cancers. Long-term Exposure to Incense Raises Cancer Risk Incense burning produces particulate matter and is known to contain possible carcinogens such as polyaromatic hyodrcarbons (PAHs), carbonyls and benzene. In a study of more than 61,000 ethnic Chinese living in Singapore who were followed for up to 12 years, the investigators found a link between heavy incense use and various respiratory cancers.”Given that our results are backed by numerous experimental studies showing that incense is a powerful producer of particulate matter and that incense smoke contains carcinogenic substances, I believe incense should be used with caution,” said study author Dr. Jeppe Friborg, of the department of epidemiology research at Statens Serum Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark. “That is, frequent use in rooms where people live should be minimized, or at least sufficient ventilation should be secured. In our study, we find the increased risk of cancer to be present in individuals reporting frequent use of incense for many years, thus, repeated exposure for years should probably be avoided.” Incense burning almost doubled the risk of developing squamous cell upper respiratory tract carcinomas including nasal/sinus, tongue, mouth and laryngeal. There was an increased risk both in smokers and in nonsmokers, pointing to an independent effect of incense smoke.
All posts tagged India
Comparative religion’s values
Afghani journalism student Parwiz Kambakhsh has been sentenced to death for blaspheming because he not only downloaded articles regarding woman’s right’s under Islam, but also exposing the brutality against women and children by the local warlords in his community. He is being sentenced to death for “disseminating defamatory comments about Islam.”Say it isn’t soooo? Sounds like another mo-ham-med teddy bear moment to me! A three judge panel decided that his articles were blasphemous and sentenced him to die. That’s Shari’ah Law for you. The issue for this writer is the Islamic concept of blasphemy
For any religion to survive in the modern world, it needs to adapt to its reality, especially when it comes to equality between men and women concerning religious practices. As men and women should worship God in the same way, women should also have the same rights as women in assuming religious responsibilities.
Some persons try to say that Islam has freed them, but did your brothers, father, government free you yet too? or are they still killng, murdering you ?
http://gto7.wordpress.com/2008/02/03/islam-is-truly-satans-religion/
Physical abuse, Human rights abuses, Verbal abuse, silent treatment or being a control freak is also not acceptable even on the net..
The historicity of Jesus Christ is airtight. We have over 5,000 first century documents pointing to Jesus. The secular Roman historian Josephus mentions Jesus in his first century writings. There is archaeological confirmation, especially in the last 30 years, that verify the historical figures mentioned in the New Testament.
2. The character of Jesus Christ is unquestioned.
Jesus questions the authorities by asking, “Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?” (John 8:46) None of them could prove him guilty – even after painstakingly questioning and investigating him.
3. The works of Jesus Christ went unchallenged.
The works of Christ, especially his miracles, were never disputed by his foes. The religious authorities acknowledged the miracles of Jesus and even made claims that Jesus powers came from the devil.
4. The identity of Jesus was confirmed.
Jesus claimed who he was by saying, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6) God, the Father proclaimed, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” (Mark 9:7) The Apostle Peter said, “You are the Christ”. Even the authorities knew of Jesus’ claim to be God. Granted, these all came from the Bible. However, the most compelling proof is that Jesus the Messiah fulfilled over 700 prophecies of the Old Testament.
5. The death of Jesus was undisputed.
He did not pretend to be dead. The grisly details are recorded of his resurrection, including the fact that a spear was thrust into his side and the Romans did not have to break his legs.
6. The burial of Jesus was public and secure.
He was placed in the tomb of a prominent Jew. The huge stone was set in place and sealed. Roman guards were posted and if they had truly “slept” through the stealing of Jesus’ body, they would have been executed. Besides, would this fearful band of disciples have the nerve to overcome the guards or sneak in to steal the body?
7. The evidence for Jesus’ resurrection is convincing.
The resurrection was predicted by Old Testament prophets. Jesus predicted his death and resurrection several times to his disciples. He appeared over twelve times to over 500 people over a period of forty days. He appeared to Saul, the great persecutor of the early Christians, and his life was transformed. The transformation of Peter from cowering in front of the accusations of a little girl to boldly proclaiming Christ in public and in front of the religious authorities is amazing.
The fact remains that Christians don’t have to throw their brains in the trash can to say that Jesus died and rose again. When you put the evidence in court and the witnesses on the stand, the truth points very solidly in favor of Jesus. What is proclaimed in the Bible is true.
So, what does this mean for us today?
1. The resurrection of Jesus Christ validates the claim that he is the way, the truth and the life.
2. It gives absolute hope for the future. Jesus tells us, “Because I live, you also will live.” (John 14:19) He also says, “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2-3)
3. It offers spiritual life right now. By faith, we receive Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. Our lives our transformed and we are given peace.
You are the jury. You are given the opportunity to accept or reject the evidence. Your response will determine your destiny.
There are certainly skeptics in the world whose goal is to refute the resurrection itself or even the existence of Christ. Even though there is enough evidence strong enough for a truly objective person to consider the truth as stated in God’s Word. So, then why do people still stubbornly reject Jesus’ claim?
We are given a clue in John 3:19. “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because there deeds were evil.” People reject the truths of the gospel because they love the darkness. The Light of Christ exposes our life. It reveals the fact that we are full of pride and self-centeredness. Our sinful nature exalts our self over a God. The Light tells us to turn from darkness (our self, our pride) and turn to Christ. We turn because we realize that we have a need we can’t possibly fill on our own – not because Christians don’t have good answers to difficult questions.
For all those who are reading this post and have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, I ask you to come to the Light and receive Christ. For those who already believe, stay strong and do not be afraid or timid to share the truth. Remember, Jesus told us, “I am with you to the very end of the age.”
These thoughts were taken from an excellent series entitled, “Why I Believe” by Chip Ingram.
Do also see
http://abdoukili.wordpress.com/2008/07/03/religious-inequality/
http://postedat.wordpress.com/2008/06/22/as-to-what-is-a-christian/
http://thefocusonthefamily.wordpress.com/2008/07/01/marriage/
http://groups.msn.com/Jesussayscome
http://groups.msn.com/HolySpiritCome
Posted by thenonconformer on August 2, 2008
https://witnessed.wordpress.com/2008/08/02/comparative-religions-values/
Sikhism is an independent religion and it is not a sect of Islam or Hinduism
Many people think that Sikhism is a sect of Islam or Hinduism and many others think that Sikhism is a combination of Islam and Hinduism even because it seems whenever white people or any other person from any race looks at their turbans and dasthaaraa, pugaa and dhumala’s they think they are simply Muslims because they have a Turban and others think we are Hindus because of THE FACT OF GURU NANAK DEV JI CAME FROM A HINDU FAMILY. Well they are basically unrelated. Sikhism clearly differs a lot from them as well especailly in women’s rigths.
Guru Nanak considers himself neither Hindu nor Muslim. He did not follow Hindu rituals and nor did he join Islamic law. As commanded by God, Guru Nanak introduced a true faith, whose sole purpose is the love towards God. Guru Nanak Dev Ji denounced the superstitions followed by Hindu and Muslims and told them to worship God instead of considering their religion superior.
Many Hindus and Muslims consider their religion superior but Guru Nanak Dev Ji instructed to focus on meditation of God instead of glorifying a religion. Bhai Gurdas narrates one instance when Hindus and Muslims asked Guru Nanak about was greater among them. “Priest from both Hinduism and Islam got together and began discussing religion. A great fantasy has been created and no one could understand its mystery. They asked Guru Nanak to open and search in his scripture whether Hindu is great or the Muslim. Guru replied that, without good deeds both will have to weep and wail. Only by being a Hindu or a Muslim one cannot get accepted in the kingdom of God. As the color of safflower is impermanent and is washed away in water, likewise the colors of religiosity are also temporary.” (Bhai Gurdas Ji’s Vaars 1). Guru Nanak Himself said, “The Hindu comes to the house of a Hindu. By reading the scriptures, he puts on the sacred thread. He puts on the thread, but does evil deeds. Not by taking baths he will be approved in the Kingdom of God. The Muslim glorifies his own faith. Without following the Guru, he will not be accepted in the Kingdom of God. Only a few people follow even if they are shown the way” (Guru Granth Sahib, 951).
Following are the reasons how Sikhism is different from both Hinduism and Islam:
1. Hindus worship Demi-Gods like Shiva, Bramhma, Krishna, Vishnu, Kali, Durga, Ganesh and others. Sikhism instructs to believe in One Almighty God. “The performance of countless millions of other devotions is not even equal to one devotion to the Name of God” (Guru Granth Sahib, 1163). [ More … ]
2. Hindus perform idol worship. Sikhism instructs not to perform idol worship and not to worship anyone else besides God. Guru Granth Sahib Ji is Sikhs’ Holy Scripture. Sikhs bow their head in the Gurdwara to Guru Granth Sahib as a sign of respect but Sikhs do not worship the scriptures. Guru Ji is the spiritual teacher of Sikhs and shows the way to meet God. Guru Nanak instructs that idol worship will not lead one to salvation. [ More … ]
3. Hindus practice caste system. Hindu society is divided into four basic caste clusters. People are ranked according to their caste and are considered either superior or inferior. Sikhism instructs to consider all humans equal regardless of caste, color, race, class and gender. [ More … ]
4. Muslims believe in polygamy and they even marry their cousins. By Islamic law Muslims can have up to four wives. Guru Nanak Dev Ji completely denounced these activities and instructed to be wedded to one person only.
5. Muslims indulge in animal sacrifices and Guru Nanak told them that this would not bring any good. Killing God’s creations in the Name of God is totally ironic. [ More … ]
6. Muslims do not give women equal status. However, Sikhism instructs to give women equal status. [ More … ]
7. Muslims makes fast and consider the month of Ramadan holy. Sikhism instructs that making your body suffer will not help you to meet God. Sikhism tells that meditation of God is above all.
8. Both Hindus and Muslims cut their hair. Sikhs however do not cut their hair as a respect towards God and live the way God made us. [ More … ]
9. Both Hindus and Muslims consider their religion superior. Guru Nanak Dev Ji instructed to focus on meditation of God instead of glorifying a religion. To the Muslims Guru Nanak says, “The Muslims praise the Islamic law; they read and reflect upon it but God’s bound servants are those who bind themselves to see God” (Guru Granth Sahib, 465).
10. Both Hindus and Muslim make pilgrimages. Sikhism instructs to search for God inside your heart. One does not need to go to Pilgrimages in order to be close to God. In addition, Sikhism instructs that taking bath at pilgrimages do not wash sins. Bathing at Ganga, and Triveni does not clean your soul. The only way to clean your soul is to meditate on God. [ More … ]
11. Moreover, Sikhism instructs the purpose of life. The purpose of this life is to become one with God, to merge in the One whom we originated from. [ More … ]
12. Finally, Sikhism shows the way to attain salvation and become One with God. Sikhism says that you do not have to fast, abstain, go on renunciation or enter a monastery in order to meet God. All you have to do is have faith, recite the Name of God and remember Him for each possible moment. Guru Ji themselves got married and lived a family life and showed everyone that you can meet God while living a family life. Furthermore, Guru Ji said that your mind has to be detached from this world, you have to look this world as a temporary place, you will not be here forever, one day you will have to die. What you do while you are alive is critical, so make your decisions wisely. Furthermore, you do not have to detach yourself from this world physically, you can lead a normal family life and still be able to meet God. [ More … ]
Guru Nanak Dev Ji laid the foundation of Sikhism as instructed by God. The next nine Guru sent to this world by God, strengthened the roots of Sikhism and enlightened people to meditate on One God only. Many people found the true meaning of Sikhism and those who did join and embraced Sikhism with love. Sikhism tells everyone to get rid of egotism, anger, greed, and materialistic things. Sikhism tells everyone to live a humble life and worship God. God sees all and your worship will be fruitful with time.
It is completely ridiculous to consider Sikhism a sect of any other religion. Just like you wouldn’t consider Christianity a sect of Buddhism, you should not consider Sikhism a sect of either Islam or Hinduism or a combination of both.
Related Topics
How is Sikhism a religion created by God? What does Sikhism tells about the image or description of God? According to Sikhism, how can one attain salvation? What kind of life one should lead to attain salvation? What is the purpose of life? Do Sikhs believe in equality of all humanity? What does Sikhism say about the Caste System followed by Hindus? What does Sikhism say about the practice of animal sacrifice performed by Hindus and Muslims? What does Sikhism say about the worship of animals (cow, snake, elephant) performed by Hindus? What does Sikhism say about the idol worship of demi-gods (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, etc.) performed by Hindus? What does Sikhism say about the pilgrimages made by Hindus and Muslims?
http://www.realsikhism.com/faq/combination.html
What others say
http://takingitglobal.org/express/panorama/article.html?ContentID=2393
…They (Your wives) are your garments and ye are their garments. …. Surah 2 Verse 187
“Among the Muslims, the most perfect as regards his faith is the one whose character is most excellent, and the best among you are those who treat their wives well.”
Do also see
http://postedat.wordpress.com/2008/06/22/as-to-what-is-a-christian/
http://thefocusonthefamily.wordpress.com/2008/07/01/marriage/
Posted by thenonconformer on August 1, 2008
https://witnessed.wordpress.com/2008/08/01/sikhism-is-an-independent-religion-and-it-is-not-a-sect-of-islam-or-hinduism/
