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Culture & Community

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Culture & Community

Why You Should Read ‘Why Faith Matters’ Now

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David J Wolpe asked a simple question but a complicated question to answer. The questioned, why does faith matter. He devoted an entire book to answer this question. This question is important because many people struggle with the answer, whether they are explaining it to someone else or even questioning their own faith. Similar to Harold Kushner, David Wolpe is also a Rabbi. Although he is Jewish his texts are perfect for anyone seeking clarity in this question. If you are not seeking clarity you will find that Wolpe does a tremendous job at defending the faith against atheism. He does an amazing job of expressing this through kindness and by shining a light on the relationship between religion and violence. A popular quote from this book is, “Faith is where we stand in the universe, not an idea that is checked off in the truth or illusion column. Losing…

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Culture & Community

You Need To Learn This From Buddhism’s Four Noble Truths

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Buddhism’s Four Noble Truths The First Noble Truth is called dukkha, which focuses on the main undertone of Buddhism, suffering. Although Buddha understands it is possible to enjoy things that there is an undertone of sadness beneath it all. Smokie Robinson has a couple of songs that explain the idea of having a good time while having sadness buried beneath the surface called “The Tracks of My Tears” and “The Tears of a Clown” where he sings about seeming fine in public but deep down he is sad. Hutson Smith used an example to explain the idea of dukkha as a shopping cart that does not steer properly because something is not working right. Buddha outlines six very specific times when this is prominent; the birth of trauma, in illness, in old age as your body falls apart, in fear of approaching death, being separated from what you love, and…

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Culture & Community

Hinduism Teaches You World Religions in The Simpliest Way

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Hinduism has a quote that can teach you everything you need to know about world religions and God. I will post my thoughts on what I learned while reading a world religions book by Huston Smith called “The Illustrated World’s Religions: A Guide to Our Wisdom Traditions.” He did a fantastic job of giving readers a true perspective. This book was made to show the beauty in these different religions and explore their overarching themes. The book is not intended to compare the religions to each other, be bogged down with the dogma of the religion, or even to talk about the various groups within those religions. Smith helps you understand that this book has the purpose to translate the ideas and themes of each religion to the reader in a simple form. Smith quotes Schrodinger, “If you cannot – in the long run – tell everyone what you have…

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Culture & Community

“You’ve Gained Weight” Is Not a Hello

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Family, it’s that time of year again. Despite currently being in a pandemic, some of you will be traveling to see family for the holidays. This is some of the best eating we get to do all year. Whether it is friends’ events or family events, the holidays are a time to fellowship with the people you love and even some people you are supposed to love. With that being said, there are some shitty downsides to this time of year. You know the questions and pressures about dating, your job, and overall about your life. I hate it and I KNOW you hate it too. My favorite holiday greeting is “you’ve gained weight.” First of all, saying “you’ve gained weight,” “when are you going to get married,” or even “when are you having kids” is the shittiest way to greet someone. And there is no exception to this, whether…

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Culture & Community

Learn to Balance Receiving Validation From Others Now

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Social media is a great place for many of us. We utilize social media and the internet to grow our businesses, connect with new people, connect with lost friends or family, enjoy events, or even dating. There are so many dope things that have come from social media. I have seen some of my friends and acquaintances grow their network, businesses, or even spread positivity and knowledge to the world. It has helped so many people find the love of their lives or even create a thriving business. Yet, social media can be the cause of negativity and hate. Social media has given everyone in the world a platform to share who they are and what they think. This is a catch 22 because on one side you have all these amazing beautiful things but on the other side who have too many people with something to say. When I…

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Culture & Community

Universe has a Unique Way of Finding Equilibrium

Belmont University Legacy Said So

Would you believe me if I told you that I was not supposed to be here? Would you believe that in high school, I consciously decided not to apply to Belmont even though it was the best choice? Maybe, but what if I told you that it was for none of the reasons you may be thinking? From a very young age, I was provided with all the things I needed to be successful, specifically, I was taught to be proud of my heritage and that I was Black. All the things I was taught influenced my choices then and have continued to influence them. Yet, the course of my adult life took a very unexpected route. That route changed the course of everything in my life and it was the most valuable to shaping me become the person I am today. Although I am grateful for this journey, I…

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Culture & Community

Everything You Need to Know About The Four Agreements

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Reflecting on the book “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz opened my eyes to new concepts and some concepts I already knew but from a different perspective. Don Miguel Ruiz outlines the concepts surrounding his theory of the Four Agreements. He talks about the things who make us who we are versus who we could be. This book outlines the idea that we can define who we are and the world around us. Ruiz had a simple approach to combat the things that have been instilled in us which bring us pain. I saw a lot of connections to other books and even religions I have read or learned about in my life. Ruiz starts the book by talking about who we are and where we come from in our lives. From the time we are born we are conditioned to be who we are and follow the rules…

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Overcoming Life’s Disappointments Book Review

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In World Religions and now this class I have been fortunate enough to read several books by Harold Kushner. I appreciate being exposed to Harold Kushner because I have learned a lot about myself through these books. He writes easy to well books with clear intentional writing. I never feel as though I do not understand what he is trying to tell me. This book is about overcoming disappointments. There are a few high points to highlight throughout the book. Kushner used examples from Moses to talk about how to cope with our frustrations. Initially, I did not understand how Moses was the example he used but as I read and reflected on the many stories of Moses, it became clear to me. Yet again Kushner has given me something I can use in my life. The lesson I wanted to lead with is not to expect requited actions. This…

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Culture & Community

To My Friends…

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Dear Readers First, I will no longer be calling you readers because you are now my friends and I am now yours. So, friends, I want you to know that I hear you and connect with you. I come to you from a place fueled by a combination of anxiousness and eagerness. I am anxious to share the fun, amazing, and light-hearted parts of me, yet, I am terrified about the parts that aren’t so pretty. Despite the anxiety, I know sharing is more important than anyone’s judgment because I am simply one example of hundreds, thousands, or even millions of people who are just like me. People who share my hard times, bad days, anxiety, fear, and self-consciousness. People who face the same treatment, hate, and negativity from others. People who have to get up every day and do things that they do not want to do to survive…

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Living a Life That Matters Book Review

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In reflecting on the book “Living a Life That Matters” by Harold S. Kushner, I found it to be very comforting and refreshing.  Harold S. Kushner was a prominent rabbi and author. Kushner has written several books about life while using examples and guidance from religion and literature. “Living a Life That Matters” is a short book of 8 chapters using examples of God and literature to explain how we can live a life that matters. This book was more specifically about what the title says by understanding what it means to live a life that matters. He focuses on the idea that we all have significance and how to see, understand, and use our morals to guide our significance in a world that is driven by success and power. Kushner starts this book with a simple yet powerful opening paragraph in the first words chapter of the book. Here,…

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