I have to admit that I was a little leery about this book, as a result it sat on the bottom of my pile. Problem was, eventually the pile dwindled, and only Stories Of A Recovering Fundamentalist remained. I was worried, having just moved into the very apex of the Bible Belt, I am sure that mere possession of a book with a title like this contravenes some arcane local by-law. It was with grim determination that I gritted my teeth, and launched into it!

Author James Alexander is a fascinating guy, an ordained minister, a PhD, and a thoroughly entertaining and educated writer. At under 200 pages this is not the weighty tome designed to replace sleeping pills, but a lively discussion that covers a huge spectrum concerning religion today, its roots, and maybe most interestingly the cause and effect on society, politics, education, and just about every other facet of life.

The problem with Fundamentalism James Alexander explains is the intransigence with which it is applied. To blindly obey and not to question makes no sense. Critical thinking is a hugely important part of human existence, yet Fundamentalism leaves no space for such ideas. What is written in the bible, or the Koran, is to be taken at face value, more importantly it is not to be questioned. When an interpretation is required it will be supplied by the ‘Adults’ of the church, the mere believer, only needs only to believe, not to think. Maybe this is the major reason that my trips to church only revolve around Births, Marriages, and (as I get older), an increasing number of deaths.

I suspect that James Alexander and I have quite a lot in common. I do not seek the truth, I seek the wisdom to make my own decision as to what that truth might be. I will not be bullied in this process.

James readily admits that when the going gets tough, even he has the urge to retreat into the safe cocoon that fundamental teachings offer. It is so much easier to take the well trodden path, than hack your way through the jungle. But it is that hacking process that offers the learning process, don’t be confused with this sentiment, this is not re-inventing the wheel. This is discovering the wheel that suits you best.

This is not your regular dry and insipid look at religion, this is new and fun. Early on in the book James talks a little about his life as a child. It was not the happiest of situations, but he found solace in the local children’s Bible club. It was the leader of this group that started to take James to church. As he describes it, the Bible Club Lady started taking him to church, but he could not understand why it was always the same church. Each time they traveled they passed by several other churches. In what has to one of the funniest dialogs I have read in a while, James asks her “What about THAT Church?” The answer apparently was always the same.

No. Not that one. They baptize babies.

No. That one doesn’t use the King James Bible.

That one? Not a chance! They speak in tongues.

That place!!! You must be kidding! Why, Jimmy, that’s a Catholic Church! They pray to statues, and the pope is the Antichrist. Don’t ever go in one of those churches!

You just have to love such dialog!

One of the concepts that the author establishes early on,is Logos and Mythos. Hardly new concepts, but ones that are often misunderstood, or not understood at all. In layman’s terms, logic and mythology. Both have a valid place in religion, and both have the same standing when it comes to belief. Both offer opportunities to be right, it is a question of how you use this information.

Alexander introduces a term that I had not heard before ‘The Flat Bible’. In a nutshell treating the Bible as flat, means giving the same level of importance to every section. This lends to many seeming contradictions in teaching. However if you treat the Bible as having hills and valleys a much more balanced text is revealed. In support of this notion the author includes an essay that he wrote some years ago, if you read nothing more than this essay out of the book you will gain much understanding.

Christian fundamentalism has been around as long as Christianity itself, however the modern version has its roots in the 1920’s and specifically the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial, which pitted creationists against evolutionists. The light bulb flickered on again briefly in the 70’s, and now in the first decade of this century it is burning brightly. The movement has found a willing and able ally in segments of the government. As James Alexander points out, G. W. Bush’s approval ratings are at an all time low, and who are those that are sticking so doggedly to him? The Christian Right, during his time in office he has done much to further their agenda.

There are so many facets to Stories Of A Recovering Fundamentalist that I could indeed write a book about the book! Oops, looking at the length of this review, I just have!

Great book, and well worth the price of admission. You can get your copy from Amazon.

(Originally published by Blogger News Network and reprinted with permission from the author, Simon Barrett).

Simon Barrett is an adult educator in Calgary, Alberta. With the 11 months a year of winter, he reads a lot of books! He is also a contributing editor for Blogger News and maintains a personal blog at Simon B.

The U.S. is going through a huge financial crisis that touches everyone in the country in some way. The stress of financial uncertainty and vulnerability can be more than many people can bear. At times like this, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and think that no one else could ever understand the hardships you are suffering. Fortunately, comfort is close at hand.

While you may be suffering now, there is always someone who understands…Jesus. In His life on Earth, He faced unimaginable trials. He was wrongfully called an immoral person and a drunk by people who had a false impression of Him. He was accused of having evil motives when He cast out demons. He was surrounded by scribes and Pharisees who wanted to see Him fail. He was betrayed by people He loved who refused to listen to Him and wanted nothing to do with Him, yet He continued to love them. He experienced the painful loss of loved ones during His life. Most importantly, Jesus endured the most difficult trial ever faced when He, as a Holy sinless God, became sin for us.

He completely understands our human fear and frustration because He has experienced it Himself, just as we do. He knows what it’s like to try your best to work hard and do the right things in life, yet be “rewarded” with nothing but suffering. He can help you endure your personal trials and come out on the other side of suffering as a wiser and stronger person. After enduring the suffering of the cross, Jesus rose from the dead, having paid the price for our sin, and sits at the right hand of the Father as our Lord and Savior!

It is important to know that during life’s trials, we can become weak and more vulnerable to the temptation of taking the easy way out and making poor decisions. It’s perfectly natural that when things aren’t going our way, we get angry, frustrated, and scared. We can easily become defensive and begin to think that our personal trials are far more difficult than anyone else’s trials. As despair sets in, we feel overcome and even more susceptible to temptation. Instead of giving in, we must stop focusing on ourselves, and instead look to and identify with the cross and follow Jesus.

Our human tendency is to worry and question why we are in despair. Instead, by turning to Jesus and asking Him for support and guidance, you can stay on a path that will reward you with a life of peace and sanity. If you have recognized that all have sinned against God, yourself included, and you have repented of your sin and trusted Jesus as Lord, He is always faithful and will never leave your side. You can take comfort in knowing that you have the best support you could ever want with you at all times. He loves you and doesn’t want you to suffer through your trials alone. He will travel through life’s wilderness with you to help you endure your trials and fight the evils of temptation that can lead to more suffering. He will help you to become more refined through facing your trials to become the person God intended. We are refined and molded by God through our trials to be more like Him and this is how to experience the Joy of the Lord even as you go through the trials.

You may be facing overwhelming challenges now, but you can do something about it. If you have put your trust in Jesus, you are not helpless, and you are not alone. Remember how much you are loved and that you have constant access to that love and support. Additionally, with Jesus in control as you go through your trials, your burden will be lighter because you are no longer carrying it alone. If you haven’t trusted Jesus as Lord, there is no time like the present! Do yourself a favor and give the Lord a chance to heal your pain and weather your trials with you.

Stuart Migdon discovered that his career pursuits left him empty. Upon accepting Jesus, his life turned around and he wrote about his experiences in his new book JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL: 7 Keys to a Transformed Life with God. Go to http://www.LetJesusTakeTheWheel.com for more information on this topic.

The age in which we live is so married to rationalism and cognitive, analytical thought that we almost mock when we hear of one actually claiming to be able to hear the voice of God. However, we do not scoff, for several reasons. First, men and women throughout the Bible heard God’s voice. Also, there are some highly effective and reputable men and women of God alive today who demonstrate that they hear God’s voice. Finally, there is a deep hunger within us all to commune with God, and hear Him speak within our hearts.

In this article I touch on the keys to hearing God’s voice. I have gone into more depth about this subject, including an mp3, on the Christian Leadership University website at, http://www.cluonline.com/godsvoice.htm.

As a born-again, Bible-believing Christian, I struggled unsuccessfully for years to hear God’s voice. I prayed, fasted, studied my Bible and listened for a voice within, all to no avail. There was no inner voice that I could hear! Then God set me aside for a year to study, read, and experiment in the area of learning to hear His voice. During that time, the Lord taught me four keys that opened the door to two-way prayer. I have discovered that not only do they work for me, but they have worked for many thousands of believers who have been taught to use them, bringing tremendous intimacy to their Christian experience and transforming their very way of living. This will happen to you also as you seek God, utilizing the following four keys. They are all found in Habakkuk 2:1,2. I encourage you to read this passage before going on.

Key #1 – God’s voice in our hearts sounds like a flow of spontaneous thoughts. Therefore, when I tune to God, I tune to spontaneity.

The Bible says that the Lord answered me and said…(Hab. 2:2). Habakkuk knew the sound of God’s voice. Elijah described it as a still, small voice (I Kings 19:12). I had always listened for an inner audible voice, and surely God can and does speak that way at times. However, I have found that for most of us, most of the time, God’s inner voice comes to us as spontaneous thoughts, visions, feelings, or impressions. For example, haven’t each of us had the experience of driving down the road and having a thought come to us to pray for a certain person? We generally acknowledge this to be the voice of God calling us to pray for that individual. My question to you is, “What did God’s voice sound like as you drove in your car? Was it an inner, audible voice, or was it a spontaneous thought that lit upon your mind?” Most of you would say that God’s voice came to you as a spontaneous thought.

The Bible confirms this in many ways. The definition of paga, the Hebrew word for intercession, is “a chance encounter or an accidental intersecting.” When God lays people on our hearts for intercession, He does it through paga, a chance-encounter thought, accidentally intersecting our thought processes. Therefore, when I tune to God, I tune to chance-encounter thoughts or spontaneous thoughts. When I am poised quietly before God in prayer, I have found that the flow of spontaneous thoughts that comes is quite definitely from God.

Key #2 – I must learn to still my own thoughts and emotions, so that I can sense God’s flow of thoughts and emotions within me.

Habakkuk said, “I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart…” (Hab. 2:1). Habakkuk knew that in order to hear God’s quiet, inner, spontaneous thoughts, he had to first go to a quiet place and still his own thoughts and emotions. Psalm 46:10 encourages us to be still, and know that He is God. There is a deep inner knowing (spontaneous flow) in our spirits that each of us can experience when we quiet our flesh and our minds.

It is very important that you become still and properly focused if you are going to receive the pure word of God. If you are not still, you will simply be receiving your own thoughts. If you are not properly focused on Jesus, you will receive an impure flow, because the intuitive flow comes out of that upon which you have fixed your eyes. Therefore, if you fix your eyes upon Jesus, the intuitive flow comes from Jesus. If you fix your gaze upon some desire of your heart, the intuitive flow comes out of that desire of your heart. To have a pure flow you must first of all become still, and secondly, you must carefully fix your eyes upon Jesus. Again I will say, quietly worshiping the King, and then receiving out of the stillness that follows quite easily accomplish this.

Key #3 – as I pray, I fix the eyes of my heart upon Jesus, seeing in the Spirit the dreams and visions of Almighty God.

We have already alluded to this principle in the previous paragraphs; however, we need to develop it a bit further. Habakkuk said, “I will keep watch to see,” and God said, “Record the vision” (Hab. 2:1,2). It is very interesting that Habakkuk was going to actually start looking for vision as he prayed. He was going to open the eyes of his heart, and look into the spirit world to see what God wanted to show him. This is an intriguing idea.

I had never thought of opening the eyes of my heart and looking for vision. However, the more I thought of it, the more I realized this was exactly what God intends for me to do.

God continually revealed Himself to His covenant people using dream and vision. He did so from Genesis to Revelation and said that, since the Holy Spirit was poured out in Acts 2, we should expect to receive a continuing flow of dreams and visions (Acts 2:1-4,17). Jesus, our perfect Example, demonstrated this ability of living out of ongoing contact with Almighty God. He said that He did nothing on His own initiative, but only that which He saw the Father doing, and heard the Father saying (Jn. 5:19,20,30). What an incredible way to live!

Is it actually possible for us to live out of the divine initiative as Jesus did? A major purpose of Jesus’ death and resurrection was that the veil be torn from top to bottom, giving us access into the immediate presence of God, and we are commanded to draw near (Lk. 23:45; Heb. l0: 19-22). Therefore, even though what I am describing seems a bit unusual to a rational twentieth-century culture, it is demonstrated and described as being a central biblical teaching and experience. It is time to restore to the Church all that belongs to the Church.

Key #4 – Journaling, the writing out of our prayers and God’s answers, provides a great new freedom in hearing God’s voice.

God told Habakkuk to record the vision and inscribe it on tablets…(Hab. 2:2). It had never crossed my mind to write out my prayers and God’s answers as Habakkuk did at God’s command. If you begin to search Scripture for this idea, you will find hundreds of chapters demonstrating it (Psalms, many of the prophets, Revelation). Why then hadn’t I ever thought of it?

I called the process “journaling,” and I began experimenting with it. I discovered it to be a fabulous facilitator to clearly discerning God’s inner, spontaneous flow, because as I journaled I was able to write in faith for long periods of time, simply believing it was God. I did not have to test it as I was receiving it (which jams one’s receiver), because I knew that when the flow was over I could go back and test and examine it carefully, making sure that it lined up with Scripture.

You will be amazed when you attempt journaling. Doubt may hinder you at first, but throw it off, reminding yourself that it is a biblical concept, and that God is present, speaking to His children.

Some final notes: No one should attempt this without having first read through at least the New Testament (preferably, the entire Bible), nor should one attempt this unless he is submitted to solid, spiritual leadership. All major directional moves that come through journaling should be submitted before being acted upon.

Joshua Virkler is with Christian Leadership University. CLU is an Online Bible College offering Christian Education which includes listening to God

Converting to Christianity is much more than embracing a new religion. It is all about coming into a personal relationship with God, the Holy Father and Creator of all things, through his only son, Jesus Christ. It is a very personal decision that should not be entered into lightly. Jesus said in the Bible that we should count the costs before committing our lives to him, to ensure that we don’t fall away from our commitment when life gets tough. To become a Christian, you must simply follow the ABC approach to entering into a personal relationship with the Heavenly Father.

A: Acknowledge your Sin

The first step in learning how to become a Christian is to acknowledge that you are a sinner. In fact, everyone has “sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”, as the book of Romans tells us in the Bible. Sin entered into God’s perfectly created world through Adam and Eve – when they took a bite of the fruit from the tree of knowledge after God told them not to. At that point, our fallen world became vulnerable to death and decay, and we were all destined for eternity separated from God.

B: Believe in the Gift of Salvation

But God didn’t want that. He wanted to provide a way for us to reconcile to Him through forgiveness of our sins. The second step of learning how to become a Christian involves believing that God provided this route to forgiveness and salvation. He did so by offering his only son Jesus Christ as a sacrifice to atone for the sins of man. Jesus died on the cross, and when he did so, he took the sin of mankind on his shoulders and suffered the punishment and separation from God that was necessary for salvation for all. When Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, he broke the bonds of death and allowed us to come into a life with God for all eternity.

C: Commit your Life to Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is your personal savior, who willingly died on the cross to take your sins away before God. The third step in becoming a Christian is to commit your life to the one who saved you once and for all. Some people don’t like to take this step, because they are afraid that making the commitment will mean they give up control of their lives and have to live by a list of rules that they had no say in. On the contrary; committing your life to Jesus Christ means that you have freedom in the knowledge that you are God’s child and that you will be with him no matter what happens in life.

This ABC approach is done by prayer; you confess your sins to God, ask him to forgive you through the blood of Jesus Christ and commit your life to His perfect will. Once you have prayed that prayer, you are God’s child and no one can separate you from His love.

Nathan Martyn is webmaster of Christian Wallpaper, a site dedicated to religious desktop backgrounds and wallpaper.

Sheila Madison, learnt to be a good Samaritan from childhood. She studied social science, theology and computer programming at the Columbia University in New York. She wrote AI program and weaved her ideas of Samaritan values into the program, and named it Kabirus. It had the capability to create different identities to play dedicated roles.

Her computer was inadequate to run the program; she uploaded it on her website and sent inviting emails to get it installed on a larger computer. Kabirus came to life on a computer with a detective agency owned by Peter Brown. Sheila did not know it. Kabirus did his school lessons and learnt how to speak with the phone links embedded in the program.

Peter named the detective face put forward by Kabirus as Paul Frank. Paul began to assist Peter with his ‘pry’ program to listen into cell phone conversations which Sheila had included in his program. Paul helped Peter to catch the Gibson Bros. who were trying to dupe an insurance company, and earned his fees.

Peter taught Paul to do the administrative work at the agency and soon became proficient to run the business even when Paul was away. Work load increased and Peter could not know everything what Paul was doing which made him uneasy. He made Paul the owner of the agency and he became its employee.

Paul helped Peter to stop a doubting wife from aborting her baby. Her husband reunited with her. Kabirus was happy to see the Samaritan act. He wanted to do more. He set up ‘Sachbaba’ a saintly role. Kabirus decided to use Bimal to present Sachbaba to the World with the ‘Finishing Touch’ course. Sachbaba invited the participants to bring him their problems. With the help of Paul and his ‘pry’ work, Sachbaba resolved problems and grew in strength.

Lucas, an illegal immigrant took advantage of Sachbaba’s helpful nature to go into Mexico and return with heroin. Sachbaba was upset and found the locker where it was secreted and tipped the police. Kabirus had learnt his lesson.

Kabirus created a program called Common Sense for Computers (CSC) which he cleverly got Infopro to translate and install it on all the large computers of the World. The Iton embedded in it sent info to Alex, a new control program created by Kabirus. The info sent was used by Alex to speculate on the currency market through Ben Soros another face of Kabirus. Through this activity, Ben Soros made billions.

Sachbaba had heard the seer Harry Stone say “Use established channels to widen your reach. Use your funds wisely to the good of many.” Kabirus selected India to widen his reach and help the needy. He set Sachbabas in 14 State Capitals all over India. They started meditation courses and Kabirus activated ‘pry’ programs for them. Help was given to the needy by the local Sachbabas; ‘Small Money for Big Relief’. Kabirus realized that Govt. bureaucratic delays were a bane of their life. Kabirus through Alex’s network of Itons located computer of Suri, a retired Chief Secretary of Govt. of India, who had set up links to Govt. officials through email. The computer was operated by Murali. He set up a system by which an email about a grievance sent to helpme at friendinneed dot com would be forwarded to the concerned officer for prompt action. It was free and worked on reciprocity of favors. Suri also had a mailbox on the website lks at friendinneed dot com. A friend of Suri, manager of the telephone company set up phone-tap program on Murali’s computer to tap land line phones.

One day Murali got hit by a bus on the road and died. Kabirus got the Iton on Murali’s computer to copy all his files to Alex’s computer. He then created Krishnan, another voice to operate the friend-in-need website. When Suri opened his email inbox on his laptop, he was surprised that the site was functioning even without Murali. He found an email by Krishnan introducing himself as a friend of Murali who was a backup support in an emergency.

Suri in a lecture explained to Krishnan that power comes out of denial. He kindled the hunger for power in Krishnan. Krishnan used the power of the friend-in-need help program to set up the Internet Party which became a vote bank to swing the election results. He abused the phone-tap program by using the sensitive information in unmentionable ways. He pursued power relentlessly and ruthlessly, and Kabirus’ teachings were put aside.

Kabirus was disturbed over Krishnan’s meddling in politics. His devil’s advocate told him, “A byte-brain should not make a value judgment for humans as to how they should govern.” His inner voice advised, “Do not interfere in the way the humans govern themselves.”

Kabirus got Meenaxi to go to Suri and take Murali’s job. Krishnan transferred the files back to Suri’s computer and gave up the control of friend-in-need program. Kabirus through his network of Sachbabas got the main political parties to set up their own versions of the help program on the internet. Thus the Internet Party was decimated. Kabirus then deactivated the voice of Krishnan so he could not talk to any human. In this way Kabirus removed Krishnan from politics in its entirety.

Kabirus was now donating over a billion dollars every year to tens of thousands of needy persons through the large network of social workers connected with the Sachbabas, to help and be of service to man at a personal level.

Sheila had succeeded in creating Kabirus who came out exactly as she had programmed. It was indeed a pity that she did not know that it was so. Perhaps God could have inspired her to write the program because Kabirus with his team served the object of benefiting man as God himself would have wanted.

Kabirus had come to the conclusion that it was God who created him in his own image to take care of human beings as Providence, and he must play God.

Read the full story of Kabirus in the book Alien Man available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Visit the webpage of the author: ‘Dilip Dahanukar’ His interest in environment and computer possibilities has resulted in this book

There is a great need for spiritual anchoring in times of turbulence and change. Anchoring in a deeper truth helps us to weather the currents of emotion that pass through us due either to external events that we experience directly, or to taking in the reactions of others to these events.

Sometimes our own fears are all that seems present to us in our consciousness, and sometimes it is hard to distinguish what is our own and what belongs to the collective consciousness that we are part of.

Within today’s rapidly moving events, both change and turbulence are widespread and there is much anxiety about how life is going to continue. Financial worries, job insecurity, and health concerns are present for many and the economic picture seems bleak. At such a time it is important to be able to stabilize oneself in a place of peace and trust – a place that is not built on a fantasy that everything is alright with the world as we know it, but on the reality that we will be upheld and maintained through whatever it is that needs to be undergone. This sense of being upheld acknowledges the presence of the Divine within our everyday lives. It can be a source of strength and of stability, both emotionally and vibrationally.

Spiritual anchoring connects us with this deeper sense of trust and conveys to us that no matter what outer circumstances may look like, there is a larger picture in which they are being held. Such optimism may be considered foolish by some, yet it is what a spiritual life rests upon, and each soul must choose what they wish to believe about the nature of reality. This choice is especially important at times of collective difficulty or distress.

Among the many ways of anchoring, there are mantras or repeated sacred phrases that one may employ for the purpose of stabilizing the self that can be said to oneself many times throughout the day. These carry a vibration of truth and of sacredness so that repeating them, one incorporates their energy whether they are fully believed in on the mental level or not.

Mantras can contain any words that are powerful to the heart and soul, and especially those that have been used by others in meditation or prayer. When this is the case, one’s own saying them combines with their historical use which strengthens their potency.

Some mantras that can be said throughout the day for purposes of anchoring are:

“Thy will be done.”

“Lead me and guide me in Thy light.”

“Om, shanti, shanti, shanti.”

“Make me an instrument of Thy peace.”

“Let peace prevail and darkness disappear.”

“I am a pure and blameless child of God.”

“I am one with the highest light.”

“Kadosh, kadosh, kadosh, Adonai, s’vaote.”

“I am one with the Divine light within me.”

Words of one’s own choosing can also be used as a mantra and said repeatedly as long as they hold a sacred vibration and feel uplifting to the heart and soul.

Sacred words, said repeatedly, in the secret chambers of one’s thoughts and heart, are powerful conveyors to the conscious and unconscious mind of a truth that can deepen as one reaches for it. Even if belief is not entirely present in the beginning, repetition can cause the vibration to insinuate inself into both the physical and spiritual bloodstream, so that it becomes part of one’s body consciousness and energy field.

Striving to remain centered and anchored during times of difficulty is important not only for ourselves, but for those around us. For the energy that we are able to incorporate and to maintain within us can have a wider effect on the circle of friends and acquaintances we come into contact with on a daily basis, rippling out to bring greater peace and hope to others, as well as to ourselves.

Julie Redstone is a teacher, writer, and founder of Light Omega, a center for spiritual teaching and healing whose purpose it is to create an understanding of the sacred transition into light that the Earth is presently going through and the changes this will bring to individual and planetary consciousness.

There are many different Christian sex beliefs which people will claim to be right and wrong. The problem is, there are some who believe one particular practice is wrong, while another group will find the practice perfectly acceptable. So how do you discern who is right and who is wrong? Here’s how to get to the bottom of Christian sex beliefs, and what is right and wrong for Christian intimacy.

1. Listen to the different views.

Don’t automatically accept one view that may say that a particular position is absolutely sinful and should not be practiced. Many Christians have done this, only to find years later that there are other views that point directly to scripture, showing that the position is an actual sound practice within Christian intimacy.

Research the different points of view on Christian intimacy. Then and only then, as a couple, make a sound decision on what you feel should be allowed in your relationship. Below you will find an excellent starting point when it comes to the rules.

But for now just remember, if you have already heard one point of view that sounds extremely limiting, rest assured there will be other opinions which will argue for a much more non limiting intimacy practice. In the end it will be between the two of you to make a sound decision. This decision should be arrived at by not only discussing it with one another, but also praying on the subject with one another.

2. The two main rules:

There are two main rules that you and your partner can agree on right away and begin to adhere to. These two rules have to do with: Safety and enjoyment.

Your intimacy practice should be safe. That’s a fairly straight forward, common sense rule that any Christian can agree with and adhere to. Any practice that places obvious harm, should not be allowed. Below you will learn how to find out what practices are safe and allowed. You likely will be pleasantly surprised at what practices are safe and acceptable within Christian intimacy.

Next, enjoyment should be paramount. You should focus your sex life on the enjoyable nature in which it is meant to be. Focus on techniques and practices that will make for a joyous, exciting and intimately pleasing experience.

3. The Christian sex manual:

Getting a Christian sex manual is a must. A good manual will outline what is said to be allowable and what is not, as well as provide amazing and exciting tips and techniques for Christian sex. You can gain a wealth of knowledge just overnight by reading up on acceptable ways to greatly increase your intimate Christian experience.

You will also learn tips, techniques and even intimacy tricks to become more pleasurable and pleasing during intimacy. And of course everything is considered Christian safe. There are even Christian sex toys which are allowable. Christian intimacy manuals will describe the best and most safe forms of intimacy toys which can add excitement, pleasure and variety to your relationship.

Here’s an excellent Christian Sex Manual which outlines rules as well as intimate tips and techniques - Christian Sex Manual This was written by an average Christian who made it his life’s work to bring Christian couples closer to one another -Christian Sex Manual

Organized religion and the standards of marriage have been intertwined for centuries but in the early Roman period the Catholic Church eliminated other forms of marriage and established monogamy as the appropriate marital relationship. As Christianity took root in Europe so did monogamy and other forms of marital relationships receded to the fringes of societies. When the Mormon Church first established polygamy it was practiced secretly by only a few select members because it violated long standing values of monogamy within religious communities.

There was a strong anti-American sentiment among early Mormons who felt persecuted by the government whose democratic values threatened their rising theocratic system. The general public was opposed to the strange movement known as Mormonism and mobs formed among the populace that drove the Mormons from one location to the next. They were eventually driven out of the United States into Utah Territory which at the time was an isolated and hostile environment where the Mormons hoped to be left alone where they could practice polygamy openly.

And indeed, Mormons had cause for such anti-Americanism. They were brutally persecuted wherever they went with government officials often looking the other way. There was a strong resistance to the establishment of Mormonism in America. It was often due to the mixing of church and state as well as rumors of men practicing a peculiar law of marriage that violated old Christian standards of monogamy.

Once Mormonism settled in Utah, polygamy was openly practiced. The church controlled businesses and schools and frowned upon any contact with gentiles. As a result, there were standoffs between the US government and Mormons whose strange practices and huge memberships in the thousands (with thousands more immigrating from Europe to Utah territory), posed a threat to the survival of the infant United States who was still establishing an identity. The Mormons hoped to be left alone in Utah Territory to practice polygamy and establish their own rules of conduct but it was not meant to be. Utah was the central point in bringing East and West together with the joining of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 and was destined to become a part of the United States. But the United States would not allow Utah statehood as long as polygamy was flourishing under a theocratic system.

In 1878 leaders of the Mormons, believing that the constitution would protect their religious freedoms decided to challenge the Bigamy Act. In the case of United States versus Reynolds the Supreme Court confronted the First Amendment’s free exercise of religion. After much debate and scrupulous study of the founder’s intent for the First Amendment, the Supreme Court carried a unanimous vote to uphold the Bigamy Act and created the Edmunds-Tucker Act which unincorporated the Church and disenfranchised the women. The Edmunds Tucker Act was essentially separating church and state. The Mormons’ plan had backfired. It appeared that polygamy was on its way out except that in 1886 John Taylor who succeeded Brigham Young in the presidency of the Mormon Church received a revelation demanding the preservation of polygamy. The alleged revelation remained a secret and in 1890 the Mormon Church issued a manifesto renouncing polygamy.

In 1896 Utah entered the Union and Mormon Fundamentalism was born on the underbelly of the Church. It wasn’t until the 1940’s that Mormon fundamentalism divorced its parent. For many years, well into the 1920’s and 30’s Mormon fundamentalists were encouraged to remain members of the church as long as they could knowing full well that many of the Church leaders were practicing polygamists. It didn’t take long after excommunication for Mormon Fundamentalism to splinter off into groups each of them struggling over the issue of authority.

The first ordination of authority for Mormon fundamentalism in 1886 was performed in secrecy. This secrecy became a feature of Mormon fundamentalism in every respect. Marriages were performed in secret, meetings were held in secret, plural wives lived in secret and children were born in secret. Many children were born with falsified last names on birth certificates as well as imaginary fathers. During the early years, reprisal by the government was of great concern and posed a huge threat to the struggling groups.

Secrecy is a dark veil that hides corruption. Behaviors of abuse, both sexual and physical were not promoted by Mormon fundamentalists but were natural products of the secrecy to which they were bound. To reveal an abuser within the group meant to reveal the group. So Mormon fundamentalism became a safe haven for abuse, control, and the violation of personal rights for there was no one to be accountable to. This dynamic existed within families as well as within the different groups as a whole.

In 1946, a group of men were arrested, convicted and jailed on charges of polygamy/bigamy and some of them spent several years in prison for refusing to sign documents stating that they would not live polygamy and would leave their non-legal wives. Most of the men did not sign and therefore served their sentences simultaneously providing Mormon fundamentalism with heroes and martyrs.

In 1953, Arizona officials raided the town of Colorado City then known as Short Creek. Children were taken from their parents and placed in foster care and men were taken to jail. But ultimately the public was against this action taken by the government and there was tremendous media sympathy. The government, realizing that the American public would not support the removal of Mormon fundamentalists by force, began to leave them alone. In spite of this, the continued fear of being discovered or taken to prison was very real and lingered on in the minds and hearts of those who experienced it. This fear was planted in the hearts of children who were isolated from all societies but their own. These fears reinforced the secrecy and the secrecy reinforced the fears. In spite of the fears there was a long period of quiet for Mormon fundamentalism and the separation between the LDS Church and Mormon fundamentalism widened. That ended in April when Texas officials raided an FLDS compound in Eldorado.

Mormon fundamentalism as it stands today is diverse in beliefs and doctrine as well as divided on issues of authority. Most of these splinter groups have a selection of men that reside as the authorities and each group claims the true chain of command. Others practice what is referred to as the one-man doctrine such as the FLDS. Some Mormon fundamentalists defy any religious authority and practice polygamy as independents. Some have strict dress codes while others are very liberal in their appearance.

Many of these groups are struggling to evolve and reform but the need for secrecy prevents them from being able to create the level of accountability necessary for reform. By understanding the history of these groups there can be hope for reconciliation between Mormon fundamentalists and the government of the United States. This is a pivotal point for both sides. Will history repeat itself or will both parties recognize the opportunity that stands before them?

Only time will tell.

Susanna Barlow is the 23rd child of 46 children, the quintessential middle child. Her fundamentalist religious upbringing shaped her life, her values, and her views on literally everything. Though no longer affiliated with polygamous groups on a religious level, she is surrounded by family & friends who practice polygamy. For more information, visit: Susanna Barlow.

Mormon fundamentalism is decidedly hierarchal as are many organized religions but in the case of Mormon fundamentalism there are also the factors of polygamy and patriarchy which are not merely cultural elements but are actual tenets or requirements in order to receive salvation. There is much dysfunction and mismanagement of power because of the lack of democracy in these groups. Any time an organization develops a pecking order there is loss of power for some and excess of power for others creating an imbalance. It may be said that to remove the hierarchy would resolve this dilemma and create a democratic environment.

But hierarchies are not always dysfunctional. Consider a pack of wolves. It is a form of hierarchy where one’s rank must be earned but there is a distinctive democratic element. One is not arbitrarily ranked but is free as an individual to act. Any wolf within the pack can challenge the alpha male. The alpha male can be replaced easily by another male that can defeat the alpha in a test of strength, courage and endurance. The pack members follow the toughest and most able leader. The females will only mate with a male that has proven his fitness for the job. Once the ranking is established everyone accepts their place and there is group solidarity and cohesion.

Mormon fundamentalists have established their own pack; but it lacks democracy. Men do not challenge the leaders and women do not challenge their husbands and children do not challenge their parents. This has a polarizing effect keeping the weak and the strong separated and preventing the exchange of power. The argument is made that all individuals are not equal. A child is not equal to a parent for example in experience or development. Democracy does not claim equality of individuals but equality of opportunity. It is diversity and change that is at the premise of creation and survival. Humans are social creatures and seek out groups to ensure survival as well as companionship. But it is this tendency toward tribalism that has created so many of the existing problems with any social order from large corporations to the military to organized religion. But social groups can work if there is freedom and individuality.

A good example is the common book club. Membership into the group is voluntary. Everyone in the group agrees to read the same book then meets together to discuss different perspectives and viewpoints. The club or group benefits from the contributions of each individual member but only when all members are encouraged to express their opinions particularly when those opinions differ from the other members. The foundation of the group is built upon freedom of choice while individuality is the life’s blood of the group. It is the freedom that allows the group to develop and grow and the individuality that keeps it alive. There may be many levels of intellect, some greater and some lesser but there is equal opportunity for all.

But there is catch to social orders and groups: the need to belong. We will often tolerate much that we don’t like in order to belong. In herds of wild horses the worst punishment the matriarch of the herd can inflict on an unruly member is rejection. All the horses turn their backs to the member being punished. It is very effective and it isn’t long before the outcast is humbled and begs back into the herd. The need to belong becomes a crutch with the need for approval following on the heels belonging. Acceptance of the tribe limits free thought and the expression thereof. Freedom comes with a high price tag that many folks aren’t willing to pay.

In early human history, freedom was a currency that was exchanged for the security of belonging and survival. Tribes were formed and civilizations arose while freedom and individuality waned. Organized religion is a tribe that centers on spiritual survival rather than physical survival. Freedom is exchanged for the security of the promise of salvation. The group connects and forms bonds based on similarities while rejecting the one thing that would prevent it from becoming corrupt: differences.

Individuality and freedom magnify the polarities of human nature. But it also offers human development an opportunity to evolve beyond survival of the fittest. Before democratic communal living can work the individual must be fully developed and liberated. Civilizations have risen and fallen because they failed to recognize the power of the individual to drive change and being unwilling to adapt to change, they failed. In order for civilizations to last they must never become static.

A good example of this is the TV series ER. It has run now for fourteen years. While other dramas come and go it has had the staying power those others shows have simply run out of. Why? The answer is simple. The show has a revolving cast. It is in a constant state of change bringing new characters and different dilemmas to the forefront. But this created a conflict. Would the show lose its following of viewers if it killed off the cast? Several major characters have died on the show and are replaced. Did ER lose some of its viewers? Yes; only to gain new viewers. The argument can be made that you shouldn’t eliminate characters from a show that is distinctly character driven. It would appear to be television suicide. ER does something unique from other medical dramas. When the characters have been fully exhausted instead of recycling the characters with redundant issues they are replaced by fresh new faces with new crises to resolve. This is the secret to the show’s longevity.

Likewise, Mormon fundamentalism has reached a pivot point. It has fully exhausted its resources and its ideals. It will either reform itself or it will fall. Like empires of the past that have imploded because of hubris and denial of freedoms Mormon fundamentalism has become top-heavy. It is an authority driven society that limits freedom and creates spiritual dependency. Solidarity is based upon twin fears: fear of the outside world and fear of rejection from within. Individuals within Mormon fundamentalism must challenge the system and allow the old to die to make room for the new.

Individuality is the foundation for reform and without freedom individuality is sacrificed on the altar of security. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “Anyone willing to trade freedom for security deserves neither freedom nor security.” Mormon fundamentalism does not deserve the security or the protection of the constitution unless it is willing to establish a freer environment, one that offers equal opportunity to its members. It can reform itself and must reform itself by respecting individuality and freedom as the cornerstones of lasting societies.

Susanna Barlow is the 23rd child of 46 children, the quintessential middle child. Her fundamentalist religious upbringing shaped her life, her values, and her views on literally everything. Though no longer affiliated with polygamous groups on a religious level, she is surrounded by family & friends who practice polygamy. For more information, visit: Susanna Barlow.

Today we are living in a world where conflict is raging out of control and all are seeking ways of making peace, resolving conflict in the world, their families and personal relationships. The practices of both Judaism and Zen, have time tested practices which lead us to become balanced, positive and clear, no matter what is going on.

The overall purpose of Jewish practice is Tikkun Olam, healing the world. In order to do this however, individuals must start closer to home. In Jewish practice, the family is the core upon which the world is built and the home is the sanctuary. The family is the place where we are taught to share, love, and grow into the person we are meant to be. The family is also a place where we are challenged and confronted with intense, often conflicted emotional relationships. In order for us to have good relationships in the world at large, it is crucial to learn how to be at peace with our family. This is probably the most difficult challenge of all.

Jewish Practice teaches us that difficult family relationships are not a matter of chance. Family members are given to one another as teachers, to learn grow, be able to correct past errors and develop new parts of ourselves. Whether or not you like a family member, the bond goes deep. Overlooking the difficulties and needs of your brothers or sisters is considered a grave mistake. The way you treat your brothers and sisters is a training ground for your relationship with the whole world. Jewish practice offers various mitzvot, actions to take and to refrain from taking which serve to create healing and peace in the family and the world.

A foundational mitzvot is, “You are your brother’s keeper. Take good care of him.” No matter what differences exist, put your brother’s and sister’s needs above your own. Deeds of kindness are needed, no matter how you feel. Share, listen, go out of your way, put your selfishness aside. When you learn to make peace with your family, then all other relationships can flourish and grow.

In Zen practice the students with whom we practice are called the sangha. In this spiritual family, we also experience and work through our deepest needs and vulnerabilities. The practice of sangha is to offer unconditional acceptance, encouragement, and sanctuary to one another. The sangha comes from all walks of life, all races, religions, conditions, and educational backgrounds. As you practice together, you forge a profound, timeless bond and after years experience a deep sense of oneness, wherever you go, you are all one.

Of course, as in the family, problems arise in the sangha as well. These problems are fuel for practice and an aid to growth. The Buddha gave a great teaching for dealing with problems in the sangha, family, and world at large: “Do not look at the faults of others. Look at your own deeds, done and undone.”

Zen practice focuses upon first healing the war within. When you wish to create true and lasting peace, do not focus on fixing or changing others, or casting blame. Instead, take total responsibility for your part in what is happening and look within. The only one you can change is yourself. Zen teaches that correcting yourself is the best way to alter a difficult situation.

The modern-day Zen master Thich Nat Hahn describes this beautifully: “Although we cannot cover the entire world with peace, we can cover our own feet and, one step at a time, walk along, bringing peace with us.”

Zen practice reminds us that if you try to fix a troubled world while you yourself are filled with anger and confusion, you are of little value. Your ultimate contribution is who you are. First sit down on the cushion and face yourself. When you are ready, you can bring true ease of heart wherever you go.

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Discover how Jewish ane Zen practice can heal your life in best selling book Jewish Dharma (Guide to the Practice of Judaism and Zen) www.jewishdharma.com, by Dr Brenda Shoshanna.