Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #9: The Incarnation of God

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #9: The Incarnation of God

Sweet little Jesus boy
They made you be born in a manger
Sweet little holy child
We didn't know who you were
Didn't know you'd come to save us Lord
To take our sins away
Our eyes were blind, we could not see
We didn't know who you were

- Sweet Little Jesus Boy

In the Nativity and Philippians 2:1-7, Jesus is described as the Son of God. He is given the name Messiah and is known as the Saviour of the world. In my christmas carol, the lyrics speak of how they didn't know who he truly was, and they were unknown of his incredible power. The lyrics have an apologetic tone, in the way that the people are so distraught at how they were blind to what was happening and who they were to encounter. Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the Persian astrologists all needed to believe in the unusual occurrences. Faith was crucial for them to take part in the christmas story. I feel that Jesus came to the earth in the form a child because he would be more relatable with God's sons and daughters. Also because he was born in a manger, he could relate to the lowly shepherds and be as mighty as a king. He could be a part of our individual lives, and be a personal and loving God by having intimate relationships with each and every one of us.

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #8 Islam: Two Perspectives

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #8 Islam: Two Perspectives:

View One: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,539864,00.html
In Britain, swimming pools have begun to create special Muslim swim sessions for all swimmers, including non-Muslims. During these sessions swimmers are required to dress in full dress code required by Islamic custom, if they fail to wear the correct attire they are banned from entering the pool. Some were angered by the creation of these sessions claiming they put a strain on the Muslim and non-Muslim relationship. However, a British lawmaker stated they showed an appreciation for certain religious groups.

View Two: http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/Opinions/20-Aug-2009/Muslim-women--barred-from-wearing-burqini
The Italian anti-immigration mayor banned Muslim women from wearing the burqini (full body concealing swimsuit). He said, "The sight of a 'masked woman' could disturb small children" and also mentioned it was unhygienic. Even though Europe is home to one of the biggest Muslim minority community, the head-to-toe covering and veil isn't welcome in some countries such as France and Northern Italy.

From these two articles I can see that the British are obviously more accepting of the many religions and have more respect for their different cultures, by creating the separate swim sessions. The article from the Pakistan news source brought attention to the reasons burqinis were banned, possibly hoping to inform readers of their absurd and unreliable reasons for them.