 Spiritual: September 20, 2006 Issue [#1278] |
  Spiritual
This week: Edited by: Becky Simpson  
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As promised last month, this month we will look for a little while at Islam the Koran and its similarities to the Bible. A few years ago while online, a man from the United Arab Emirates befriended me, and for a short time we discussed the Qur’an and Islam. He was devout but sat patiently as I tried to explain the core of the Bible. Then, as was my duty, I listened as he shared with me the faith of Islam. His comment about some of the things that were happening in the world and in his own faith were much as you might expect an American to react. He could not understand why terrorists existed, claiming the Qur’an as their reason for their actions.
The basis for his inability to comprehend terrorism was that the Qur’an is in many ways like the Bible. It does not advocate violence. One important difference is that the Qur’an does allow one to defend his properties while the Bible does not specifically mention it. With the Pillars of Faith, my knowledge of Islam fades. What sparked this editorial was something I noticed as I read the Bible. Jesus used a term that I had associated strictly with Islam. As he was leaving his disciples for the last time he said Peace be with you. This seemed so close to (PBUH) that I decided to look for materials comparing the two. Becky Simpson
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Before we begin our look at the similarities, we should look for the relevance of the information. In other words, why does it matter? For my answer I checked one of the items I gave you for suggested readings that attempted to tell us what the ratio between Christians and Islam are on Writing.com. It is not accurate in the world view, in which the Islamic faith is observed by a large portion of the world. As for here on writing, six percent of the participants who answered this survey are Islamic. May I encourage some reader of this newsletter to remake the survey? Perhaps, our author will even expand it a bit because there are over a 1,000 different religious organizations around. The original Author has deleted the item.
Okay, with six percent it may seem that there is little relevance, but, we have all witnessed what any group or individual when properly motivated can accomplish. Ahh, does it sound as if I am referring to some especially notorious deed accomplish by one particular belief? I am not. Wouldn’t we love to able to point fingers at Jews or Muslims? Take heed and remember when you point, at least three of your fingers are pointing back at you. So who am I talking about? Pick one: How about the general who said, “Kill them all and let God sort them out.” He had been sent to convert non-Christians and this was his method in some of the earliest Christian campaigns. How about the crucifixion of Christ himself? Has any other single act affected the world as much?
So what’s the point? The point is three fold: (1) Never judge a religion by the actions of a few members. Our own Bible discourages judging others lest you be judged. But… but…but…you stammer, they are not worshipping the one true God. Hold on to your pants; what happened at the tower of Babel? God confused language right? (2) Then I must ask what difference it should make if you call God, Allah or Jehovah or Yaweh; it means the same thing. The real difference is Islam recognizes Jesus as a prophet only and not the Son of God. They, like the Jewish people, are still waiting for God’s Son (The Messiah) to appear. (3) If we are Christians, we are charged with spreading the word of God--not forcing it on others. I remind you of Paul when he spoke to the Greeks. He proclaimed Jesus as the god they had a statue to, called the unknown god. The final point is we are to prove the text of the Bible, not to others but to ourselves.
During my research I was astounded to discover that the real difference between Christianity and Islam is that Islam attempts to take the intent of the Bible and not the letter of the law. As an example, let’s use these two things: drinking and dress. The Bible allows drinking of wine except for Elders, however it does not allow drunkenness. The Koran and Islam forbid drinking completely. Being brave, let me point out not all follow the rules. Our second example would be dress. The Bible requires modest dress. Islam takes this and requires women to cover their faces, forget makeup and jewelry; members also cover their heads something we Christians tend to ignore. I remind you that the Jewish people tried to live by the letter of the law, and Jesus taught them to live by the intent of the law.
Enough of my ramblings lets have a peek at the facts:
Islam
The Muslim Prayer
The Fateha [The Opening]
The Qur'an 1:1-7
a) Adoration
Praise be to God, Lord of the Worlds, the Compassionate, the Merciful. King of the Day of Reckoning.
(b) Submission
Thee only do we worship and of Thee only do we ask aid.
(c) Supplication
Guide us unto the right path -
the path of those to whom Thou hast
been gracious,
not the path of those who are the objects
of Thy wrath,
nor of those who have gone astray.
Amen
Christianity
The Christian prayer
The Lord's Prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
[The New Testament, King James version]
(a) Adoration
Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
(b) Submission
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
(c) Supplication
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors [Other translations say: "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."]
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom,
The Power and the Glory.
For ever and ever. Amen
A careful reading of these reveals that the two are indeed different in language, yet, they have the same intent. In each we find the same building blocks as illustrated by the bold headings. We might also note that a Prophetic Tradition (Hadith) that is included in Abu Dawud's collection of Hadith is as follows: "Narrated Abu Darda': I heard the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) say: If any of you is suffering from anything or his brother is suffering, he should say: Our Lord is Allah Who is in the heaven, holy is Thy name, Thy command reigns supreme in the heaven and the earth, as Thy mercy in the heaven, make Thy mercy in the earth; forgive us our sins, and our errors; Thou art the Lord of good men; send down mercy from Thy mercy, and remedy, and remedy from Thy remedy on this pain so that it is healed up." [Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 28, Number 3883]
Continuing let’s look at other similarities:
Islam
Creation
Qur'an 35:13
He merges Night into Day, and he merges Day into Night, and he has subjected the sun and the moon (to his Law): each one runs its course for a term appointed. Such is Allah your Lord: to Him belongs all Dominion. And those whom ye invoke besides Him have not the least power.
Qur'an 13:2
Allah is He Who raised the heavens without any pillars that ye can see is firmly established on the throne (of authority). He has subjected the sun and the moon (to his Law)! Each one runs (its course) for a term appointed. He doth regulate all affairs, explaining the signs in detail, that ye may believe with certainty in the meeting with your Lord.
Qur'an 13:3,4
And it is He who spread out the earth, and set thereon mountains standing firm and (flowing) rivers: and fruit of every kind He made in pairs, two and two: He draweth the night as a veil o'er the Day. Behold, verily in these things there are signs for those who consider! And in the earth are tracts (diverse though) neighbouring, and gardens of vines and fields sown with corn, and palm trees - growing out of single roots or otherwise: watered with the same water, yet some of them We make more excellent than others to eat. Behold, verily in these things there are signs for those who understand!
Qur'an 41:37
Among His Signs are the Night and the Day, and the Sun and the Moon. Do not prostrate to the sun and the moon, but prostrate to Allah, Who created them, if it is Him ye wish to serve.
Qur'an 41:12
So He completed them as seven firmaments in two Days, and He assigned to each heaven its duty and command. And We adorned the lower heaven with lights, and (provided it) with guard. Such is the Decree of (Him) the Exalted in Might, Full of Knowledge.
Qur'an 50:38
We created the heavens and the earth and all between them in Six Days, nor did any sense of weariness touch Us.
Qur'an 15:28,29
Behold! thy Lord said to the angels: "I am about to create man from sounding clay from mud molded into shape; when I have fashioned him (in due proportion) and breathed into him of My spirit fall ye down in obeisance unto him.
Christianity
Creation
Genesis 1:14
Then God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night,
and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years;
Genesis 1:1,2
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.
Genesis 1:9-12
Then God said, "Let the waters below the heavens be gathered into one place, and let the dry land appear''; and it was so. God called the dry land earth, and the gathering of the waters He called seas; and God saw that it was good. Then God said, "Let the earth sprout vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit after their kind with seed in them''; and it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit with seed in them, after] their kind; and God saw that it was good.
Genesis 1:3-5
Then God said, "Let there be light''; and there was light. God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.
Genesis 1:14-18
Then God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth''; and it was so. God made the two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; He made the stars also. God placed them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth,
and to govern the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness; and God saw that it was good.
Genesis 2:1-3
Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their hosts. By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.
Genesis 2:7
Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.
You might be thinking so what, but let me ask, so far do these sound like awful people?
Islam
Similar verses to the 10 Biblical Commandments
Qur'an 2:53
And remember We gave Moses the Scripture and the Criterion (between right and wrong): There was a
chance for you to be guided aright.
Qur'an 7:145
And We ordained laws for him [Moses] in the tablets in all matters, both commanding and explaining all things, (and said): "Take and hold these with firmness, and enjoin thy people to hold fast by the best in the precepts . . .
Qur'an 17:23
Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him . . .
Qur'an 2:163; 2:255; 3:2; 3:6; 3:18; 3:62; 4:87; 5:73; 6:102; 6:106; 7:59; 7:65; 7:73; 7:85; 7:158; 9:31; 9:129; 10;90; 11:14; 11:40; 11:61; 11:84; 13:30; 16:02; 18:110; 20:8: 20:14; 20:98; 21:25; 21:87; 23:23; 23:32; 23:116; 27:26; 28:38; 28:70; 28:88; 35:3; 37:035; 38:65; 39:6; 40:3; 40:62; 40:65; 44:8; 47:19; 64:13; 73:9
La illa ha illa Allah [there is none worthy of worship but God]
Qur'an 22:12
They call on such deities, besides Allah, as can neither hurt nor profit them: that is straying far indeed (from the Way)!
Qur'an 22 [Athar Husain translation condensed version ]
Avoid filthy rites associated with idols and also false invocations, remaining firm in faith towards God, without associating anyone with Him. And whosoever associates aught with God, it is as if he has fallen from on high and the birds snatch him away or the wind blows him to a distant place.
Qur'an 7:180
And Allah's are the best names, therefore call on Him thereby, and leave alone those who violate the sanctity of His names; they shall be requited for what they did.
Qur'an 16:124
The Sabbath was only made (strict) for those who disagreed (as to its observance); But Allah will judge between them on the Day of Judgement, as to their differences.
Qur'an 4:154
And for their covenant we raised over them (the towering height) of Mount (Sinai); and (on another occasion) We said: "Enter the gate with humility"; and (once again) We commanded them: "Transgress not in the matter of the Sabbath." And We took from them a solemn covenant.
Qur'an 17:23
Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour.
Qur'an 17:33
Nor take life which Allah has made sacred . . .
Qur'an 17:32
Nor come nigh to adultery: for it is a shameful (deed) and an evil, opening the road (to other evils).
Qur'an 60:12
O Prophet! When believing women come to thee to take the oath of fealty to thee, that they will not associate in worship any other thing whatever with Allah, that they will not steal, that they will not commit adultery (or fornication), that they will not kill their children, that they will not utter slander, intentionally forging falsehood, and that they will not disobey thee in any just matter; then do thou receive their fealty, and pray to Allah for the forgiveness (of their sins): for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
[Note: This applies to men as well as women.
The Qur'an ordains severe punishment for theft 5:41,42]
Qur'an 2:188
And do not eat up unjustly the property of each other among yourselves nor convey their cases to the authorities for devouring unlawfully some portion of the property of the people knowingly.
[Commentary by Mufti Shah Ahmad Raza Khan -- this prohibition covers the acquisition of property by all unlawful means, such as theft, robbery, gambling, bribery, backbiting, giving false evidence, and all such other means as bringing a false claim against another or wrongfully influencing authorities to obtain unlawful benefits as a consequence]
Qur'an 2:42
And cover not truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when ye know (what it is).
Qur'an 4:32
And in no wise covet those things in which Allah Hath bestowed His gifts more freely on some of you than on others . . .
The Qur'an gives 12 Commandments to the Muslim Community.
Christianity
The 10 Commandments
Exodus 24:12 The Lord said to Moses, "Come up to Me on the mountain and stay here, and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and commands I have written for their instruction."
Deuteronomy 4:13 He declared to you His covenant, the Ten Commandments, which He commanded you to follow and then wrote them on two stone tablets.
Exodus 20:3
You shall have no other gods before Me
Exodus 20:4
You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.
Exodus 20:7
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, [i.e. in an irreverent or disrespectful manner] for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.
Exodus 20:8-11
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath of the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.
Exodus 20:12
Honour your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God gave you.
Exodus 20:13
You shall not kill
Exodus 20:14
You shall not commit Adultery
Exodus 20:15
You shall not steal.
Exodus 20:16
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.
Exodus 20:17
You shall not covet your neighbour's house; you shall not covet your neighbour's wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbour.
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How about marriage and picking a bride?
Islam
Degrees of affinity and consanguinity
prohibiting marriage
Qur'an 4:22-24
4:22 And marry not women whom your fathers
married, except what is past: It was shameful and odious, an abominable custom indeed.
4:23 Prohibited to you (for marriage) are: your mothers, daughters, sisters; father's sisters, mother's sisters; brother's daughters, sister's daughters; foster-mothers (who gave you suck); foster-sisters; your wives' mothers; your step-daughters under your guardianship, born of your wives to whom ye have gone in, no prohibition if ye have not gone in; (those who have been) wives of your sons proceeding from your loins; and two sisters in wedlock at one and the same time, except for what is past; for God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful;
4:24 Also (prohibited are) women already married, except those whom your right hands possess. Thus hath God ordained (prohibitions) against you. Except for these, all others are
lawful . . . and God is All-knowing, All-wise
Christianity
Degrees of affinity and consanguinity
prohibiting marriage
Leviticus 18:6-18
6 No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the Lord.
7 Do not dishonour your father by having sexual relations with your mother. She is your mother; do not have relations with her.
8 Do not have sexual relations with your father's wife; that would dishonour your father.
9 Do not have sexual relations with your sister, either your father's daughter or your mother's daughter, whether she was born in the same home or elsewhere.
10 Do not have sexual relations with your son's daughter or your daughter's daughter; that would dishonour you.
11 Do not have sexual relations with the daughter of your father's wife, born to your father; she is your sister.
12 Do not have sexual relations with your father's sister; she is your father's close relative.
13 Do not have sexual relations with your mother's sister, because she is your mother's close relative.
14 Do not dishonour your father's brother by approaching his wife to have sexual relations; she is your aunt.
15 Do not have sexual relations with your daughter-in-law. She is your son's wife; do not have relations with her.
16 Do not have sexual relations with your brother's wife; that would dishonour your brother.
17 Do not have sexual relations with both a woman and her daughter. Do not have sexual relations with either her son's daughter or her daughter's daughter; they are her close relatives. That is wickedness.
18 Do not take your wife's sister as a rival wife and have sexual relations with her while your wife is living.
Now lets look at the basic concepts of each:
Islam
Monotheistic -- God (Allah) is recognized as the Creator.
God is omnipotent, omniscient, immanent within His creation yet transcendent.
God has a unique relationship with humans (master and servant).
God makes agreements or Covenants with humans.
Have similar eschatology (pertaining to the last days or the end of the world) -- this world will come to an end someday and no-one knows when.
A figure referred to as Satan or Antichrist (dajjal) (a figure of evil) will be defeated at the end of the world.
After the world has ended, God will judge humans, based on their actions in compliance with a moral code, specified in the Covenant which God makes with us.
This judgement will determine one's eternal abode, heaven or hell (bliss or punishment).
Human beings have a spirit (ruh) which is eternal, continuing its existence after our physical death. As to its origin, the Qur'an says, "When I [God] have fashioned him [Adam] (in due proportions) and breathed into him of My spirit . . ." [Qur'an 15:29]
Humans have the ability (free will) to choose between good and evil (obeying or disobeying God, complying with the moral code of the Covenant or transgressing).
Angels exist who are the servants, and sometimes messengers of God.
Satan (shaitan) exists, as well as evil spirits who follow him; they are the enemies of humanity.
Divinely revealed scriptures exist which are the primary source of religious knowledge. The Qur'an was revealed to Muhammad and it is the final scripture given to man.
Miracles occur on occasion.
If a person errs or transgresses, God may forgive them, if they sincerely repent
Prophets brought spiritual instruction.
There are similarities between the Quranic and biblical version of many stories, such as Adam and Eve, Moses and the children of Israel, etc.
At the time of the end of the world, Jesus Christ will come again.
Jesus Christ was born to the virgin Mary.
Christianity
Monotheistic --God is recognized as the Creator.
God is omnipotent, omniscient, immanent within His creation yet transcendent.
God has a unique relationship with humans. (master and servant).
God makes agreements or Covenants with humans.
Have similar eschatology (pertaining to the last days or the end of the world) -- this world will come to an end someday and no-one knows when.
A figure referred to as Antichrist or Satan (a figure of evil) will be defeated at the end of the world.
At the end of the world, God will judge humans based on their actions in compliance with a moral code, specified in the Covenant which God makes with us.
This judgement will determine one's eternal abode, heaven or hell (bliss or punishment).
Human beings have a soul which is eternal, continuing its existence after our physical death
Humans have the ability (free will) to choose between good and evil (obeying or disobeying God, complying with the moral code of the Covenant or transgressing)
Angels exist who are the servants, and sometimes messengers of God
Satan exists, as well as evil spirits who follow him; they are the enemies of humanity.
Divine scriptures exist which are the primary source of religious knowledge; revelation in this department is finished (there are no more biblical books yet to be revealed)
Miracles occur on occasion.
If a person errs or transgresses, God may forgive them, if they sincerely repent.
Prophets brought spiritual instruction.
There are similarities between the Quranic and biblical version of many stories, such as Adam and Eve, Moses and the children of Israel, etc.
At the time of the end of the world, Jesus Christ will come again.
Jesus Christ was born to the virgin Mary. (Immaculate Conception).
Here’s the moral code each follows:
Islam / Christianity (apply to both)
Faith without works is useless (it is not enough to simply say "I believe).
God severely punishes the worship of any deity other than God Himself as well as disrespect toward Him.
Humans have rights (hence the prohibitions on murder, theft, lying, violence).
Parents have special rights (to be honoured), as do spouses (hence adultery is forbidden).
Fornication and lewd behaviour are forbidden.
Transgressions similar to the Christian "seven deadly sins" (avarice, pride, greed, gluttony; envy, lust, sloth) are all spiritual illnesses.
Society's laws must be obeyed.
Intoxication is forbidden.
Suicide is forbidden.
Homosexuality is forbidden.
Practices of both:
Islam / Christianity
Prayer is a means of communicating with God; God hears prayers and sometimes grants requests.
(Islam)Special congregational service of worship (salat) once per week on Friday, in a mosque, is an obligation (in addition to five times a day obligatory service of worship (salat) - also preferably in congregation.)
(Christianity)Congregational worship at church once per week on Sunday is an obligation.
Charity and relieving the suffering of others carries spiritual rewards.
Certain standard prayers exist.
Fasting and similar ascetic practises for religious purposes carries spiritual rewards.
(Islam)Pilgrimage (hajj) is obligatory.
(Christianity)Pilgrimage still exists, but is not obligatory
(Islam)Celebrate the advent and birth of the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) on the 12th Rabi Awwal (Islamic calendar date)
(Christianity}Celebrate the advent and birth of Jesus Christ, Dec. 25. This is known as Christmas.
I had a writing by one of our authors here on Writing.Com on the Islamic faith that I had intended to use last time as a suggested reading. I lost it somehow and now suggest we read it as an opinion offered by someone else. With what I have furnished herein I think you can see that there is a lot that the Bible and the Qur’an share.
In closing let me assure you I am a Christian and Jesus is my savior and God is still God. I am not advocating becoming a Muslim, merely that you and I have an understanding of it so if by chance you ever have a chance to speak with a Muslim, you will seem well versed in their faith and will be able to reason with them from both the Bible and the Qur’an. I also hope we have brought home the fact that these are peaceful people and those who commit murder in the name of this religion or any religion have missed God’s nature.
I am always at your service
Becky L Simpson
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The following members of Writing.Com are some of my favorite writers on Writing.Com. They exhibit and understanding and skill that, simply put, amaze me. I hope those I have forgotten will forgive me, but as time goes on and my memory prods, me this list will change.
Vivian 
Puditat
Dreams - Anon, who are you?
Lexi 
👼intueyLet Your Light Shine 
Andrea
revdbob
dbrown
SUGGESTED READINGS:
My suggested readings for this month:
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| |  | On The Edge (E)
Finding hope and contentment when about to fall into despair.
#1010461 by Silver |
CONTESTS:
There will be no challenge this issue for obvious reasons. I will take the time to once again enjoin you to send me articles, poems, or just your favorite verses. I am a generous reviewer, and it would be deeply appreciated.
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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Questions and comments from last month my thanks to those who wrote in, if you wish to comment this month feel free, I shall answer them individually.
Submitted By: crazybyrd
Submitted Comment:
Is it not the same spirit? The One that I sense and the One that you sense? Is the God that can be seen in all life, the water, the air, the earth, and the heart, the same God that can only be seen in heaven? Is the devil that makes one so depressed, the same devil that reigns in hell?
I believe in holiness, but I am not a Christian. I believe in the Creator, but I am not religious. I believe in pureness of the heart and the power of the soul. I am spiritual and this is a spiritual post.
I believe spirituality goes much deeper than being right or wrong. Spirituality is the expression of the soul, and the soul is the steerer of the heart. In that, I hope these post include words from the heart. Because that alone, is plenty of spirituality to me. Becky, Your first post was beautiful. It was spoken from the heart.
Laterz
Silence...
Silence,
I do believe that we sense the same God, since there is but one for us to sense. I think that as the Bible says in times past God accepted that some were not following his word and accepted them on the spirituality of their life. However, with the death of Christ He set down His commandments for us. One such commandment expresses the desire for all of us to become part of His church. How do we do that? Just as you have said but, we are given five steps to follow, hear, believe, repent, confess, and be baptized.
Now there is the admonition to fellowship with other Christians but, this could be done with just yourself and your wife. i say this because Where two or more are gathered Jesus is also there. The fellowship is needed to encourage each other and help each other in time of need.
The bottom line is I am no judge of others and don't want to be judged by the standards of others. So, the information I provide is not condemning anyone only God can do that and I surely hope He has mercy. – hugs Becky
Submitted By:Shadow
Submitted Comment:
Becky,
I thought you did a nice job with this issue. I liked reading your POV of these scriptures. I also appreciate you linking my poem. I look forward to reading your next issue.
Shadow
Hi Shadow,
Writing a newsletter for me has never been about me but about the skills and thoughts of Writing.Com authors mixed with research and yes, often a personal opinion. My personal opinion: Your poem was great. – Hugs Becky
Submitted By:tracy71
Submitted Comment:
Hi Becky,
I appreciate your newsletter, and enjoy reading it as most of my writings are Christian-based. One of my favorite Bible verses: "Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Keep up the good work!
K.S.M.
Hi K.S.M.,
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. I absolutely love your favorite verse and will try to let it rule my writing and life. I will be looking at your port for writings to use of that you can be sure. - Hugs Becky
Submitted By:Brother Don
Submitted Comment:
Thanks for a good second issue. Please don't let negative comments cause too much pain in your heart. There will always be some negative comments. Just remember that some people have so much pain in their hearts that the only thing they know to do is spread the pain to others. I know your spirit is much kinder and you want to share the love, not the pain. I liked everything you wrote and I will spend time later today reading the articles you listed for further reading. If you found them worth reading, then I know there is something there for me to learn also.
I am flattered that you were willing to come a little closer and use my name instead of my nickname. Thank you, Becky.
Be encouraged in your spirit and receive love from your readers and your spiritual family. God loves you and I do too.
Don Brown.
Hi Don,
 With readers like you who could be depressed by a few negative comments. I hope you will continue to read and will find the things offered to be worthy of reading. I promise I will fall from grace somewhere but with God's help a swift recovery will be made. Your observations are correct in that I do wish to share the love and this means sharing the Word. Thank you for being so supportive and kind. Hugs – Becky
Submitted By:DC 
Submitted Comment:
When I read your newsletter, I liked it because it possessed a purity that maybe i need. In essence, you are trying construct an ambience for writing out of love rather than fiscal benefits. One question though, have you had any of your papers published?
Hi DC,
My religious writings have not been published, but I do have some poetry that has been. It was not for profit since all proceeds went to a fund for a deserving couple. My religious works are from the heart and often are when I am feeling the particular verse or idea personally. Such as when I sin against another I think of repentance and what God desires for it to be real. – Hugs Becky
Submitted By:karen.brown
Submitted Comment:
Isn't it true that the Bible has all those subjects!! And God has a wonderful sense of Humor!
I enjoyed reading your introduction and getting to know a little about you! Keep up the good work!
Hi K,
Thank you for the encouragement and for confirming my belief that God has a sense of humor. I'd be in trouble if He didn't. – Hugs Becky
To the rest of you kind readers who made comments about last month’s newsletter; thank you. If it were not for your kind words, I would be inclined to find another way to spend the time I spend here.
If you have a question, comment or just an observation concerning this edition of the Spiritual Newsletter, please feel free to send it to me. I would also like our newsletter readers to send me their favorite work. Please include the writer’s name. I prefer works from Writing.Com.
Next weeks editor:Puditat
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