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RUTH-ANN BROWN



Last Updated: 11/20/2009

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Status: In a Relationship
City: Washington DC
State: Washington DC
Country: US
Signup Date: 7/25/2006

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Sunday, March 22, 2009 

Current mood:  inspired
Category: Religion and Philosophy




................

Are you afraid of Exploration and Discovery?....

.. ..

“The person who is afraid to be educated about
other religions is probably not a firm believer in his or her own.” – Ruth-Ann
Brown....

.. ..

Some of you saw my status
message that I had posted on March 21, 2009. It said that I was reading about
the commonalities between Hinduism and Rastafarianism. Some of you responded by
saying it should be an interesting read; others wanted to know what I had
discovered; while others thought I was doing more than reading. One unedited response
I got about my status message was:....

            “i
just couldn't help but to see what it was that you said you were reading up
on...but i would love to say to you to be very careful alot of Religions out
there are cult related. What you should do if you are curious is read the Bible
that is the truth right there. I know many may say all books were written by
man, which is true, but if you began to read the Bible you will learn that men
who were inspired by God wrote it. The Bible also confirms it self.......The
Bible is truth just read it with an open heart and the truth will reveal
itself, trust me one thing about the truth it is naked and doesn't hide the
fact that it is truth...but a lie will always need explanation.....Trust me on
this Ruth and don't forget 'curiosity killed the cat'.......”....

                ....

When I read the message, I
became concerned. I wondered why the person assumed I was searching for the
truth. Couldn’t I just be seeking to expand my knowledge? And if I am curious
about Hinduism and Rastafarianism or Islam or whatever else, how can reading
the Bible quench my thirst for knowledge on something it does not mention? My
response to the person was:....

.. ..

            “I
appreciate your views, but who said I was searching for the truth? And why did
u assume I don't know anything about the Bible? I read the Bible; I grew up
reading it. Not because I am reading up on something means I am seeking to
change my beliefs. The thing with many people is that they are afraid to gain
knowledge about other things. My beliefs and faith are so strong that no extra
knowledge can jerk them. I love to educate myself on other religions. How did
you know that many religions are cult-related unless you read about them
yourself? And are you saying Hinduism and Rastafarianism are cults?”....

.. ..

Curiosity may have killed
the cat but does that make curiosity bad? I think not. In fact, curiosity is an
important stimulus for education. I could also say ‘life kills.’ Does that stop
us from living or from wanting to live? I could go on and on with a
philosophical rant but let me deal with the issue at hand. ....

.. ..

Fact: Many Christians with
whom I am acquainted know there are other religions outside of theirs but they
have never picked up a book to find out exactly what these other religions are
made of; neither have they spoken to anyone outside of their religion to find
out what they believe in. It is these same people who are adamant that
Christianity is the right religion and the only true religion and of course,
the division among the Christian denominations will have to be dealt with in
another blog. So if their beliefs are so firmly planted, why are they afraid to
learn about other religions?  ....

.. ..

The question is: what is
wrong with being educated? How can I even attempt to tell someone to drink
juice instead of soda if I do not know what the ingredients in soda are? I’d
appear to be senseless if all I could say was, ‘it is bad’. What if the person
asks me what makes juice better than soda? I think it would be smart of me to
find out about the ingredients in soda and the effects of them and then be able
to present the person with pros and cons of each and then allow the person to
make an educated decision, not a decision based on fear or coercion or one
based on traditional views. ....

.. ..

Now to the issue of truth.
‘Truth’ is such a small word, yet it feels like a huge concept. Look again at what
the person said about truth. From that, I concluded that the person was
branding every other religion outside of those that use the Bible to be false or
lacking substance. In short, if you don’t read and follow the Bible, you’re
living a lie. If one really reads the Bible, one will realize that no one should
judge others. It is not our job to either judge or condemn. The Bible also says
that God surpasses our understanding and His thoughts are way different from
our thoughts so who gives a human the right to point fingers at other people
who are serving God in a different way and call them liars? The Bible also says
that God looks at the heart while humans look at the outward appearance. That
could mean so much! Furthermore, as much as the Bible is extensive in its
topics, there are many topics it does not include. Thus, there are other
writings or means of finding out things. The world is full of ideas, inspired
people, and knowledge waiting to be discovered!....

.. ..

So what if I was really
searching for the ‘truth’ and a religion of which to be a part? The approach of
the above-mentioned individual would have certainly pushed me away. Christians
usually approach me with a condemning spirit instead of a welcoming one when
they are seeking to invite me into their religion. Why is that? Jesus was not
like that. ....

 ....

For the record, it was a
Hindu fan of mine with whom I was having a conversation in which he sought to
tell me about his religion. With my open mind, I was receptive to the
knowledge. I believe all people are equal and have the right to choice. I also
think the world would be a much more comfortable place if people were more
educated. ....

.. ..

I think God is much more
than what He is outlined to be in the Bible. I don’t think God should be
downsized to one religion or book. I don’t even think God is solely a ‘He’.
Now, who wants to throw stones in my direction? I welcome opinions. There’s
always room in my mind for more knowledge. Every new day presents an opportunity
for me to know more. ....

.. ..

“The mind is like a parachute. It works best when
open.” – Anonymous....

.. ..

“If your mind is too open, the contents may fall
through, so make sure you possess valuable knowledge so others can pick it
up.”- Ruth-Ann Brown....

.. ..

................

Written
by: Ruth-Ann Brown....







Currently listening:
Causing a Commotion
By Madonna
Release date: 1995-03-20
9:39 PM
 
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Sally

 
When I started reading, I couldn’t believe the audacity of the person to tell you to read the Bible in order to find truth!! He/she should have asked a question first and not just assumed you hadn’t!....Curiosity is the way we learn…if one isn’t curious about things there would be no interest to learn more about people things etc. We full that blank slate from birth with all kind of curious thoughts and adventures…that is how we become who we are; by the choices we make in life…jobs religion etc. ........There is only one, one super power, and he/she is the master, the creator!!!!........With that said, we each have our own beliefs even if we follow the same doctrine!!!....I live in Trinidad & Tobago they call it the Melting Pot of the Caribbean; we have so many different races religion etc. living mostly in harmony it’s a joy to see and experience! (This means we have a lot of holidays as well, for which we are forever grateful ;)) ok ok back to the matter at hand. I have so many friends with different beliefs it’s scary…but we all co-exist within our world; we do things together as a group and individually without trying to convert each other into something we are not. There are so many festivals etc. from different religions, those who don’t like it complain and that’s about it because at the end of the day everyone is entitled to their opinion. No one is being forced to partake; if you don’t approve stay at home! ....Education is key, and to be truly educated on has to have an open mind as you said, one has to be able to think outside the box. If you are trying to convince me that your way of doing something or living is better…you better have facts to back it up with something of value!!!....Discover what is for you and just live your life!!!....
 
Posted by Sally on Monday, March 23, 2009 - 8:07 AM
[Reply to this] 
RUTH-ANN BROWN

 
That's what I say too, Hinkybinks!
 
Posted by RUTH-ANN BROWN on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 - 8:46 PM
[Reply to this] 
*Mashe*

 
"You can know the name of a bird in all the languages of the world, but when you're finished, you'll know absolutely nothing whatever about the bird... So let's look at the bird and see what it's doing -- that's what counts." - Richard Feynman........I totally agree with you Ruth, am a christian but even so I know better that a person has to seek in order to find what they are looking for or even just to find out something. To acquire knowledge, one must study and look beyond what we have been thought; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe. We are just ignorant if we stick to our own beliefs and not try to understand and respect others religions. Many people have yet to know what the Bible really said and understand to know what a christian is all about, but there is absolutely nothing wrong about seeking and learning from one another and each others religion. We have to keep an open mind in order to grow.........Peace & Love Ruth
 
Posted by *Mashe* on Monday, March 23, 2009 - 8:08 AM
[Reply to this] 
RUTH-ANN BROWN

 
Thank you. I totally agree.
 
Posted by RUTH-ANN BROWN on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 - 8:47 PM
[Reply to this] 
Support Jamaican Artists

 
Yes Sistah, Education get no border, more people should break their borders in their head and learn like kids.....There's no stupid question, only stupid answers. Yes, continue ya Global kindness Ruth, one love, Fanta.

 
Posted by Support Jamaican Artists on Monday, March 23, 2009 - 8:08 AM
[Reply to this] 
RUTH-ANN BROWN

 
Yes, Fanta! Thanks for your words. One love!
 
Posted by RUTH-ANN BROWN on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 - 8:48 PM
[Reply to this] 
DaniO

 
This is a hot topic: religion. I'm thankful for living in America, not that it's any better than any place else, all countries have their positives and negatives, but because it's a country of immigrants. Because I live in California I get to meet and see people of all walks of life (Asian, Middle Eastern, Europeans,Africans, South Americans, etc...) and because of this I can walk down the street and walk into a Catholic church or a Baptists church or an Hare Krishna, all places where people practice their religions. Now if you read or take a History class or especially a World Religions class you get to hear all kinds of stories about the Christian crusade or the beliefs of Scientology, the whole spectrum of religion. I think the truth is, we can all learn something from each religion and adopt it into our way of being. I feel the basic concept of all religion is to give us guidelines into being a good person and some sort of foundation. And the truth is people should keep an open mind, no religion is better than another, there is no wrong or right way. People seem to fight over Islam when its derived from Christianity and Christianity is derived from Judaism, you can see it in the Holy Land of Jerusalem, reports of people trying to bomb this or that, they should find away to make peace because the stories in their "bibles" sort of co-inside with each other, some a bit different, Islam with Mecca and Muhammed as a prophet, and Christianity with Jesus and the list goes on. I know Rastfarianism believes that Africa is oppressed (correct me if I'm wrong, please do, I need to research this topic some more) and how Hinduism has different stages of life and yogas and Buddhism has the eight fold path. There are many religions and many people should embrace them not reject them. Maybe it can help give a better understanding of where our neighbors come from so we don't prejudge them and learn something from them. If we should continue learning or we will live in ignorance.......
 
Posted by DaniO on Monday, March 23, 2009 - 8:10 AM
[Reply to this] 
Shush Yaz

 
Excellent reply! I love the quote...............“The person who is afraid to be educated about......other religions is probably not a firm believer in his or her own.” – Ruth-Ann......Brown................I would love to hava a chance to read the book you read that day. I think that would be very educational. I too am a believer in God and read my Bible daily. I love to learning about God. Yet, I agree, many times we get rigid in our ways that we don't try to hear and understand the world we live in. In my life journey I've encounter individuals from all walks of life. Sometimes I share my faith with them, and sometimes I sit, listen and learn. Learn what? Learn about their outlook on life and spirituality. Learn how their culture fits in this multi-faceted world of diverse nations. ............I love what you said, "My beliefs and faith are so strong that no extra knowledge can jerk them." Unshakable foundation! What you build upon the foundation houses those needing shelter. The foundation remains the same! Knowledge is needed to build. Wisdom applied to knowledge will assist to determine within yourself, not anybody else, only you what you will do with what you have learned. How to sort through the new insights of learning. ............I bet the read was very interesting.
:-)
 
Posted by Shush Yaz on Monday, March 23, 2009 - 8:11 AM
[Reply to this] 
Shush Yaz

 
In addition I think assumption minus fact equals ignorance. Here's a blog a wrote this month. ................Cast your stone....if you can. ..........For too long I've observed the turned up nose of proclaimed believers who throw their words of judgement wanting to cast the stones. Yet they don't take the time to remember from where they came. Judging really is not all verbal, from the story of Jesus and the Adulteress that the Jews wanted to stone...it seems like it was based on actions...actions of casting out what is "sin"...yet denying their own sins. ......
 
Posted by Shush Yaz on Monday, March 23, 2009 - 3:56 PM
[Reply to this] 
RUTH-ANN BROWN

 
Beautiful thoughts...it sure was an interesting read, as I did not know Rastafarianism and Hinduism had anything in common...it was an internet article that I was reading...not a book. What it really comes down to is respecting the beliefs of other people without condemning or judging them. I like what u said...you encounter individuals from all walks of life, sometimes u share what u know with them...other times you sit and learn. I think that's a peaceful way to go about it.
 
Posted by RUTH-ANN BROWN on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 - 8:53 PM
[Reply to this] 
Trauma Faeri

 
We need more christians that think like this. If so, the witch hunts wouldn't have happened and my own religion would have been more respected and not approached with fear.
Thank you Ruth!
 
Posted by Trauma Faeri on Monday, March 23, 2009 - 3:56 PM
[Reply to this] 
RUTH-ANN BROWN

 
You're welcome and thanks too for sharing.
 
Posted by RUTH-ANN BROWN on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 - 8:54 PM
[Reply to this] 
Kleber

 
In my country a popular dictation exists: religion and political factionalism, is not discussed. ......I personally think should seek God in our interior. Inside of us same He exists. We should stop seeking God in specific places or inside of books written by the men, same those that say be inspired for God. ......You wants to contemplate God, stop and see the children playing in a park, go to a lake, or the edge of an ocean, waterfall, look at the starry sky; say: I love you, make the good to the others, make a beautiful music to inspire the good, and you will be in direct contact with God, have faith! Don't struggle!
 
Posted by Kleber on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 - 8:44 PM
[Reply to this] 
RUTH-ANN BROWN

 
Yes, Kleber. I too like to think that God is everywhere and in everyone. Maybe in your country, religion and politics are not discussed because they are such controversial topics and sometimes when we discuss hot topics, we begin to attack people who hold different opinions from ours.
 
Posted by RUTH-ANN BROWN on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 - 8:57 PM
[Reply to this] 
Kleber

 
Actually, it is always good to talk about high subjects. Since, for this, be not necessary that we hurry in the bows of the verbal violence or of the intransigence. Do think well... did you already try to explain some school subject in early level for some student that is below in some levels? It will be difficult for him to understand the subject completely, and to understand each other him won't be in the same time that the student that is in the right level. If you stop to think, it is not a subject of mine or his/her country. it is a simple subject that nor all of the people are prepared for the truth and it doesn't advance to impose concepts or habits. The best is to plant the seed and to leave that the nature takes care of whole the rest.
Shines, Paz and Love!
 
Posted by Kleber on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 - 11:16 PM
[Reply to this] 
Leon
Leon Labuschagne

 
I am pleased to read yor article al da way from South Africa........Seam's man awakening from the limitation them sects conformed us to..... "As we were we shall be in many more to become"....Their continues to have man Repeat the actions that they themselves Made....Is a sin unto it's own,, ... ........In our day nd age it's money before the tools we are to use in making life instrumental.....I'm afraid for what these men may bring in the years to come....For their grip is slippin but wont perish without a last rally...
 
Posted by Leon on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 - 8:44 PM
[Reply to this] 
francis

 
er1 in life az an explanation 2 defend in wt thy blive in.

 
Posted by francis on Sunday, March 29, 2009 - 7:40 PM
[Reply to this] 
RUTH-ANN BROWN

 
But of course.
 
Posted by RUTH-ANN BROWN on Saturday, April 04, 2009 - 4:03 PM
[Reply to this] 
Chimwasu
Chimwasu Njapawu

 
It is true that(in my personal opinion)Christians tend to believe their religion is the only true one and that all others are false.Whether he's a concerned child of God who's afraid that you might stray off the path of righteousness or just a passionate fanatic of the faith is for him to say.However,girl I have to say that your foray into the ...."inner workings" of other religions is truly commendable,something I used to do myself and might start again thanks to you.I was raised in the Baptist faith myself,they believe wholeheartedly in the study of the scriptures as well as other religions as(long as one does not conform to those beliefs).I'm not here to judge anyone but simply let everyone,just as you're doing know about your stance on religion,faith and the God we know,love and worship.Ruth,you're are smart.Don't think I can keep up with ya!Stay sharp.

 
Posted by Chimwasu on Saturday, April 04, 2009 - 4:02 PM
[Reply to this] 
RUTH-ANN BROWN

 
Thanks for commenting, Chimwasu. I see we share some similar views. One love!
 
Posted by RUTH-ANN BROWN on Saturday, April 04, 2009 - 4:05 PM
[Reply to this] 
Prinze Royal Elite aka Famine Da Don

 
Da Creator created Everytihing and Anything you say Da Creator iz or isn't, so He/She/it; Cant be solely those thingz you say God is or isnt, becuz all of those things that you say God is or isnt, wasn't, until Da Source told them to be or not to be!....
 
Posted by Prinze Royal Elite aka Famine Da Don on Saturday, April 18, 2009 - 5:25 PM
[Reply to this] 
Nina-Justine
Nina-Justine von Wielligh

 
if in life, we do not learn about other religions, how ever will we find what is right for ourselves. I take my hat of to open minded individuals like you, who are not afraid to push boundaries. Keep up the good work, you and your music are an inspiration to so many others:).... 
 
Posted by Nina-Justine on Thursday, April 23, 2009 - 5:43 PM
[Reply to this] 
RUTH-ANN BROWN

 
Thanks Nina! One love!.. 
 
Posted by RUTH-ANN BROWN on Thursday, April 23, 2009 - 5:47 PM
[Reply to this] 
Admin
Admin Istrator

 
religion is a control structure based on fear of the unknown, curiosity is an inalienable trait of man
while religion divides us it is curiosity that will bring us together. all religions are based on the premise that they are true and their , messiah , guru, shaman etc is the chosen vicar of God, but we must ask ourselves what is the nature of truth ? is it absolute or is it providencial . if we accept truth as absolute then we should have no fear of learning about others cuz we are confident in the fact that we are right, but it is in our nature to fix things and convert them to the right as we see it. if we accept truth as providencial we essentially say every one is right in his or her own interpretation. in the end out side of time , God looks on us all as his children despite our divisions and pleads with us to find him 

 
Posted by Admin on Friday, August 28, 2009 - 1:38 PM
[Reply to this] 
RUTH-ANN BROWN

 
Very well said.
 
Posted by RUTH-ANN BROWN on Wednesday, September 09, 2009 - 5:10 PM
[Reply to this]