World Religions

Lesson 3 Comparison Exercises Solutions

Write whether you AGREE or you DISAGREE with the following statements and then, briefly, in a few sentences, explain why or why not (5 points per item)
1.. There is only one true religion, mine.
2.. An eye for an eye.
3.. The Gurus and Spiritual Masters who are in the world are only students, themselves.
4.. In matters of faith, the Pope is infallible.
5.. Gautama attained enlightenment just by meditating.
6.. All men go to heaven when they die.
7.. If we only knew how to pray, all our requests would surely be granted.
8.. Simply choose the best alternative or the least evil.
9.. The physical yoga exercises increase spirituality.
10.. A man not tempted is not proved.
11.. No soul shall bear the burden of another.
12.. A priest is, of course, spiritually superior to other men.
13.. The different religions represent the different aspects of the One Truth.
14.. Each person's understanding of the divine truths can only correspond to his own level in the order of evolution.
15.. Monogamy is, of course, the best form of marriage for everybody.
16.. Patriotism is a positive spiritual trait.
17.. Sex is bad for the soul.
18.. Old Testament teachings are valid even today.
19.. All that we will ever need to know are already written in the Holy Scriptures.
20.. We should not add or detract from what is written in the Bible.


After you have given thought to what the answers might be, you may want to scroll down to find the recommended Solutions.

World Religions

Lesson 3 Comparison Exercises Solutions

5 points per item
1.. There is only one true religion, mine. D. Every religion is specially suited to its followers, helping them to pass on to the next stage of their development. Each has its own differences in approach and emphasis but all of them have certain qualities and teachings that every student can benefit from.

2.. An eye for an eye. D. This Old Testament teaching during the days of our youth and ignorance has already been superseded by the teachings of Jesus Christ. He said, "Don't judge, Return love for hate, and Love your enemies."

3.. The Gurus and Spiritual Masters who are in the world are only students, themselves. A. They may be advanced and very much ahead of us but they, too, have their own lessons to learn.

4.. In matters of faith, the Pope is infallible. D. No one on earth is infallible even if he is divinely inspired. Everyone here is subject to error.

5.. Gautama attained enlightenment just by meditating. D. Enlightenment comes as a consequence of a high level of spiritual attainment. Through meditation, we are able to transcend the mind and access or recall that which we have already learned in our past lives. However, our degree of enlightenment can only correspond to the level in the order of evolution to which we have arrived.

6.. All men go to heaven when they die. D. Only those who have lived according to the divine will of God can merit heaven. However, there are "many mansions" or graded levels of heaven. We go to the plane we deserve depending on our own thoughts and deeds.

7.. If we only knew how to pray, all our requests would surely be granted. D. The granting of our prayer requests depends on spiritual considerations, whether it will be helpful or harmful to our spiritual development. That considered, everything useful and helpful comes to us whether we pray for them or not.

8.. Simply choose the best alternative or the least evil. A. On earth, many of our choices and alternatives are far from ideal. It is enough that we choose the best from the lot or the least harmful.

9.. The physical yoga exercises increase spirituality. D. Physical yoga pertains only to the physical body. Spirituality relates to character, righteousness, loving and serving our brothers.

10.. A man not tempted is not proved. A. This is an Islamic teaching which tends to explain why we undergo trials on earth. Here, we are examined to prove our worthiness. In addition, the proof of learning is in the doing. He who doesn't do proves that he doesn't really know.

11.. No soul shall bear the burden of another. A. This is another teaching of Islam which simply restates the principle of personal responsibility.

12.. A priest is, of course, spiritually superior to other men. D. There is the presumption that the guide is ahead of those he is guiding. However, this is not necessarily true in every case. Even priests and even prophets are undergoing training and development in their line of work. And false guides are with us to teach us how to discern and decide wisely concerning the things of life.

13.. The different religions represent the different aspects of the One Truth. A. The Truth is so all-encompassing. To better comprehend it, it is broken down into smaller, easy to learn parts. But all the religions are parts of the whole Truth.

14.. Each person's understanding of the divine truths can only correspond to his own level in the order of evolution. A. No one can really understand unless he has personally experienced the fact and the teachings. Our capacity to understand then depends on how much we have learned from our accumulated experiences, including those that we have learned from all our past incarnations.

15.. Monogamy is, of course, the best form of marriage for everybody. D. What is good for one person is not necessarily good for another. To the Muslims, having just one wife is less than desirable. God gave everyone a free will and the right to decide for oneself. Provided that all of the principal parties are in agreement, then nothing is wrong. All such circumstances and relationships are merely lessons and experiences provided us so that we may learn from them.

16.. Patriotism is a positive spiritual trait. D. Patriotism is a grade higher than self-interest but falls short of true spiritualism. True spirituality puts the interests of the whole above that of self and realizes its oneness with the Divine. All men, regardless of their nationality, are brothers.

17.. Sex is bad for the soul. D. Sex is natural, normal and necessary for spirits who are at a certain stage of development. Sex must be fully learned, experienced and enjoyed before one can advance to higher levels of development. The rule is for as long as we have a need, that need must be satisfied.

18.. Old Testament teachings are valid even today. D. Many of the Old Testament teachings are no longer applicable to us. In fact, many have already been amended. The blind obedience of Abraham, an eye for an eye, the vengeful and jealous God of Moses and the blood of the lamb (Christ) as an acceptable sacrifice - All these were actually upgraded and superseded by the teachings of Jesus.

19.. All that we will ever need to know are already written in the Holy Scriptures. D. Jesus himself said, "There is so much more I want to tell you..." There are many new teachings which are only now being made available but they can be received only by those who are ready for them.

20.. We should not add or detract from what is written in the Bible. D. We really have no recourse but to do so. Depending on what we have already experienced, we add to or detract from the teachings in the Bible. Our own personal experiences are the only true bases from which we may be able to discern which is true or false and true from that which is only half-true.

More Mazda Stories

I think they will stop producing rotary engines by this year unfortunately but will start building diesel for some Mazda models yung mga tsikot hindi yung mga modelong iniisip ninyo na pwede rin ma DEMO ride yaaaaaaan.

Wankel engine, Wow!. That's the only rotary engine ever produced for cars (the others are rectilinear). I believe it had a higher RPM and hp for its size and weight. It must have been very sporty. Can anybdy tell if Mazda was the only factory ever to produced the Wankel? They must have stopped production - the mechanics complained. They said they had a hard time looking for the cylinders and pistons, whenever I asked for an overhaul.

Mazda Stories

Did you know a lot more women drove on RX7's than men.

While stationed in Rota,Spain serving the US Navy I was privileged to own a 1980 MazdaRX7 Aura White with 1146cc twin-rotor Wankel Rotary engine.. To my belief was the first one in Spain at that time.. I had a blast driving this car all over Spain and some parts of France and Italy.. Boy.. it was worth paying the premium price considering the countless Espanolas who rode it... A young lieutenant in the Navy bought it before transferring to US.

I am happy to hear that I hope you will continue to patronize Mazda we have a new Mazda 5 2012 model it is a small minivan that seats 6 but look's sporty. Bagong trend brod.

I have driven a Mazda MPV for more than 100,000 miles without any mechanical problem. it was made in Hiroshima. My son-in-law drove his Mazda MPV for more than 300,000 miles and is still running.

Christ is coming!

Some questions:

Is religion dynamic? Can it change like Science? Can you compare Religion with Science? Maybe that is the wrong analogy? When does an Ism become a no-ism?

The applicable term is progressive, not dynamic. Truth does not change. It is our individual awareness of Truth that deepens and progresses as we proceed with our spiritual development.

Science requires physical proofs. Since science still does not have the instruments capable of discerning things spiritual, therefore its findings cannot be complete. Since science cannot verify, then traditional science must deny the existence and truth of spiritual realities.

All the religions take up different aspects and levels of the same divine truths, not all. And not everything known and taught there are true. But nevertheless, they all lead to the same God and the One Truth. However, while we still lack the sufficient knowledge and experience to fully comprehend the divine, we are enjoined in the meantime to believe on faith. The knowledge comes after the studies. Learning comes in stages, the simple before the complex, the elementary before the advanced. But in the end, all will be known. And all the aspects and levels will merge and unite as one.

We are likened to mountain climbers positioned at different heights along the path ascending to the top of the mountain. At each position, East, West, ground level or higher, we can only see as far as the surroundings allow. But after we reach the summit, then only can we see all aspects, all sides and learn ultimately that all are connected and related as one.

If it changes with new discovery then what happens to the old souls that followed certain rules that are now obsolete?

We just adapt or upgrade. Nothing is lost. We build on those we already learned.

Can we assume that no Religion has a monopoly and in fact each Religion has its truths and untruths?

Yes. All the different religions take up different aspects and levels of the same divine truths but nevertheless lead to the same God and Truth. The Truth was not entrusted to any one person or group alone but was parceled out to everyone in part according to what we deserve. To know the whole Truth, we must draw from the others the part entrusted to them.

At some point in time, can a person, with his limited knowledge and grasp of the real GOD, be able to arrive at a conclusion as to his relationship with God and the Universe?

We only comprehend the Truth and enter the plane of being at the level in the order of evolution that we have arrived. To go higher, we will need to comply with all the requirements at our target level.

Is GOD singular or the collection of all "Kindred Spirits"?

God may be defined as Infinite Intelligence. Imperfect as we are and still greatly influenced by matter, we are unable to completely understand the true exact nature of God. Finite minds cannot comprehend the infinite. In addition, our vocabulary is so poor that we are unable to more satisfactorily define God. While we may attribute to God certain very desirable and positive characteristics, we should never feel that God is confined to such attributes. To do so would be to limit God, Who is unlimited. However, we will be able to know and comprehend God more fully just as soon as we become totally freed from earthly influences and approach the righteousness that is God according to His ethical teachings.

There is only One Supreme God. While we are all in God, part and parcel of God, our goal remains to be in complete at-one-ment with God. Life is a never-ending quest for perfection in our thoughts, words and deeds.

Do we exists in some kind of a Matrix where souls indulge in artificial existence in the process of cleansing themselves until they are elevated into another Matrix, ad infinitum, until they are pure and ready to join the Supreme Collective ?

I too was struck by the veiled depiction of reality in 'The Matrix' movie series. In any of the material, physical planes, yes, based on the New Teachings. This is why our world is termed 'The World of Illusion' where things are not what they seem as explained in the concept of "Maya" in the Eastern teachings. In contrast, the Spirit Worlds (the next immediate plane is the Astral Plane), higher Mental, Nirvanas and more Spiritual planes are the Real Worlds.

After we complete the human stage of our development in the lower worlds, then we enter into the Real World where we can enjoy the life of happiness, peace and contentment that God has prepared for all His creatures.

As described in the 'Orders of Spirits':

"Pure Spirits have passed through every degree of the scale of progress and have freed themselves from all the impurities of materiality. Having attained the sum of perfection of which created beings are susceptible, they no longer have to undergo either trials or expiations. Being no longer subject to reincarnation in perishable bodies, they enter on the life of eternity in the immediate presence of God. They are in the enjoyment of a beatitude which is unalterable, because they are no longer subject to the wants and vicissitudes of material life; but this beatitude is not the monotonous idleness of perpetual contemplation."

What was / is the purpose of the exercise?

Perfection through our own exertions.

If the Spirits were already "one" at the onset, why were they dispersed only to suffer the rigors of material existence and then eventually reunite?

In the beginning, we were created perfect seeds that God intended are to develop to perfection through our own exertions. While we were endowed with eternal life, everything else in life that we can be entitled to enjoy must be based on personal merit. In the Spirit Reality, there are no free gifts. Everything must be earned.

I may be one of those lost Souls (Spirit, Being, Entity : are these all the same or each has its own category?).

Spirit is our true nature. We are spirits, not men. Humanity is simply a stage in the order of evolution that we spirits must hurdle. No one is a lost soul. We here on Earth are all developing spirits at different levels of evolvement. But the term is usually applied to discarnate and wandering spirits (dead and out of the body) who are still unable to ascend to the Spirit World momentarily because they need to complete some unfinished lessons and serve some spiritual purpose in the process.

An entity pertains to a particular spirit being.

I must admit I stopped searching but when I encounter some new stuff, my curiosity gets the best of me and then I start trying to understand.

2010 OBLATION RUN THEME by ETA CHAPTER (Dec.15, 2010)

On its 33rd staging, the Oblation Run remains the iconic ideal of the
University of the Philippines – offering oneself to others. Since its
inception in 1977, the Oblation Run has sought to bring to the fore the
burning issues of the day – be it for the benefit of the studentry and the
university, or of society as a whole. However, this year’s Oblation Run will
focus on a direct affront on the honor and dignity of the Alpha Phi Omega as
this ramifies to particular individuals and ultimately to the society at
large.

The tragedy that was the 2010 Bar Exams Bombing spawned another tragedy
which directly affected Alpha Phi Omega as an organization: the tragedy of a
Secretary of Justice pinpointing APO as the perpetrator of the dastardly
deed even before all angles of the incident has been exhaustively
investigated and intelligently discarded. It was, after all, Sherlock Holmes
who said, in the “Sign of the Four” that “when you have eliminated the
impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.” To
further cast calumny on Alpha Phi Omega, the Secretary of Justice
questionably blamed Alpha Phi Omega as the perpetrator of two other grenade
attacks in Metro Manila and, thereafter, directed the NBI to find the
evidence to sustain her determination. This is not justice nor even a parody
of justice but a clear case of pseudo-bill of attainder where membership to
APO automatically makes one a suspect. The Secretary of Justice makes a
mockery of the Blackstonian formulation that “better that ten guilty persons
escape than that one innocent suffer.” This is the reason for the call:

JUSTICE FOR ALPHA PHI OMEGA

The tragedy of blaming Alpha Phi Omega for the incident has spawned a much
greater tragedy: that the true perpetrators of the 2010 Bar Exams Grenade
Attack will go scot-free, never to face the bar of justice. As the State’s
resources are expended on a clearly unjust prosecution, the trail leading to
the true architects of the crime becomes obfuscated while the memories of
the witnesses, defective as these naturally are, become even more defective
as these are diluted by misidentifications of the clearly innocent. And as
the trail grows cold and memories fade, the offenders escape unscathed even
by the vexations of accusation and prosecution. In the end, therefore, the
victims are the true losers which is the reason for the cry:

JUSTICE TO THE BAR BLAST VICTIMS

The greatest injustice of all is that the agency which is tasked by law to
determine probable cause makes an accusation before gathering evidence to
support the indictment. To make matters worse, the Secretary of Justice
publicly denounces Alpha Phi Omega, forgetting her duties, both as THE
Secretary of Justice, a FORMER Chair of the Commission on Human Rights, and,
most importantly, as a lawyer trained in the intricacies of the law, that
the pantheon upon which all rights proceed is that: “No person shall be
deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall
any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.” Equally forgotten is
the premier legal presumption of all, which applies in all instances and in
all cases that “a person is presumed to be innocent of crime or wrong.” When
these rights and presumption are forsaken for the sake of expediency, then
we revert to the tyranny of old where the fate of all persons are
determined, not by law, but by the will of the individual who rules over his
fellowmen. Thus, we plead for –

JUSTICE FOR ALL

As our brothers “streak through storied history,” never before has an issue
directly affected the Fraternity as the present witch hunt. Never before has
the spirit of defiance and freedom been more apropos than at present where
the strong arm of the State has once more been heavily laid.

Miscellaneous thoughts

Two wrongs don't make a right

The Judge asked the Chinaman why he should be granted a divorce. Showing the Judge a picture of their son, he said " Your honor, two Wongs cannot make a White! "

Did you see that movie about a Black kung Fu guy named "Bruce Leroy" ?
Nobody believes me but it is true.

(What do we have the DOJ for?)
Ask Ms. Leila De Lima-hong!

Tonight we are expecting freezing rain in Hornylulu. Temperature is expected to go down a low
70 Degrees. A flash flood warning is in effect for the weekend. Alpha Phi Omega AA of Hawaii will have the entire Ala Moana Beach Park for our annual Christmas and Anniversary picnic.
In Hornylulu when it rains, everybody goes to the Mall and the Beaches would be empty..

I just came from the Dentist today after a two hour pre-capping preparation on 4 teeth.
He must have used 6 syringes of Novocain just to minimize the pain. With all that stuff, even if the entire VS runway show flashed before me It would not elicit any response. I hope this condition does not last more than a couple of days.

Now I remember part of a skit we did during the finals. The punch line was "Down, boy, Down".
And the other one was (In a masculine voice): "Ewan ko Doc". I think that is why they beat the heck out of us.

-------------------------------------------

This is not for the dilettante of the law, but let me take a shot on the FIVE FATAL FLAWS of EO1 per Justice Brion

1. It is violative of due process requirements
(Presumed Innocence)

2. It is violative of the Constitutional role of separation of powers
(It's Congress' job! Why aren't they part of the act? Address EO1 to Congress!)

3. It has an unconstitutional impact on the established legal framework of the criminal justice system
(What do we have the DOJ for?)

4. It violates the personal rights of the accused and their Constitutional rights to a fair trial
(Perpetrating bias and coloring the opinion of the public against the "accused" ie thru media etc)

5. It violates the equal protection clause of the Constitution.
(The Truth Commission would be a precedent we'd wish we didn't have!)

Justice Brion discussed extensively the doctrine of separation of powers, reminding . . . that only Congress has the authority to create an office. << ( Amen )

Funny, that the same fatal flaws had been abused arrogantly and splashed all over the media by those who're supposed to uphold the rights of citizens and the rule of law in enforcing the law.

APO plans to block De Lima appointment to DOJ

By Christian V. Esguerra
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:07:00 11/28/2010

MANILA, Philippines—The influential Alpha Phi Omega (APO) is planning to turn the tables on Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, who implicated the group in three grenade attacks in Manila.

Saying authorities produced no hard evidence to back the accusations, senior APO official Ferdie Ramos on Friday said the fraternity would go after De Lima before the powerful Commission on Appointments (CA).

Ramos said the group was banking on the supposed support of at least seven members of the body, including Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. who is a purported member.

Ramos admitted that such a tact would place APO in a “no-win situation.”

“But we will do it if only to make a point,” he told the Inquirer in a phone interview.

“We want to send the message that she cannot just go around town accusing us of a wrongdoing without presenting any evidence.”

Ramos, who was a senior campaigner for former President Joseph Estrada in the May 2010 elections, was also relying on his fraternity's supposed affiliation with the political opposition to nail De Lima at the CA.

“We have more than seven supporters or sympathizers in the CA,” he said.

“Remember that the opposition outnumbers the administration
in the CA.”

Citing findings of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), De Lima
earlier tagged APO members in the Sept. 27 bar examination

blast that wounded 47 people in Manila.

The NBI later informed De Lima that the group was also behind similar
grenade attacks at La Consolacion College in

2008 and at the University of Perpetual Help this year.

“The authors of these incidents, of these grenade-throwing incidents, are
connected,” she had told reporters.

But more than two weeks after the disclosure, De Lima and the NBI were yet
to produce any evidence against APO or arrest a member of the fraternity,
according to Ramos.

Only Anthony Nepomuceno, 27, had been officially identified as the one who
had lobbed a grenade in front of the De La Salle University

on Taft Avenue in September.