religion

From Snoop D.O. double Ghizzle to “Snoop lion”?

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 09:51:18 +0100

Many people seem to think that rap sensation Calvin Broadus better known by his stage name SNOOP DOGG was seemingly high on chronic last Tuesday August 31st when he held a news conference announcing that he was changing his name to “SNOOP LION”.

There is a constant struggle finding spirituality within the Hip-Hop realm, as misogyny and murder is more so what the lyrical content possesses. Snoop claims that on his recent visit to Jamaica; he got an epiphany when he had visited a temple and had an encounter with a high priest that had told him that he bears the light of the lion and cannot be called Snoop DOGG, with such great association- as many of you know the lion within the Rastafari religion is symbolic for highness and power.

Snoop lion is currently recording a reggae album: “I want to bury Snoop Dogg and become ‘Snoop Lion’ he says. This is appears to be no publicity stunt but rather his way of acknowledging his spiritual growth, spreading peace and harmony with the exception of marijuana. How will his fan base receive this reinvention?

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Olympic Update: SARAH ATTAR TAKES TO THE TRACK: One of the two females representing Saudi Arabia

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 09:38:13 +0100

[Image courtesy of acelebrationofwomen.org]

It goes without saying that sport unites South Africans. In Particular, the 2012 Olympics games is the one thing everyone is talking about more so South Africa’s exceedingly outstanding performance in various divisions.

Now for more on the Saudi Arabian females, representing Saudi Arabia for the first time in history, 800 meter runner Sarah Attar. This past weekend she became the first female to run the track for her country. Saudi Arabian, since their compliance with the IOC, has celebrated the inclusion of female athletes into the Olympic team. Note the Saudi Arabian Olympic continue to stress that both females representing the country, must adhere in their attire to Sharia Law throughout the competition.

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SAUDI ARABIAN OLYMPIC ATHLETES GET THE “GO- AHEAD” TO COMPETE IN THE LONDON GAMES 2012

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 08:27:41 +0100

Females in Saudi Arabia are socially disabled in multiple ways- thus not because of their inability to interact but merely because of the religious and constitutional rule of law. However there seems to have been a breakthrough.

The International Olympic Committee ( IOC) announced that every country competing in the London games will include female athletes for the first time in history. Judo athlete Wodjan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani and 800 meter runner Sara Attar made Olympic history for the entire games as Saudi Arabia had been of three remaining countries to have never sent female athletes to the Olympics and it is also an end to the ultra-traditionalist Islamic country’s compulsion. The two were invited by the IOC and entered by the Saudi Arabian Olympic committee.

IOC President Jacques Rogges mentioned that However there appears to already be a clash of cultures on arrival the Islam community took high offense as the

inevitable surfaced; hours away from the official opening of the 2012 Olympics. A “Welcome to London” sign written in Arabic backwards was unclear and Judo athlete Wodjan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani was over ruled in respecting her religion by wearing her head scarf, unfortunately for her own safety she may not wear the head scarf during the competition. In all collaboration of cultures religions etc… the Olympic team should have considered every aspect and there should have been an alternative.

What do you think? Let us know GEM

The myth of Unkulunku

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 08:11:11 +0100

Picture Source: http://www.bigmyth.com/myths/english/2_zulu_full.htm

Unkulunku is mythic figure to a large ethnic group- the isiZulu culture believe he is the first ancestor of all ancestors. He is believed to be the creator of all things; under influence of Christianity. UNKULUNKU is the ethnic referral to God thus the Zulu tradition is very much in touch with biblical aspects of Christianity.

Ancestors are consulted in the Zulu tradition when requesting something that promotes and individuals well-being and ultimate happiness.
Celebrations are often held to give thanks to the ancestors if or when request has been met to give thanks, as they helped create the path to success –Ancestors are superior of their wisdom gained through experience thus consulting them for various aspects of life provides one with a lighter burden whereas in failing to acknowledge them and their significance in your life as a Zulu calls for many difficulties. Unkulunku is known as the one who brought human being an cattle from an area of reeds, he created everything from land to animals and man. He is believed to give humans their social status such as Marriage and Chieftainship. Unkulunku gave humans spirits of the dead to discover the past and the future.

Traditional healers derive from the high and mighty Unkulunku as per calling and play a significant role in the purity of the Zulu tradition with various medicinal personas in which God given resources are utilised, instead of pharmaceutical processed chemicals etc… Traditional healers are often mistaken to be witch doctors [INYANGA]- which are witch doctors and hadn’t received the traditional calling to heal, participants in witch craft do not believe in God and cause more harm than good.

Jubilant celebrations for South African gospel project joyous celebration

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 09:49:14 +0100

South African Gospel ensemble, Joyous Celebration have been nominated for four awards at this year’s African Gospel Music Awards to be held in London later this month.

Founded by Jabu Hlangwane in 1994, the creation of the group was triggered by the release of Nelson Mandela from jail and the peaceful elections that followed. It was decided that this occasion needed to be celebrated, and it was this celebration of a country’s peaceful transition into a democracy that marked Joyous Celebration’s very first performance.

Today, the Joyous Celebration, prefer to be known as a gospel project rather than a group due to the fact that the crew changes at least every two years, where new members are chosen through an auditioning process. It is through this concept that Joyous Celebration has been the launch pad for many of South Africa’s Gospel stars careers, and the project itself has shot to stardom.

The Project which consists of 40 performers at any given time has been exceptionally received by the public, reaching Platinum status for its Royal Priesthood DVD and the CD heading in the same direction. Their latest album J.C. 16 can also be seen to be doing exceptionally well, listing in the top four of the 50 bestselling albums and DVDs in local music and they are gathering up the awards to prove as much.

With 10 South African Music Awards (SAMAS), three Metro Awards, two Crown Gospel Awards and two One Gospel Awards and in addition to their four nominations including, artist and video of the year, artist and female artist of the year, best contribution of the year as well as best event of the year – for the recording of their 16th live DVD, Joyous Celebration are putting South African Gospel on the World map and are definitely some stars to watch shine.

GIVENCHY INTACT WITH RELIGION

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 09:35:36 +0100

Menswear week had recently been celebrated in Paris, where seasonal collection displayed a bit of everything on trend and also beyond boundaries. The spring collection had a touch of everything from high waist gangster styles, to fashion evoking Brazilian soccer and even Catholic Church style......yes Catholic Church style became a trend this season.

Fashion house Givenchy's Ricardo Tisci delivered what was known to be the slickest part of the Friday show. He explored his Roman Catholic childhood using it as an abstract muse to design. Clothing loaded with images of Virgin Mary.

Every year at such events, a collection contains a shock factor. This year it was a Virgin Mary with a black Bar over her eyes printed on sleeveless tops and jackets. Also, accompanied by models wearing Jesus sandals and a spiked chain to complete the look and compliment the factor.

Givenchy, a power fashion house, clearly doesn't not follow the rules hence the volume of clothing designs for this year’s spring collection.

What do you think about Givenchy's newest trend? High fashion or a mockery...

Creflo Dollar: Charged for misdemeanour and cruelty to children …

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 08:09:42 +0100

The references of men in ministry are considered flawless or at least close to that- depending on your perception thereof. Pastor ,televangelist and Founder of World Changes Church International - Creflo Augustus Dollar , denies attacking his 15-year old daughter.

Dollar was arrested last Thursday, June 8th 2012, for allegedly choking his daughter. He is one of the most protruding African –American preachers in the Atlanta vicinity and satellite ministry across the US. He was arrested after his 15-year old daughter called 911 at 1 am Friday and told the Sheriff’s deputy at Faytte County police station that “my father and I had a disagreement, when he said I could not go to a party”. In the police report it was noted that the girl said her father charged at her, putting his hands around her throat; punching her and also hitting her with a shoe. Dollar’s 19-year old daughter had also been interviewed on the incident and said “my father grabbed my sister’s shoulders slapped her face and choked for about five seconds.” Adding that her sister had tried to break free- till her father had thrown her sister on the floor and ran to her mother Taffi Dollar- who says she did not see the fight.

Dollar mentions that allegations made in the police report is nothing but “exaggeration and sensationalism”- adding that he should never have been arrested. Dollar was charged with misdemeanour's counts of simple battery and cruelty to children. Dollar states in a Sunday morning service two days after his arrest “Truth is that a family conversation, with our youngest daughter, got emotional; emotions got involved and things escalated from there.”

COMMENTS FROM CONGREGATION:
“I think you’re looking at a bunch of sensationalism, the media rushed to tell the story without knowing the full story.”George Blake of Ellenwood a 49-year old male that says his never questioned his pastor of eight years.

What do you think? Let us know below or on Twitter @gem_media.

The "Nature of worship”

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 08:56:24 +0100

Paganism comprises several different practices. Over the past century these have experienced an vast growth in population in support of the religion.

Paganism is a modern religious tradition that is grounded on the nature of worship and its constructed on many aspects of different religions of ethnic people. There is a great amount of Ancient Greek concepts incorporated into the religion as their year is determined by gods and goddesses.

People of this practise believe that celebrating organic nature and spirituality is significant hence they contribute to a “gree/ eco-friendly lifestyle”, pagans also believe that they are equal to all organism in nature.

Note the practise glorifies their women as they play a substantial role during ceremonies although equality between sexes is dominant in the practise. Pagan’s encompass numerous activities such as witchcraft, celtic traditions and ecology. Pagans allegedly encourage devil worshiping and black magic hence their worship ceremonies are usually outdoors, close to nature- beginning with a circle that is symbolic for no beginning and no end, the circle then is undone, and the elements and divinity that took part in the ritual are acknowledged.

Pagan marriages are handfastings, they celebrate the union of two people in an equal sexual partnership. A priestess or priest performs the ceremony, which ends with the couple jumping over a broom as they enter the next phase of life. Handfastings traditionally last for a year and a day. hence couples in a long-term marriage renew their vows every year and a day.

Zuma: polygamy, humanity & Christianity

Wed, 30 May 2012 22:29:54 +0100

Polygamy is a practise that entails being married to more than 3 wives simultaneously, this practice is more common among traditionalist in South Africa, such as the Bantu and Islamic religions.

South Africa, contrary to several countries, condones polygamous unions. Current president Jacob Zuma is an self-proclaimed polygamist, who has been married six times , he has twenty one children among all and recently tied the knot to his fourth wife Gloria ‘Bongi’ Ngema. Wherein he engaged in a traditional ceremony reefed to as ‘Umgcagco’ in his homelands of Nkandla ; and a traditional reception known as ‘Umabo’ where the bride showers the groom’s family in gifts as the rest of his wives glimmer at the nuptials.

Polygamy is a practise that in not accepted in modern Christianity which raises the question…is Zuma practising the culture to accentuate his perception and detestation of the Christian religion?
Zuma has many times in the public eye made his feelings clear towards Christianity blaming the religion for the lack of humanity in society. Zuma advocates that Humanity be the primary aim in all acts and expression in society , that leads the Recent spear of the nation painting that could be viewed as anything but an expression of humanity.

Could that be what he is referring to?
What do you think? Let us know below or tweet us @gem_media

“The Hip Hop Religion”- Bun B breaking barriers…

Thu, 24 May 2012 12:24:04 +0100

It’s the 21^st century and there are no limits as to what anyone can do. Rappers divulging in the academic realm is just another way of proving that one can never do too much, especially if it involves enlightening a group of academics.

American Southern Hip-hop Rapper and Songwriter Bernard Freeman, better known by his stage name ‘BUN B’, in Spring semester 2011 took up a position at William Marsh Rice University's [RICE] school of humanities, teaching hip hop and religion.

Bun delightfully accepted the first time in 2009 when he was approached by Anthony B. Pinn [Agnes Cullen Arnold professor of humanities and professor of religious studies] – who had asked him to make a guest appearance for the course. He was introduced to this practise through the Houston Enriches Rice Education Project[ H.E.R.E] .

Bun B asserts he was persuaded because “I wanted to know whether or not these people whose skills I found valid in the Hip-hop community’s views carried weight in the human community as far as religion is concerned”.

Each course entails an examination and implication of information that explorers the culture of Hip-hop and it’s relation to religion, as well as the nature and content of Hip-hop as a religious experience. Freeman's religious status is questioned in this course- although he considers himself a Christian in practice some of the students pointed out that his lyrics suggest otherwise.

Bun B has opened a doorway for several other rapper in this field to control the weight of this course such as Lil Keke, Chamillionaire and Quanelle X.