Blog
COMBATING BIGOTRY & HATE
In 1944, a courageous band of artists at the Nazi concentration camp Theresienstadt cobbled together a play inspired by the joke—a black comedy entitled The Last Cyclist, in which bicycle riders are blamed for all of civilization’s woes and are hunted down and killed, one by one.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
The New York State decision is not going to be the end of the discussion. Other cases are pending. Legislative bodies have become involved, such as a bill introduced into the Oklahoma State Senate to prevent government bodies from restricting lawful religious activities and recognizing the essential nature of churches.
RELIGIOUS LITERACY
The big question is: how did the filmmakers navigate the minefield of religious dogma when it comes to the representation of what a soul is, and what happens before and after life in the “meat suit,” as one of the characters puts it?
COMBATING BIGOTRY & HATE
People so often show their true colors during challenging times and, for most people, that means finding ways to succeed in spite of any and all barriers. There are countless examples of selfless acts around the world over the course of this challenging, unforgettable year. Thankfully only a small minority of people actually wish ill on others. They can be difficult to spot because they can come in any “form”—attractive or homely, prosperous or destitute, charming or rude—but you will know them by their actions.
RELIGIOUS LITERACY
Truth be told, the intolerance and hate that come from otherness are as old as the human race, and without diminishing the devastating effects of the pandemic, constitute a far more deadly and lasting virus for all humanity.
RELIGIOUS LITERACY
In addition to practical knowledge, the monasteries were also the last refuge for scholarly knowledge. One of the principal occupations of monks was copying ancient manuscripts. The practice started in the sixth century at the Vivarium monastery in Italy, whose library was endowed by the Roman Senator Cassiodorus. Thereafter, a primary role of that monastery was to copy manuscripts, ensuring the continuation of Western knowledge, while preserving literacy amongst its initiates. The practice spread to other monasteries until most had established “scriptoria”—rooms where ancient literature was transcribed by monks.
COMBATING BIGOTRY & HATE
No finite definitions for the terms “hate speech” and “disinformation” currently exist under international law. Social platforms must therefore dictate their own rules for the censorship of such speech and disinformation. Facebook alone is currently removing about 3 million instances of hate speech per month—or 4,000 instances per hour.
SCIENTOLOGY RELIGION
First, the diversity—people from all countries, races, languages, ages and professions. It was fascinating. Individuals from all over the world, all walks of life and every stage of life were sharing very personal stories of what their religion meant to them and each story was as unique as the person telling it.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
This day reminds us that the right to believe in what we choose is an inherent human right. Whether you’re a Christian, a Jew, a Buddhist, a Sikh, a Scientologist, a Muslim or a member of any other faith, it is your right to practice that faith freely.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
This Religious Freedom Day, more than any other since it was instituted over a quarter century ago, is an occasion to rededicate ourselves to its most fundamental tenets of liberty and equal dignity for all.
