Bess writes: This sounds completely nuts, bordering on quackery rather than medicine, but the scientists involved swear it works (and surely the funding the project has received from the state has nothing to do with it).
Bernama reports that a team of scientists in a Hindu university in North India claim the astrology
charts of heart disease patients can indicate how, when and where they are more likely to have a heart attack, how to best avoid ´heart-related´ illness and, should they fall ill, when the best time for surgery might be.
Approximately 80 horoscopes have been examined to date by the team at Banaras Hindu University in Varanesi, Uttar Pradesh. They look at the time, date and exact place of the planets on the day a given patient was born. "We refer to ancient astrology books where the knowledge of diseases and its treatment were recorded, ages ago. We have, so far, recorded a 70 per cent success rate," explains the head of the project, Dr Shatrughan Tripathi.
"Heart disease is a major problem and it is even mentioned in over 60 ancient texts like the Rigveda (Hindu sacred book). We are not doing something new, we are only trying to promote traditional astrology in a more scientific method." Astrology is part of Ayurvedic medicine, which traditionally claims that different constellations ruled different parts of the bodies according to texts such as the Virasimhavaloka, written in 1383. For Dr Tripathi, the heart is only the start. He says: "later, we will move to other diseases related to eyes, kidney and liver." There is certainly a willing market in Uttar Pradesh, home to the new trend for "astrology hospitals" in which astrologers prescribe gems, beads, mantras and herbal medicines to the sick.
 Bess writes: The BBC has this report on the terrible tragedy of the Eygptian "headscarf martyr", (pictured above) 31-year-old Marwa Sherbini. She was killed in a frenzied knifing in a courtroom in Germany, by the man she had sued for calling her a "terrorist" for wearing a hijab.
Axel W, who is now under arrested for suspected murder in Dresden, stabbed Ms Sherbini 18 times. She was three months pregnant with her second child. Her husband Elwi Okaz who is now in hospital, critically ill had tried to save his wife. Newspapers in Eygpt have asked quite rightly how on earth this appalling crime was allowed to happen.
Bess writes: You could not make this up. In Turkey, a new television show – Penitents Compete – is pitching ardent atheists against faith leaders who wish to convert them.
Should the efforts of the Imam, Rabbi, Buddhist Monk and Greek Orthodox priest succeed, the lucky winner gets the chance to make an all-expenses-paid pilgrimage to Mecca (for Muslims) Jerusalem (Christian/Jew) or Tibet (Buddhist). Ten atheists will compete against four faith leaders in each episode. The show is billed, reports the BBC with the following tag line: “We give you the biggest prize ever; we represent the belief in God. Believe, repent, God will forgive you.”
A television camera crew will follow the winner on their pilgrimage. There has been, reports Reuters some disapproval. Hamza Aktan, chairman of Turkey’s High Board of Religious Affairs told Anatolian, the state news agency: “Doing something like this for the sake of ratings is disrespectful to all religions." Propaganda, or pure genius? What do you think?
Bess writes: Progressive Islam links to this fascinating Fatwa from Saudi on Soccer, a sport only permissible if played in training for Jihad.
It is, alleges Progressive Islam, based on a Hadith, or teaching of the prophet banning Muslims from imitating Christians and Jews.
Thus playing soccer “with four lines [surroundng the field] is out, as is terminology used by the “non-believer” eg ‘foul’, ‘penalty kick’ and “goal”. “Colorful pants” and “numbered jerseys” are also banned
as are two play-halves (the options are one or three) of 45 minutes each, described as, “the length of time accepted in the soccer clubs of those who have strayed from the righteous path.”
In fact, the rules of international soccer are to be dispensed with altogether, which means there is no need for referees or that heinous sin of Western football “substitution.”
The whole point of playing is not winning or losing but rather to “improve physical fitness for the purpose of fighting Jihad for Allah's sake and preparing for the time when jihad is needed.”
Bess writes: A new survey has revealed (though why the question of faith should be in doubt per se is bewildering) that six out of 10 homosexuals and lesbians say faith is important to them.
Nine thousand two hundred and thirty two were interviewed between January 2007 and November 2008 by the Barna Group, a California-based research company.
“People who portray gay adults as godless, hedonistic, Christian bashers are not working with the facts," says George Barna, founder of the Barna Group, which is California-based.
"A substantial majority of gays cite their faith as a central facet of their life, consider themselves to be Christian, and claim to have some type of meaningful personal commitment to Jesus Christ active in their life today," he says in this report published by Pew Forum.
However, and this raises interesting questions – the survey also showed that more heterosexual adults are open about faith than homosexuals, such as that 72 per cent of heterosexual adults admit faith is important compared to 60 per cent of homosexuals, and that 85 per cent of “straight adults” say they are Christian as compared to 70 per cent of “gay” adults.
Does this reflect discomfort with the Christian Church’s traditional ban on homosexual practise if not orientation? However, it might be argued that the prejudices that once trenchantly accompanied this ban on homosexual acts are now vanishing. Or is there a stigma in some homosexual communities about admitting to Christian belief? If so, why?
Bess writes: Was Michael Jackson, the son of devout Jehovah's Witnesses, a Muslim convert? asks Archbishop Cranmer. He refers to reports last year that the singer had become a Muslim, altering his name to Mikaeel, one of the angels of Allah. He is said to have rejected the name "Mustafa" meaning chosen one. Jackson's brother Jermaine, who converted to Islam in 1989 had earlier said he thought a conversion inevitable: "Michael and I and the word of God, we could so much together." In November The Sun claimed Jackson had converted to Islam in Los Angeles, and quoted a source who stated that he had made the decision following chats with two friends, a songwriter and a producer, who had become Muslims. The source said: "They began talking to him about their beliefs, and how they thought they had become better people after they converted. Michael soon began warming to the idea. An Imam was summoned from the mosque and Michael went through the shahada, which is the Muslim declaration of belief." The truth will doubtless out at the funeral. Islamic teaching on death and burial (for more information click here.) Cranmer claims Jackson's will included a request for cremation and the ashes to be scattered over the moon.
Bess writes: Is this the cure for religious illiteracy? “Tweeting” the world’s religions.
Stephen Prothero, Professor of Religion at the University of Boston and author of Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know – and Doesn’t, is summing up the major faiths on Twitter, in 140 characters Tweets or less.
Which look, in case you are wondering, like this:
Christianity (sorry Xtianity) : Adam&Eve hungry so we=sinners. JC died&rose so we=saved. Is God3in1/Bible true/Kingdom coming/Pope Catholic? Believe/Love! Ahh!
And Islam: Allah told Gabriel told the prophet Muhammad (PBUH): Just 1 God, pray to Him Islam140: Allah told Gabriel told the prophet Muhammad (PBUH): Just 1 God, pray to him 5x day, give alms, fast, hajj to Mecca. Submit! Ahh!
Hat tip: Scienceandreligiontoday
He's also done Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and others.
What do you think?
Bess writes: Muslims in Germany are a minority, but it seems, a rather larger one than the Government suspected. A Government poll has discovered that approximately five per cent – nearly 4 million – of Germany’s 80 million citizens are Muslim. The report was commissioned following complaints that the State had little reliable information on Germany’s Muslims. Previously it was thought, based on immigration records, that between 3.1 – 3.4 million Muslims lived in Germany. About 60 per cent of Shi’ite and 91 per cent of Sunni Muslims adhere strictly to the Muslim ban on consuming pork and drinking alcohol, according to this report from Deutsche Presse-Agentur, cited on Monsters and Critics.
 Bess writes: Meet Helen Slatter, the nurse ordered by her hospital to remove her crucifix as it “could harbour infection.” Ms Slatter, 43, a blood sampler, was told by Gloucestershire Royal Hospital that the Cross and chain on which she wore it might be used as a weapon. It was classed as a health and safety risk.
She has now left her job, refusing to accept an offer from the hospital to allow her to keep the Crucifix in her pocket. “They made it clear that if I went back the hospital would send me home if I was wearing my crucifix,” said Ms Slatter, a Roman Catholic.
She added, reports dash24.com: "I am not willing to stop wearing it, so I have been left with no choice but to leave my job. They are the NHS and aren't going to back down - I'm not sure if I'd want to work somewhere where I had been treated like this anyway."
An employee of the hospital for 15 months, Ms Slatter asked why the issue was not brought up during her interview.
A spokesman for Gloucestershire NHS Trust said in May when the issue first arose that it was not "one of religion. The trust employs a uniform policy which must be adhered to at all times.
"Necklaces and chains present two problems - firstly they provide a surface that can harbour and spread infections, and secondly they present a health and safety issue whereby a patient could grab a necklace or chain and cause harm to a member of staff."
Bess writes: And another Scientology story... The leader of the Church of Scientology has been accused of “striking” subordinates, and setting an example of physical violence, reports the LA Times.
Four former members of the Church’s management claim they were repeatedly hit by David Miscavagie, who is chairman of the board that oversees the church. "It was random and whimsical. It could be the look on your face. Or not answering a question quickly. But it always was a punishment," said Mike Rinder, who, until he left the Church in 2007 oversaw its legal and media offices.
The Church has dismissed the claims as “absolute and total lies” and an attempt to damage Miscavige.
Bess writes: France sounds on track, as Charles Bremner reports for a full-scale ban on the burka, but can it go a step further in the religious tension stakes and actually ban a Church? According to The Christian Science Monitor two French prosecutors last week called for the Church of Scientology, which has 45,000 members in the country, to be dissolved.
The church’s legal team argue that this demonstrates a narrow-minded France where Scientology is being used as the “scapegoat” for a campaign against freedom of religion. Roger Gonnet, a former church official who testified in the case which involves fraud and mental damage suits filed against the church, said: “French courts don't rule about religion in law, but no association [church] should be allowed to get away with illicit activity and fraud, or cover it up with private settlements.
"This is a church built on lies, and France is taking it seriously."
Eric Roux, the acting president of a Scientology branch in Paris said in an email that the trial revealed “nothing new” and that “instead, the religion of Scientology was attacked in a very general way, like an Inquisition for 45,000 of us.” He added: “Still, we believe that after 50 years of Scientology in France, the French Constitution will protect us."
Recently an intergovermental group called for 173 unorthodox sects in France to be listed. This, says the human rights lawyer Valerie Billamboz would "set a precedent... and allow a larger witch-hunt."
The final decision regarding the Scientology case won't occur 'til late October. In the meantime, as far as religion and the French principle of Laïcité go, the fun is clearly only just beginning…
Bess writes: Is this a first? A global prayer campaign on Twitter. The Catholic archbishop of Utrecht is inviting the world's Catholics to join in prayer for more candidates for the priesthood. Archbishop Eijk, the prelate behind the Global Twitter Campaign for Vocations, explains: " In our diocese alone, we need another 100 new priests. It’s not easy to be a priest today so we need men who are ready to follow Christ with total dedication." It began Friday, reports Catholic.org, the day Pope Benedict launched the "year of the Priest", an initiative for profound spiritual renewal for Roman Catholic clergy timed to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the death of St Jean-Marie Vianney, the legendary Cure d'Ars.
Bess writes: Here’s some celebrity faith gossip to kick start the weekend. Kylie Minogue is reported to be considering converting to Roman Catholicism so she can take part fully in a nuptial Wedding Mass to her Spanish boyfriend, the model Andres Velencoso. “She enjoyed the sense of community Andres’ family share thanks to their faith” claims an unnamed source in the Herald Sun. “Kylie is so intent on including the traditional aspects of a Catholic Mass that she’s thinking of converting.”
Of course, this is pure rumour. Even the supposed engagement is so far unconfirmed, according to Hollywood Gossip. This week’s newspaper version of The Catholic Herald has a report though…
Bess writes: Click here to reach Koogle, the “Kosher” version of the search engine Google, that rabbis have apparently deemed fit for use by Orthodox Jews. Access to images of “immodestly” clad women is restricted on the site, reports Reuters, and links to Israeli news and shopping sites filter out the items most ultra-Orthodox Jews are forbidden to have in their homes, for example, television sets.
“This is a kosher alternative for ultra-Orthodox Jews so that they may surf the internet,” says Yossi Altman, who founded the site with the approval of rabbis. However, try posting on Koogle on the Sabbath and you’ll find the site “gets stuck and won’t let you,” warns Altman
Bess writes: It was the party to end all parties. In New York five prison officials including the jail’s rabbi have been disciplined, reports ananova, for allowing a Jewish prisoner to throw an extravagant six-hour bar mitzvah for his son.
Tuvia Stern, currently charged with first degree grand larceny, had 60 guests to the Bar Mitzvah in the visiting room of the Manhattan Detention Centre. All were allowed the use of mobile phones, normally banned in the prison and feasted on Kosher food. Guests, according to this CNN report included prominent rabbis and an famous Orthodox Jewish singer. One final bizarre touch, the prison is nicknamed The Tombs.
Bess writes: A depressing tale for inter-faith relations, which seems almost too absurd to be true. International Christian Concern reports that a radical Muslim who runs a stall serving tea in Pakistan beat a Christian to death for using a cup intended for Muslim lips only.
The unfortunate Christian had asked for a drink at the stall during a rest stop on a bus tour. When he began to pay, the stall’s owner noted he wore a necklace with a cross and apparently called his employees to help him beat up, stab and harm the man who it seems had overlooked a prominent sign which said “All non-Muslims should introduce their faith prior to ordering tea. This stall serves Muslims only.” The stall, a neighbouring shopkeepers said, is run by former students of a radical Madrassah. When will a shared humanity overrule religious prejudice?
1. Onward Christian Soldiers
2. And Can it Be
3. Guide Me O Thy Great Redeemer
4. All People That On Earth Do Dwell
5. Be Thou My Vision
6. How Great Thou Art
7. Amazing Grace
8. In Christ Alone
9. Eternal Father, Strong to Save (For Those In Peril On The Sea)
10. Our God Reigns
Information taken from Sorted, the "Men's Mag with Morals".
Steve Legg, editor and publisher of Sorted , billed as "the men's mag with morals" writes: I go into lots of Churches and they’re full of pretty embroidered banners, flower arrangements and little boxes of tissues. It’s like walking into a Laura Ashley showroom and men just aren’t comfortable with that.’
Men are men. They prefer singing proper macho hymns, like fewer flowers and less dancing during church services as compared to the more emotional songs loved by the traditional British churchgoers, a survey has revealed.
Sixty per cent of the 400 readers who took part in our poll said they enjoyed singing proper macho hymns – anthemic songs and proclamational musicals as opposed to more emotional, girlie love songs used during traditional church services.
In addition, 60 per cent of our 400 respondents said they didn't like flowers and embroidered banners in church while some 52 per cent didn't like dancing in church. And, many didn't like hugging, holding hands or sitting in circles to discuss feelings in the church.
Nearly three quarters, or 72 per cent, said that their favourite part of a service was the talk or sermon.
www.sorted-magazine.com
Bess writes: The singer Prince is refusing, reports Hollywood Scoop, to have his hips replaced in surgery as he is apparently a Jehovah’s Witness. “He’s in a lot of pain. He’s popping pain killers and hoping it will all go away”, says a source. This entertainment weekly piece is a bizarre account of the diminutive singer trying to evangelise a Jewish family in Minnesota.
 Bess writes: Hamas, the militant Islamic group ruling Gaza is now running a popular dating agency for single Muslims, reports Yahoo News. Since 2007, 287 single women have joined the Tayseer Assocation for Marriage and Development, in desperate search of a husband. It's Hamas’ idea of humanitarian work, explains Wael Zard, the agency director. “This makes people close to Hamas and makes Hamas close to the people,” he says. Times are hard for Gaza's Bridget Joneses.“I gaze at all the men on the street, and think ‘Oh God, isn’t there just one for me?” says Tahani, 29, now on Tayseer's books. Women have been particularly hard hit by the economic downturn, and are often treated as unpaid maids. Asked on the application to describe their ideal man, most request a devout Muslim with a steady job and his own flat – hard to find in Gaza. But middle class men with steady incomes are a dwindling breed in the area. Around 40 a month apply to the agency, optimistically seeking fair-haired and blue or green-eyed brides, although most Gaza women are dark-eyed, bronze-skinned beauties. Despite these odds, should Tayseer employees spot a potential match, a discreet meeting is arranged with the dating agency sending a chaperone, as per Islamic law. And to encourage shy spinsters, the agency says they should emulate Khadija, the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad. According to Muslim tradition, she is said to have proposed to the Prophet. So far the agency has arranged 40 marriages, but women usually join in secret because seeking a marital partner outside conventional family routes is frowned upon locally. However, one interesting fact despite Gaza's conservative mores, the agency has a separate file for women in gainful employment. Bringing home an extra salary is highly valued.
Libby Purves is a Times columnist, novelist and Radio 4 broadcaster. Her interest in the glories, inspirations and eccentricities of world religions and cultural traditions was fuelled by an upbringing in Bangkok, Israel, Africa, France and a series of convent schools. Bess Twiston Davies works for the Times Register section and is a regular contributor to the Faith page and Times Online. She studied Hispanic studies and English at Sheffield University and has a journalism diploma from The Robert Schuman Institute, Angers, France. Contact Libby or Bess at: faithcentral@timesonline.co.ukYou might also enjoy Articles of Faith, Ruth Gledhill's wonderful blog about religious affairs.
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