Page 38 - Religion Belief
Physicist Marcelo Gleiser: 'Science does not kill God'
The annual Templeton Prize, which recognises outstanding contributions to "affirming life's spiritual dimension," was awarded Tuesday to Brazilian Marcelo Gleiser - a theoretical physicist dedicated to demonstrating science and religion are not enemies. A physics and astronomy professor whose specialisations include cosmology, 60-year-old Gleiser was born in Rio de Janeiro, and has been in the United States since 1986. An agnostic, he doesn't believe in God - but refuses to write off the possibility of God's existence completely. "Atheism is inconsistent with the scientific method," Gleiser told AFP Monday from Dartmouth College, the New Hampshire university where he has taught since 1991. "Atheism is a belief in non-belief. So you categorically deny something you have no evidence against." "I'll keep an open mind because I understand that human knowledge is limited," he added. The prize is funded by the John Templeton Foundation - a philanthropic organisation named after the American
China not to recognise Dalai Lama's Indian successor
China on Tuesday indicated that it won't recognise the successor of the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama if found in India.
China says Dalai Lama's successor has to be approved by it
China Tuesday rejected the Dalai Lama's assertions that his successor could be from India and a nominee by Beijing would not be respected, saying the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism has to be approved by the Communist government. China's response came after the 83-year-old Nobel peace laureate told a news agency on Monday that it was possible that once he dies his incarnation could be found in India and and warned that any other successor named by China would not be respected. "Reincarnation is the unique way of Tibetan Buddhism. It has fixed rituals and systems," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters when asked about remarks by the Dalai Lama, who fled to India from Tibet in 1959. "The Chinese government has policy of freedom of religious belief. We have regulation on religious affairs and regulation on the reincarnation system in Tibetan Buddhism. We respect and protect such ways of Tibetan Buddhism," Geng said. Dalai Lama is a title given to ...
Savea 'heartbroken' over mosque killings as All Blacks rally round
World Cup winner Julian Savea said Tuesday he was "heartbroken" over the New Zealand mosque shootings as All Blacks team-mate Sonny Bill Williams took a week off Super Rugby to support people affected by the tragedy. Williams, a devout Muslim, said his "heart is heavy" over Friday's attack, which left 50 people dead, as he announced a trip to Christchurch to "show love" and give donations. Hulking wing Savea has bagged 46 tries in 51 Test starts, but has struggled this season after moving to Toulon. However, he put his personal woes aside to pledge support to the Muslim community. "I've been privileged enough to learn about Islam through my wife's family, especially her grandparents," the 28-year-old tweeted from France. "They've been to Mecca twice, they pray five times a day, they encouraged me to fast during Ramadan and taught me what it means to be a Muslim," Savea added. "And I will make sure my children learn about Islam too because it's a beautiful religion, and Muslims are the
Cong releases list of candidates for Assembly polls in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha
The Congress on Monday released its list for the upcoming Assembly polls in AndhraPradesh and Odisha.The list was released by All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Mukul Wasnik after it was cleared by the Central election committee of the Congress. It contains of 132 candidates for Andhra Pradesh 36 for Odisha Assembly polls.Congress has fielded Ram Krishna Panda from Hinjili constituency, which has been represented four times by Biju Janata Dal chief and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. This time too, Patnaik will be contesting from Hinjili Assembly seat that falls under the Aska Lok Sabha constituency which used to be the stronghold of his father and a legendary figure of Odisha, Biju Patnaik.The Assembly elections to the 175-member Andhra Pradesh Assembly are scheduled to be held on April 11 while the polls for 147-member Odisha Assembly will be held in four phases starting from April 11 to April 29.The counting of votes will take place on May 23.
Canada lawmakers vow to confront hate, white supremacy
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has slammed leaders' unwillingness to call out hate, while parliament unanimously passed a motion to stand against white supremacy in the wake of the Christchurch mosques attack. "I stand here today to cast a light on this hatred and on our unwillingness to call it out," Trudeau said in the House of Commons Monday. "As leaders, as (a) privileged few with power and an audience, we have a responsibility to do something." Trudeau said allowing bigotry in party politics, online, at town halls and "when it reaches our front door" amounted to nothing more than complicity and cowardice. "I'm calling on like-minded countries of the world to stand with Canada in this fight. Muslims, Christians, Jews, black, white, all of us, we must fight this hatred as a team." The prime minister's comments come amid a heated debate over religious and racial bigotry in the neighbouring US that saw President Donald Trump berated over his tepid response to the New Zealand .
Mamata calls for amity on Doljatra, Holi
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday called for maintaining communal harmony on the days of Doljatra and Holi and cautioned people to be on guard against any effort to disturb peace. "Let the festival of colours be celebrated in a peaceful manner, in an atmosphere of amity and tranquillity," Banerjee told reporters at the state secretariat 'Nabanna'. The Trinamool Congress supremo asked people to be vigilant so that none could get any chance to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of West Bengal. Banerjee said the government has declared holidays on both Doljatra and Holi on March 21 and 22 respectively as part of its objective to promote festivals of different religious and linguistic communities in West Bengal. "We declare holidays both on Durga Puja and Chhat, we declare holidays on Buddha Jayanti, on Guru Nanak's birthday. We celebrate Eid. Bengal is a melting pot of different religions and communities who are living hear for ages. We will maintain that at ...
Priyanka Gandhi not be allowed to enter Kashi Vishwanath temple: Lawyers to DM in letter
A group of lawyers on Monday handed a letter to the district magistrate, claiming that Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should not be allowed to enter the Kashi Vishwanath temple as she is a Christian. The letter claimed that Priyanka was a Christian and she should be stopped from entering the temple, keeping in mind the ancient values of Sanatan Dharma. The letter, addressed to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, stated that her place of worship was a church.
As mark of respect to Parrikar, Vrindavan widows not to play Holi
Hundreds of widows on Monday decided not to celebrate Holi this time in order to mourn the sad demise of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.Many women gathered at Gopinath temple here to pay their last respects to the deceased chief minister.Sulabh International Social Service Organisation (SISSO) had planned to organise Holi celebrations. "However, that will not happen now due to the chief minister's death," said Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of the organisation."As a mark of respect for the departed soul, we have decided not to celebrate Holi today. All widows mourn the sad demise of our beloved leader and statesman," he said.Vrindavan's Holi celebrations in recent years have become memorable occasions for the thousands of widows, who till recent past used to face humiliation.
Citing Maundy Thursday, TN Bishops' Council seeks change in poll date
The Tamil Nadu Bishops' Council has moved the Madras High Court seeking re-scheduling of the April 18 Lok Sabha elections and assembly bypolls in the state, saying the date clashed with Easter Triduum, a key religious event for Christians, and polling percentage may be affected. In his petition, Madurai Archbishop and president of the bishops' council Antony Pappusamy submitted that there were around 50 lakh Christians in the state and for them the Holy Week starts with the Palm Sunday on April 14 and culminates with Easter Sunday on April 21. The election date coincided with Maundy Thursday, when the Last Supper takes place on the eve of crucifixion and death of Jesus on Good Friday, the petitioner submitted. Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter were called Holy Triduum (holy three days), he said, adding thousands of faithful will visit churches and prayers would continue throughout the night on these days. Hence it may affect the turn out of voters, the petitioner said. He also ..
Muslim litigant in Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute meets Hindu saint to extend Holi greetings
Three days ahead of Holi, Iqbal Ansari, the litigant in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute met Mahant Dharam Das on Monday to extend Holi greetings.Speaking to ANI, Ansari said, "This has been a tradition. In Ayodhya, Hindus and Muslims stay together. We do not always talk about religion we believe humanity is our religion. We respect the Hindu saints and seek their blessings. We want to give a message to the world that there should be no politics on the name of religion, caste, temple or mosques."Das also echoed similar sentiments and said all festivals irrespective of their faiths are celebrated with full fervor in Ayodhya.He said, "We consider Holi as the most auspicious festival. All of us celebrate all festivals together. It is not that Ram belongs to only Hindus. During our meeting, we spoke about Holi and Ram Mandir. We are certain that the Ram Temple will be built at the earliest."Holi, also known as the festival of colours, is celebrated across India to mark the .
Resume talks with Dalai Lama, aides, US tells China
The US Ambassador-At-Large for International Religious Freedom Samuel Brownback has said the US will continue to support the Dalai Lama's 'middle-way' approach and urged China to resume formal dialogue with him or his representatives, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) said on Monday.
Australia boosts security for mosques, places of worship
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday announced more funding to defend religious establishments against potential attack in the wake of the mosque massacres in neighbouring New Zealand. Morrison said he would provide Aus$55 million (US$39 million) in "community safety grants" with a priority placed on security at "religious schools, places of religious worship and religious assembly". The funding, he told the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce, would include "CCTV cameras, lighting, fencing, bollards, alarms, security systems and public address systems". "I so wish we didn't need this on places of worship in Australia, whether they be at temples or schools or mosques or churches," said Morrison. "It grieves me that this is necessary. But, sadly, it is." The gunman accused of killing 50 people at two mosques in Christchurch hails from Australia.
Poll process begins in both Telugu states
The process for elections to the 42 Lok Sabha seats in both the Telugu states and the 175-member Andhra Pradesh Assembly began on Monday with the election authorities issuing the notifications.
Amid tensions, Israel detains 2 guards at Al-Aqsa mosque
Israeli police on Sunday detained two security guards at East Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque complex, amid mounting tensions.According to Jerusalem's Religious Endowments Authority, a Jordan-run agency tasked for overseeing the city's Muslim and Christian holy sites, one guard was arrested after he stepped out from Al-Majlis gate, one of the gates situated in the Al-Aqsa mosque complex. The guard was taken into custody for questioning, Anadolu News Agency reported.Israeli police detained the second guard while entering the mosque, said Firas al-Dibs, spokesperson of Jerusalem's Religious Endowments Authority.It is yet to be ascertained why the two guards were detained, which came hours after an Israeli court had extended the closure of Bab al-Rahma mosque, which is situated in the Al-Aqsa mosque complex, according to Anadolu News Agency.The Bab al-Rahma mosque was first shut down by Israeli authorities back in 2003. A court here had extended the closure order in 2017.Tensions have been ...
Festive fervour marks Holi celebrations in Brijbhumi
The streets of Vrindavan were Saturday splashed with colours as thousands celebrated Holi accompanied by singers belting out traditional Rasias and artistes performing folk dances to the beat of thumping drums. "Not only Lathamaar Holi of Rawal village, but other region-specific Holi celebrations were organised here. More than 50,000 people took part in the festivities," the secretary of Srikrishna Janmasthan Kapil Sharma said. Hundreds of domestic as well as international tourists were seen near Sri Krishna Janmasthan. Maximum rush was at Bankey Behari temple in Vrindaban where merrymakers were seen vying for Behari Ji Maharaj's time. The streets of Goverdhan were full of colour and Gulal as lakhs performed circumambulations around the Goverdhan, Rameshwar, head priest of Dan Ghati temple said. Keeping with the rainbow theme, the Holi organisers set up a pulley system which sprayed 'gulal' (rose-colour powder) on the crowds. Internationally acclaimed Charkula and Maharas dances were .
Parrikar consulted Church in major decisions: Archbishop
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who passed away on Sunday, often sought out influential Catholic Church leaders for opinions before taking "far reaching decisions" for the benefit of Goa, Archbisop Filipe Neri Ferrao said.
NZ's foreign min calls Qureshi to condole death of 9 Pakistanis in shooting in Christchurch mosques
New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters on Sunday called his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi and expressed his deepest condolence over the death of nine Pakistani nationals killed in a terror attack on two Christchurch mosques, Foreign Office said. At least 50 worshippers were killed on Friday in attacks on the Al Noor Mosque in central Christchurch and the Linwood Mosque in the city's outer suburb on Friday, in what appeared to be the worst attack on Muslims in a western country. Among the dead, there were nine Pakistani nationals. Speaking to Qureshi over telephone, Peters, who is also Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, conveyed his condolences and sympathies with the bereaved families of the innocent victims. "Peters conveyed his condolences and sympathies with the bereaved families of the innocent victims," Pakistan Foreign Office said. Condemning the attack, Qureshi termed it a "heinous" and "cowardly" act and expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the Government .
Odisha CM condoles death of Parrikar
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday condoled the demise of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. "Deeply saddened by news of the passing away of former Defence Minister of India & Chief Minister, Goa #Manohar Parrikar. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends & followers. May his soul rest in peace," Patnaik wrote on Twitter. A host of other leaders, including Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram and Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Niranjan Patnaik, also expressed grief over the death of Parrikar. "Extremely saddened at the passing away of a dear friend & colleague, Shri Manohar Parrikar. A wonderful human being, his dedication towards his duty & passion for the welfare of his people will always remain an inspiration for all of us," Pradhan tweeted. "He will be deeply missed. Pray to the Almighty to give strength to his near and dear ones in this hour of grief," he said.
New Zealand's Dunedin airport temporarily closed after suspicious package found
Dunedin International Airport in the Southern Island of New Zealand was temporarily closed on late Sunday after a suspicious bag was found on the airfield."Dunedin Airport is currently closed," Geo News quoted the New Zealand Police as saying in a statement."Police are at the scene and specialist teams have been deployed to determine the nature of the package," the statement said.As the scare came in the late evening, Air New Zealand flight 691 from Wellington circled around the city for almost an hour before returning to its destination.New Zealand is currently on a state of high alert after a gunman, who is believed to have lived in Dunedin, killed 50 people in two mosques in Christchurch on Friday morning.Using automatic weapons, the 28-year-old gunman launched a "well-planned" attack on the mosques when devotees had assembled for the weekly prayer on March 14, following which mosques across the country were advised to shut down across the country."Mosques are welcome to open their