Maria Shriver’s Post

"Am I really putting my family’s and other Jew’s lives in danger by living Jewishly openly and unapologetically? Are my children and I scared to live openly as Jews? My response is simple: It all depends on how you define life." I wrote this article on Chanukah of 2019 in my monthly newspaper column. Today, it is an even more needed reminder. https://lnkd.in/dBZFDRch Would love to hear your thoughts.

Hello Sanctified ladies, Here are our suggestions for the best books of the Bible for us gals, of course the whole Bible is amazing, but these are the books that really stand out: Proverbs: Offers practical wisdom and guidance for daily living, including advice on relationships, work, and character development. Ruth: Tells the story of a faithful woman’s loyalty and devotion, highlighting themes of friendship, family, and redemption. Esther: Illustrates courage, faith, and the power of a woman to influence change in challenging circumstances. Psalms: Provides comfort, encouragement, and expressions of faith and trust in God, which can resonate deeply with women in various life situations. Luke: Focuses on Jesus’ interactions with women, showcasing his compassion, inclusion, and affirmation of their dignity and worth. #Sanctified #BibleBooksForWoman

New article alert! Check out my newest article published by Frame of Reference! The Salem Witch Trials were a dark chapter in Colonial American history, and women were dominantly the targets of accusation in the 1600s for various reasons. In this article, I discuss Puritan religion and its contribution to the paranoia and hysteria that led to the trials in Salem. You can click the link below or visit my website at https://lnkd.in/eUTTX7it. https://lnkd.in/eAZj2bca

Why are Catholics bored at Mass? Week after week, many of the Catholics who still come to Mass seem disconnected, distracted, or outright bored. You might hear: I don't like the music, I don't get anything out of it, the Mass is too long, the homily is boring, and other reasons. But what is at the heart of their discontent? In our new FREE guide, Mass Reality: Unveiling the Divine Adventure of the Catholic Mass, we'll talk about several barriers that Catholics often point to as reasons why they don't love the Mass and then drill down to the underlying cause that, if addressed, could change the way parishioners see the Mass forever! We also share tips, ideas, and strategies you can use today to awaken the love of the Mass. #catholicmass #catholicism #catholicprayer #realpresence #eucharist #eucharisticrevival #holyeucharist #acstcatholic Sign up to get your guide >>https://bit.ly/3RhQb1u

I read this article just before I read how the Pope is loosening the chains around attitudes to LGBTQIA+ Christians around the world. This article (Who wrote the Bible?) reminds me it is useful to remember in relation to the Christian Bible: ☑ Who wrote it, and when was it written? ☑ Who translated the Bible into our language of choice, and when did that occur? ➖ And how many translations occurred leading to this translation? These questions reinforce how the interpretations of people, many unknown, are relevant to each stage of the process that leads to the interpretation of the reader. Many of these readers seek to impose their interpretation, their faith, on others, whether through proselytising or laws. We are currently seeing this imposition of interpretations through laws big time in the US, from abortion to book banning. When people seek to do this, I see they have a huge responsibility to ask: ⁉ Whose and what concerns are they seeking to take care of? 🔸 Is it more about them? ⁉ In considering these concerns, where do curiosity, empathy, compassion, tolerance, and respect fit in? 🔸 Do they really understanding the adverse effects of the laws on people that can last through generations?

Debi Mastroni-Kenyon and Rev. Jenn Mazur, Intructors How to evaluate, select, and adapt curriculum materials based on the appropriateness for the congregation’s needs and mission. Includes an overview of the United Church of Christ /Unitarian Universalist Our Whole Lives sexuality materials as well as a review of current practices for using social media for communications, connections, and spiritual formation. https://lnkd.in/etdwsCuf

In my latest column, I explore the phenomenon of hero worship. https://lnkd.in/eSFtB53S

LAW 27 PLAY ON PEOPLE'S NEED TO BELIEVE TO CREATE A CULTLIKE FOLLOWING. People have an overwhelming desire to believe in something. Become the focal point of such desire by offering them a cause, a new faith to follow. Keep your words vague but full of promise; emphasize enthusiasm over rationality and clear thinking. Give your new disciples rituals to perform, ask them to make sacrifices on your behalf. In the absence of organized religion and grand causes, your new belief system will bring you untold power. #48lawsofpower #linkedinconnections

🖐️ Five Ways Your Church Can Navigate Election Year In the beginning, God created man and woman in His own image, giving every person inherent dignity and value. Yet, when discussing deeply held beliefs like racism, religion, and politics, tensions can run high. Recognising the divine image in others helps us engage more constructively. Read more in our latest blog: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eag_XqEh

Today, the Vatican issued a declaration, "On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings," that addresses the question of blessings for people in same-sex relationships. While many in the secular media have covered this headline in misleading ways, it is important to read the text of the document to see what the Vatican has actually stated about it. The link to the full document is included below, along with my article for CatholicVote about it. https://lnkd.in/esaZfqBy