National Holiday: Happy 4th of July! Oh, and what exactly was that … ‘Faith of Our Fathers,’ anyway?

July 2, 2010 by

SUNDAY, JULY 4: Americans, start your fireworks!
Today is Independence Day, a U.S. federal holiday that celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence—most commonly with barbecues, picnics, parades and lots of fireworks. (New York City’s fireworks display exploded more than 22 tons of pyrotechnics last year. If you don’t live near a big fireworks show, check the PBS website for a televised display in your area.) So break out into Patriotic song (find lyrics and other Patriotic ideas here) or try out a Patriotic activity, create a craft, take a quiz or cook up a delicious Fourth of July recipe, courtesy of Kaboose.

Here’s a bit of historical trivial that will make you the toast of the July 4 Picnic, we’re sure: Did you know that the official legal separation of the American colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2—and even John Adams believed that Americans would mark July 2 as a “great anniversary festival” for generations. Nevertheless, U.S. citizens marked July 4 as America’s national day from the beginning, since the legal separation occurred in a closed session of Congress and the Declaration of Independence displays a date of “July 4” for all to see. (Wikipedia has details.) July 4, 1777 was a joyous and elaborate day, as 13 gunshots were fired at sunup and sundown, an official dinner was held for the Continental Congress, speeches were delivered, prayers were said and fireworks were released into the night sky. Parades and music filled the streets (and ears) for early Americans, and even ships were decorated in red, white and blue bunting in the harbors. (Get an interactive perspective courtesy of The History Channel.)

Many Pilgrims came to America to escape religious prosecution, and thus, the Founding Fathers knew that specific religious terms in the Declaration of Independence were of utmost importance. (The Pew Forum recently released a detailed report of modern-day American religious beliefs and affiliations.) Historians have yet to discover exactly what some early leaders, such as George Washington, believed, although they point out that God was included in the document. (Look for more from this Library of Congress page.) The Founding Fathers established the separation of church and state, yet they made it clear that God had made their liberty possible.

Religious Affiliations of Declaration of Independence Signers?

Purdue historian Frank Lambert’s recent book, “The Founding Fathers and the Place of Religion in America,” breaks down their religious diversity this way: 28 Anglicans made up the single biggest block, followed by 8 Presbyterians and 7 Congregationalists. Only 3 were Catholic. Others were Protestant or had no religious affiliation. Some identified themselves as Deists. Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin both spoke out against organized religion. Lambert argues that a great deal of religious change took place during the American Revolution. (ReadTheSpirit published a story about the revival of interest in Francis Asbury, who emerged as a major force in this early American period.)

Now, here’s a fascinating exercise for the 4th, if you care to take a moment and look back at our nation’s founding documents: Lambert suggests that we compare religious references in the Declaration of Independence with the U.S. Constitution, which was written years later. (You can read them all at the U.S. Archives website based in D.C.) You’ll find a significant difference in religious tone.

(By ReadTheSpirit columnist Stephanie Fenton)

(NOTE: To see more short articles about upcoming holidays, festivals and anniversaries, click the “RTS Magazines” tab at the top of this page and select “Religious Holidays.”)

Mormon: Prophet Smith’s Martyrdom Solemnly Recalled; LDS Legacy Remains Controversial in ‘8’ and ‘Polygamist’

June 27, 2010 by

SUNDAY, JUNE 27: Mormons mark the anniversary of the Martyrdom of Prophet Joseph Smith (and Brother Hyrum). Details of the event are at the LDS Church website.

Today, in 1844, Joseph Smith was attacked at a jail in Carthage, Ill., the same state where he was the mayor of another city. Ironically, Joseph Smith was running for the office of President of the United States when he was charged with treason by the State of Illinois.

In the year preceding his death, Joseph Smith continually came into conflict with enemies of his newfound Church. Knowing his death was imminent, Smith met frequently with his Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, to instruct them and give them “keys” to carry out the faith after he was gone. (Wikipedia has more.) Eventually, Smith—the mayor of Nauvoo, Ill., and founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—was charged and ordered to stand trial along with his brother, Hyrum, at Carthage, Ill. (The Carthage Jail remains a common destination for visiting Mormons.) Then, on June 27, a group of attackers killed them.

The legacy of the Mormon movement is featured in ReadTheSpirit this week in the form of a new comic novel by Brady Udall, “The Lonely Polygamist.” Of course, polygamy is condemned by the mainline LDS church. But, that hasn’t stopped all Mormon spin off groups from exercising the traditional practice.

This month, Mormons also are at the center of another controversial media launch: the documentary movie “8: The Mormon Proposition.” Controversial to its core, the film examines anti-gay activism in the LDS church. California newspapers that are closest to the 2008 Proposition 8 are mixed in reviewing the film. The LA Times calls it “outstanding and urgent,” but the San Francisco Chronicle writes that the documentary is “marred by loaded language and a propagandistic tone that undercuts rather than promotes its purposes.”

(By ReadTheSpirit columnist Stephanie Fenton)

(NOTE: To see more short articles about upcoming holidays, festivals and anniversaries, click the “RTS Magazines” tab at the top of this page and select “Religious Holidays.”)

International Observance: Use The Sun On The Solstice

June 19, 2010 by

Stonehenge has long been the site of summer solstice celebrationsMONDAY, JUNE 21: Revel in the power of the sun today as those in the Northern Hemisphere recognize summer solstice, the one day of the year when the sun appears to shine for the longest period of time. (Those in the Southern Hemisphere observe the winter solstice today. Wikipedia has details.) For millennia, people have been in awe of the sun’s powerful ability to provide energy, light and sustenance for life on Earth; in almost every culture and religious community, elaborate festivals have long been held to celebrate the solstices. Although the sun appears to shine longest on the summer solstice, the Earth actually is tilted on its axis so that it is inclined toward the sun more than usual. Today, for northerners, the sun will appear to “stand still” before it reverses its direction and begins slowly tilting further away from the sun.

Traditionally, pagans have welcomed the solstices at monuments—like Stonehenge—with feasts, reverences for gods and bonfires. At Stonehenge, the Stone Circle was erected specifically so that the stones are aligned with the first rays of the sun’s solstice light, and pagans have been celebrating solstice at this site for thousands of years. Modern Pagans and other attendees were banned from Stonehenge festivals until the year 2000, after more than a decade of out-of-control parties led to a 15-year ban on the site. For many modern Pagans, the defacing of the stones during the parties was an outrage, and since festivals at this site have long been a pagan tradition, groups began to push for a reopening of the site during the solstices. Since 2000, crowds at Stonehenge during solstice have been respectful, and last year the site saw record attendance during summer solstice with 36,500 attendees. (Read an article and view a video courtesy of The Telegraph, a European publication.)

This year, the American Museum of Natural History honored the sun by presenting a Summer Solstice Celebration. (This NYTimes article has more.) Besides hosting demonstrations that visually proved Galileo’s theories, the event allowed children to make related items like solar prints—images darkened by the sun, instead of by chemicals—and UV bead bracelets, pieces of jewelry that can be used to test everything from sunscreen effectiveness to sunglasses. Making real solar prints is an expensive process, but try out this neat sun craft that uses similar means and is easy to do at home. If your kids enjoy making jewelry, UV beads are available at many science stores and websites. Interested in doing even more? Revere the sun in a modern way by reading all about solar power, and consider harnessing the sun’s energy to help the environment.

(By ReadTheSpirit columnist Stephanie Fenton)

(NOTE: To see more short articles about upcoming holidays, festivals and anniversaries, click the “RTS Magazines” tab at the top of this page and select “Religious Holidays.”)

National Holiday: Happy Centennial, Father’s Day!

June 15, 2010 by

SUNDAY, JUNE 14: As millions of us thank our fathers this weekend, we’ve collectively reached a major milestone: the centennial anniversary of Father’s Day! After hearing a church sermon in praise of mothers on Mother’s Day in 1909, Washington resident Sonora Smart Dodd decided that fathers, too, should have a day of recognition, and so set to work. (Wikipedia has detials.) Dodd had been raised in a rather unusual situation: Following the death of her mother during childbirth, Dodd and her five siblings were cared for by her father. (Even today, only 15 percent of single parents are men. Get more Father’s Day stats from the U.S. Government.) To aid in her quest to establish a day for fathers, Dodd enlisted the help of a local ministerial association; just one year later, Father’s Day was celebrated in her hometown of Spokane. A national Father’s Day didn’t draw as much public support as Mother’s Day, and although the YMCA and numerous churches backed the idea, it became the subject of jokes. It wasn’t until 1972 that the nation officially recognized a day for dads. So go out there and enjoy it today! (Hey, kids—get craft ideas and more at Kaboose! And grown-up kids—find some tantalizing grilling recipes there, too.)

Around the globe, fathers are recognized in 55 countries, including the U.S., on the third Sunday of June. In many countries, fathers have long been recognized in association with a day for men, or a day dedicated to the paternal aspects of society. (History.com has a neat sampling of famous figures commenting on their fathers.)

Hallmark has been revving up for this year’s centennial anniversary for dads, including a new multimedia site that gives viewers an inside peek at how Father’s Day cards—and fathers’ roles—have changed in the past 100 years. (Check it out here.) As Hallmark points out, the cultural view of fathers has changed greatly through the years: While a father in the 1940s was often pictured relaxing on an easy chair, dads in the 1970s were assured that they were “groovy.” Fathers today are praised for their help around the home, as more women go back to work and men share a more equal role in raising children. (For busy dads who are always trying to find more time to spend with their children, this heartwarming article from Christianity Today has examples of how you can maximize the time you do have.)

ReadTheSpirit offers lots of inspiring and thought-provoking reflections on fathers—and parenting in general. (Read part of our series about “America’s Best Theologian” Stanley Hauerwas in which Stanley talks about the importance of his father.)

OurValues.org often explores values we develop through our families. (Here’s a great series on parents, children and American life that includes key thoughts about fathers’ roles.)

Our relationships with fathers connect us with spiritual stories from around the world. (In this story, ReadTheSpirit Editor David Crumm recalled the inspiration of his own father when reviewing a new book by Jan de Hartog.)

And all weekend long, let’s remember: “Thanks, Dad!”

(By ReadTheSpirit columnist Stephanie Fenton)

(NOTE: To see more short articles about upcoming holidays, festivals and anniversaries, click the “RTS Magazines” tab at the top of this page and select “Religious Holidays.”)

 

National Holiday: Wave Red, White And Blue

June 12, 2010 by

MONDAY, JUNE 14: Americans wave red, white and blue today as they celebrate Flag Day. Attendees of the annual Flag Day Parade in Fairfield, WA, will honor the parade’s centennial anniversary this year! Many also will gather to witness the country’s largest Flag Day parade in Troy, NY, and still others will pay tribute to the flag at the Betsy Ross house in Philadelphia, where the State of Pennsylvania holds its official observance. (Pennsylvania is the only state to declare Flag Day an official state holiday. Read more at Wikipedia.)

Flag Day isn’t a federal holiday and there’s no day off work, but millions of Americans do salute this important American symbol today. (Check out some neat paintings, photographs and facts about Flag Day from the Library of Congress.)

Surprisingly enough, although the American flag was adopted by the Second Continental Congress in 1777, an official “flag birthday” wasn’t established by Congress until 1949. Now, the entire week of June 14 is known as “National Flag Week,” and during this week all citizens are encouraged to fly an American flag at their home, place of work or both. (Try being patriotic by whipping up this delicious flag cake, courtesy of Kraft Recipes.)

Many countries have national flags that include religious affiliation, such as Greece’s use of a Greek Orthodox cross on its flag and India’s inclusion of the Wheel of Dharma in the middle of its flag. (View more flags—and their symbols—at Wikipedia.) The United States, however, has no specific religious symbol in its flag, and instead the U.S. flag was created to symbolize the characteristics of its country’s citizens: red symbolizes courage and self sacrifice; white symbolizes liberty and equality for all; and blue represents loyalty and faith. (This site offers a neat succession of U.S. flags from the original 13-star to the current 50-star.)

Care to comment on what the flag means to you? Or, want to learn more about the nickname “Old Glory”? Check out OurValues.org today, a website that promotes civil dialogue about American values.

(By ReadTheSpirit columnist Stephanie Fenton)

(NOTE: To see more short articles about upcoming holidays, festivals and anniversaries, click the “RTS Magazines” tab at the top of this page and select “Religious Holidays.”)

Anniversary: All Aboard For Bible studies and Buddha sites

May 22, 2010 by

MONDAY, MAY 24: Get your ticket to ride, because it was 180 years ago today that the first passenger railroad in the United States began service. On May 24, 1830, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad began service between Baltimore and Ellicott’s Mills, Maryland. According to the B and O Railroad Museum, the Railroad became the first chartered railroad in the United States when 20,000 investors purchased $5 million in stock to import the rolling stock and build the line. Several managerial methods were established during the process of funding and building the B and O Railroad—many of which became standard and are still used today. (The B and O Historical Society has more.)

Americans may not ride as many steam locomotives as they used to, but railroads remain popular today—in a more modern, high-tech form! Railways are also used by many people around the world, as efficient transportation becomes a necessity. The official website of railway technology reports that, among other things, a recent study found that Brazil must invest $22 billion to meet the growing demand of its people for freight transportation in the coming years. Southern Sudan is planning to build a $7 billion high-speed railway to Uganda, and Railways Africa keeps up to date on the growing railway industry across the continent.

Religion is often intricately connected with people’s lives around the world. As technologies advance, religion is often a part of them. On the railroad front, the Mahaparinirvan Express is a specialized tourist train that transports passengers on a spiritual tour through Buddhist India. The Mahaparinirvan Express journeys to several pilgrimage sites, including the place where Buddha was born, the location of his enlightenment, the place where he preached and the place where he passed away. The train derives its name from the Mahaparinirvana Sutra, which contains Buddha’s final explanation of his teachings.

The British developed a mission in 1881 known as the Railway Mission, a chaplaincy service for their rail industry. Through the Railway Mission, any railway employee who desires “spiritual advancement” or aid is contacted by a chaplain; prayer groups, Bible study groups and conferences are all a part of the organization. The Railway Mission is also the primary partner of the National Rail Chaplaincy Service, an organization created to provide chaplains England, Scotland and Wales. Israel, too, is a hub of railway activity, and in 2008, it was reported that more than 35 million passengers traveled by train. A new route from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem is expected to open in 2015, for which travel time is cut to 30 minutes. (Read the full article on Aish.com, a Jewish site.) The Railway Museum at the Haifa east station in Israel is a neat site, too: the museum is host to Parlor car #98, a railway car that was built in 1922 for figures such as Winston Churchill, Ethiopian Emperor and Rastafarian Messiah Haile Selassie and Queen Elizabeth of Belgium.

Want to enjoy an inspirational story about a railroad trek across India? Read Shahina Begg’s story of circling the world, then crossing India by train, in the hope of connecting her family that appeared to be divided between two faiths.

(By ReadTheSpirit columnist Stephanie Fenton)

(NOTE: To see more short articles about upcoming holidays, festivals and anniversaries, click the “RTS Magazines” tab at the top of this page and select “Religious Holidays.”)

Buddhism: South Koreans Light Buddha Day Lanterns

May 8, 2010 by

FRIDAY, MAY 14: Buddhists around the world are recognizing—or soon will be recognizing—Buddha’s birthday, and today marks the first day of South Korea’s Buddha Day celebration. And what a celebration it is! Also termed the Lotus Lantern Festival, this largest festival of the year for Korea’s 13 million Buddhists is know for its displays of hundreds of colorful, lit paper lanterns. (Wikipedia has more.) The largest ceremonies last for three days, but events continue for a full week. (Get the scoop on this year’s festivities from The Korea Herald.)

Monks hang lanterns in Buddhist temples across the country in preparation for Buddha Day, and activities center around Seoul, home of the Jogyesa Temple of Korea’s largest Buddhist sect. An abundant street fair takes place in Seoul, an elaborate Lantern Parade fills the city’s streets, and even tourists can get a taste of Buddhism by learning how to make a lotus lantern or painting a Buddhist picture. The festival in Seoul begins with the lighting of the enormous Jangeomdeung (“Grand Light”), a symbol of Buddhism and the birth of Buddha. According to a recent news article, some South Korean children have their heads shaved in preparation for Buddha’s birthday, and a group of eight children will stay at Seoul’s main temple for 21 days, in order to learn more about their religion.

Buddhism was brought to Korea approximately 1,600 years ago; and a symbol of Buddhism is currently touring the world. The Jade Buddha for Universal Peace, a 9-foot, 4.5-ton Buddha statue carved from a rare type of jade, is on tour through 2011. (Get a list of tour dates here.) Originating in Thailand, the Buddha is the largest jade Buddha in the world and is revered because its gemstone base is said to possess healing properties. Many believe that the jade, discovered in Canada 10 years ago, is the largest piece of gemstone-quality jade found in the past millennium. The statue is valued at $5 million. Despite its Buddhist nature, those involved with the project insist that the statue is for anyone, regardless of his or her religious affiliation. Organizers hope the statue will promote a time for everyone to reflect upon peace.

(By ReadTheSpirit columnist Stephanie Fenton)

(NOTE: To see more short articles about upcoming holidays, festivals and anniversaries, click the “RTS Magazines” tab at the top of this page and select “Religious Holidays.”)