What are the mysteries in real places that even science cannot yet explain?

 There are just so many unsolved mysteries in the world. To pick out a few:

1. Modern Day Time Traveler:

In 2006, a man named Sergei Ponomarenko was found wandering in Kiev, Ukraine. His clothes were about fifty years out of fashion and he carried an old model camera which appeared brand new. The authorities were dumbfounded by his documents, issued to him decades before Ukraine gained its independence from the Soviet Union. He said he was taking pictures of a strange object in the sky, which was in the shape of a bell. The next thing he knew, he was lost in a capital city which he no longer recognized. When the authority developed the film from his camera, the negatives contained markings that prove the it was manufactured in 1958 and the photos appeared to match this time period. The last exposure was of the bell-shaped UFO reported by Ponomarenko.

Somehow Sergei escaped the custody of the authorities even though he was being held in a room with iron bars on the window. The police were alerted to apprehend him on sight but they never got the chance. However, the police kept on investigating and confirmed that indeed during the era of the Soviet Union this man existed and that he was declared disappeared in 1960. Also while Sergei was in their custody, they obtained the pictures of a young woman who must have been the girlfriend from his camera, whose name was Valentine Kulish. When they finally tracked her down, they came face to face with a woman who looked much older than her photograph, being a grandmother 74 years of age. Valentine confirmed that, Sergei did vanish for one week. When he returned to her, he refused to explain his absence.

2. The Mystery of Mel's Hole

The legend of the bottomless hole started on February 21, 1997, when a man identifying himself as Mel Waters appeared as a guest on Coast to Coast AM with Art Bell. Waters claimed that he owned rural property nine miles west of Ellensburg in Kittitas County, Washington that contained a mysterious hole. According to Waters, the hole had an unknown depth of at least 80,000 feet. Waters claimed that his neighbor's dead dog had been seen alive sometime after it was thrown into the hole. Waters claimed to have measured the hole's depth using fishing line and a weight, although he still had not hit bottom by the time he had used 80,000 feet of line. According to Waters, the hole's magical properties prompted US federal agents to seize the land and fund his relocation to Australia.

The exact location of the hole was never made public, yet several people claimed to have seen it. Local news reporters who investigated the claims found no public records of anyone named Mel Waters ever residing in, or owning property in Kittitas County. According to State Department of Natural Resources geologist Jack Powell, the hole does not exist and is geologically impossible. A hole of the depth claimed "would collapse into itself under the tremendous pressure and heat from the surrounding strata," said Powell. Powell said an ordinary old mine shaft on private property was probably the inspiration for the stories, and commented that Mel's Hole had established itself as a legend "based on no evidence at all".

3. Man from Taured – Evidence for Parallel Universes

It was July 1954 when a well dressed man arrives at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan. Much like other passengers, he made his way to customs and presented his passport. Only problem was that his passport was issued by a country called "Taured", which no one had ever heard of nor could find on the map. He was also carrying currencies of different countries and shared other details like the company for which he was working and the hotel where he stayed. Officials find out that the company which he mentioned existed in Tokyo but not in Taured. Similarly, the hotel he mentioned did exist but hotel employees informed them that no such booking was made. This prompted officers to take the man in custody for further interrogation. Officers were suspicious that he might be some criminal and confiscated his documents and personal belongings. But to everyone’s surprise, the man vanished the next morning. Not only that, but all his personal documents had also disappeared. A search was launched to find the man without success. The thing that was troubling investigating officers was that he was put up in a room high up in the multi-storey hotel building with no balcony.

Some people argued that the mystery man was indeed from Taured but the country happens to be in another universe and somehow passed through a parallel dimension and ended up at Haneda Airport. Another theory is that the mystery man was a time traveller and had mistakenly landed at the airport. Above all this, there are people who claim that it’s just an elaborate internet hoax.

More unsolved mysteries

What factors prompted the writing of the gospels?

 The destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 CE at the end of the disastrous Roman-Jewish War left Judaism in turmoil and leaderless. It was quickly followed by the writing of Mark’s Gospel, which may have been seen as an opportunity to reach out to members of the Jewish diaspora and attract them into a variant religion that allowed them to worship the same God while being seen to support Roman rule.

How did Michael Jackson have white kids?

 Did you know that Michael Jackson may not have been the biological father of his first two children, Prince and Paris? It’s true. Although they don’t share the same physical features as their father, his youngest son, Bigi, bears a strong resemblance to him.

The identity of Bigi’s biological mother remains a mystery, but some speculate that she could be of Latin heritage. Bigi has inherited many of Michael’s facial features and mannerisms, with the added touch of lighter skin and a hint of Amerindian ancestry.

As for Prince and Paris, there are rumours that they may have been fathered by another man. It’s been said that Michael faced fertility issues and possibly underwent procedures later in life to conceive a child. This is not uncommon, as even the late John Denver adopted two children before having a biological child through medical intervention.

But let’s consider this: regardless of who their biological father may be, Michael loved and cared for his children deeply. They were fully accepted by their family and embraced by their cousins, uncles, and aunts. In the grand scheme of things, does it really matter who contributed to their existence? They are Michael’s children, and that’s what truly matters.

Why doesn't Pakistan mention Vedic civilization or the Mauryan/Gupta Empire in their history books?

 To write this answer with the utmost honesty and sincerity, it was more important to see what is being taught to our students. Those who don't know, social studies is an alternative subject of History in Pakistan. This is what I found when I visited a Punjab textbook board’s website to verify such claims.

After looking at these contents, I would definitely say there is a positive change that can be further improved with the passage of time.

Some positive takeaways + Feedback:

The chapter starts with a brief introduction of Harrapa and Indus Valley Civilization.

There is a brief discussion of the Aryan invasion of Punjab. Being an Aryan + student of history, I understand this is one of the most controversial subjects which can be further modified or improved with the passage of time.

A brief discussion of Gautam Buddha and Buddhism. I still remember there was a dedicated chapter of Buddha in my 4–5th standard book in Urdu which I’m unable to find online. There are long history and legacy of Buddhism in Pakistan so I appreciate such efforts to have a discussion of Buddha and Buddhism in our curriculum books.

The best part when I found Raja Poru and the people of Punjab are being praised for their resistance against Alexander. Now, this is acknowledged that Alexandar was defeated in the battle of Hydaspes. Seems like they read my answers on history :).

King Ashoka is being introduced as great King of India which is commendable.

Here are certain things where I guess we can further improve it.

There is complete silence when it comes to Kanishka, who is one of my all-time favorite Indian King. Despite Kanishka was Buddhist, he was famous for his secular and peaceful policies. This is my feedback that there should be a glimpse of his character and his contributions in our history to the next edition.

Pardon me there is no discussion about Gandhara Civilization that ruled northern parts of Punjab. It would have been better if we had included brief summary of Pushkulavati and Takhkhasilā, which were capitals of Gandhara Civilization.

Gupta Empire was well versed in Northern parts of Pakistan and India and I was a bit surprised it was completely skipped off from textbooks. The historians or authors can reconsider such changes and include them in the next edition.

There is no discussion of the Hindu Shahi Dynasty who ruled between 9th-11 Century A.D between Punjab, Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa and some parts of Afghanistan. The Hindu Shahi dynasty was famous for its gigantic Hindu temples at Hills of Punjab and KPK (some of them still exist in Khushab and Dera Ismail Khan).

If I look at the textbooks we have had in the past, I can definitely say there is a massive improvement. Pakistan textbooks were under criticism from the last couple of decades in our mainstream media and as a result, such thing happened. This is why I believe positive and constructive criticism leads us towards betterment.

Before someone criticizes in the comment section, please remember it is 4th standard book and children in such age group only need to know about the basics of ancient history.

~MAK

Note: There are some spelling mistakes regarding the name of some individuals, languages, and cities in the screenshots. Please do not remind again and again about such things in the comments. Please read the answer instead of spellings thanks.

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All Credits & References:

Punjab Text Book Board

https://pctb.punjab.gov.pk/system/files/Social%20Studies%204%20E.M.pdf

What is an interesting story of an old case being solved in India?

This man murdered his landlady 49 years ago. He was caught five decades later because his name was still listed among criminals to deal with before an election.

Sitaram Bhatane (now 76) used to be a criminal in Sajipur village in Gujarat. In Sept 1973, when he was 27, he murdered his landlady Mani Shukla (70, a widow) during a robbery attempt. People had seen him entering Mani’s place, but he vanished after the crime. The body was found days later after people nearby complained of a foul smell.

Wanted posters and cash rewards couldn’t help the police in finding Sitaram. As decades passed, the murder of Mani Shukla attracted more and more interest from the authorities. However, there was hardly any hope that the man will be caught. A couple of policemen had been visiting Sajipur to inquire if Sitaram was ever seen. The relatives of Sitaram residing there would say that he had not been seen since the murder.

...Until half a century later in 2021. That year, the police in Gujarat were strengthening law and order before the state assembly election.

Among the tasks was a list of ‘petty’ criminals who were to be dealt with in order to prevent them from disturbing the voting phase.

Inspector Pratipalsinh Gohil issued a list of criminals and shared it with Maharashtra police (since criminals can operate across the shared state border). One of those criminals was Sitaram.

In a major coincidence, Sitaram had recently returned to his village in Ahmednagar. The police arrived in the village and captured him. His voting card confirmed he was THE robber-murderer who escaped justice for half a century.

Sitaram behaved as if he had become totally unaware and innocent over all that time. He couldn’t remember anything. He couldn’t remember why he murdered that old woman. Yeah, the deeds of young life will bite your knees in old age.

He was charged with robbery and murder and will take his last breath as an imprisoned man.

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Sources:
- Indian murder suspect caught after 49 years says: ‘I barely remember it’
- 49 years after murder in Gujarat, accused arrested in Maharashtra

What Rigveda verse 8:64:1 to 8:64:4 states? Does it say to kill the infidels?

I do not know from where people get the concept of infidels being persecuted or killed. We simply have no concept of that. Vēdas lays down no injunction of killing anyone based on their beliefs.

The only people asked to be destroyed as Dasyus, Vṛtra, Paṇi, Vala, Asuras, Yātudhānas, etc… who are equivalent to demons and ogres or are considered psychological enemies who prevent us from realising the truth.

Now let us look at the verses and their meanings:

उत्त्वा᳚ मन्दन्तु॒ स्तोमाः᳚ कृणु॒ष्व राधो᳚ अद्रिवः । अव॑ ब्रह्म॒द्विषो᳚ जहि ॥ ८.०६४.०१

May the affirming lauds render you rapturous. O thunderer, perform achievements. Kill the enemies of the world (or) Vēdas.

Here Sāyaṇācārya says that Brahmadvisaḥ should be taken as haters of Brāhmaṇa (ब्रह्मद्वेष्टॄन् अव जहि). Again if this is also taken, there is no mention of the killing of so-called infidels. Brāhmaṇa haters can be also Kṣatriyas like Kārtavīrya and others. So if one adheres to Sāyaṇācārya will also not get the meaning of infidels being killed.
Brahma has the meaning of a Mantra or the essence of the Vēdas. The Amarakōśa (Trtīyaḥ Kāṇḍam, Nānārtha Varga) also states this. Hence Brahmadvisaḥ can also be taken as those who hate the Vēdas or are against its essence.

प॒दा प॒णीँर᳚रा॒धसो॒ नि बा᳚धस्व म॒हाँ अ॑सि । न॒हि त्वा॒ कश्च॒न प्रति॑ ॥ ८.०६४.०२

Crush with your feet the evil Paṇis who have no achievements. You are great; there is none like you.

Sāyaṇācārya here says Paṇis are Asuras who traffick and steal wealth. Here we can take wealth as literal wealth or in the case of spiritual interpretation the wealth is our knowledge. Here even I agree with Sāyaṇācārya. Paṇa means wealth (or) money, and Paṇis are those who steal it. Again there are no infidels mentioned here. Unless people are dumb enough to take Asuras as infidels.

त्वमी᳚शिषे सु॒ताना॒मिन्द्र॒ त्वमसु॑तानाम् । त्वं राजा॒ जना᳚नाम् ॥ ८.०६४.०३

You are the lord of those who press out the Sōma, and of those who do not press the Sōma, You are the lord of all people.

Here Indra can be taken as Śakra or as Rudra himself (Dēvanāmhṛdayēbhyō Namaḥ KYVS 4.5.9 and Atharvaśirōpaniṣad). Here also no mention of infidels. Rather here the Lord is called the ruler or King (as per Sāyaṇācārya) of all the people irrespective of them being Āstikas or Nāstikas. One’s personal belief does not change the fact that he is their Lord in the end.

एहि॒ प्रेहि॒ क्षयो᳚ दि॒व्या॒३॒॑घोष᳚ञ्चर्षणी॒नाम् । ओभे पृ॑णासि॒ रोद॑सी ॥ ८.०६४.०४

Come here to your abode, come sounding from Svarga for the sake of strivers. You fill both the Svarga and the earth.

Here we ask the Lord to heed our call and give us bliss. Both Dyāvāpṛthivī is filled with bliss only because of his grace.
As per Sāyaṇācārya, Indra is called to the Yajña and then in turn showers rain and created lightning. His meaning is very low and makes the entire verse look in very inferior manner. But again here also there is no mention of infidels at all.

So whoever makes such a claim is literally a man who has no knowledge of the Vēdāṅgas. Neither Wilson nor Griffith renders them as infidels, so this interpretation is pure propaganda.

Hope this helps.

 

What are some unknown but mind-blowing facts about ducks?

It’s what’s called an evolutionary arms race. It’s when two or more species are constantly evolving due to selective pressure from the other side. It’s like how the Gazelle will slowly get faster due to being hunted by predators, and the predators slowly get faster so they don’t starve to death.

Ducks are in a similar predicament, but they’re in an evolutionary arms race with themselves. You see, male ducks will force themselves on female ducks that don’t want to mate, and it’s a problem for the ducks survival as a species.

Ducks will bond with each other when they mate, which will help the survival of the offspring. Ducks born to aggressive males or born to forced copulation don’t fare too well. This makes the females more selective with who they mate with.

To counter this, female ducks have evolved cork-screw vaginas with different passages so they can allow only the sperm of the duck they want to mate with to fertilise the egg.

On the other hand, due to the male ducks sexually aggressive nature they have evolved longer cork-screw penises. For ducks to successfully mate their cork-screw genitalia need to line up perfectly.

If Jesus spoke Aramaic like the rest of the Jews in ancient times, where did Hebrew come from and why do random Israelis speak Hebrew?

Hebrew was spoken before Aramaic was adopted. Aramaic was the language of Babylon in the time of the Babylonian exile and was the main lingua franca in the Near-East. The Jews adopted it during the exile in Babylon and continued speaking it thereafter.

When Jesus was born Aramaic was the main vernacular language but Hebrew was still the language of religion. The Torah, and all the books of the Jewish Bible except most of the Book of Daniel, which is mostly in Aramaic, are in Hebrew and this was still used in prayer and study by literate Jews.

As for “random Israelis”- Hebrew is the language of İsrael so Israelis speak it in much the same way that “random Americans” speak English.

Concerning the Dead Sea scrolls, did they soley consist of what is now called the Bible or were there more to them than that?

The Dead Sea Scrolls consist of a collection of Jewish texts that were discovered in the mid-20th century in caves near the Dead Sea in Israel. While some of the scrolls contain texts that are now included in the Hebrew Bible (also known as the Old Testament), such as the books of Genesis, Exodus, and Isaiah, many of the scrolls are non-biblical in nature.

The non-biblical texts found among the Dead Sea Scrolls include works related to Jewish law, history, and theology, as well as apocalyptic literature and sectarian writings associated with a Jewish group known as the Essenes. These texts provide valuable insights into Jewish life and thought during the Second Temple period, which spanned from roughly 500 BCE to 70 CE.

In total, the Dead Sea Scrolls contain around 900 manuscripts, many of which are fragmentary. While the biblical texts found among the scrolls have received a great deal of attention, the non-biblical texts are also of significant historical and scholarly importance.

When Napoleon went to Egypt, did he say "We are real Muslims"?

 Yes, when Napoleon Bonaparte embarked on his military campaign to Egypt in 1798, he did make a statement that could be interpreted as claiming to be a true Muslim. However, his intentions and actions during his time in Egypt were complex and multifaceted.

Napoleon’s arrival in Egypt was not solely motivated by military objectives but also had political and strategic considerations. He aimed to disrupt British trade routes to India and establish French influence in the region. However, he also sought to present himself as a liberator who would free the Egyptians from Ottoman rule and bring progress to the country.

Upon arriving in Egypt, Napoleon attempted to win the support and trust of the local population, which was predominantly Muslim. In doing so, he adopted a conciliatory approach towards Islam and its practices. He famously issued proclamations expressing respect for the Islamic faith, including one where he stated, “We have come to restore your rights, punish your oppressors… and re-establish the true worship of Mohammed.”

Additionally, Napoleon initiated a number of reforms aimed at modernizing Egypt, such as establishing schools, scientific missions, and even an institute of Oriental studies. These efforts were seen as a means to win the hearts and minds of the Egyptians and gain their support for French rule.

However, Napoleon’s statements and actions regarding Islam were not solely driven by religious conviction. They were primarily political tools, strategically employed to advance his own agenda in Egypt. While he made gestures towards embracing Islam, his ultimate goal was to consolidate French power and influence in the region.

Moreover, Napoleon’s views on religion were complex and evolved over time. Later in his life, after returning to France, he famously reconciled with the Catholic Church and was crowned Emperor, indicating that his earlier statements in Egypt may have been more politically motivated than genuinely religious.

In the Qur'an Surah 9:9, what does it mean "to exchange God's message for a small price"?

 

“They have exchanged the signs of Allah for a small price and averted [people] from His way. Indeed, it was evil that they were doing.” Quran (9:09)

To understand this, the ayah before is important.

“How [can there be a treaty] while, if they gain dominance over you, they do not observe concerning you any pact of kinship or covenant of protection? They satisfy you with their mouths, but their hearts refuse [compliance], and most of them are defiantly disobedient.” Quran (9:08)

“They” refers to the disbelievers who broke the treaty. Exchanging Allah’s message for a small price means that they chose what satisfies them for a short time, to enjoy and to live free of care of obligations over the message of Allah, Islam. This is a small price because the enjoyment is very temporary, and it will end when their life does.

And Allah knows best.

Why did the Roman senators wish to have Caesar assassinated?

Caesar was a true polymath. He spoke as many as 40 languages or dialects, was known to dictate four different correspondences to four secretaries at once. He was tactically superb, and had a greater ability motivate his troops than any general of his era. He was a talented engineer, successful lawyer, and (according to Cicero, who despised him) one of the greatest orators of his age.

As a result, he always seemed to be one step ahead of his enemies. They hated him for many reasons, but the largest was simply that he promoted according to talent rather than station. That is, he expanded the rights of the lower classes in Rome and gave citizenship to people throughout Italy and even some in Spain. He confiscated land which had been steadily stolen by wealthy families for generations and distributed it among soldiers and veterans so that it could be actually worked. He pushed through banking reforms and laws which allowed the upper classes to be prosecuted for crimes against lower classes and foreigners, something which had been functionally impossible before this. And he made talented and hardworking people Senators, a prerogative which had previously belonged exclusively to people who (by definition) were so wealthy they did not have to work.

The elite of Rome thought he was going to destroy everything they knew Rome to be. It had little to do with dictatorial powers, as the Romans accepted both Sulla before him and Augustus after him. They feared him and had already tried (and failed) to beat him politically and on the battlefield. The only thing left was assassination, and with such overwhelming numbers that he could not defend himself, at a time when he was getting ready to leave Rome for a many years long campaign.

Put simply, his assassins were afraid of the changes he was making that would make Rome a superpower rather than a city-state. And the common people of Rome never forgave them for it. According to Suetonius, they were nearly all dead within three years.

What do Iranian people look like?

 The Persian people, who are one of the oldest civilizations still inhabiting their homeland, exhibit a diverse range of physical characteristics. While it’s essential to recognize that individual variation exists, here are some common features associated with Iranians:

1. Complexions:

   • Persian people typically have olive-skinned tones and dark hair, which has been the norm for thousands of years. However, there are exceptions. Some individuals may have fair skin and light hair, especially among minority groups in the country.
   • Light-colored eyes (blue, green, or grey) are relatively common among both darker-skinned and lighter-skinned Persians ¹.

2. Height:

   • Ancient Persians were known for their relatively large stature. Even today, this remains a prominent feature. Most Persian men have an average height of around 179 cm (approximately 5.9 feet), which is taller than the average height of Romans or Greeks ¹.

3. Nose Shape:

   • The nose is a distinctive feature among Persians. It’s often described as hooked, wavy, sharp, and curved all at once. This unique nose shape has been a prominent characteristic throughout history.
   • Interestingly, the Persian nose is considered a beautiful feature, especially among females ¹.

4. Beautiful Eyes:

   • Persian women and men are known to have some of the world’s most beautiful eyes. These eyes come in various shades:
     • Deep black eyes
     • Deep blue eyes
     • Grey eyes
     • Green eyes
   • Another common feature is almond-shaped eyes, which are versatile within the Persian population ¹.

Remember that these descriptions are generalizations, and individual appearances can vary widely. Iranians are a culturally diverse society, and their physical features reflect this rich tapestry of history and heritage. 🌟🇮🇷

Which famous person in history who have a bad reputation, was actually a good person?

Lucrezia Borgia was born into a notorious family and after three marriages and ten children there accumulated a lot of shocking rumours about her. She was accused of incest, poisoning, and murder. Supposedly, she had a hollow ring for holding poison to slip into the drinks of guests. However, none of this was ever proven, and she probably took too much blame for the crimes of her brother Cesare. In her own time, she was quite popular. "Lucrezia… was personally popular through her beauty and her affability. Her long golden hair, her sweet childish face, her pleasant expression and her graceful ways, seem to have struck all who saw her."

Who were the ancient people known as "Samaritans" mentioned in the Bible? Where did they come from? Did any of them survive until today?

The Jewish Samaritans live in Samaria today. They have lived in Samaria since they returned from the Exodus with Joshua. They are the remnant of the Northern ‘ten lost tribes,’ of Israel. They are a continuous presence in Samaria for about 4000 years.

They live by Mount Gerizim and Ebal, in what is known as The Territories by gentiles. .

They still practice Passover in the traditional way, killing the sheep for the Passover Feast. They are a very pacifist people and small in number so inbreeding has taken its toll.

Jordan was created in the middle of their country in 1947 by G Britain as the two state solution for the Arabs. Israel followed in 1948, but is a much smaller version of its ancient self - 1/4 the size of Utah in USA.

In Black September 1970 the King of Jordan expelled Arabs who had tried to assassinate him into Judea and Samaria. They treat the Samaritans badly.

The Samaritans have their own version of the Torah written in their ancient script.

They turn to the Israelis for medical assistance. Their genes have been examined. They are heavy with the mutated Jewish ‘Priestly Gene,’ aka the Aaron gene.

Above: Samaritans welcoming guests for Passover, preparing the sheep in some photos. Several thousand attend from other places. The Samaritans make a big feast for all of them as that was always done in ancient times. They are on the side of Mt Gerizim as the summit was desecrated with a Muslim graveyard. Kohens cannot come in contact with the dead. During various times in the service the Torah, aka ‘Old Testament’ is held high so all May see it.

Does Ayah 7:127 contradict Ayah 28:38?

If you pay close attention to who are being addressed in these verses, THERE IS NO CONTRADICTION!

·         7:127 The people of Pharaoh tells him “will you allow Moses…to abandon you and your (Pharaoh’s) gods (plural)?

 

·      28:38 Pharaoh declared, “O chiefs! I know of no other god for you (chiefs) but myself. So bake bricks out of clay for me, O Hamân, and build a high tower so I may look at the God of Moses, although I am sure he is a liar.”

If you even look at 28:38 closely you will understand that Pharaoh is admitting with little confusion that there can be a god for Moses too in heaven. That’s why he is commanding to build a tower to nullify the claim of Moses with certainty. So even in this verse, he is NOT negating the possibility of having multiple gods in realm of heaven.

The Egyptians believed their pharaoh to be the mediator between the gods (plural) and the world of men. After death the pharaoh became divine, identified with Osiris, the father of Horus and god of the dead, and passed on his sacred powers and position to the new pharaoh, his son. [1]

So in 7:127 when multiple gods are mentioned it is talking about multiple gods in heaven who has appointed Pharaoh as representative. That's why the chiefs are saying Pharaoh that “Will you allow Moses to abandon YOU (Pharaoh) and YOUR GODS (Pharaoh's god)?

But for the chiefs, Pharaoh is the appointed god on earth. That’s why he is saying in 28:38 that, I don't know any god for you (chief) besides me.

Footnotes [1] pharaoh | Definition, History, & Facts

Hinduism is a polytheist religion, but some Hindus want to deny that. Are they ashamed about their polytheism?

 

What a Muslim means by Polytheism maybe different by what a Hindu means by polytheism?
No practicing Hindu as far as I know carries any negative connotation to the word polytheism or pagan, unlike followers of Abrahamic religions.

Coming back to the main point Hinduism is Henotheistic. Now what is Henotheism?
Henotheism means that there is a central main deity and all other deities are forms of that God.

In Hinduism that central god is called Brahmann/ Parabrahm / Paramatma .
He is formless, massless and all pervading. He is said to have no birth or death. All other gods in Hinduism are said to be various manifestations of Brahmann. Brahmann is symbolized in writing by the syllable "Om" usually in Devangari script.

What if Napoleon had invaded the Ottoman Empire instead of Russia?

 This is actually quite an interesting scenario. But first we must establish a motive. The Russian Empire was invaded partly because the severe loss of trade with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland meant that the Continental System became untenable.

The Ottoman Empire was never part of the economic blockade. Although they have seen battle against Napoleonic France in Egypt and Syria. Let’s say that France offers to compensate Russia by petitioning the Balkans and Anatolia.

Russia would take Moldavia, Wallachia and Bulgaria in the Easten Balkans. Plus Armenia and Mesopotamia east of Anatolia.

France would set up sisterly republics in Bosnia, Herzegovina and Serbia while carving in a buffer state in Central Anatolia.

Greece would be divided equally between both spheres of influence because of its symbolic value to French Republicanism, Russian Orthodoxism and strategic position at the Marmara and Aegean Sea.

It is theoretically possible to circumvent the Austrian Empire along the eastern and western coast of Balkans. But that would leave their supply lines exposed to Austrian opportunism which previously cost them their Illyrian coastline.

The Illyrian Provinces then became part of France proper rather than any nebulous arrangement. France can’t use the coast either way as the United Kingdom controls the Mediterranean Sea. But perhaps Austria can be bribed into neutrality.

The Ottoman Army cannot defeat the combined forces of France and Russia. Instead the United Kingdom will do everything in their power to improve the situation. Imagine their support to Portugal and then some, as they provide up to date weaponry, equipment and training for the Ottoman Army.

The Janissary is perhaps the second biggest hurdle after Napoleon. They are supposed to be a loyal and disciplined standing army. In practice they’re incapable of reform and so self-serving that a sultan will disband the entire force in only a decade or so.

The Balkans is an obstructive and mountainous region. One where there won’t be victories. Only a slow grinding war of attrition as France and Russia closes in on the multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural valleys beyond the reach of the Royal Navy in the Black Sea.

It’s quite possible that the local Catholic and Orthodox Christians will rebel against the Ottoman Empire under the promise of liberty or native rule.

The United Kingdom will be unable and unwilling to interfere in that religious dichotomy. Instead focusing on rearmament and keeping the Ottoman economy afloat as they’re rapidly losing their richest territories.

The existing Janissary can be retrained and reorganised in short order. Combined with British Forces, they might stand a chance. But they are going to need a significantly bigger army to stop France and Russia.

Janissary recruitment suffers from several moral problems. But more importantly it takes too long to raise children to become young men and soldiers. I expect the United Kingdom to implore the Ottoman Empire to reinstitute Azab Muslim volunteers.

Using their naval superiority, the Anglo-Ottoman Alliance will transport Azab recruits from Anatolia, Egypt and even the Maghreb to Greece and Bulgaria for the epic culmination of the Balkan Campaign.

Should Constantinople fall, the United Kingdom will lose access to the Black Sea, the Ottoman Empire will lose their capital and the Russian Army in Caucasus will be able to link up with Napoleonic France before dividing the spoils.

Should Napoleonic France be victorious, the surviving European powers might just wait another decade until Napoleon kicks the bucket. And then challenge French military supremacy.

If the Ottoman Empire is able to force a stalemate, Napoleon will attempt to spin this in France as a victory like in Egypt and Syria. But abroad severe questions about France’s status as the preeminent superpower will be brought to bear.

Personally I would like to see the combined forces of the United Kingdom and the Ottoman Empire shatter Napoleonic France’s aura of invincibility. Ultimately forcing the other Great Powers to consider whether a Protestant naval power and a Muslim Empire would become the saviours of Europe.

But you already know how the War of the Sixth Coalition would go down…

What are some fun facts about whales?

 

Scientists have long been trying to figure out how long whales live. They hit the Jackpot when they caught a Bowhead Whale off the coast of Alaska with a 130-year-old harpoon stuck in its back.

The harpoon was said to date back to 1880, putting the whale’s age at well over 130 years.

Thanks to the whale surviving the attack and living with the harpoon in its back for more than 100 years, it gave us a snapshot of the whale’s history. It is believed that Bowhead whales can live for over 200 years, making them the longest-living mammals in the world.

What do most Jews think of the New Testament? Do they think it is false nonsense?

 Most Jewish readers approach the New Testament with a certain degree of unfamiliarity. However, understanding its context can shed light on its significance. Let’s explore different perspectives:

1. Jewish New Testament Scholar Amy-Jill Levine:

   • Levine emphasizes that much of the New Testament is Jewish literature.
   • Jesus, the central figure, was the first person in recorded history to be called “Rabbi”. Other New Testament writers were also Jewish, addressing a Jewish audience.
   • When understood within its historical context, the New Testament reveals part of Jewish history and provides insights into its polemics, assertions of Jesus’ divinity, and claims of fulfilled prophecy¹.

2. Historical Perceptions:

   • For many Jews, the New Testament is associated with anti-Semitism due to historical persecution.
   • Some believe it promotes negative views of Jews and therefore dismiss it as irrelevant to Jewish life and values².

3. Jewish References in the New Testament:

   • The New Testament is chock-full of Jewish references. Jesus himself was Jewish.
   • By examining it from a Jewish perspective, readers can appreciate commonalities between Jews and Christians and understand how the two groups gradually formed separate religions³.

4. A Multifaceted View:

   • Some Jews avoid the New Testament altogether, while others find it important for cultural understanding.
   • Recognizing its Jewish context allows for a deeper appreciation of its themes and historical significance⁴.

In summary, opinions among Jews about the New Testament vary widely. While some dismiss it, others engage with it to explore shared heritage and historical connections. 📜🕊️🕯️

Albert Einstein said, "The more I study science, the more I am amazed by the complexity of the universe and the more I believe in the existence of a creator." If a scientist doesn't believe in God, does it mean s/he didn't study science enough?

 A: Why do you do yourself, your religion and Einstein a disservice by using a false quote?

The actual quote attributed to Einstein is “The more I study, the more I believe in God.” However, there is no evidence that he actually said it. It is nowhere to be found in his writing, though.

You can find a lot of similar but different quotes by Einstein, such as:

I want to know how God created this world. I'm not interested in this or that phenomenon, in the spectrum of this or that element. I want to know His thoughts, the rest are details.

–Albert Einstein, 1955

Then you can also find quotes like:

It was, of course, a lie what you read about my religious convictions, a lie which is being systematically repeated. I do not believe in a personal God and I have never denied this but have expressed it clearly. If something is in me which can be called religious then it is the unbounded admiration for the structure of the world so far as our science can reveal it.

–Albert Einstein, 1954

And here are some other views on religion from Einstein:

"I cannot conceive of a God who rewards and punishes his creatures, or has a will of the type of which we are conscious in ourselves. An individual who should survive his physical death is also beyond my comprehension, nor do I wish it otherwise; such notions are for the fears or absurd egoism of feeble souls. Enough for me the mystery of the eternity of life, and the inkling of the marvellous structure of reality, together with the single-hearted endeavour to comprehend a portion, be it ever so tiny, of the reason that manifests itself in nature."

–Albert Einstein, 1935

"It seems to me that the idea of a personal God is an anthropological concept which I cannot take seriously."

–Albert Einstein, 1947

"The idea of a personal God is quite alien to me and seems even naïve."

–Albert Einstein, 1952

"My position concerning God is that of an agnostic. I am convinced that a vivid consciousness of the primary importance of moral principles for the betterment and ennoblement of life does not need the idea of a law-giver, especially a law-giver who works on the basis of reward and punishment."

–Albert Einstein, 1952

So what did Einstein think about God or a creator? Nothing like you do, John: his view of a God?

We can get a clue from these quotes:

"My views are near those of Spinoza: admiration for the beauty of and belief in the logical simplicity of the order which we can grasp humbly and only imperfectly. I believe that we have to content ourselves with our imperfect knowledge and understanding and treat values and moral obligations as a purely human problem—the most important of all human problems."

–Albert Einstein, 1930

Let’s also go back to the first quote I mentioned:

“I want to know how God created this world. I'm not interested in this or that phenomenon, in the spectrum of this or that element. I want to know His thoughts, the rest are details.”

–Albert Einstein, 1955

But more revealing, I think, is this quote:

“What really interests me is whether God had any choice in the creation of the world.”

– Albert Einstein to one of his assistants, Ernst Strauss

Einstein’s idea is somewhat like a pantheist: his god was the beauty, complexity and simplicity of the universe and how the universe ticked. The universe itself was his god, but likely not in a mystical supernatural sense. Rather, it is the awe-inspiring sense of wonder when you look up in the night sky, and realise that a star just poked you in the eye, or the sense of wonder you get when Carl Sagan says “The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.”

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Q: If a scientist doesn't believe in God, does it mean s/he didn't study science enough?

A: No, it doesn’t mean that.

Again, go back to Einstein’s actual sayings, especially this bit:

“I want to know how God created this world. I'm not interested in this or that phenomenon, in the spectrum of this or that element. I want to know His thoughts, the rest are details.”

–Albert Einstein, 1955

In the light of Einstein’s other quotes, it is clear what he means by “God” is the big picture, and “His thoughts” rather refers to how the universe works. To do that, you cannot be bogged down in little details. In a way, if you want to understand science, you have to go big! You have to try to understand the big picture, how everything is connected.

And you can get that big picture if you allow yourself to broaden the horizon, to try to see how it all is connected. I believe that is the “God” Einstein was looking for, not one of Earth’s petty religions. In fact, you cannot find that “God” in religion at all. You have to look at the world, rather than holy books or churches, to get that understanding. Again, remember Carl Sagan’s words: “The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.”

In Robert Heinlein’s novel Stranger in a Strange Land, he introduced the word “grok”, a word from the (fictional) Martian civilisation. It is supposed to literaly mean “to drink”, but is used in a much broader sense as “to comprehend”, “to love”, “to be one with”.

So perhaps the quote attributed to Einstein should read:

The more I study, the more I grok the oneness of the Cosmos

–Definitely not Einstein

That I can definitely agree with. And if you believe the gospel according to Thomas, you could argue that even Jesus agrees:

Split a piece of wood; I am there. Lift up the stone, and you will find me there.

–Gospel of Thomas, saying 77

The rest are details.