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Celebrating the dead?

Abstract:
Samhain

As winter approached, the ancient Celts of Ireland would hold a grand feast consisting of the perishable foods they would be unable to preserve for the winter, said Jennifer Rycenga, professor of humanities at SJSU.

"Even though the exact date has changed, there is evidence that in ancient Celtic cultures there was a celebration that occurred around this time," Rycenga said....

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Comments in Other Articles 10/29/09
The true name of Halloween is "Samhain." This was the Celtic Lord of the Dead! For 3 days from Oct 29-31, the Celtic people, along with their priestly class called Druids, would hold an ancient rite which would mark the beginning and the end of the year.
Usually a week before the rites of Samhain began, the Druid had ordered the people of the Celtic tribe to disperse throughout the countryside and gather thousands of wicker reed.This is a very strong and durable stick. Wicker furniture has been made from it and most of us are familiar with it.
They would then construct a giant human effigy that would stand from 30 to 50 feet, as the Wicker Man. Many cages had been built within it. Each prisoner would be tied to one of the cages. Then the Druids began their idea of fun and games.
Yet, I have seen many Christian churches throughout this nation hold Halloween Parties within the church building. Every single one of these things is directly from the celebration of Samhain. You are simply trying to turn something evil into something good! Isaiah 5:20. We pray this helps you to NOT be a partaker of this "holiday.
Ted Rudow III,MA
Class of 1996

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What women want in male dominated sports

Abstract: I am guilty of eavesdropping. I overheard a male student complain about women's sports, and he doesn't agree that women can play sports. I am sure he is not alone in his way of thinking. Like the student, many other men are overwhelmed by a powerful woman, so in these men's defense they rely on their muscles to do the rationalizing.... Ted Rudow III,MA 10/29/09
Sports really foster the spirit of competition. It's the spirit of the world the "me first" spirit--do what's best for yourself, win no matter who you have to hurt or step on in order to get ahead of the next guy. That's the spirit of the world, which is just the opposite of what Jesus wants to teach people--to love your neighbor as yourself.
Of course, some form of sports is fine. It's good exercise and can be good fun. But things in the world are so different, and when athletes get to the professional level where they're being paid to win, it gets extremely competitive. It becomes almost a life-and-death spirit.
It's a spiritual thing. It's the spirit of competition and pride, proving you're better than the other guy. They do it by sheer brawn, by their own strength, which really feeds their pride. It's their idea of success. Winning means success in the world, so to win is a very big motivator. But the world just loves it!
See how this competitive sports thing has been the final stages of every great civilization and empire. What young men and woman does the media glorify and glamorize the most? There about second. Is it the scholars? No probably about third. But the ones it builds memorials for and commemorates on special days and glamorizes as the greatest heroes of all time are its most murderous war-mongering soldiers.
Ted Rudow III,MA
class of 1996