₦airaland Forum

Nice. Always thought they were synonymous.

Life is indeed hard for onlookers.

If you are a Christian, read and meditate on the word of God. Also keep your mind away from those things that triggers thoughts of this nature.

Perfect explanation of what Jesus birth and death means to all who profess his name and obey his commandments.

DECEMBER 23, 2016
ISTANBUL — Billions of Christians around the world are excited to celebrate Christmas this weekend. Those in the world’s second-largest religious community, Muslims, don’t share quite the same excitement. In a few Muslim-majority countries, like Saudi Arabia, Brunei and Somalia, Christmas celebrations are banned. In Turkey, my country, they are not illegal, but some Islamist groups still organize annual protests against Christmas trees and Santa Claus costumes, which they consider Western impositions.

Meanwhile, many other Muslims around the world are rightly respectful to their Christian neighbors and even share in their holy day. They include the owners of a Turkish restaurant in London that decided to offer a free Christmas meal to the homeless and the elderly, and a Muslim businessman in Baghdad who erected a Christmas tree in solidarity with Christians persecuted by the self-declared Islamic State.

These Christmas-friendly Muslims are right, but not simply because respect for other religions is a virtue. They are also right because Christmas is the celebration of the miraculous birth of Jesus, which is a powerful theme not just in the New Testament, but also in the Quran.
Two chapters of the Muslim holy book give detailed accounts of the birth of Jesus, which partly resemble the account in the Gospel of Luke.

Both chapters — one is named Maryam, or Mary — feature this admirable Jewish woman whom God has “purified” and “chosen above all other women.”
As the Quran narrates, an angel approached Mary one day and told her that God had decided to give her “a pure boy.” Mary objected: “How can I have a boy when no man has touched me?” The angel responded, “God creates whatever he wills.” Then God “breathes into Mary of our spirit,” and she conceives Isa, or Jesus.

There are, of course, ways in which the Muslim story of Jesus diverges from the Christian version that is celebrated at Christmas. The New Testament says that Jesus’ birth took place in Bethlehem, in a manger or at an inn, when Mary was with her husband, Joseph. In the Quran, Mary gave birth in “a distant place,” all alone and under a palm tree. It’s worth noting that stories appearing in the eastern apocryphal gospels, as well as recent archaeological findings, correspond to the Quran’s version of events.

Crucially, the Quran differs with the Bible on Jesus’ divinity. The Muslim holy book insists that he was a human and a prophet. It repeatedly defines Jesus as “the Messiah,” but this seems to be a notion of Messiah as described in Judaism: an extraordinary servant of God, not God incarnate. The Quran’s Jesus is also sent to the children of Israel, comes “confirming the Torah” and affirms a strictly unitarian monotheism. The Islamic Jesus, one could say, is a more Jewish Jesus.

Nonetheless, Islam and Christianity share a lot in their adoration for Isa and Maryam, Jesus and Mary. Muslims are in fact the only non-Christians on earth who believe that Jesus was born of a virgin.

For centuries, Muslims have taken this as a literal truth. Medieval exegetes of the Quran debated details like how God’s spirit was “breathed” into Mary, taking as truth that the virgin birth was an act of God. Sayyid Qutb, the 20th-century Egyptian fundamentalist, described Maryam’s pregnancy as “the strangest event that humanity throughout its history has ever witnessed.”

In a 2002 book they wrote to criticize Islam, Emir F. Caner and Ergun M. Caner, two Turkish converts to Christianity who became Southern Baptist ministers, argued that Muslims are more Christian on the issue of the virgin birth than the “liberal ‘Christians’ ” who seek metaphorical interpretations of the amazing miracle.

To add more to Jesus’ extraordinary nature, the Quran even calls him “Word of God.” Muslim scholars have been puzzled by this term, which the Quran uses for no one else. Christian theologians have been intrigued, too, for it evokes the Gospel of John, which defines Jesus as the Word of God who “became flesh and dwelt among us.”
Interpreting these parallels between the Quran and the earlier Christian sources depends partly on one’s faith. Christians can think Islam borrowed from their religion. Muslims, on the other hand, can think that much in Christianity foretold theirs. But we can all agree that these two great Abrahamic religions, despite the sometimes bitter conflicts between them, have much in common. This year, with tensions between many Muslims and Christians in Europe, the United States and elsewhere running high, that’s worth remembering.

The people in Saudi Arabia and Brunei who ban Christmas clearly have the wrong idea. Even if this is not a Muslim holiday, we don’t need to object to Christmas. The miraculous birth of Jesus — the prophet, the Messiah and the “Word” of God — should not offend any Muslim. Salaam alaikum, or “peace be upon you,” Muslims should be able to say to their Christian neighbors on Dec. 25, without hesitating to add, “Merry Christmas!”

Mustafa Akyol, a contributin http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/12/23/opinion/why-its-not-wrong-to-wish-muslims-merry-christmas.html?ref=todayspaper&referer=

No rest man and things are only going to become not too easy. It is a known fact but a simple advice, take life as a daily affair.

More of serious introspection will help to take you out of this problem. If you are a Christian, pray and also seek the advice of some elders or people you could possibly confide in. Some people have walked this road and testimonies have been said but it is up to you to decide how you want your marriage to continue.

Just make sure you are not dragged into his clique. He might eventually come around.

@mylove4God, take some time to read some pages of this thread as some issues you raised must have received some attention. Now you know you have others like you, you should be confident about your personality and this should guide how you choose your friends.

You should not bother yourself about changing to an extrovert, you only have to work on your ability to speak and make meaningful conversations. You are a female, search for female friends as I understand relationship is often a difficult contemplation. Above all let your interest guide you. Football and some other interest has given me friends, so I urge you to connect on this level. Don't push yourself, pray and act.

Sorry op it is indeed a lamentable situation that the government had to effect this policy at this time. I heard others complain on the news bulletin and I hope for God's provision for your family.

Congratulations to the cute little princess.

Dictatorship and enforced laws are anti-human and deprives one of freedom. Dear op, many have walked this line of argument but it has its limit. it is left for all individuals to decide on their own, personally I encourage a situation where one should give birth according to their ability to fend for them but it is never the place of humans to decide. Your mind is limited compared to the one that created us.

GloryIsaac:
Wow , thanks for the reply though , but i really really dont like talkatives and i highly doubt if i can stay with one for the rest of my life

Not to hype love but it could change your view about people that are talkative. Also who said all talkative are annoying, what about the one who tends to talk sensible things and eventually work and other events would follow that would make you relish every moment you spend with her? Man I would love a beautiful talker but I hope you don't want your home to be too quiet. Believe you will get the best no matter the personality.

Population is a big factor when it comes to the socio-economic sector of any nation but there is a downside to pegging the number of children that should be given birth to at any point in time. China once had a one child policy but they have increased it to two and I can urge you to read more on the downside of this policy in China, recently a book was published.

The issue of population control is not the biggest problem especially if you take the South into cognizance. The issue is good planning. In short, ours is often described as a blessing if handled with care and proper planning.

The developed European and Asian countries are often lamenting the low birth rate due to the fact that citizens are getting older with less number of young people to replace them. Rather than advocate for a government intervention and this negative policy of a child per couple, let's advocate for good education, less corruption, proper economic planning. Too much and much less is at the extreme and it helps no one.

For every action there must be a reason. Time and again, issues bordering on this institution keep coming into the public attention. The reason is not far-fetched as it is one of the main foundation of any society. According to the Christian religion, marriage is an institution ordained by God. Therefore my thoughts will be structured along this line.

Marriage is for companionship and it is a fact that the leadership role rest on the man. I hope this does not ruffle the thoughts of female independence but that is the reality. It is often said that Adam discovered his purpose or was working before he got married to Eve. This idea should be a necessary thought to guide a man or woman on their eligibility for marriage.

For a marriage to work, the man and woman must be willing to make it work. Marriage is more or less a relationship between companions. Companions are friends, partners and anything that encourages collectiveness. Therefore it is a necessary task to understand the fact that companionship is necessary for a healthy and sustained relationship. The bible encourages a sameness of faith in order for this fact of companionship to stay strong.

A major ingredient for the sustenance of a marriage relationship is the God factor. The gospel record a situation where the ten commandment is coalesced into two: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind, and love your neighbour as yourself. The two commandments are interlaced with each other. You cannot obey one and leave the other. It is also instructive to note that a person who claims to love God should not show hatred to his or her neighbour/wife/husband.

Marriage is worth preparing and praying for. Weaknesses, temptations, disagreements are all going to challenge and threaten the union but one thing is certain, if there is love, it will conquer and sail through. The bible also records a fine expression: Love covers so many faults. It is not compulsory that everyone get married though sex outside of marriage is outlawed and should not be encouraged.

Marriage is an institution ordained by God hence working with his thoughts on it is all that is needed. It is obvious that there are wolves in sheep clothing and so many have been deceived. One sure proof though is to seek God’s approval in relation to that person you intend to get married to. Love or infatuation is not God’s approval, the direction from the Holy Spirit is God’s approval.

Let love, sincerity and purpose rule your heart and watch as God make your marriage a model for others to follow.

I understand the situation you are in as I almost fell into this except for the intervention of my sister. For you to chart a different path, it is surely going to generate opposition from others. If you are so interested in Computer science, try to work on it, don't just confine your thoughts to having a degree in it even if you continue with the medicine and surgery course. If you feel you can't continue, tell your father now or else the years ahead will be so frustrating for you.

I understand the situation you are in as I almost fell into this except for the intervention of my sister. For you to chart a different path, it is surely going to generate opposition from others. If you are so interested in Computer science, try to work on it, don't just confine your thoughts to having a degree in it even if you continue with the medicine and surgery course. If you feel you can't continue, tell your father now or else it will be a frustrating years ahead of you.

@modestgal, your vibes are not relational. Anyhow you take it but I know every human being has that element of encouraging relations with others unless you want to be a recluse. Your vision for your life matters, if you intend to achieve great things and lead, you must learn people skills. Yes, introverts can do just that.

Viking007:
[s]I hope he gave You the permission to post his pictures online?[/s] kidding.

Your pikin fine.

What you cancelled is actually up for debate in some parts of England.

Congratulations and may God make your marriage as beautiful as your smiles.

Different stroke for different folks. The major thing is being sure of what you want and communication is vital at any stage. Everyone should lay their bed as they want it.

Tuesday this week, the one-week warning strike embarked upon by the Academic staff union of Universities came to an end. This is not the first and this may not be the last. Also, it may not be wrong to say that the Nigerian economy is on strike as recession technically means negative economic growth.

The University is the most recognized and highest arm of the tertiary institutions in any country. It would be okay to say that no nation can outgrow the growth pattern of its university (emphasis on it for the sake of this write-up). The fact that Nigerian university is suffering from acute failings and low productivity is clearly reflected in its low ranking among that of other countries in the world ranging from the developed to the developing ones.
The university system in Nigeria is unmistakably a larger symptom of what ails the nation. I will start with listing some of the challenges that are bedeviling this institution sector of any nation that wants to succeed. This article will be ably supported by some of my encounter either through media or as a direct observant.

First, the blueprint of the past has been abandoned. One of the foremost institution in Nigeria and one which prides itself as one of the most beautiful campus in Africa is a clear example of this fact. A first time visitor could not be marvel at the grand display of architectural knowledge that has made this institution a beauty even in this present time. Unfortunately, lack of maintenance has set in and buildings are falling apart and the walls bear little traces of their initial painting. Facilities are stretched thin as a result of the increase in the number of students seeking admission into these schools. The lack of maintenance has therefore affected the beauty and strength of this glorious campus. This is easily seen in a Nation where basic amenities are stretched thin as a result of surge in population.

Second, more money and less development. The reality is that cost of goods and services are increasing at a time when value is decreasing. This is a reflection of a system that has developed an appetite for huge funds. School fees are increasing but service is declining. Libraries are lacking books, hostels are overcrowded and students have to study in class-rooms bereft of comfort. Year after year, new students are made to pay thousands of naira as development fee yet there is little or no development. New buildings are most times funded by wealthy individuals, corporate organizations and government agencies most notably Tetfund. One may want to ask about the whereabouts of the money realized from school fees and other sundry charges. The university authority keep complaining about lack of funds. It is true that education is expensive especially in the present and that government have failed to invest as much as other countries, the reality is that there is wastage across the administrative level hence the little amount of money available for carrying out its functions.

Thirdly, lack of acting on innovative ideas and non-diversification of resources. Students across departments and faculties in their final year projects and post graduate theses come up with several innovative ideas which are often pushed aside for imported and well developed ones. If universities cannot handle innovations and apply them to solve their challenges, then it is time to forget it happening in the general society. It was recently reported that University of Ibadan will soon be generating possibly sixty percent of their energy from solar power. While it is a laudable project, it is instructive to note that the project will be done by a German firm. Unfortunately, we have professors in these areas. Also, universities are wont to depend on government and students for funding and this is sadly not enough. This boxed in mentality is replicated in establishing small companies such as pure water factory and bakery. This was heavily criticized by the former INEC chairman who is a professor of political science as a desperate move by universities to augment their finances. The move to a viable business is not bad but the reality is that the university ought to be innovative with its businesses rather than emulating those tried and tested ventures that can only result in little profits.

Finally, corruption has crippled the university system. This is evident in: the VC who has embezzled money, the fees whose purposes are not known or rather not met, the lecturers who are devious and bad, nepotism, unserious and lazy students earning good scores, collusion of student union authorities with administration etc. Corruption is the greatest vice that is troubling the university system and almost all previous problems discussed can be linked to this one factor. The fact that our greatest problem in Nigeria is evidently clear to all.

The truth is that there is no place that is free of corruption and other vices, but good institutions are known to put the laws governing them above any other consideration. The university system will continue to struggle as far as these challenges remain in place. While they struggle, Nigeria will continue to grow in a snail-like fashion.

Written by me.

This is an oyiovo (brother).

Pidgin2:
If you feel aroused seeing your mum, you must be sick

The guy is obviously sick that is why he is crying for help. The human mind is a bundle of mischief and all sorts of anything you can imagine.