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By Charles Sabillon Many well educated apologists of religion recognize that it is useless to deny the terrible things that creeds have done through the centuries. Being history so categorical on this matter, they thus conclude that the best policy to adopt is to point the finger at those who have done worse. That is obviously a lame argument because religions, which are supposedly the representatives of God, are supposed to be good and cause no harm. Therefore, an argument which claims that other systems of belief have done worse things is one without a platform. Nevertheless, it is worth analyzing such a position to see if it can at least hold the line on some aspects. These apologists argue that the twentieth century was a period of secular regimes and those regimes were terribly murderous. That period was indeed characterized by the ascent of not just secular but even atheist systems, such as Communism and Nazism, and those regimes ended up being extremely brutal. Stalin, Hitler, Mao, and Pol Pot were effectively responsible for an inordinate number of deaths. The lawyers of religion thus sustain that those secularists killed more people than the Inquisition, the Crusades, and the inter-confessional conflicts of Europe. That argument is at first glance a strong one because it points at the vast amount of people that were slaughtered by secular regimes, putting the figure at more than 200 million while the religious wars of the past were not so costly in human lives. The problem with that argument is that it has a biased Western scope and thus focuses just on the crimes committed by the Christian religion. The amount of people that were murdered by Mohammed and his armies as he forcefully imposed his new religion on the Arabian Peninsula in the seventh century and the many more that his followers slaughtered in the coming centuries, is huge. The same goes with the other large religions. War was regularly undertaken to convert people into Hinduism, Buddhism, and other creeds. One must not leave aside the thousands of religions that existed prior to the apparition of the large ones of today, for those were just as murderous in their efforts to convert those who did not believe in their ideas. When all those figures get added up, it is certain that the number is larger and probably exponentially larger than the deaths caused by the secular regimes of the twentieth century. According to demographers, the amount of people that have lived on this world since the apparition of the human specie has been of about eighty billion. An objective analysis thus, takes into account all of those people and all of that time. It therefore considers the 100,000 years of human history and not just the last two thousand years. However, even if it could still be argued that the wars of the twentieth century brought more harm to humanity than religious wars, there is still another problem. Nominal figures have the capacity to impress, for large numbers are always eye-catching. However, they have no scientific worthiness unless they are measured in a proportionate scale. The fact is that the size of the world population has grown massively in the past two centuries. When Jesus Christ dwelled the world for example, the total world population was of just 200 million, but by the year 2000 it was of more than six billion. That last is a figure thirty times larger than the first. Therefore, the only thing worth comparing is the share of the population that was killed by the two types of wars. It must be emphasized that such an approach is standard policy in all scientific disciplines and not just in demographics. If for example, the level of wealth between nations wants to be compared, no economist will liken the gross domestic product of the U.S. with that of Luxembourg because the first country has more than 300 million people and the second only half a million. Analyzed like that, it seems as if the U.S. is massively richer. In order to make sensible comparisons, what must be analyzed is gross domestic product in per capita terms. Under those terms, what gets measured is the average personal wealth of each American and each Luxembourger, and under those circumstances the wealthier ones are the citizens of Luxembourg. When one looks at the percentages of those slaughtered by religious wars and by secular wars, it becomes evident that the most murderous were the first. During the sixteenth and seventeenth century for example, there were more than a dozen inter-confessional wars between Catholics and Protestants. Although all were terrible bloody, the Thirty Years War in Germany was the most atrocious. From 1618 to 1648, it is estimated that about 36% of the population of that country perished as a direct or indirect result of that conflict. The Second World War on the other hand, was only responsible for killing 8% of Germanys population and the First World War just killed 5%. The Thirty Years War was just one among thousands of religious wars that have taken place throughout the whole of history and just that single one easily outstripped the two worst secular wars of the twentieth century. So do the math and conclude which has caused the most harm to humanity. However, the above is not the best argument to demonstrate the evilness of religions. There is a better one. Charles Sabillon did High School in Texas and has undergraduate degrees in Philosophy, Economics and Law as well as a masters and a doctorate in International Relations. After the PhD, he undertook post-doctoral research in the fields of History, Economics, and Ecology. He has taught Economic History at a university in Switzerland and speaks fluently English, Spanish, French and German. For more information go to: http://www.authorsden.com/charlesasabillon http://www.geocities.com/sabilloncarlos/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Sabillon http://EzineArticles.com/?God,-The-Murderer&id=393931 fast guaranteed loans no credit check poor credit need a loan jhonny paycheck the great donut robbery pay day advance

By Alison Cole Patio Umbrellas provide shade from sun and rain, besides adding that touch of glamour. At same time umbrellas, along with other patio furniture, need care and maintenance to be usable for several years. The practical way to go about it is to purchase Patio Umbrella Covers, depending on the size of the umbrella and storage space. When not in use, umbrellas can be stacked standing in basement or garage. But if they are going to be left out in the open then a cover is a must. The cover sizes range from small to extra large and generally have a sewn-in wand for easy fixing. The fabric of the Umbrella Cover should be the main deciding factor, available with a manufacturers warranty period of minimum two to three years. An important point to remember is that Patio Umbrella Covers should be water resistant and UV treated to last outside. There is a wide choice of covers, from Rhino weave fabric covers that are durable and water resistant and, unlike vinyl covers, do not crack or peel. One can opt for hard-wearing and reversible vinyl covers in flex-o-fit design that are easily fitted for protection against dirt or weather damage. For special occasions or parties add a touch of the tropical with umbrella covers made of handcrafted palm leaves. The wood-grain pattern on a 1.5″” steel pole and a customized pin-lock mechanism adds to the allure of the palm leaf cover. Another individualistic design is a net Umbrella Cover with a drawstring to hold the cover when the umbrella is not in use. Whatever the fabric, check that the cover fits easily and securely, allowing you to zip and unzip while the umbrella is still in the stand. Umbrella Covers with accessible zips and bottom tie cords are reliable on windy days. Basically, Patio Umbrella Covers are for storing or safeguarding umbrellas, so your decision should be based on the usage of the umbrella, and location of the house. Patio Covers provides detailed information about patio covers, how to build a patio cover, lattice patio covers, patio chair covers and more. Patio Covers is the sister site of Stone Garden Bench. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Cole http://EzineArticles.com/?Patio-Umbrella-Covers&id=140697 same day payday loans orlando bad credit new car loan payday loans in oklahoma payday installment loan

By Annette Thomas While you always want your products or services to meet the needs of the customers, this becomes more significant in a sluggish economy because purchases construed as “luxuries” decline. Therefore, if your product is not considered a necessity, you need to market it as important to your customer as possible. You need to solve a problem, satisfy a need or make life easier in a cost-effective manner. You should also build a marketing plan around being there for your customers. “Going the extra mile” is a clich, but its necessary to extend yourself and your business to meet customers needs. This means stepping up customer service and communicating regularly with customers through newsletters, emails and mailings. Don’t oversaturate your marketing campaign with product features, but stick closely to how your products or services are helpful and cost-effective. More than ever you want to maintain your relationship with existing customers who will be there when the economy takes an upturn. In addition, help find solutions to problems experienced in your community. You can market yourself effectively and show your concern by being involved in community activities, particularly those where spending has been cut. For example, sponsor activities or donate supplies to an after-school program in your neighborhood. During a slow economy people are also seeking reasons to feel good. Provide them with attractive offerings, both in appearance and in value. Use creativity to meet their needs while making them smile and relieving stress. A marketing campaign that makes customers feel good can differentiate between two products that are otherwise the same. Remember, not only do you want the customers to buy what they need, but you want them to have a reason to buy it from you. Annette Thomas is a freelance writer and professional marketer. She has just launched her online store, Giftboxedbaskets.com. which is an online retailer of handmade gift baskets, gourmet food baskets, executive gifts, holiday gifts, and more. You may visit online at, http://www.giftboxedbaskets.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Annette_Thomas http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Market-Your-Business-in-a-Sluggish-Economy&id=127885 allied cash advanced payday installment loan payday loan no telecheck or employment lender cash advance america manager job description

By Mary Hanna The principles behind making tinctures are to obtain the spiritual and physical quintessence of the plant. This is done by using the powers of ethyl alcohol to dissolve and preserve the herb you are using. The material used to extract the herbs is known as the menstrum. The herbs you are tincturing are called the mark. Tincturing will extract and maintain both the water-soluble and alcohol-soluble properties of an herb. Many people are making their own tinctures from dried and fresh herbs in an interest to be more involved in their health. Tinctures of fresh herbs have proven to be more vitalizing and longer surviving than dried herbs. Dried herbs tend to get moldy or be eaten by insects, tinctures will not. Tinctures will keep for as long as two years and sustain their potency if stored properly. Creating your own tinctures will save you quite a bit of money. If you obtain tinctures at a retail shop you might get a few ounces but if you create them yourself you can yield a quart. When purchasing herbs, be sure you are buying from a trustworthy source. Worthier yet, cultivate your own herbs to be confident of the best possible quality. When growing your own you can make any number of combinations to produce your tinctures. I have further found that when growing my own herbs I get the greater gratification, knowing not only did I brew the tincture but I grew the herbs. I am part of the process from starting point to the development of the tinctures. There are numerous items that you will require to cook up your own tinctures. Number one you need either powdered herbs or fresh cut herbs. Vodka, brandy or rum, 80 - 100 proof to pour over the herbs. Mason jars complete with lids, Muslin or Cheesecloth that is unbleached ands of course, labels. Have on hand 7-10 ounces of chopped fresh herbs for every quart of vodka, brandy or rum. I always try to utilize fresh herbs when creating my tinctures. When using powdered herbs, I use 4 ounces of herbs to one pint of the spirit used. If you are making a tincture from bitter herbs it is best to use rum as it will disguise the flavor of the herbs. To knock out a non-alcoholic tincture, use distilled water, glycerol or vinegar. Just remember if you use the vinegar you must keep it in the refrigerator. Put your herbs in the mason jars and then drizzle the spirit used over them so that it comes up to about an inch above the herbs. Close the lids tightly and tag the jars then put them in a very lightless, balmy section of your home. Keeping them in a paper bag has worked fine for me. You must shake the tincture everyday, several times a day if you can manage it. If you put it by the door you use most often every time you go in or out just shake the bag. At the beginning inspect the tincture daily to be sure the vodka, brandy or rum still is covering the herbs. Allow the brew to steep for at least two weeks and up to three months. When you get to the allotted waiting interval, line a sieve with the cheesecloth or muslin and pour the fluid thru the sieve into fresh bottle. Draw in the ends of the cheesecloth and press to derive all of the fluid. You can now fill small-scale bottles with droppers with the tincture for easy use. Be positive to tag the jar with the name of othe herb the day, the month and the year that it was produced. To use the tincture drop one teaspoon into juice, water, or tea, three times per day. There are no hard and fast rules for creating tinctures. Experiment with diverse combinations. Be sure you note down the recipe you used for each batch so when you come up with a winner you will have it on file. Here are a few ideas for treating colds. Prepare tinctures from the herbs that follow: * echinacea (leaves, flowers) * elder (leaves, flowers, berries) * eyebright (leaves, flowers) * ginger (root) * peppermint (leaves) * yarrow (leaves, flowers) * catnip (leaves) Copyright 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved. This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged. Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at Container Gardening and Herb Gardening You can read more of her articles at Article Bazaar Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Hanna http://EzineArticles.com/?Tinctures-Made-From-Fresh-Herbs&id=474487 equity loan for bad credit cash advance new york payday loans addresses payday

By Mark Kimathi The question of which weight loss diet is the best reminds one of an old children’s bedtime story. The fairly tale goes on about a self-infatuated, envious queen mother who had in her possession a magic mirror. The mirror could tell the most beautiful. One time on imploring of the mirror, who was the fairest of them all, the mirror had the audacity to name some pretty girl named after the winters precipitation and its color; albeit that Snow White was unaware of her crowning beauty. Like the murderous plot that follows in the story so it is with claims and counter claim of which is the best diet. Each diet proposes superiority as it beats-down on others. However as different diet proponents jostle to take the crown of “the weight loss diet”, science seems to be particularly oblivious of exclusively of any diet. Research indicates that it is unlikely that any one diet is optimal for all overweight persons. Different diets have their different comparative advantage. As such one diet would be more effective to some people and be ineffective to others. For example, a low carb diet enthusiast might hold to the notion that nothing cuts body fat like fried chicken breast. Indeed studies have shown high protein high fat diets like Atkins and South Beach diets results to improved levels of triglycerides and also result to weight loss. It also has shown that some individuals are able to stay on these kinds of diet and result to large amounts of weight loss due to high satiety. By the way, high satiety is one of the strongest selling points of a diet like Atkins. Since weight loss diets involve calorie reduction often it comes with reduced amounts of food. With stomach used to being full, diets can result to excruciating hunger pangs. However if you are a bread lover the high protein high fat diets has shown to be punitive. People with a taste for carbohydrates will tend to lose interest with the diet in time. Similarly reduce glycemic load diets like the now famous G.I diet has shown to be effective in mitigating Type 2 diabetes, which often accompanies obesity, and also results to weight loss. Even the more drastic Very Low Calories Diet (VLCD) has shown to be effective in resulting to weight loss. But a word of caution with VLCDs; it is best administered by a qualified physician who understand what they are doing physiologically and nutritionally. This means that evidence on VCLD is not a vote for cabbage soup diet. Other diets like the Mediterranean diet have also shown similar positive results in weight loss as the more acceptable conventional diet. The conventional diet includes reducing calorie intake by 500Kcal- 1000Kcal a day. This results to one to two pound of weights loss a week. 55% of the energy should be from carbohydrates, 15% from proteins and 30% from fats. Without a one fits all diet, if seems best to design a weight loss diet based on individual needs, conditions and preference in a healthy and safe manner. Obesity is a result of several factors. Individualizing helps one to tackle the factors relevant to them making a diet and the whole weight loss plan effective. Mark Kimathi - Get simmilar articles like No Flour No Sugar Diet and Acupunture Weight Loss at www.Health-eMark.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Kimathi http://EzineArticles.com/?Which-Diet-Is-The-Fairest-Of-Them-All&id=559657 think cash loans payday loans approved in the state of georgia personal loan car collateral personal loan refinance

By Teddy Shabba Your inability to attract women might not be a problem that you need to handle right now unless of course; you just got out of a bad relationship, moved to a new city or state and don’t really know anyone, or any other scenario in which attracting women becomes a serious problem for you. Now even though there might not be a “perfect” time to create the change in your ability to attract women, your chances of getting the most out of any seduction or dating program will be greatest if you are able to answer yes to the following questions: Do I want to become less shy around women? Will my quality of life improve when I become more comfortable around women? Does attracting women matter to me? Am I willing to feel uncomfortable in the short-term to attract more women later? Am I able to spend 5-10 hours per week working on my skills and abilities to attract women over the next 90 days? If I am having other difficulties in my life will I be able to put those problems aside during the time I need to focus on changing my abilities to attract women?You also should ask yourself if your inability to attract women is because of weight related issues. While it is true that heavy-set men can attract women just as easily as there lighter counterparts; if losing weight or getting into better shape is something that you want to do, now would be a great time to incorporate this with your attracting women program, seeing as the better you feel the more confidence you have. The more confidence you have the more women will be attracted to you and the more women are attracted to you the easier it becomes in your ability to attract women. Teddy Shabba is a Dating Coach for Men and creator of Dating Advice and Tips for Men which provides an abundance of information for men on dating and more. If you would like more information on how to attract, seduce and meet women sign up for the Teddy Shabba Dating Advice Newsletter for Men today Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Teddy_Shabba http://EzineArticles.com/?Is-Your-Inability-to-Attract-Women-a-Probelm-You-Want-to-Solve-Now&id=252056 interest rates on personal loans no faxing required military payday loans pay day cash air force payday

By Christopher Pratt I am quite sure almost everyone in America knows what a mint is. No, not the one with all the money!!! But even so, probably just as rich in quality. Folks have been enjoying mint candies in the United States since the late 1790’s. Mint in our country has a rich history. Brought to the new world as a medicine, eventually, it was used in the making of a wonderful treat. The ancients were intelligent about the uses of herbs for healing, and with great success, used mint for helping out with digestive problems and for that oh so important purpose of making one’s breath fresh. Both concepts are still extensively in use today. However, it is the use of mint for candy making purposes that delights us and blesses us today. The hard candy mints we know today were invented in another century and still realize great popularity now. You have probably been to a restaurant where that pretty little red and white candy was brought to you after your dinner. Starlights, the red and white mints, are still big sellers in the candy world today. What baby shower has not been graced with those tiny little pink, yellow, and white soft mints. They are not only good, but they are pretty as well; and they serve a good purpose: To set a beautiful table and offer guests a little treat to snack on during a special occasion. In 1912 we saw the invention of the minty Lifesaver, so called because it really resembles a life preserver. Children and adults alike have savored these little rings for decades and they are still going strong. Now there are several different varieties and flavors. In 1949 we saw the emergence of a manufactured candy product called Junior Mints. The candy producers successfully married a creamy white mint filling with a delicious dark chocolate covering. Junior Mints were yummy then and they still are. This sparked a whole craze of combing the mint confection with creamy chocolate, and today you can get the fantastic combination in everything from After Eight dinner mints to Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream. It is an extremely popular flavor combination. It seems as though almost everyone has at least one favorite mint product. Even those who don’t subscribe to mint eating in general still say they love those little pastel balls of chocolate mints, or they like their Lifesavers, or maybe its those pastel drop Mint Melt- Aways. You can bet, if you asked 100 people what their favorite mint morsel was, you would get 100 affirmative answers and not one, “I don’t eat mint.” Christopher Pratt is President of Candy Warehouse, the leading bulk candy store online for bulk candy discounts and specialty candy for specific occasions. Check out their great selection of mints and other delectable treats. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Pratt http://EzineArticles.com/?Just-A-Little-Testa-Mint&id=422748 credit score chart unsecured bad credit personal loans experian credit death report bad credit unsecured credit cards