The Knight's Templar sue the Vatican

The heirs of the Knight's Templar are suing the Pope to restore the reputation of the disgraced order which was accused of heresy and dissolved seven centuries ago.

The Association of the Sovereign Order of the Temple of Christ, whose members claim to be descended from the legendary crusaders, have filed a lawsuit against Benedict XVI calling for him to recognise the seizure of assets worth 100 billion euros (£79 billion).

They claim that when the order was dissolved by his predecessor Pope Clement V in 1307, more than 9,000 properties as well as countless pastures, mills and other commercial ventures belonging to the knights were appropriated by the church.

But their motive is not to reclaim damages only to restore the "good name" of the Knights Templar.

"We are not trying to cause the economic collapse of the Roman Catholic Church, but to illustrate to the court the magnitude of the plot against our Order," said a statement issued by the self-proclaimed modern day knights.

Link to original source

--Ok, I know I'm going to get hate for this one I'm sure - as it's still controversial by the many avid fundamentalists out there, but here is a brief history of the Knight's Templar I put together awhile back:

The Knights Templar started approximately around 1099 teamed with a group of Calabrian monks who'd established the Priory of Sion (aka group who held the knowledge of Jesus, Mary Magdelene, and the royal bloodline).

With thier newfound knowledge of Jesus and vague locations to find ancient religous artifacts, the Templars started digging beneath the Old Temple of Solomon site on the Temple Mount. After nine years of digging, the Templars found an interesting artifact: a type of journal enclosed in a gold box. The solid gold box was a treasure in itself, but the writings inside were even more valuable. They were somewhat autobiographical in nature, describing events, times, and places that the writer had experienced... a writer who was none other than Jesus Christ. This journal outlined all of Jesus' travels in India, Persia, and Egypt before his public ministry began, as well as many of the teachings he'd learned and then disseminated to his disciples. It also described his associations with the Essenes and Ebonites (of which Christ's brother, James, was purportedly a leader) and outlined the most startling information of all -- that he survived the Crucifixion and escaped to France!



It was Joseph of Arimathea who had buried the journal at the request of Jesus after he'd been in France for several years, for he knew that it would be discovered someday. Joseph also was the one who helped save Jesus from death and escape and settle in France with his wife Mary Magdelene and later... his children.

Anyhow, the Knights made a lot of copies of this journal and sent one to the Pope, and he in turn was very upset, but sent out his best scholars to verify the original document_ After the Pope's experts return back to Rome the Knights Templar begin to accumulate great wealth from their skills in construction and banking. The Pope gave his official approval of the group in 1139, and the knights were granted land, castles, and economic support. Was this blackmail on the part of the Knights Templar or just a prudent stand taken by the Catholic Church? It was a little bit of both. With the Knights knowledge and rising power there wasn't much the Pope could do anyhow....

Not until a Friday on October 13, 1307... King "Philip the Fair" - named not for his just ways, but rather after his good looks - was very envious of the Templars wealth so he ordered the arrest of the Templars on charges of heresy. Jacques de Molay, the Grand Master of the Knights Templar at the time and 60 others were captured and imprisoned in Paris, along with 15,000 members in other areas of France. And all of their documents and artifacts were confiscated. For the next several years the captured Templars were tortured unmercifully with hot irons and burned at the stake.

It seems almost too coincidental that every time some individual or group came close to finding out the truth about Jesus in those days, they were branded as heretics and killed.

Was it the end? Well, many of the surviving Templars were assimilated into other orders, while some went into different secret societies, and others actually became pirates (hence, the skull and crossbones symbol once adorned by the knights). It is still said today that many artifacts and documents pertaining to the truth about Jesus Christ, including the above journal, is still located inside the very walls of the Vatican...

Best-selling author, Dan Brown, has just touched the tip of the iceberg with even discussing these such topics (whether fiction or not, it is based on true events and extensive research). And I believe much more is going to come into the light and public eye very soon through the discovery of religious relics that have yet to be found...



Recommended Reading:

Holy Blood, Holy Grail


by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln -- this book, I know, is controversial to some people, however, despite the criticism these authors have received most of them have been misunderstandings. These guys have done their research - 10 years worth. Any forged documents by 'Pierre Plantard' is MOOT, because there sources were based mostly other resources such as interviewing certain priets who admitted most of the things discussed in this book, but told authors something like 'but we're not supposed to talk about it'. (I'll list specific source here when I find it) This book discusses Mary Magdelene and Jesus being married and having seven children. Also goes over Jesus not dying on the cross at the crucifixion but moving to France as well as more information regarding the Knights Templar.

Gnostic Christianity

"Gnostic Christians believed that questioning ones faith
was always important. To know (gnosis) Christ was to seek
deeper and honest meaning for ones life. This
gnosis led to wholeness in ones relationship to God
and the world. Christ's way was a spiritual journey, not a system
of right beliefs. The Orthodox Church, however, supported
by the Emperor Constantine primarily for political reasons,
was able to define what the true Christian was to believe.
Tertullian and Irenaeus were early Church Fathers (Bishops).
They declared those who questioned the Church's beliefs were
"heretics." Over the voices of those called Gnostics, Orthodox
Christianity not only prevailed, but has continued ever since
to define Christianity as a belief system. The Gnostic scriptures
show that there was and is a more refreshing, honest, open,
spiritual, loving and exciting way to be a Christian."

- Larry Angus

Summary of Gnostic Christians


Ok, lets break it down: Gnostic is from 'gnosis', meaning wisdom or knowledge. And Christian is 'follower of Christ'.

Only with Gnostic Christians, we follow the ORIGINAL teachings of Jesus Christ. Most writings that told of his true message were excluded from the bible.

That is why, with all due respect, regular christians, are missing a big piece of the puzzle.

Some, who don't know what they are talking about, say that gnostics claim they have some 'higher knowledge' that is known to only a certain few. But NO, it's NOT some secret knowledge. It's NOT something that is owned by a certain few. Anyone can acquire higher gnosis. Basically, more psychic - bringing yourself to a higher awareness of everything.

Attributes to Gnostic Christians:

Belief in reincarnation: many of the early Christian writings contain proof that reincarnation was taught among the Jews and Christians. See Dead Sea Scrolls.

Gnostic Christians
this site summarizes it pretty well

Dualism: this can vary from gnostic christian to gnostic christian, but the jist of it is basically two co-equal divine forces. Male/Female. Ying/Yang. Mother God/Father God.

Gnostic rundown
book review and good explanation on the mother god/father god and some other info on gnostic gospels

Mary Magdelene: analyzing the texts and gospels that were left out of the bible, it is evident (in my opinion, QUITE CLEAR) that Mary Magdelene was married to Jesus. (Wedding at Cana)

See Gospel of Philip:

"As for the Wisdom who is called 'the barren,' she is the mother [of the] angels. And the companion of the [...] Mary Magdalene. [...loved] her more than [all] the disciples, [and used to] kiss her [often] on her [...]. The rest of [the disciples ...]. They said to him 'Why do you love her more than all of us?' The Savior answered and said to them, 'Why do I not love you like her? When a blind man and one who sees are both together in darkness, they are no different from one another. When the light comes, then he who sees will see the light, and he who is blind will remain in darkness.'" [3]

-talking about the love between Mary and Jesus ^

It was the patriarchal church who deemed Mary Magdelene a whore, (specifically I think it was Pope Gregory I in 591 CE) to justify their importance of 'sin' and 'redemption' in their dogma-filled teachings. Diminishing femininity in the process.

Also see Gospel of Mary Magdelene
this site also lists some great reading resources



Excerpt from gospel of Mary Magdelene:

10) And desire said, I did not see you descending, but now I see you ascending. Why do you lie since you belong to me?
11) The soul answered and said, I saw you. You did not see me nor recognize me. I served you as a garment and you did not know me.
12) When it said this, it (the soul) went away rejoicing greatly.
13) Again it came to the third power, which is called ignorance.
14) The power questioned the soul, saying, Where are you going? In wickedness are you bound. But you are bound; do not judge!
15) And the soul said, Why do you judge me, although I have not judged?
16) I was bound, though I have not bound.
17) I was not recognized. But I have recognized that the All is being dissolved, both the earthly things and the heavenly.
18) When the soul had overcome the third power, it went upwards and saw the fourth power, which took seven forms.

-talking about Gnosis and because we are 'bound' to this earthly planet of 'matter', not the spiritual plane, 'heaven' we are bound. therefore, why judge? the purpose of being here on earth is to learn and advance our soul ^

We are part of God, not seperate from them (Mother God and Father God): now, [in the Gospel of Thomas], this Jesus comes to reveal that you and he are, if you like, twins.... And what you discover as you read the Gospel of Thomas, which you're meant to discover, is that you and Jesus at a deep level are identical twins. And that you discover that you are the child of God just as he is. And so that at the end of the gospel Jesus speaks to Thomas and says, "Whoever drinks from my mouth will become as I am, and I will become that person, and the mysteries will be revealed to him." Here, Jesus does not take the role of authority and teacher.

In the Gospel of Thomas, the disciples say to Jesus, "Tell us, what do you want us to do? How shall we pray? What shall we eat? How shall we fast?" Now if you look at Matthew and Luke, Jesus answers the questions. He says, "When you pray, say, 'Our Father who are in Heaven, hallowed be...' When you fast, wash your face, don't make a show of it. When you give alms do it privately and without being showy." In this gospel, this Jesus does not answer. He says, "Do not tell lies, and do not do what you hate, for everything is known before heaven." Now this answer throws you and me upon ourselves.... Here Jesus, in effect, turns one toward oneself, and that is really one of the themes of the Gospel of Thomas, that you must go in a sort of a spiritual quest of your own to discover who you are, and to discover really that you are the child of God just like Jesus."

Source: Gospel of Thomas


In Summary, Gnostic Christianity is a Way of Life based on the original teachings of Jesus Christ. A gnostic is a person who believes that salvation is gained through the acquisition of divine knowledge or gnosis. Gnostic Christians believe that the knowledge necessary for salvation has been revealed through Jesus Christ. Gnostics recognize that this world is subject to powers of darkness that distort our concept of reality.

As Jesus explained, "The shadows of this world are perceived by mortals, and they think they know the Truth, but the Reality which casts the shadows is hidden from them, and they do not perceive the Light." (Sayings 2:2)

[ ^ That quote described the atheists and skeptics I used to know, lol ]

When gnostics speak of salvation, they mean being freed from these illusions of darkness so that they can perceive Reality. As Jesus said, "I tell you the truth when I say that only when you perceive shadows as shadows, and search the Light, will you perceive the Reality which is God." (IBID.) He also said, "If you continue to acquire gnosis through me and live by the principles I teach, you will be my true disciples. Then you will learn of Truth, and Truth will set you free." (Testimony of St. John 8:31-32)



Recommended Reading:

Reincarnation: The Missing Link in Christianity
by Elizabeth Clare Prophet

The Gnostic Gospels
by Eileen Pagels

Holy Blood, Holy Grail
by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln -- this book, I know, is controversial to some people, however, despite the criticism these authors have received most of them have been misunderstandings. These guys have done their research - 10 years worth. Any forged documents by 'Pierre Plantard' is MOOT, because there sources were based mostly other resources such as interviewing certain priets who admitted most of the things discussed in this book, but told authors something like 'but we're not supposed to talk about it'. (I'll list specific source here when I find it) This book discusses Mary Magdelene and Jesus being married and having seven children. Also goes over Jesus not dying on the cross at the crucifixion but moving to France as well as more information regarding the Knights Templar.

*special note* Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code is a wonderful book and just because it is in the fiction genre, the meaning and truth the book is based off of can not be disputed.

Just because The Mona Lisa is a form of artwork and therefore not a real live person in front of you doesn't dispute any meaning or truth it is based off of

City of Dubai

"Heavenly. Exquisite. Perfection."

Check out the beauty of the world's most luxurious and only 7-star hotel, Burj Al Arab hotel, located in the city of Dubai. -(United Arab Emirates) I like to talk about Dubai so much because it's a fascinating city; rich and futuristic. Much like I imagine most of Atlantis looked like.

This hotel was opened in 1999 and stands at a staggering 321 metres high. With your chauffeur driven Rolls Royce, discreet in-suite check in, private reception desk on every floor and a brigade of highly trained butlers who provide around-the-clock attention, this hotel promises the finest the world has to offer.

This would make it on the top 10 vacation list for sure.

Waverly Hills Sanatorium to be first class hotel

"It's a creepy, old, five-story building with a morgue, a "body chute" and guest rooms where people once lay dying of tuberculosis.

Mattingly and his architect, Kevin Milburn of Urban Designz, are dead serious about turning the old Waverly Hills Sanatorium into a 78-room boutique hotel with a spa, fitness center and meeting space for business groups." -Alex Davis


This was the infamous sanitorium where TAPS ghosthunters caught some ghostly apparations. [see video below] Located in Louisville, Kentucky, co owner Charlie Mattingly and his wife, Tina bought the 30-acre property for $225,000 in 2001. They are planning a rough estimate of $18 million dollar renovation on the property to open as a first class hotel as early as 2010. The part I can't believe is that he bought it for only $225,000. Dang! That is a good deal! Lucky guy.


Sources:

Courier Journal

Inspirational Quotes

I'm going to keep adding quotes here and my favorite mantras when I come across them:

"You can't succeed at everything, but if you try – no one can ever fault you."

-The Rock


"Some people pursue happiness; others create it."

-Anonymous


"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

-Maya Angelou


"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

-Dr. Seuss


"If you really want something, you can figure out how to make it happen."

-Cher



"If you can't handle me at my worst, you don't deserve me at my best."

-Anonymous


"We are not humans having spiritual experiences, we are spirits have human experiences."

-Anonymous


"Wine is strong, a king is stronger, women are stronger still, but truth conquers all."

In French, "Forte est vinum, fortior est rex, fortiores sunt mulieres super omnia vincit veritas."

-1 Esdras, ch 3+4

Roslin Chapel



"Philosophy, is the talk on a cereal box. Religion, is smile on dog. Philosophy, is a walk on slippery rocks. Religion, is the light in the fog."

-Lyrics from Edie Brickel song 'What I am'


"Terrible ideas... don't you just love those?"

&

"Live spherically in many directions; never lose your child enthusiasm."

-Film 'Under the Tuscan Sun'


"You never lose by loving. You always lose by holding back."

-Anonymous


"Don't let the past dictate who you are; but let it become a part of who you are."

-Anonymous


"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."

-Anonymous


More to come...

Aspergers Syndrome

Artism for Autism artwork created by adults with autism in 2006 - Aspect & The Jammy Gallery ^


Aspergers Syndrome is an acute form of Autism. Most people don't know this, but it is something I struggle with every day - and it is also very misunderstood. I dislike how most texts just vaguely describe aspergers and at the same time making someone with aspergers sound like cold-hearted, unempathetic, anti-social freaks or something. That's definitely not the case, and it should always be remembered that there are so many variations to Aspergers' as well as Autism in general. I've also heard many 'know it all' guys who have no first hand experience attempt to describe what its about, when they have no idea at all - thus inspiring me to write this.

Symptoms listed by WebMD:

* Not pick up on social cues and lack inborn social skills, such as being able to read others' body language, start or maintain a conversation, and take turns talking.
* Dislike any changes in routines.
* Appear to lack empathy.
* Be unable to recognize subtle differences in speech tone, pitch, and accent that alter the meaning of others’ speech. Thus, your child may not understand a joke or may take a sarcastic comment literally. Likewise, his or her speech may be
flat and difficult to understand because it lacks tone, pitch, and accent.
* Have a formal style of speaking that is advanced for his
or her age. For example, the child may use the term "beckon" instead of "call," or "return" instead of "come back."
* Avoid eye contact.
* Have unusual facial expressions or postures.
* Be preoccupied with only one or few interests, which he or she may be very knowledgeable about. Many children with Asperger's syndrome are overly interested in parts of a whole or in unusual activities, such as doing intricate jigsaw puzzles, designing houses, drawing highly detailed scenes, or astronomy.2
* Talk a lot, usually about a favorite subject. One-sided conversations are common. Internal thoughts are often verbalized.
* Have delayed motor development. Your child may be late in learning to use a fork or spoon, ride a bike, or catch a ball. He or she may have an awkward walk. Handwriting is often poor.
* Have heightened sensitivity and become overstimulated by loud noises, lights, or strong tastes or textures. For more information about these symptoms, see sensory integration dysfunction.

"Although the condition is in some ways similar to autism, a child with Asperger's syndrome typically has normal to advanced language and intellectual development. Also, those with Asperger's syndrome typically make more of an effort than those
with autism to make friends and engage in activities with others.

Symptoms during adolescent and teen years
Most symptoms persist through the teen years, and although teens with Asperger's can begin to learn those social skills they lack, communication often remains difficult. They will probably continue to have difficulty "reading" others' behavior.
Your teen with Asperger's syndrome (like other teens) will want friends but may feel shy or intimidated when approaching other teens. He or she may feel "different" from others. Although most teens place emphasis on being and looking "cool," trying to fit
in may be frustrating and emotionally draining for teens with Asperger's. They may be immature for their age and be naive and too trusting, which can lead to teasing and bullying." -WebMD


My experience with Aspergers':

I remember having such a hard time in public school growing up. In elementary school, I remember other kids or the teacher speaking to me and it sounding like a foreign language to me. I couldn't comprehend the words. I didn't understand jokes at all. Went through most of school with people thinking I was uppity or stuck up because of lack of eye contact and I wouldn't talk to them. Most others made fun of me, talked behind my back, and bullied me.
Another thing I struggle with is clumsiness. My coordination is so off and a drop and fumble things a lot - even with music, I'm very rhythmically challenged. I can do it, but its very difficult for me. I'm actually very talented in music and can play various instruments - I have no trouble with pitch, tone, or playing music in general. It's just the dang rhythm that's hard.
That's however, a minor inconvenience compared to how hard it is to really relate to anybody. Most people have misunderstandings about me or are confused. I get sick of the wierd looks I get if I'm saying something or doing something that's not of the social norm or is not within a social filter. I'm also sick of people thinking I'm depressed if I don't smile back. (Sometimes I'd like to say to those people,'well, I'll smile if you would actually make me laugh - and I don't just mean your face.') *Sigh*
Another big struggle is the inflexible thinking. It gets me in trouble when trying to follow directions while walking or driving. I get lost VERY easily and when I find one route to my destination, I memorize that specific one and stick to it. I can NOT take another route because I will get extremely confused and probably lost for hours. Even if the newer route is a short cut. It's basically like if I found a route on certain streets or highways, I can NOT deviate from the same path - my mind won't allow me to think harder and problem solve the NEW way to get to the same location. This might also incorporate memory problems, which my short term memory is nearly non existent.

I think that also goes along with multi tasking. Which I can NOT do at all. I get so frustrated when I'm cooking and someone is trying to talk to me, or driving and someone is trying to talk to me. My mind hurts when I try and do it, and I'll just end up burning something or crashing into something.

I have it hard enough just to approach someone in a social situation a foot or 2 away from the person, but what's worse is when someone tries and shout something to me from long way across the room with tons of people staring. If someone does that, I will NOT shout back. My voice is very monotone and soft spoken, so I like talking in more intimate environments.

One big thing that sucks is that a lot of people I've noticed think I'm lying or that I'm a liar sometimes. Mainly because my body language is off, I don't have eye contact, I speak stiffly, and most of my movements are just... well, awkward. All I can say is that the true friends I have who know the real me, know that I'm the most honest, upfront person out there. In fact, I'm too honest for my own good! =) So, my true friends know me. Those who don't, your loss.

I also can't stand sarcasm jokes. I just don't get it, it seems literal to me. Also, I'm always the last one to get a joke anyway! It kind of depends on the joke though. Another frustrating thing is when talking to someone who changes the subject too quickly like every 5 minutes or something. My mind can't transition fast enough and I get confused. I can talk about one subject for 10 hours straight. (^_~)

Explaining things is very hard for me to do orally. I can't tell a story unless I write it down on paper because then my mind can unscramble it for me as I write and it comes out nicer. I've always been a natural writer because of it. I can't verbalize things and describe things well orally because my mind can't unscramble the mess of words fast enough in my head for it to come out right and make sense. And I tend to stumble on words and stutter sometimes. This is why job interviews are so hard for me because they expect you to answer promptly after they ask a question, expecting a clever response - but i would need about ten minutes or so to think about the answer. Or just write it down and hand them a note. Hey, we all have different ways of communicating - I just wish this was more known and accepted in society.

My biggest problem with Aspergers has been my naivety. MANY people have seen my openness, sincerity, kindness, and generosity - and have used me, drained me, taken advantage of me, and just walked all over me. I used to be too trusting and never thought anyone would do me wrong, because I don't think that way and I wouldn't do that to someone - so I just thought everyone on this planet was good. About 100x later of being screwed over time and time again, I've learned to not be a doormat anymore and recognize between someone sincere and someone who just wants something from me. But I haven't become an azzhole like some people who shall remain nameless. I simply keep negative people out of my life. I only pity them.


Famous people with Aspergers':

Essentially, Asperger's syndrome causes behavior that can best be described as “quirky.” Bill Gates, Woody Allen, Bob Dylan, Keanu Reeves, Al Gore, and Garrison Keillor are some of the many notable public figures who experts believe show symptoms of Asperger's syndrome. There is also some evidence to suggest that Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton suffered from the condition as well.



Some more light was shed on Aspergers' syndrome on the Tyra Banks' reality hit, America's Next Top Model Cycle 9, depicting one of the contestants, Heather, struggling with Aspergers'.












Poem:

The Misunderstood Child
A poem about children with hidden disabilities

by Kathy Winters

I am the child that looks healthy and fine.
I was born with ten fingers and toes.
But something is different, somewhere in my mind,
And what it is, nobody knows.

I am the child that struggles in school,
Though they say that I'm perfectly smart.
They tell me I'm lazy -- can learn if I try --
But I don't seem to know where to start.

I am the child that won't wear the clothes
Which hurt me or bother my feet.
I dread sudden noises, can't handle most smells,
And tastes -- there are few foods I'll eat.

I am the child that can't catch the ball
And runs with an awkward gait.
I am the one chosen last on the team
And I cringe as I stand there and wait.

I am the child with whom no one will play --
The one that gets bullied and teased.
I try to fit in and I want to be liked,
But nothing I do seems to please.

I am the child that tantrums and freaks
Over things that seem petty and trite.
You'll never know how I panic inside,
When I'm lost in my anger and fright.

I am the child that fidgets and squirms
Though I'm told to sit still and be good.
Do you think that I choose to be out of control?
Don't you know that I would if I could?

I am the child with the broken heart
Though I act like I don't really care.
Perhaps there's a reason God made me this way --
Some message he sent me to share.

For I am the child that needs to be loved
And accepted and valued too.
I am the child that is misunderstood.
I am different - but look just like you.




Sources:

WebMD
aspergers symptoms

Asperger advice
great detailed info on aspergers

If you only knew
Get more info and order the book, Aspergers - if you only knew, by author Sophia Summers - discusses her struggle with aspergers and how she found out she had it after her son was diagnosed with aspergers