mercredi 28 décembre 2011
mardi 27 décembre 2011
vendredi 23 décembre 2011
lundi 19 décembre 2011
mercredi 14 décembre 2011
dimanche 11 décembre 2011
samedi 10 décembre 2011
mardi 6 décembre 2011
dimanche 4 décembre 2011
brocéliande
<iframe frameborder="0" width="480" height="360" src="http://www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/x3abov"></iframe><br /><a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3abov_broceliande-pays-magique_news" target="_blank">Broceliande, pays magique</a> <i>par <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/jeffcola" target="_blank">jeffcola</a></i>
unicorns in the bible
Unicorns in the Bible?
Keywords: unicorns, Bible, animals, Job, rhinoceros, elasmotherium, aurochs, rimu, wild ox, Bos primigenius, extinct
Some people claim the Bible is a book of fairy tales because it mentions unicorns. However, the biblical unicorn was a real animal, not an imaginary creature. The Bible refers to the unicorn in the context of familiar animals, such as peacocks, lambs, lions, bullocks, goats, donkeys, horses, dogs, eagles, and calves (Job 39:9–12.1) In Job 38–41, God reminded Job of the characteristics of a variety of impressive animals He had created, showing Job that God was far above man in power and strength.2Job had to be familiar with the animals on God’s list for the illustration to be effective. God points out in Job 39:9–12 that the unicorn, “whose strength is great,” is useless for agricultural work, refusing to serve man or “harrow (plow) the valley.” This visual aid gave Job a glimpse of God’s greatness. An imaginary fantasy animal would have defeated the purpose of God’s illustration.
Modern readers have trouble with the Bible’s unicorns because we forget that a single-horned feature is not uncommon on God’s menu for animal design. (Consider the rhinoceros and narwhal.) The Bible describes unicorns skipping like calves (Psalm 29:6), traveling like bullocks, and bleeding when they die (Isaiah 34:7). The presence of a very strong horn on this powerful, independent-minded creature is intended to make readers think of strength.
The absence of a unicorn in the modern world should not cause us to doubt its past existence. (Think of the dodo bird. It does not exist today, but we do not doubt that it existed in the past.). Eighteenth century reports from southern Africa described rock drawings and eyewitness accounts of fierce, single-horned, equine-like animals. One such report describes “a single horn, directly in front, about as long as one’s arm, and at the base about as thick . . . . [It] had a sharp point; it was not attached to the bone of the forehead, but fixed only in the skin.”3
The elasmotherium, an extinct giant rhinoceros, provides another possibility for the unicorn’s identity. The elasmotherium’s 33-inch-long skull has a huge bony protuberance on the frontal bone consistent with the support structure for a massive horn.4 In fact, archaeologist Austen Henry Layard, in his 1849 book Nineveh and Its Remains, sketched a single-horned creature from an obelisk in company with two-horned bovine animals; he identified the single-horned animal as an Indian rhinoceros.5 The biblical unicorn could have been the elasmotherium.6
Assyrian archaeology provides one other possible solution to the unicorn identity crisis. The biblical unicorn could have been an aurochs (a kind of wild ox known to the Assyrians as rimu).7 The aurochs’s horns were very symmetrical and often appeared as one in profile, as can be seen on Ashurnasirpal II’s palace relief and Esarhaddon’s stone prism.8 Fighting rimu was a popular sport for Assyrian kings. On a broken obelisk, for instance, Tiglath-Pileser I boasted of slaying them in the Lebanon mountains.9
Extinct since about 1627, aurochs, Bos primigenius, were huge bovine creatures.10 Julius Caesar described them in his Gallic Wars as:
“a little below the elephant in size, and of the appearance, color, and shape of a bull. Their strength and speed are extraordinary; they spare neither man nor wild beast which they have espied . . . . Not even when taken very young can they be rendered familiar to men and tamed. The size, shape, and appearance of their horns differ much from the horns of our oxen. These they anxiously seek after, and bind at the tips with silver, and use as cups at their most sumptuous entertainments.”11The aurochs’ highly prized horns would have been a symbol of great strength to the ancient Bible reader.
One scholarly urge to identify the biblical unicorn with the Assyrian aurochs springs from a similarity between the Assyrian word rimu and the Hebrew word re’em. We must be very careful when dealing with anglicized transliterated words from languages that do not share the English alphabet and phonetic structure.12 However, similar words in Ugaritic and Akkadian (other languages of the ancient Middle East) as well as Aramaic mean “wild bull” or “buffalo,” and an Arabic cognate means “white antelope.”
However, the linguistics of the text cannot conclusively prove how many horns the biblical unicorn had. While modern translations typically translate re’em as “wild ox,” the King James Version (1611), Luther’s German Bible (1534), the Septuagint, and the Latin Vulgate translated this Hebrew word with words meaning “one-horned animal.” 13
The importance of the biblical unicorn is not so much its specific identity—much as we would like to know—but its reality. The Bible is clearly describing a real animal. The unicorn mentioned in the Bible was a powerful animal possessing one or two strong horns—not the fantasy animal that has been popularized in movies and books. Whatever it was, it is now likely extinct like many other animals. To think of the biblical unicorn as a fantasy animal is to demean God’s Word, which is true in every detail.
Help keep these daily articles coming. Support AiG.
Footnotes
- In addition to Job 39:9–10, the unicorn is mentioned in Numbers 23:22, 24:8; Deuteronomy 33:17; Psalm 22:21, 29:6, 92:10; Isaiah 34:7. Back
- In Job, God’s list of impressive real animals goes on to discuss peacocks, ostriches, horses, hawks, and eagles. God builds up to a crescendo, commanding Job to look at the behemoth, which He had created on the same day He created man (Job 40:15). The behemoth’s description matches that of a sauropod dinosaur. Following the behemoth, the list concludes with the leviathan, a powerful fiery sea creature. See “Could Behemoth Have Been a Dinosaur?” Back
- Edward Robinson, ed., Calmet’s Dictionary of the Holy Bible, 1832 revised edition, pages 907–908. Back
- The report in Nature described a 33-inch-long skull with a bony frontal protuberance more than three feet in circumference. This bony protuberance with its associated structures is thought to have supported a horn over a yard long. Norman Lockyer, “The Elasmotherium,” Nature: International Weekly Journal of Science, August 8, 1878, p. 388. Back
- Austen Henry Layard, Nineveh and Its Remains (London: John Murray, 1849), p. 435. Back
- A margin note on Isaiah 34:7 placed in the King James Version in 1769 mentions this possible identity, and the Latin Vulgate translates the same Hebrew word as “unicorn” in some contexts and “rhinoceros” in others. Back
- Aurochs is both singular and plural, like sheep. Back
- Viewable at www.britishmuseum.org. Back
- Algernon Heber-Percy, A Visit to Bashan and Argob (London: The Religious Tract Society, 1895), p. 150. Back
- Brittanica Concise Encyclopedia, 2007, s.v. “Aurochs.” Back
- Julius Caesar, Gallic Wars, Book 6, chapter 28 (http://classics.mit.edu/Caesar/gallic.6.6.html). Back
- Elizabeth Mitchell, “Doesn’t Egyptian Chronology Prove That the Bible Is Unreliable?” in The New Answer Book 2, ed. Ken Ham (Green Forest, Arkansas: Master Books, 2008), pp. 245–264 Back
- Some writers who hold to the two-horned identity think that the KJV translators substituted the plural unicorns for the singular an unicorn in Deuteronomy 33:17 because they were uncomfortable with the idea of a two-horned unicorn. However, the KJV translators themselves noted the literal translation an unicorn in their own margin note. They likely chose the plural rendering to fit the context of the verse. Deuteronomy 33:17 states, “His [Joseph’s] glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.” The verse compares the tribal descendants of Joseph’s “horns,” meaning descendants of his two sons Ephraim and Manasseh, with the strong horns of unicorns. “Horns” is plural because there are two sons in view, and “unicorn” is referenced because the unicorn’s horn is so incredibly strong. Back
Recommended Resources
 (Retail $29.98.) Totaling more than 55 answers to questions on creation/evolution and the Bible, these two books answer such questions as: Can natural processes explain the origin of life? Can creationists be real scientists? Where did Cain get his wife? Is evolution a religion? and more! |  (Retail $166.92.) The Bible is essential to an accurate understanding of history. This complete curriculum presents a panorama of world history spanning from 4004 BC to AD 29, exploring creation, the Flood, the Tower of Babel, and the rise of civilizations from Mesopotamia to Rome. Biblically-integrated lessons and exciting audio CDs make it easy to learn. |  Secular textbooks and videos discredit the biblical account of Exodus. Those who wish to defend the accuracy of the Bible now have an incredible tool—this book provides compelling confirmation of the biblical account. (90-minute DVD included.) |  Updated & expanded! Man has always been highly intelligent. From startling ancient inventions to maps, ziggurats, and pyramids, your thinking about “ancient man” will never be the same! |
- The existence of God
- Global warming and Climate Change
- Cloning and stem cells
- How we know the Flood was not local
- . . . and more!
Answers Magazine
Answers magazine is the Bible-affirming, creation-based magazine from Answers in Genesis. In it you will find fascinating content and stunning photographs that present creation and worldview articles along with relevant cultural topics. Each quarterly issue includes a detachable chart, a pullout children’s magazine, a unique animal highlight, excellent layman and semi-technical articles, plus bonus content. Why wait? Subscribe today and get a FREE DVD download!
lundi 28 novembre 2011
dimanche 27 novembre 2011
samedi 26 novembre 2011
mercredi 23 novembre 2011
do you beleive in fairies ?by Doreen Virtue
Everyday WISDOM
Inspiration
Do You Believe in Fairies?
Nature spirits are here to help.
by Doreen Virtue
Published: July 18, 2011
10 tips for pleasing the fairy realm.
If you believe in fairies, you’re not
alone. In my global travels, I meet people worldwide who tell me about
their encounters with the magical fairy realms. They fondly recall
childhood experiences of connecting with fairies, and some continue to
talk with these beings as adults. I didn’t see my first fairy until
adulthood. Since then, I’ve developed a benevolent and loving
relationship with these beings. I have enormous respect for their
mission of healing the environment, protecting animals, and reminding us
of the importance of play.Fairies are angels who reside very close to the earth so that they can perform their Divine mission. Some fairies have wings like dragonflies, while others have butterfly-like wings. Unlike guardian and archangels, fairies have egos. In this way, they’re similar to humans in that they make judgments. When fairies meet you, they judge you for how you treat the environment and animals.
Fairies don’t expect anyone to be perfect. However, if you do your best to recycle, use nontoxic cleaning supplies, are kind to animals, and such, then fairies will give you their high regard and grant you favors. If the fairies judge that you’re unkind to the environment or animals, they may play tricks on you. This is why they have mischievous reputations.
Fairies are sometimes called “faeries” or “fae.” Yet no matter what you call them or how you spell their names, the fairies genuinely want to help you live a healthier, happier, and more prosperous life. Because they’re so close to the earth, the fairies can assist you with material concerns involving money, home, health, your gardens, and your pets.
Fairies remind us to lighten up, play, and enjoy life more often. They love parties, music, and dance. They also love rich sweets, and some elementals have been known to drink alcohol. Yet in spite of their mirth, they still get their responsibilities met—which is one of their lessons to all of us.
The fairies remind us that:
- Life is joyful and fun.
- Nature needs and deserves our respect.
- Animals are our brothers and sisters.
- Everything is alive.
- Play is very important.
- Keep bird feeders full of food and water in your yard.
- Place unwrapped candy outdoors for the fairies to enjoy, especially chocolate.
- Plant bell-shaped flowers in your garden.
- Switch to Earth-friendly soap, shampoo, and cleaning supplies (available at any health food store).
- Eat a vegan diet, or only buy humanely treated animals and animal products from organic farms.
- Donate time or money to environmental or animal-rights charities.
- Put statues of fairies or gnomes in your garden.
- Hang crystals from your trees, and put them, or other shiny objects, in your yard.
- Warn the fairies before you mow the grass, don’t use pesticides, and celebrate when toadstools or mushrooms appear in your yard because that means the fairies have taken up residence in your garden.
- Relax and play in your yard, especially with music in the background.
Excerpted from Fairies 101 by Doreen Virtue. Copyright ©2007 (Hay House).
Doreen Virtue is a spiritual doctor of
psychology and a fourth-generation metaphysician who works with the
angelic, elemental, and ascended-master realms in her writings and
workshops. Visit: www.AngelTherapy.com.
FILED UNDER: doreen virtue | fairies | angels | faith | heavenly beings | animals | enviornment
FAVORITES 
SHARE or SAVE 
PRINTSEND E-MAIL
also BY THIS AUTHOR
ARTICLE 
DAILY AFFIRMATION
- Dear Archangel Raphael, thank you for healing and guiding all of my relationships upon the path of love. about 2 hours ago
- Flow the light freely from within and without, as it passes through your life in steady stream. about 2 hours ago
- Your soul needs no progress, for it has never left God’s side, and has never forgotten its holy self and wondrous gifts! about 4 hours ago
- The truth is that when you do occupy yourself with joyful pursuits, the energy involved elevates you like a bird catching a thermal updraft. about 4 hours ago
- Everything within heaven is beautiful, fruitful, and blessed. about 6 hours ago
- You have the ability to tune out the sound of fear and focus on the universal voice of love. about 6 hours ago
- Get higher learning at home from Angel University ~ http://t.co/LsrHg6g1 about 8 hours ago
- As the embodiment of God’s love, you bring healing blessings just by virtue of being alive. about 10 hours ago
- Open your heart to our love. It is profound, sweet, warm, and healing. about 12 hours ago
- Get higher learning at home from Angel University ~ http://t.co/4s1UXtfk about 12 hours ago
YOU MIGHT LIKE
FEATURED PRODUCTS
view Categories
book review fairies of doreen virtue
 |
|
 |
Text Version
Books & Music Career Computers Education Family Food & Wine Health & Fitness Hobbies & Crafts Home & Garden Money News & Politics Relationships Religion & Spirituality Sports Travel & Culture TV & Movies 
|
|
 Book Review Fairies 101
Guest Author - Deanna Joseph
An Introduction to Connecting, Working, and Healing with the Fairies and Other Elementals by Doreen Virtue. I have read many of Doreen Virtue’s books, and have always found them to be easy to read and easy understand. Her stories are sweet, her instructions are simple, and I’ve always felt a sense of well-being and peace when I’ve read her works. Fairies 101, however, left me with mixed feelings. As a book intended to inspire, it truly does that indeed. It is filled with stories about the experiences that others have had while working with the fairy folk, and Doreen gives simple and easy to follow instructions on how to attract the fairies into your life. As far as layout and appearance, this is the most visually stunning book that Ms. Virtue has published to date! The artist is Howard David Johnson, and with my first visit to his website, I found myself loosing track of time while browsing through his beautiful artwork! The book itself includes an introduction, ten chapters, and frequently asked questions about the fairies. She covers who the fairies are, working with the fairies in regard to your home and career, healing, animals, gardening, children, school, the spirit of nature, flower fairies and other elementals and connecting with the fairies. It is only 130 pages (that includes the author bio and artist bio), with about 29 illustrations. It’s such an easy read, I finished it in just a couple of hours. And my eight year old and ten year old each took their turn with it and found it to be, in their own words, “FUN.” This book is perfect for someone who is just getting interested in the fairies (children love this book too as my young ones will attest!). It’s charming and sweet and offers a very easy to understand (and completely non-threatening) introduction into the magical realms of the fairy folk. My only hang-ups with this otherwise enchanting piece of work, are a few errors in her fairy folklore, that honestly, with a bit of research, could have been avoided. For instance, she states that the Tuatha de Danann (people of the Goddess Dana), who were the magical race of beings who inhabited Ireland before its current inhabitants, were turned into Leprechauns. Nowhere in any of my reference books on Celtic Folklore could I find this statement to be true. We do have to keep in mind that the term “fairy” actually means a supernatural being. Where the Tuatha and the Leprechauns are both considered “fairies,” that does not necessarily mean that they are of the same race. She also refers to Selkies as “mermaids who appear as seals while in the ocean and as female humans while on land…” Again, I find no reference for this. Selkies are actually seals who can shed their skin to become human and dance upon the sand. There are stories of merpeople who can also shapeshift into human form. But the selkie and the mermaid are definitely not the same. Of course that’s not to say that somewhere there isn’t some fairy who can shapeshift from mermaid to selkie to anything else it desires! Then she mentions the rune stone system as being symbols received by the druids from the spirits of trees. I believe she has this mixed up with the Ogham. The Celtic Tree Ogham actually is based on the energies of trees so it has a very strong connection to trees. They are an alphabet as well as a divination system. The runes, however, were said to have been discovered by the Norse god Odin, who did happen to be hanging in a tree when he received the symbols. However the runes (whose name means “secrets”) don’t have any particularly strong ties to trees or tree spirits. With that said, I still do find Fairies 101 to be simply enchanting, and I plan on giving it as a gift to several friends who I know would like to learn more about the fairies. My only criticisms come from the fact that I’m also a folklore writer who happens to know a bit about faery mythology. The majority of readers aren’t going to care about the inconsistencies in the folklore, and will enjoy the book for what it is… inspirations on connecting to the magical realm of the fairies.
Content copyright © 2011 by Deanna Joseph. All rights reserved.
This content was written by Deanna Joseph. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. Contact Yvonnie DuBose for details.
|
|
 
|
|
11.23.2011 at 9:42
| About BellaOnline | Privacy Policy | Advertising | Become an Editor |
Website copyright © 2011
Minerva WebWorks LLC. All rights reserved.
|
Inscription à :
Commentaires (Atom)