According to published bios, the Rev. Dr. Iyanla Vanzant is a Yoruba priestess, ordained New Thought minister, talk show host, doctoral candidate, spiritual life counselor and author of several best selling books mostly geared toward the African American community.
Referring to herself as an “empowerment specialist”, she is the co-founder of the Inner Visions: The Institute for Spiritual Development which states that its offerings “are designed to facilitate and support Personal Development and Spiritual Evolution. We believe that personal well-being and spiritual unfolding is a function of knowing who you are – your Authentic Identity; why you are on the planet – your Life’s Purpose and the role you play in the divine order of life – your
…show more content…
A fundamental belief is that before we were born, we stood before God and were permitted to choose our own destiny, including when we would come to earth, where we would live, who we would love, what we would contribute to the world, and even when we will die. However, once born, all of these requests are forgotten and it’s up to us to reclaim our lost destiny.
The Yoruban god, called Olodumare, is not a personal god but is similar to the Hindu’s Brahman. He is a distant god who relegates tasks such as answering prayers to beings known as Orishas who serve as intercessors between Olodumare and man. There are several types of Orishas – those who have been in existence since the creation of the world; those who were human and who graduated to semi-divinity; and others that take the form of natural resources such as trees or rivers. Orishas are believed to be very human-like in that they marry, eat, drink, enjoy music, etc.
However, it’s hard to discern just how much of this Yoruban philosophy Dr. Vazant espouses because her Institute also offers a four-year ministerial ordination program that culminates in a Minister of Spiritual Consciousness (MSC)
It’s your destiny you decide, on earth and beyond in heaven or hell; it’s your choice. The decisions we as humans make
There are many religions throughout the world today. Although there are several different religions, many individuals are not educated about the other beliefs besides there own. Religions today do have differences but are also very much the same. This is demonstrated between the religion of Yoruba, and Christianity. The Gods that the people in these religions worship are different but have the same purpose throughout the lives of each individual. Each individual’s purpose and goal in these religions also display similarities. Furthermore the rituals that are done throughout these religions are done for directions and to improve the relationship between the individual and their god. There are various differences and similarities between
She reminds the people, through the untainted word of Jesus Christ that He saves, heals, and set free from the burden of sin and degradation that Satan inflicts upon His people. Evangelist Stokes has ministered extensively throughout the United States and South Africa spreading the Good
From the 1500s to the 1700s, African blacks, mainly from the area of West Africa (today's Senegal, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Dahomey, Togo, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon) were shipped as slaves to North America, Brazil, and the West Indies. For them, local and tribal differences, and even varying cultural backgrounds, soon melded into one common concern for the suffering they all endured. Music, songs, and dances as well as remembered traditional food, helped not only to uplift them but also quite unintentionally added immeasurably to the culture around them. In the approximately 300 years that blacks have made their homes in North America, the West Indies, and Brazil, their highly honed art
Nadia Bolz-Weber is a female pastor that is on her spiritual journey to learn more about herself. She would have never become a great pastor without living through the experiences she went through. When talking about her spiritual journey, she brings up certain concepts that portray who she really is. I could understand and relate to some of her stories. She teaches herself and talks about others things nobody usually thinks of. She brought up many important stories that changed her life and brought her closer to herself. Nadia talks about concepts, such as self, forgiveness, and purpose.
Nevertheless, she also a great role model for the community, she participate in several outreach activities, which give her the opportunity to further connect with others, exemplifying her generosity and care as she model God- giving spirit.
For 17 years God has blessed me to serve alongside my husband as directors of Chi Alpha at the University of Texas at Arlington. During my time here, I have served and mentored hundreds of young women and internationals who now fulfill the mission of Chi Alpha in the marketplace and the world as pastors, missionaries, police officers, nurses, teachers, and social workers. I am especially thankful to walk with those students who came to faith, experienced discipleship, and the Holy Spirit empowered their lives through the ministry.
She is a Palestinian Christian from Jerusalem, former board chair of one of the UCC/Disciples Global Ministries' partner in East Jerusalem, and an active member the YWCA in Palestine.
In addition to her desire to build young women, she is dedicated to her faith and family. She is a mother of two bright and talent teenagers, a wife of 15 years to an self-employed entrepreneurial and she is
Esther Y. Turner has been a member of Christian Faith Assembly, Hainesport NJ for over 23 years where she currently serves as a Minister on the Ministerial Staff. She formally served as Director of Administration for Christian Faith Assembly, Director of Church Growth Ministries, President of Total Women Ministry and a Job Placement Coordinator/Facilitator, an appointed position by the Pastor, to help those who in the church and in the community with gainful employment. She has organized, coordinated and headed numerous Women’s Retreats and Seminars, both nationally and internationally.
R During the interview I was glad to learn about the new age movement because she has been talking about it for sometimes and even wanted to do reiki for me when I had surgery 3 years ago. I found out that her spirituality was very different from mine although she believe that Jesus was a great teacher. I wanted to know what her belief was. The interview with her gives me an understanding of what she was talking about. The knowledge I acquired from her is very good because it can be tricky and misleading to the people who really want to serve God with all their hearts.
There is a reason we are born. The more important thing is how and when we realise it. We should be able to know the destiny of life until it’s too late. That last minute of life when you breathe your last breathe and realise you have lived your person ledge, you will leave this planet with a smile on your face with that happiness which you never felt in your whole life. There is a saying, "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." Yes, that invisible supernatural power will aid you to achieve it. It will plot your railway to the destiny. But that doesn’t mean you stay in your bed for all of your life and you will be there to your destiny. The reality is you should come on the field to combat every hardship that impedes you to be in your pursuit. With every courage and aplomb inside one should work hard. And most importantly losing hope should not be hobbling inside the
Understanding time is important in understanding the thoughts and beliefs of the African people. Understanding ontology is important as well. As defined by Webster’s ontology is “a branch of metaphysics concerned with the nature and relations of being.” Ontology is the way in which the Africans believe. Expressed ontologically, God is the origin and creator of all things. A number of
What religion am I? In my life, I have been told many things about my religion. My mother is a Roman Catholic, while my father is Jewish. I have learned about both religions, and I have tried to practice both as best I could, but I am now faced with the decision; which one am I?
To choose your own future, destiny and life is very hard. Everyone wants to do something that makes them happy. But sometimes you take the wrong decisions or everything decides to go against you, which makes you stay in the box you were trying to escape from. When your dreams don’t get fulfilled, you will be in that box and wait for the light. It’s not always about what you want, but what you need. And to live a good life, and to do something productive, you have to work in a way that will make you happy, because that is what you need the most.