Foundation for Pluralism | Center for Pluralism

YOUR NEXT SPEAKER, MODERATOR OR PANELIST

ON Pluralism, interfaith, politics, human rights, Israel, Palestine, Middle East, India, Islam and building a cohesive America. Mike Ghouse will inform, educate and entertain your group in building a cohesive environment to work, play, pray and function effectively. Send an email to SpeakerMikeGhouse@Gmail.com

Interfaith Speaker | Muslim Speaker | Professional Speaker | CV

CURRENT ARTICLES
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Dallas News - http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/texas-faith/
Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse
Past articles at: http://wisdomofreligion.blogspot.com
Most articles at: http://TheGhousediary.com
YouTube Videos: Link
Pluralism Center: www.PluralismCenter.com

President Obama's ideal benediction - Our benediction should strongly reflect the sentiment of oneness of our nation under God, and shed our hypocrisies of excluding fellow Americans even in our national prayers. Huffington post
Holocaust and Genocides - Sikh Genocide 84- Bangladesh-71
Muslims discuss gay/lesbian issues - World Muslim Congress
How do we create common Good - Dallas Morning News
My spiritual heroes including Obama - The Ghouse Diary
God belongs in our hearts and not in our school - The need to keep God in our hearts is important, he remains a loving God, but when we project him in public square or schools, it has a chance to hurt one child or the other, who does not see God the same way as others. Should we not respect that individual? Continued
Prayer Vigil in Richardson for Victims of Connecticut shooting-We have to work on developing a society, where no American has to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear of the other. We pray for peace and kindness to prevail continued
Dallas Morning News - How would you comfort the families affected by the Connecticut slayings - continued
Dallas Morning News - is it really possible to heal the world -The human inclination to see justice in one’s own life time causes people to lean on the end-times, where no one goes free. They are fixed up here, pay for it in the next life (Abrahamic) or go thru reincarnation (Dharmic). Religions offer those beliefs to heal one’s soul. The mere thought of justice relieves one from the anguish. Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Navaratri and other festivities are restorative therapies to heal the soul. Continued:
Respecting Muslim Caliphs, Imams and deciders - The most persecuted communities among Muslims today are the Ahmadiyya Muslims followed by Shia Muslims by Sunni Muslims. We know it is not Islamic to be unjust, oppressive and harassive towards others, Muslims or otherwise, but yet it is going on in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia and even in India. Continued
Texas Faith: Is the Religious Right’s considerable influence on politics over? Like most of the right-wing conservatives, Pastor Robert Jeffress lives in a bubble believing in self-aggrandizing information, and aggressively seeking to take advantage of his microphone to get ahead of others in the business of influence. He has done that both in politics and religion and has failed miserably. Continued: http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/12/texas-faith-is-religious-rights.html
United Methodist Church Panel on Politics and Religion Where do we draw that fine line between church and state in the election process….for instance, if a church paid for billboards with political messages, or endorsing a specific candidate, should they lose their non-profit status? Continued
Criticism of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and free speech - Islam is not going anywhere; prophet is not going anywhere, and by opening ourselves up to criticism, we will learn a lot more about our faith than we would ever know. We need to move away from intolerance to acceptance of a different point of view without having to agree with it. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) lived through it and Muslims can learn from his examples. Continued
Interfaith Thanksgiving: A Story of Gratitude and Self-Balancing Acts Continued
Texas Faith: Why do we say grace over a meal, including at Thanksgiving? Expression of gratitude is the ultimate balancing act in everyone’s life. We know from whom we receive the good and to whom we offer our gratitude. The absence of a simple “thank you” creates an imbalance in the relationship and spiritual energy while a simple “thank you” will tie the loose ends and restore the balance. Continued
Veterans Homeless Luncheon Blessings - The Pluralism Prayers covers most of the faiths including Atheists wishes. By the way, no matter where I get invited, I do make a point to represent as many religions as I can, at least ten in any given time. Continued

STANDING UP WITH SIKHS IN THEIR VULNERABLE MOMENT
Muslims in America are overwhelmed with the tragedy that befell on the Sikhs in Oak Creek, Michigan. Here are a few press releases from Muslims organizations as well as the civic organizations. It will be update with additional press releases Continued
A BAPTIZED MUSLIM AND OBSERVES LENT, SHARES UNUSUAL RAMADAN
"I was even in Dome of the rock and the holy Mosque of Aqsa in Jerusalem, had an interesting faceoff with the Israeli guard. It is a pleasure to share this with fellow Americans and Muslims. It is everything you wanted to know about Ramadan and more; its politics, spirituality and traditions.” Continued
TEXAS FAITH - HAS RELIGION LOST ITS BITE?
To a few, religion is a political tool to manipulate others, or pushing their beliefs onto others. To some it is a social need to keep their status as a church going “honest” family, and some feel sanctimonious when performing the rituals in a Church, Temple, Synagogue, Gurudwara or a Mosque. When they step out of the sanctuary, the arrogance creeps right back in, and the religion loses its bite instantly. Continued
RAMADAN AT DALLAS FAMILY CHURCH
told everyone to simply enjoy their food, the more temptations sit in front of me, the stronger I get in my fasting, indeed, I looked into each delicious dish, and took pictures as well. The food looked real good. Then I spoke about what fasting was all about - it’s to bring Taqwa, the spirituality in us, it is getting closer to God and acquire those qualities - to be kind, forgiving, generous, loving and caring towards all of God’s creation, and to learn to be ourselves by being ourselves rather than go with the flow. Continued
TEXAS FAITH : GOD AND RELIGION HAVE GONE MISSING
Absence of faith talk will not be missed, our nation is operating on Maslow’s hierarchy theory, and Jobs is our priority, food is more necessary than faith, and abuse of religion for politics may not work this time. Continued
IS AAMIR KHAN AN AVATAR OF KRISHNA?
The prophecy of Krishna is relevant, in Bhagvad Gita IV-7 Krishna narrates to Arjuna: “Whenever Dharma, or the situation of law and order, is endangered on this world, I incarnate onto this world to re establish Dharma, law and order, and to protect good and destroy the evil elements of the society.” The movie actor Aamir Khan is indeed an incarnation of Krishna in mitigating the evil of female feticide, dowry, child abuse, and other evils of the Indian society. Continued
WHAT ARE YOU READING THIS SUMMER?
Constitution amazes me, and I literally worship its wisdom about human rights and the rights of individuals. I want to read and learn about the inspiration behind the debates, revisions and the process behind finalization of these words: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Continued
BEST SUNNAH FOR SUNNI, SHIA AND AHMADI MUSLIMS
Division is natural among all people, there is a magical number beyond which all groups split, and Islam is no different. First it was Shia and Sunni, then among Shia there are many, and Sunni also got split into numerous groups beyond our imagination. Then Ahmadiyya has three or four divisions and as we grow in size, each one of our groups will further split… now we have progressive Muslim group in the last few years, there will be more. What is the best Sunnah to follow? Read on. Continued
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY
Continued
TEXAS FAITH, SHOULD NATIONS FORGIVE?
Michami Dukadam is a phrase commonly used in Jain faith to start their new year. Simply put, it is about two people forgiving each other and starting the new moment with a clean slate. My late wife and I had a perfect Michami Dukadam. Continued
IS THIS THE AMERICA WE WANT?
We are pleased to release trailer of the film, Americans Together, Building a cohesive America. When complete, it will reflect most aspects of Americans, and their trials and tribulations, hopes and aspirations and their persistent pursuit of happiness. Whether you are a Native American, immigrant or a great grand immigrant, you would be able to relate to it. We will weave a story into the film to appeal to the larger audience. Continued
UNFOUNDED FEARS ABOUT MUSLIMS
I have been responding to mass hysteric emails in circulation from time to time. Indeed, it is a business to the few who have found gains by the anti-Islamic rhetoric, and as a peace maker, my role is to mitigate conflicts and nurture goodwill and continue to separate the myths from reality. Continued
What percent of Hindu, Jews, Christian or a Muslim are you?
As a pluralist, I take a quiz at Beliefnet every year, and have consistently found that I am 100% Unitarian Universalist, 97% Quaker, 88% Buddhist, 85% Reformed Jew... Continued
Father's day, the lessons I have learned.
My Dad’s actions had a big impact on me; my mother had continuously reinforced those values. He said it was the right thing to do. I believe deep down every father wants “happiness” for their kids, but sometimes... continued
Texas Faith: Is religious freedom under attack in America? Indeed, every group feels that their religious liberty is under attack. Is there ....continued
Texas Faith: Are we a nation of Osteens and Obamas? Moderator Wayne Slater, Dallas Morning News How would a foreign visitor with little knowledge of America see the state of religious faith today? Texas Faith panel ....continued
NO BOUNDARIES FOR ME, WHAT ABOUT YOU?
I am free from religious, nationalistic, cultural and religious boundaries. I do not have the barriers between me and another human being. I am asked daily whether I am a Christian, Hindu or a Muslim... as I talk and write about all religions in equal tone. I am all, and I am none. Continued
Texas Faith - Same-sex marriages and changing attitudes. Clearly societal attitudes change in some key areas. And religious organizations, like many other institutions, are forced to respond. Eleven Texas Faith panelists at ....continued
Texas Faith: How can the media better cover religion? The media can earn respect and foster understanding by telling the truth, ....continued
TEXAS FAITH: How far should religious institutions go in defining the common good? How far should churches, synagogues, mosques and other religious institutions go in helping define the common good? I am pleased to ....continued
Texas Faith : Are Oprah, Deepak and the God
A thoughtful, wide-ranging discussion with some provocative ideas. Here's one: "Ultimately, the difference between an organized Church and a mass of unaffiliated spiritualists is the ....continued
Texas Faith - Mormon Moment
In January, 10 national evangelical pastors met in Texas to undo Romney's gains and unleashed Santorum on him. Outside of this group, a few have called Romney's faith a cult and a few others said he was not Christian ....continued
Texas Faith - Catholic bishops and civil disobedience. As Americans we have to stand up for the rights of fellow citizens who are Catholic. Why should anyone stand up for us, if we are not willing to do the same for others?... continued
Texas Faith :: The intellect and religious faith. "Popular Christianity often seems to denigrate rather than celebrate intellectual life and critical inquiry. This not only ignores Christian giants of philosophy and science but also ... continued
TEXAS FAITH: Is God good?
God is neither good nor bad. He is like the nuclear power, in itself, in the right hands he is a blessing, and in the wrong hands he is a barbarian. We can make the Bible, Quran, Torah, Bhagvad Gita, Guru Granth Saheb and ... continued
Texas Faith: Is there too much "God talk" in politics? Extremism in religion has always been repulsive to the general public, but seldom expressed with an equal intensity. Indeed, it was the extremism in religion that chased out ... continued
Texas Faith: Should the ban on political activity ...Should the federal ban on political activity by churches and religious institutions be repealed – or remain in place? Our Texas Faith panel weighs in – and they don't agree on the answer. This is a weekly column at Dallas ... continued
TEXAS FAITH: How much of a candidate's religion is fair game? What's the difference between probing a candidate's religious beliefs and probing a candidate's involvement in promoting or even acquiescing in the activities of ... http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/03/texas-faith-how-much-of-candidates.html
TEXAS FAITH: Is the world getting better? We certainly read a lot in, yes, newspapers about things going awry. Republican candidates making the case against Barack Obama offer ample examples of the world being a mess. http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/03/texas-faith-is-world-getting-better.html
Texas Faith: Are humans to serve the Earth? Or is the Earth to serve humans? This week's question comes from a suggestion by panelist Daniel Kanter and it follows up on remarks that Rick Santorum made recently in ..
TEXAS FAITH: When the pew and the pulpit don't see eye-to-eye? There is a difference between the pew and the pulpit on this matter. Of course, that is not the first time a divide has been seen between the leaders of a ... http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/03/texas-faith-are-humans-to-serve-earth.html
TEXAS FAITH: To what extent should government define the common good? http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/02/texas-faith-to-what-extent-should.html
TEXAS FAITH: Across religious spectrum, voters are increasingly identifying themselves as Republican. Why? Every religious group is clamoring to have their personal religious interests take precedence over the interests of ... http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/02/texas-faith-across-religious-spectrum.html
TEXAS FAITH: How do we create a common good today? What can you do to shape the common good, or perhaps are shaping it. Ten Panelists respond: MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas. Fifty years ... http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/02/texas-faith-how-do-we-create-common.html
Texas Faith: What do you think about Tebowing?
Eleven Texas Faith panelists respond, please visit Dallas Morning News at http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/01/texas-faith-what-do-you-think-about.html
Texas Faith: Beyond King, which religious leader ...
Pastor Bob Roberts of Northwood Baptist Church from Keller, Texas was clear when he opened up his church to a thousand Muslims for celebrating Ramadan. He said, you have your beliefs and your faith and I have mine, ... http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/01/texas-faith-beyond-king-which-religious.html
TEXAS FAITH - Evangelical Leaders ganging up on Mitt Romeny
The Dallas Morning News' Wayne Slater and Texas Faith moderator Wayne Slater reported last week that a group of prominent conservative evangelical leaders are gathering at a Texas ranch this weekend to decide about a ... http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/01/texas-faith-evangelical-leaders-finding.html
Texas Faith: Do we need a Steve Jobs of religion?
Do we need a Steve Jobs of religion, an innovative thinker who can "invent not a new religion but, rather, a new way of being religious? http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/01/texas-faith-do-we-need-steve-jobs-of.html

Contact: Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916
Web: Profile Email: GhouseSpeaks@Gmail.com
Address: 2665 Villa Creek Dr, Suite 206, Dallas, TX 75234

United Methodist Church Panel on Politics and Religion Where do we draw that fine line between church and state in the election process….for instance, if a church paid for billboards with political messages, or endorsing a specific candidate, should they lose their non-profit status? Continued

Interfaith Thanksgiving: A Story of Gratitude and Self-Balancing Acts Continued

Veterans Homeless Luncheon Blessings - The Pluralism Prayers covers most of the faiths including Atheists wishes. By the way, no matter where I get invited, I do make a point to represent as many religions as I can, at least ten in any given time. Continued