islam – Page 5 – Blog – Jaclyn Holland-Strauss

Women’s rights in Iran: Part 1

March 5, 2013

People in the West often have a very stereotypical view of women’s rights in Iran, and other countries in the Middle East. However, the reality is far more complex than that. Women’s issues are becoming a strong force in Iranian […]

Muslims and Mormons: More alike than different?

January 22, 2013

The word ‘Mormons’ refers to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Obviously the term ‘Mormons’ erases any reference to Jesus Christ, so this nickname for this group of people does them a disservice from the […]

Homosexuality in Saudi Arabia: Does this article have it right?

October 25, 2012

The article, which can be found at http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2007/05/the-kingdom-in-the-closet/305774/ offers a frank discussion of homosexuality in the country where Islam is practiced most faithfully. But I’m wondering how accurate it is because a couple of people I know who are from […]

My Brand

I am an amphiist, which I define as someone who looks at both sides of issues (it's a Greek word). However, I have my own expanded definition, which means that I believe in three interrelated concepts, which, when taken together, inform an amphiist viewpoint. Abraham Maslow talked about self-actualization, a person reaching their highest potential. Thomas Carlyle discussed natural aristocracy, which is a principle the Founding Fathers created with regard to the United States, that a person did not have to be of royal birth to have merit; it was the content of their character that counted. And scholars Mayer and Salovey came up with the concept of emotional intelligence, an idea popularized by Daniel Goleman. We should have control over our emotions, and see the bigger picture. All of these together make up an amphiist, and I apply this reasoning to politics, entertainment, etc. I defend the oppressed by offering an alternative perspective. I am currently raising funds for publication of an Amphiist newspaper, the primary focus of which will be anti-extremism. We need to find common ground. We need to stop thinking in terms of liberals against conservatives. Right against left. Men against women. One race against another. One religion against another. If you would be interested in contributing, please consider supporting my work at Paypal via jaclyncarter2005@gmail.com.

Testimonials

Just finished. I am humbled by your story (Catherine's story). My mind is left in a whirlwind of thoughts. I understood the pain, the misery. The path from victim to victor, I applaud you (Catherine). Really, I am speechless. You have a brilliant mind. Your talent is astounding. You were sent to this earth to be a positive influence for others, that I am certain of.

I'm sitting in a restaurant in Green Bay Wisconsin and just finished your book. WOW WOW WOW! So freaking amazing. You have so captured the nature of the marginalized...your postscript at the end WAS ABSOLUTELY GREAT. Your book spoke to me at a heart level and encouraged me about my own feelings of insignificance. Thank you so much for writing this very heart touching work of art. You are an amazing person who I would be proud to have not just living on but running my island all day every day. In short, your book is AWESOME!!!!

One of my favourite things about this book is how the author described the characters. I rate this 5 out of 5 stars. It's such an important message. No matter what our religious beliefs—even if we have no religious beliefs—He is aware of us, He loves us and He talks to each of us. We are His. The author did a fantastic job with it!