What's New and Updated at The Shining Lamp?

By Christine Emba Explore limitarianism, which challenges unlimited wealth accumulation in society by advocating for upper limits on personal wealth to promote societal equity and overall well-being. Drawing on philosopher Ingrid Robeyns's insights, it prompts a reassessment of beliefs regarding wealth and human value, envisioning a global shift away from extreme affluence. Though not explicitly referencing Baha'i Teachings, limitarianism aligns with the Baha'i principle of eliminating the extremes of poverty and wealth to ensure universal access to basic necessities and dignified living. By…

By Arwa Mahdawi Columnist, Guardian US In a world brimming with diverse cultures and identities, the simple act of saying someone's name correctly can be a profound gesture of respect and inclusivity. Picture this: a child's excitement on the first day of school, proudly sharing how one teacher took the time to learn the pronunciation of their name, contrasting sharply with the indifference of others. It's a scenario that resonates deeply in a society where multiculturalism is celebrated but often misunderstood. Amar Singh poses for photos after receiving his Australian Local Hero of the Year…

Baha'i Quotes and References Related to Community Building Discover the essence of community building through a captivating collection of insightful quotes from the Bahá'í Faith, urging readers to delve into the profound wisdom that fosters unity, inclusivity, and collaboration. From fostering a sense of belonging to promoting the betterment of society, these quotes offer invaluable guidance on nurturing vibrant communities grounded in mutual respect, service, and spiritual principles. Embrace the transformative power of community as you explore this enriching compilation, inspiring a deeper…

The Baha'i Service For The Blind offers a number or resources and services: Materials In Braille Audio Books and Talks Large Print Materials A Lending Library The American Bahá'í -- Audio Edition Take advantage of these resources! https://www.bahaiservicefortheblind.org/

By Lizz Schumer When You Don’t Look Sick People with invisible disabilities and chronic illnesses number in the millions, but they’re often alone with their struggles. Here’s why they deserve attention and respect—and how to give it. Invisible disabilities or non-apparent disabilities refer to a broad range of chronic illnesses and conditions that may not be immediately visible to others, such as deafness, autism, traumatic brain injury, fibromyalgia, Crohn's disease, diabetes, migraines, and dyslexia. These conditions can be challenging for people to live with, and they often struggle to get…

Posted by: Ralph Morren In a powerful display of empathy and self-reflection, a pastor undergoes a profound transformation, becoming a homeless Black man to directly experience the harsh realities of marginalization within his own congregation. As he enters the church where he is to be introduced as the new head pastor, he is met with indifference and disdain, with only a handful of individuals extending a simple greeting amidst a sea of apathy. Despite his hunger and need for assistance, his pleas are met with silence, underscoring the prevalent barriers to compassion and understanding.…

By Leah Smith Ableism, a pervasive form of discrimination, marginalizes individuals with physical, intellectual, or psychiatric disabilities, often perpetuating the belief that they need to be 'fixed.' Rooted in societal norms and attitudes, ableism manifests in various ways, from the language used to treat people with disabilities to their exclusion from decision-making tables. Leah Smith, a passionate advocate, sheds light on the intricacies of ableism, challenging readers to examine their perceptions and actions. Smith identifies the medical model of disability as a cornerstone of ableism…

By Elizabeth Cooney In a thought-provoking piece titled "Doctors call out ableism in cancer care: 'The biggest barrier is attitude'", the article highlights the pervasive problem of ableism in cancer treatment, revealing how People with Disabilities face significant problems right from the diagnosis stage. It underscores the barriers marginalized individuals encounter due to biased assumptions and outdated practices in medical care. The narrative delves into the intricate problems faced by individuals with disabilities, particularly in navigating the complex landscape of cancer care. Through…

Discover the urgent call to action echoing across the globe as the pursuit of gender equality emerges as one of the paramount challenges of our era. With women and girls constituting half of humanity's potential, the quest for gender parity becomes synonymous with achieving peaceful, sustainable, and fully realized societies. UN Women underscores the imperative to eradicate gender-based violence and ensure equal access to education, health care, economic resources, and political participation for individuals of all genders. UN Secretary-General António Guterres underscores the critical…

By Katherine Schaeffer Pew Research Center Delve into the evolving landscape of women's roles in the American workforce and society, where significant gains have been made alongside persistent challenges. Over the past half-century, women have achieved higher labor force participation, greater representation in college-educated roles, and increased presence in lucrative professions. However, gender disparities endure, particularly in top leadership positions across government and business sectors. Explore the nuanced trends shaping women's experiences, from their outnumbering men in…

By: History.Com Editors Embark on a captivating exploration of women's history in the United States, tracing the footsteps of trailblazers who played pivotal roles in the fight for equality. The journey begins with Abigail Adams' poignant plea to her husband, Founding Father John Adams, urging him to "remember the ladies" in envisioning the nation's government. Dive into the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848, where the Declaration of Sentiments laid the foundation for women's suffrage. Witness the historic moment when Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman to graduate from medical school in…

By Layli Miron Embark on a transformative journey led by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Task Force within the Baha’i community. Their impactful work is focused on removing barriers and fostering inclusivity for People with Disabilities. Explore personal narratives, such as Naledi Raspberry's experience interpreting for her Deaf son, shedding light on the need for accessibility in Baha’i activities. The article dives into success stories, like the "Deaf in the Baha’i Community" Facebook page and WhatsApp group, connecting people and spreading invitations to accessible events. Uncover the…

By Judith Graham As we reflect on the demographic composition of our current communities and contemplate building Diverse, Vibrant, Inclusive, Accessible Communities, it's essential to acknowledge potential limitations in the diversity of their content or the absence of diverse perspectives. Recognizing the presence of People with Disabilities and the predominant representation of older individuals within our communities, we must confront any inadequacies in the inclusivity of our initiatives. Despite our efforts to engage representatives from various communities, there might be problems in…

Frequently, there's widespread enthusiasm for miracle cures benefiting People with Disabilities, generating significant support through platforms like GoFundMe and social media campaigns. However, this enthusiasm often neglects the crucial responsibility of removing barriers, a key element in building vibrant communities. Essential initiatives, such as providing Sign Language Interpreters, Braille Materials, and Accessible Web Pages, actively contribute to the construction of inclusive and vibrant communities. A recent article on gene therapy for deafness sheds light on this point as it…

by Ellen Stumbo Delve into Ellen Stumbo's thought-provoking piece as she delves into the crucial question: "Do churches care about the less privileged and disabled?" In theory, they do. Christian and religious organizations often spearhead relief efforts globally, offering aid and resources to underprivileged communities worldwide. Yet, on a local scale, churches sometimes overlook people with disabilities, relegating them to the sidelines. Despite having funds set aside for those in need, efforts to reach out to People with Disabilities are lacking. This neglect stems from misconceptions…

By Arlene S. Kanter Religious freedom should never serve as a barrier against the rights of People with Disabilities in the workplace. As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it's crucial to reflect on the progress made and the problems that persist. Despite the ADA's pivotal role in advancing accessibility and inclusivity, recent Supreme Court rulings, like the Biel case, threaten to undermine its core principles. Arlene S. Kanter's incisive analysis sheds light on the urgent need for legislative intervention to uphold equality and justice for People…