Zayera blogging - whatever that pops up

Repentance, a concept that transcends cultural and religious boundaries, is a powerful universal theme. From my perspective it is a Christian concept, but according to research it seems like it is a universal human experience manifesting in diverse forms across various religious and cultural contexts.  Repentance in Christianity In Christianity, repentance is central to spiritual life. Jesus emphasised repentance as a necessary step toward salvation, as seen in verses like Matthew 4:17, where he declares, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Christians believe that humans are inherently flawed due to original sin, and thus, repentance is necessary to cleanse one’s sins and restore a relationship with God.  Christian repentance involves a deep sense of remorse for one’s sins, confession (either directly to God in personal prayer or through a priest in traditions like Catholicism), and a firm resolve to change. Through repentance, believers seek divine forgiveness, w...

Etymology and Early Uses The term "straight," which is used today to refer to heterosexual individuals, carries various connotations that have evolved over time. Its origins in English date back centuries, but its modern usage to describe sexual orientation has emerged in response to changing cultural attitudes toward sexuality. The word "straight" originates from the Old English word *streccan*, which means "to stretch out" or "make straight." By the 14th century, it had begun to take on meanings related to alignment and following a direct path, as well as moral uprightness and virtue. These connotations were especially significant during the Victorian era, where being "straight" implied physical alignment and conformity to social norms and expectations. In the mid-20th century, "straight" began to appear as slang in American subcultures, initially carrying a different meaning than it does today. Within jazz and Beatnik commu...