I am not a religious person and as anyone who has been reading this Blog knows, I am usually suspicious of people who are overtly Christian. I tend to mistrust people who stand behind scripture. I do however believe in the inherit goodness of mankind and feel that spirituality is a personal way of life. Spirituality for me is staying true to a chosen practice and trying to better the earth and the beings that live on it. I think that religion and politics go hand in hand and don’t believe they can be separated. Spirituality and mysticism however exist on a separate plane. It is out there that I think we may find the cessation of our suffering.
So it may seem strange that I, of all people, have chosen to quote scripture on this the fifth anniversary of the September 11th. I have decided to keep quiet on the political implications the event, and the subsequent wars that have followed, have had on everyone in the world. For once, I am able to understand the simplicity that a few lines of scripture can bring. I felt it very appropriate to use these lines to make my point. I also think that this very Christian message when transposed over the message of our overtly Christian administration speaks volume about the hypocrisy of our government and its policies.
I am lucky not to live in the States, so I will be spared the brutally patriotic, mind numbing, propaganda many of you will endure, but as you become inundated with the hype, no matter which side you are on, remember that peace starts inside each of us. And although we may hate our own individual enemies, until we can follow these words we will perpetuate the hatred and violence.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17-21).
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:9).
Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble (1 John 2:9-10).
You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye (Matthew 7:5).
But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:27-28).
For those of you confused about how I could be using Christianity to get my point across, know this! I am using the language of my enemy. I have always resented organized religion, Christianity and Islam in particular, but now I want to lay down my animosity and preach peace. These words make sense, it doesn’t matter who says them.
Remember no one is ever right. Truth is relative. We find peace in dialogue and compromise, not in being right. Please share this with friends and link with other Bloggers. I am curious what kind of reaction it gets. Send your readers over. Let's start moving toward a new direction.
Note: if you couldn’t comment please try not to leave an anonymous comment. Use an account-free comment. You simply type in your name and website address after you have checked "other" for type of comment. Beta Blogger is not working properly. I hope this gets fixed soon.
A great post for today's date in history. It is true about how the current administration do not practice what they preach, in effect. The passage from Matthew is particularly apt. I don' think we will ever see this happen though. However, I am going to focus on your words instead and start the peace process from within. I hope you get some readers from my blog spot.
ReplyDeleteMel x
Gah! Blogger beta deleted my comment. Let's see if I can replicate it.
ReplyDelete"Truth is relative."
ReplyDeleteAn impossibility, BZ. In order for that statement to be true, it must therefore be a truth, proving that it is a false statement. Truth is an absolute.
In regards to your comments about Christianity, it's good to see you can put aside your distaste for our religion and recognize that the actions of some Christians do not always reflect Christ's teachings.
It makes me sad to see my comrades in Christ not living out what He taught us all to do, and I recognize I too am guilty of it sometimes.
On another note, this was a wonderful tributary post. Your scripture choices were top notch, definitely.
-Dave
Truth is an absolute.
ReplyDeleteThis is why I have a hard time dealing with Christans. You are so sure you are right, that nothing else can be possible. Just imagine a world where there are no absolutes. A world where there are possibilities and alternative ideas. A world where maybe Jesus isn't the only saviour, twhere there isn;' a hell. Just imagine it.
As Obi Wan once said, "Only the Sith deal in absolutes."
Well the Sith, Republicans, Muslims, and people of little faith. Same difference you say? Sure why not! I hope I have not offended you. I know you are a big boy and can handle it Dave.
I think I told you during one of our "exchanges" that no one can claim with certainty that their beliefs are right. No one knows. We all seek to find that which brings us peace, makes us better individuals, and helps us be aware of the needs of others. I care not a whit who believes in what. I like a person for how they are and not who they are or what they believe. And I refuse to lump people into a category/label for the sake of making a point.
ReplyDeleteI do not look at today as a time to allow myself to be spoonfed any political anything. For me, it is a time to think about the men and women whose lives were lost that day and the families they left behind. It is as simple as that.
Peace is the overall sentiment I take from this writing of yours. And I, also, hope peace finds everyone.
Nikki
I like this post. I think it's important for everyone to realize that we are all trying to find what's right. We are all trying to find truth. I myself prefer to march to church every Sunday and listen to enlightening lessons about charity, compassion and strength and yes, the example that Jesus Christ is for all of us. Here I have found truth. Here I have found goodness and ways to be a better person. Are we that different? I too find spirituality in staying true to a chosen practice and trying to better myself, the earth and the beings that live on it.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I can't remember the quote exactly, but in one of the Dalai Lama's books he says that it's the weak who are mean. Compassion and caring and kindness to all human beings requires great strength.
I think it is good to put aside animosity and just try acceptance, even for those things that you may not understand or agree with.
Another thought provoking post - I hope you don't mind the comments.
LC
Wise words are just that regardless of the holy book from which they are quoted.
ReplyDeleteC.