1000 Flowers for the Planet - #89 Respect Other's Religions
Mother said “never talk about sex, politics
or religion.” But maybe we should talk about religion.
Take a look at history and you’ll see that
so much of the world’s unrest, so many wars, have been fought in the name of
religion. Usually people are frightened of things they know little or nothing
about, and that creates tension which can erupt into war. Maybe it’s time we
all learned a lot more about other people’s religions – and maybe it’s time a
few religions opened up about what they truly believe, too.
In the middle of the city where I live,
there is a street corner on which a handful of Muslim men stand and quietly
hand out brochures explaining various aspects of Islam. On the opposite corner
there is a man standing on a soapbox shouting with all his might about the
virtues of Christ and the sins of mankind. As I stood on the corner, waiting
for the traffic lights to change, I wished I could get the two groups together
in the middle of the street to shake hands with each other and say “Hello, would
you like to sit and share a meal?” Maybe if they broke bread together and
started talking to each other, there would be less need to stand on the corner.
But I think the Muslims got it right.
Nonetheless, we ALL need to take some time
out to show some respect for other people’s religions. We don’t have to convert. We don’t have to agree. We don’t have to disagree. We don’t need to fight. We just need to show respect.
2 comments:
This is so true! I've never understood the concept of war in the name of religion?! "Love thy neighbour as thyself" - whether that's the neighbour over the fence, down the street, in the office or in the next country. "Do unto others as you'd have them do unto you" - I'm sure you don't want them shooting you or blowing them up - well, don't do it to them. Some things are just so common-sensicle!?
Oh, and yes, I do read them all Marg, and have been enjoying them all. Some of them I've been practicing for years, some give me pause to think!
Love your flowers and your posts - particularly these "Respect" ones - that's a word/action that, sadly, I think is dying out.
Post a Comment