Yesterday, I was made aware of a website that is, to say the least, disturbing. It is called "Dove World Outreach Center" which in itself sounds wonderful and innocuous. But, take a closer look and there is a blog there titled "Ten Reasons to Burn a Koran". I was shocked, to say the least. It begins: "On 9/11/10 we are burning Korans to raise awareness and warn." They list ten reasons why "Islam is a danger". I don't usually talk about religions here or try to push my beliefs on others, but it is worth a look at this site to see how the other side thinks and believes. It is truly a sad thing, disguising hatred in this way.
It is just by coincidence that I also picked up a book by Eckhart Tolle titled "A New Earth--Awakening to Your Life's Purpose". He states in there this: "Many "religious" people are stuck at [that] level. They equate truth with thought, and as they are completely identified with thought (their mind), they claim to be in sole possession of the truth in an unconscious attempt to protect their identity. They don't realize the limitations of thought. Unless you believe (think) exactly as they do, you are wrong in their eyes, and in the not-too-distant past, they would have felt justified in killing you for that. And some still do, even now." (page 17----First Plume Printing, September 2006)
I, by no stretch of the imagination, claim to have the right answers about anything that has to do with faith. But, I don't think that we will get anywhere as human beings by building fences, not tearing them down. We need to be tolerant of each other's choices, of each other's religions. I see this as not being enlightened or even evolving toward enlightenment. The dove is a symbol of The Holy Spirit in Christianity. I can find nothing in an article like this that speaks to enlightenment. This website flies in the face of what the great messengers (Buddha, Jesus, others) were trying to convey. They spoke of transformation. This website distorts and does not transform human behavior. It steps backwards in time, espousing hatred.
that is sickening...i grew up under the regime of baptist intolerance...glad i escaped...
ReplyDeleteTruly sad...but it's out there. I think Tolle got it right. This is a great post Teri. So well said. I know quite a few people stuck in this thinking....and if I don't believe what they do...they don't want to have anything to do with me. Unfortunately my daughter married into this thinking. Thankfully my son in law doesn't approve of his families behavior....but it has made life difficult for the kids. I have always hoped to have a good relationship with my kids in laws...but this was not to be. Silly....all because I am not a part of their belief. It makes me wonder...how could a religion that is supposed to teach love cause people to become so hateful?
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Terry.
ReplyDeleteAt the Chantfest yesterday Radhanatha Swami gave a brief but very effective talk about how we are all flowers in a garland, threaded together to make a beautiful offering. Trouble arises, however, when the roses start considering themselves superior to the daisies and the gardenias claim that only they are "the way, the truth, and the light." It's that thread we need to stay focused on, which goes beyond any one religion to encompass the real message behind all religions — as you state, that message is simply love, not hatred. Love of God, love of our neighbors. It could be so simple. It should be so simple!
I will pass on going to this website-- I have been following the news - and know that there is so much fear, hatred and intolerance being disguised as the bible and christian..someone can believe whatever they want as long as they do not force their beliefs on me or hurt anyone else in pursuit of their beliefs-- that is what I believe :-)
ReplyDeleteDonna--I don't blame you for not wanting to go there. I heard about it from someone before I ever saw it on TV. I agree with you: everyone has the right to believe what they want. It's just hard to think that a so-called Christian could have such hatred and intolerance. What's that saying: What would Jesus do? They need to think about that first I think.
ReplyDeleteMelanie--great analogy, the thread. There are always going to be "roses" in life to contend with. We other flowers need to know that we are significant too. Without us, the rose would only be a rose, right? Love to you this day to all who read this. Teri