One thing I talk about a lot in my writing, and when I speak, is the commonality of beliefs among people. Yes, there are surface differences between the various religions and life ways on this planet. But when you dig deep down, so much of it is the same.
We spend so much time bickering over the petty issues that we lose sight of the fact that we are all children of Spirit. We are all sisters and brothers. It saddens me to think of how much trouble this bickering has caused or the history of man.
I have friends who follow many religions - Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hindu, Buddhism, Shinto, Rastafarian, and indigenous life ways beyond count. From each, I learn more about their teaching stories and beliefs. And I gain new understanding, not only of them, but of myself and the universe.
When I speak to groups, especially religious groups, I seek the common ground. I promote the ideals and ethics that we all share. I do not disclude others by focusing on one religion to the detriment of all others. And I certainly don't disrespect or talk down life ways that are not my own.
Now, there are some - OK, many - who will brow beat with their holy book anyone within striking distance who will stand still long enough for the assault. If the victim of such abuse resists or disagrees in any way, then the judgements begin. There are two things intrinsically wrong with this in my mind:
1. It's totally contrary to virtually every life way and religion. So, basically, you're ignoring your reglion's teachings by acting like this, and
2. It's probably the worst way of encouraging someone to convert.
Sometimes I really wish folks like that would just SHUT UP! and walk the talk. Show me by the example of your life that your way is worthy of further study and possible conversion. How dare you try to force others. Even Spirit doesn't force people. Why should you?
Reacting in anger, however, is never really an answer, is it? I've found that it's much more productive to listen politely and actively to the other person, then perhaps offering examples of common belief. It's not "I'll convert you before you convert me". It's more about "I don't need to be converted". And guess what? We can still be friends!
We all stand on sacred ground, and we are all children of Spirit. We are here to coexist peacefully with each other - in spite of our petty differences. And learning to rise above those differences and revel in our commonality is a wonderful way to live a life with Spirit.
We spend so much time bickering over the petty issues that we lose sight of the fact that we are all children of Spirit. We are all sisters and brothers. It saddens me to think of how much trouble this bickering has caused or the history of man.
I have friends who follow many religions - Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hindu, Buddhism, Shinto, Rastafarian, and indigenous life ways beyond count. From each, I learn more about their teaching stories and beliefs. And I gain new understanding, not only of them, but of myself and the universe.
When I speak to groups, especially religious groups, I seek the common ground. I promote the ideals and ethics that we all share. I do not disclude others by focusing on one religion to the detriment of all others. And I certainly don't disrespect or talk down life ways that are not my own.
Now, there are some - OK, many - who will brow beat with their holy book anyone within striking distance who will stand still long enough for the assault. If the victim of such abuse resists or disagrees in any way, then the judgements begin. There are two things intrinsically wrong with this in my mind:
1. It's totally contrary to virtually every life way and religion. So, basically, you're ignoring your reglion's teachings by acting like this, and
2. It's probably the worst way of encouraging someone to convert.
Sometimes I really wish folks like that would just SHUT UP! and walk the talk. Show me by the example of your life that your way is worthy of further study and possible conversion. How dare you try to force others. Even Spirit doesn't force people. Why should you?
Reacting in anger, however, is never really an answer, is it? I've found that it's much more productive to listen politely and actively to the other person, then perhaps offering examples of common belief. It's not "I'll convert you before you convert me". It's more about "I don't need to be converted". And guess what? We can still be friends!
We all stand on sacred ground, and we are all children of Spirit. We are here to coexist peacefully with each other - in spite of our petty differences. And learning to rise above those differences and revel in our commonality is a wonderful way to live a life with Spirit.
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