In the popular series Star Trek: Next Generation, the Borg are a recurring enemy. A "collective" community, the Borg assimilate all cultures with which they come in contact - whether they like it or not. Their response to any attempt to escape is, "you will be assimilated. Resistance is futile."
Forgive my audacity, but my reply is "oh, no, it isn't!!
Why am I talking about a science fiction TV series? Because I was reminded of it the other day as I read a letter to the editors of USA Today. In the letter, an emigre from Eastern Europe suggested assimilation as the best option for Muslims in the US. His reason was that he himself came to America because he wanted to live the American dream. For me, that's a total paradox. Not since the Puritans did the "American dream" include religious persecution. In fact, we've enjoyed constitutional protection for freedom of religion since the document was written. This right was then strengthened with further legislation in the 20th century... to guarantee that each of us could worship in the manner that best suits us.
Evidently, the problem is that a few devout Muslims wanted to take a few moments for prayer at the correct times, according to their scriptures. And, while it is true that there are five times each day, only three of these would impact normal working hours. Furthermore, they could be coordinated with morning and afternoon breaks (required by law) and lunch break. What's the big deal, I wonder?
Would the letter writer have felt the same way if the persons being persecuted were Christians who felt the need for multiple daily prayers? Or Jews? Would others have reacted negatively if it was about people of their own religion? I don't know, but I have a feeling that there is some level of double standard being applied here.
To me, one of the biggest problems with our country, and our world, is that we're too religious and not spiritual enough. So many people are so fully wrapped up in their own dogma that they forget it's OK for others to follow different belief structures. They're so busy thumping others with their religious book, they forget to actually follow the teachings. Come on, folks! If someone wants to pray more, let them! In fact, here's a thought: join them with a prayer of your own!
Let me offer a thought from Wade Davis, noted Canadian anthropologist:
The world in which you were born is just one model of reality. Other cultures are not failed attempts at being you. They are unique manifestations of the human spirit.
I have no desire to be assimilated. Nor do I wish to see anyone else forced away from their own understanding of the nature of the Sacred. I would go so far as to say that assimilation itself is futile. We are different one from another, and that is as it should be. If we all wore the same clothes, we'd be wearing uniforms. If we all wore the same religion, it would be an enforced religion. Think about that for a minute.
Christians - even just the protestant varieties - can't agree on interpretation of numerous biblical concepts and passages. How are we ever going to force everyone on the planet into a single paradigm?
Celebrate the differences! Instead of turning up your nose at someone because they pray differently, or at different times, why not worry about your own spiritual journey? Because, to me, if you are worrying about how or when a person prays, you aren't living a life with Spirit.
In peace,
Lane
Forgive my audacity, but my reply is "oh, no, it isn't!!
Why am I talking about a science fiction TV series? Because I was reminded of it the other day as I read a letter to the editors of USA Today. In the letter, an emigre from Eastern Europe suggested assimilation as the best option for Muslims in the US. His reason was that he himself came to America because he wanted to live the American dream. For me, that's a total paradox. Not since the Puritans did the "American dream" include religious persecution. In fact, we've enjoyed constitutional protection for freedom of religion since the document was written. This right was then strengthened with further legislation in the 20th century... to guarantee that each of us could worship in the manner that best suits us.
Evidently, the problem is that a few devout Muslims wanted to take a few moments for prayer at the correct times, according to their scriptures. And, while it is true that there are five times each day, only three of these would impact normal working hours. Furthermore, they could be coordinated with morning and afternoon breaks (required by law) and lunch break. What's the big deal, I wonder?
Would the letter writer have felt the same way if the persons being persecuted were Christians who felt the need for multiple daily prayers? Or Jews? Would others have reacted negatively if it was about people of their own religion? I don't know, but I have a feeling that there is some level of double standard being applied here.
To me, one of the biggest problems with our country, and our world, is that we're too religious and not spiritual enough. So many people are so fully wrapped up in their own dogma that they forget it's OK for others to follow different belief structures. They're so busy thumping others with their religious book, they forget to actually follow the teachings. Come on, folks! If someone wants to pray more, let them! In fact, here's a thought: join them with a prayer of your own!
Let me offer a thought from Wade Davis, noted Canadian anthropologist:
The world in which you were born is just one model of reality. Other cultures are not failed attempts at being you. They are unique manifestations of the human spirit.
I have no desire to be assimilated. Nor do I wish to see anyone else forced away from their own understanding of the nature of the Sacred. I would go so far as to say that assimilation itself is futile. We are different one from another, and that is as it should be. If we all wore the same clothes, we'd be wearing uniforms. If we all wore the same religion, it would be an enforced religion. Think about that for a minute.
Christians - even just the protestant varieties - can't agree on interpretation of numerous biblical concepts and passages. How are we ever going to force everyone on the planet into a single paradigm?
Celebrate the differences! Instead of turning up your nose at someone because they pray differently, or at different times, why not worry about your own spiritual journey? Because, to me, if you are worrying about how or when a person prays, you aren't living a life with Spirit.
In peace,
Lane
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