"There are many paths, but only one God."
Have been thinking a lot lately about divides, division among various religious faiths in particular. As my thoughts unfold upon this topic I keep coming back to a quote from one of my favorite movies. This quote comes from the movie "Kingdom of Heaven." Balean, the blacksmith and son of the Baron of Ibelin, has this wisdom carved into the master beam which supports the roof of his workshop. The quote reads as follows:
"What man is a man who does not make the world around him a better place?"~"Kingdom of Heaven"
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To my way of thinking the above quote sums up rather nicely what should be the true essence of any faithful, spiritual man or woman ... regardless of the specific beliefs of the 'faith' one happens to espouse. Would you agree?
Given what I've seen from men in the spotlight of religion these days, perhaps a fitting corollary to the above might be ... "What man is a man who must tear others and their beliefs down in order to find his peace?"~Isabelle Black Smith
Perhaps the above notions should serve as a divining rod when seeking 'truth' in religion? Of course, I will be the first to admit that "truth is all a matter of perspective" in the end. Maybe the good news is that by merely changing your perspective you have the ability to change your life?
8/14/2013 Saw, via Google News, that a 10-yr. old little girl was shot in the chest and killed, in Egypt, while on her way home from Bible School. 10 years old? An innocent little girl, merely practicing her faith, the faith of her family --Coptic Christian, a minority faith in Egypt at less than 10% of population. Since when is the taking of a LIFE, and an innocent young life at that, ever justified, under any circumstance ... let alone for a mere perceived offense of choosing to practice a different faith in worship of the same God and Creator worshiped and followed by those of the Islamic faith as well. The wisdom of infinite Justice is not ours to dictate or administer, but it is God's and I cannot help but think that He will find a grievous offense in the actions of those who took the life of this innocent little girl ... of those who have taken and continue to take innocent lives, supposedly in the name of a God who created and loves us ALL.
4 comments:
there seems to be a bit of truth in many religions, each singling out something important and forgetting other things that are equally important. Your "yard stick" is a good measure!
Amen and Amen! We are all more alike than different, deep down.
Yes, Joey ... a bit of truth in many. Think beauty, as well as truth, lie in the eyes the beholder. Thanks for sharing. Hope you are enjoying your summer garden.
Yes, we are indeed, Karen. Well said! Sometimes, I think if we would focus more on our common ground this world could be a better place ... less violence, intolerance and suffering maybe? Hoping that things are going okay with your and your husband. Know you both have a lot your plate right now. Keeping you in my special thoughts and prayers.
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