So... Hmmmm... I think I'll just write about somebody I happen to know.
Gene is a Presbyterian minister. He is the husband of Art's college friend. When I first learned that we were going to visit with Sharon and Gene at a 3 day house party I figured we may have some evenings of prayer or religious discussions.
To my surprise I discovered that devout, pious and knowledgeable as Gene is, he did not try to ram his religion down anybody's throat. He and Sharon had amassed a great collection of Asian art and religious artifacts. I discovered that Gene was very knowledgeable in Buddhism and many other world religions. Even more important, he respected everybody's right to believe as they do so long as they did no harm. He also believed as Sharon and her parents did that the world is a family of friends who must be respected, understood and given aid where needed.
From the start, I know Gene tried to understand me. He asked a lot of questions regarding prejudice, religion, etc. and he presented his views with warmth and friendship. He used to laugh and tell me that I must forgive him if he ever sounded like a pompous old fellow because he was working on that part of his character.
When Sharon passed away suddenly I was amazed at the strength of his beliefs that he was able to conduct much of the service for her funeral himself.
I've known quite a few people who are so sure that their religion is the only way, not just for themselves but everybody that they will look down on and even condemn how others believe. And then they think that their way is the only way to Peace.
I remember being at a Teacher's meeting a long time ago where everybody stood up and had a group Christian prayer before we did something. I stood with the others even though I knew a few people in the group were Jewish. It was just assumed that everybody was Christian. Art says he had similar situations at E.P.A. Art and I are fine with it. We just do our own meditation within our hearts.
I'm pleased to say that all the friends I have of every faith ARE understanding and respectful of each other and me. I remember Dina of Jerusalem Hills Daily Photo encouraging me to study and be more active with my Buddhist faith but lovingly included my family in many of her family's Jewish traditions. My neighbors in Illinois encouraged us to send our children to their Catholic pre-school. We did, and the kids made a lot of friends there.
What does this world need? Loving understanding and respect for each other's belief systems. Perhaps then we could take a step toward peace.
26 friendly comments:
Kay, I think what you wrote epitomizes the Buddhist faith. I lived in Thailand and was exposed to it, as most of the Thais I knew were Buddhist. They were so tolerant of other religions.
In fact, I don't think Buddhists have ever waged a war in the name of Buddha. See, on the other hand, the Holy Crusade waged in the name of Christ, and what is going on today with the Muslims and Jews.
I used to believe that the Roman Catholic Church was the one true church. Not anymore. The sex abuse scandals have disenchanted me.
Great post, Kay!
Although brought up as a Christian, I became disenchanted with organised religion when I was a teenager. Organised religions seem so often to bring out the worst in people rather than the best. I have my own faith, which I keep in my own way, and which I keep to myself though I try to live a 'good' life. I've often thought that the Quaker and Buddhist ways of life are close to each other and would be the closest to organised religion that I could approach.
Kay, I hope my post on peace did not lead you to believe that I thought MY belief system was the only one for everybody. That truly isn't so.
I do believe that humanity cannot, without guidance from a higher power, achieve peace. I perhaps should not have said we all need to believe the same thing. Now, with more consideration I think I should have said we all have to have the same goals.
My point in saying everyone had to be exactly uniform was to show that none of us would agree to such a thing. Humans have a need to be unique and special. Humans are very self-oriented (be that "self" their family or group). That is what puts us at odds with one another.
If only we could look at one another with respect, love and compassion as fellow human beings and without any other labels -- and for that, we need the teachings of peace, be that peace from Jesus, Buddha or any other compassion-based faith.
My remarks were based on my beliefs and the beliefs of the majority of my readers, but that does not mean that I don't respect and value your right to have your own beliefs and live by them.
Gigi: I'm not a practicing Buddhist. I was brought up learning it so I feel like it's just part of me. I do like the peace of it and the doing the right thing part. Right meaning not hurting anyone.
Amanda: I think I've seen the same problem with organized religion. It's when people become so rigid in their denomination's way of doing things that I think there are problems. I see friction even within the different branches of the Christian religion. I don't know about the others.
Quilly: I really don't feel you are rigid in your way of thinking. However, I admit a few of your commenters sat in the back of my mind when I wrote my post tonight. I hope you don't mind.
I love Gene through your words, Kay, without even knowing him. I'm Roman Catholic but feel the same about acceptance and fellowship: one of my greatest inspirations is Mahatma Gandhi, and I'm a great admirer of the Buddhist faith.
Near Charlottesville VA is a place called Yogaville: there is a temple with a beautiful round room, around the walls of which are art installations representing the world's religions. At the centre of the room is a fire, and on the hearth around it is written 'Truth is one, paths are many'. That sums up my worldview pretty well. I love it there.
The gardens there are beautiful too--if you're ever in Virginia it's a lovely place to spend a day!
I've got insomnia so I'm up at 12:32 AM. I was just going to sleep and I got your comment. I always get excited when I see your comments. I checked and realize it's 10:32 AM your time so you've had your breakfast while I'm finally petering out.
"Truth is one, paths are many."
I just love it, Susan! I think I can go to sleep now.
Well...for not knowing what to write about today you certainly came up with a great post.
Peace to you and all.
Oh, and your banner is stunning. A city of refuge, just like in the Bible (but different)! Is the black stone volcanic? In Tiberias all the old stuff is built of black basalt, such a heavy feeling it gave me.
But your black wall with splashing waves and palm trees says strength.
Well said, Kay. I agree completely. There's nothing that puts me off more quickly than having someone else's religious views forced onto me. I can't imagine being so confident that one's religion is the only "right" way to believe.
Kay, I could not agree more. I am no expert, but have looked into so many different faiths. What I have discovered is that almost all of them actually teach the same basic things. It's hard to understand why
so many people are so sure their way of observance is the only way.
I remember participating in a civil rights march, and wondering why one group felt they had to sing "They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love" when so many others there were Jews or other faiths.
Buddhism shows us how to respect each other. We, Christians, have done a lot of harm to humanity, by being aggressive to other religions, forgetting that Jesus never ever told us to spread the faith with the sword. Jesus was a Jew who wanted peace, love and understanding for every body. I think that he, Buddha and Gandhi are one of a kind. They would have been great friends.Non violence is a great virtue. Thanks for your post!
If i remember right you have mentioned these wonderful people in one of your earlier post.Gene is a true knowledgeable person...humble and respectful and tolerant to all the religions existing in this world.iF ONLY EACH ONE OF US HAD A GENE INSIDE US...
I love knowing about all the religions but completely avoid religious fanatics...to me humanity is the baseline of all the religions...some people distort religion for their own selfish motives and its sad many believe and follow such practice.
ya..respect others' beliefs..
Kay, I so enjoyed reading your thoughts. Much food for thought. I can only try to live my life with compassion, understanding and an open-mind towards all. We all have a "voice".
I recently read a lesson in one of L's artbooks on world religions and it was humbling to read of how ancient these religions all are and certainly deserve our respect and understanding.
Thanks for your kind comment. I put you also in my sidebar! I hope to see you!
Your blog today should be required reading around the world.
I think people too often confuse faith with religion, and religions often have their own agenda rather than any deity's.
I am a practising Christian but I try not to force my opinions on others, and I believe that we should respect the right of others to believe - or not - as they see fit - so long as they do no harm, as I think one of your commentators said.
Well done on treating such a controversial subject so delicately.
well, you certainly got a lot of comments and viewpoints which is great. I am Mormon and Christian but see many similarities among all religions especially in the areas of love, forgiveness and service. Your behavior and example says so much more about your religion than your dogmas and creeds.
Your thoughts are well said. The world could definitely use some peace and fellowship regardless of each person's personal religious beliefs.
Love your post and agree completely. Here in Seattle we recently hosted an atheists' convention. I seems that even they are split between those who condemn all religious practice and those who are just seeking the freedom to be free from religion. Good people are good people, whether they find comfort in a higher being or in humanity itself.
Dina: Yes, you're right! It's lava and it's basalt. The Big Island has a whole lot of fresh lava everyday.
Sigh... Now I don't know what to write about today.
Jean: It have this image in my brain still of one of my dorm friends in college crying. A whole bunch of us went to check on her and she said she was so sad because her church told her that we would all be going to hell... and that included the friends who were Christian because they didn't belong to her particular church. This stuff makes me crazy.
Bobbie: You've hit everything beautifully. When you get right down to it, the goals are the same... to live in peace and harmony.
Reader Wil: I can just picture all these great teachers and bringers of the Word in heaven shaking their heads at us and sighing.
Kavita: I love your play on words about the gene or Gene. Yes, it would be nice if we all had a peace and understanding gene. :-)
Wenn: Absolutely!
Cheryl: I feel your kindness and open mindedness in all your posts and comments.
Christine: It's so very true. Many of the religions are extremely old. Buddhism, I believe came 600 years before Christ.
the laughing housewife: It is a controversial subject, isn't it? I actually do try to stay away from religion or politics or abortion or etc., but sometimes I just can't help myself.
Lin: You're right, of course. When I was a college student visiting Japan for the first time, I asked my zen priest grandfather if Christianity or Buddhism was the better way to go. I was surprised to hear his answer. He said it's not the religion, it's the person who ends up deciding the path he should take. He went on saying there are good Christians and bad Christians, good Buddhists and bad Buddhists. So there it is.
Mare: Oh so true, Mare!
Linda: Wow, Linda... I just answered all the comments and ping! Your comment came up and it echoed exactly what my priest grandfather said (answer to Lin). You must be a mind reader and wise to boot.
Kay; This was an important post and a real contribution to peace. Mahalo. And thanks again for honoring me with a place on your side-bar.
Aloha, Neighbor-
Comfort Spiral
Wonderful post, Kay! I really love what you had to say. I am a nominal (I call myself a renegade) Catholic because I'm comfortable with it without feeling a need to address it's problems. I make it work for me as I think most people do with whatever faith they espouse. I also was taught to respect others' faith and expect them to respect mine.
I took a course in college on Eastern religions. We learned about Islam, Buddhismn, Judaism and Taoism -- all with many versions -- and found it fascinating. What I learned from it is: each religion approaches the godhead from their point of point of view and culture; and when you really cut out the ceremonial stuff, we're all talking to the same God and believe in the same basic tenets. And yeah, each has radical, nutcase sects that create problems.
The bottom line is that we need to accept each other of race, creed, color or national origin.
Wouldn't make that a wonderful world?
Cloudia: I think that's what I love about blogging. We're able to make friends with people around the world and talk about anything.
Kay: When you get right down to it, that bottom line is where it's all at, isn't it?
I do have the best blogging family in the world. I'm so glad to have you as my friends.
Amen.
Very thoughtful and really expresses your kind gentle nature Kay...
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