Eliminating radical thoughts for peace

Radicalized religion has our attention. What else does it want?

War with religion? War with those of us struggling to practice a religion of love and a life of meaning?

I doubt it. No matter how much destruction radicals inflict upon religion, radicalized religion would be destroyed if they messed with religion.

But we can ask, why did radicalized religion reach such a crisis point?

Perhaps it’s because our religious policies are failing us.

Perhaps it’s because religion is divided by creeds specific to human behaviors and thinking rather than specific to worship of God.

Perhaps it’s because we are so busy lighting candles, reading Bible lessons, and maintaining buildings rather than increasing spirituality and correct interpretations of spiritual texts?

Thing is we need to do more because radicalized religion doesn’t only bother the religious. The nonreligious are also afflicted since radicals aim at anyone who doesn’t agree with them.

The nonreligious try to stop the radicals with bullets. How can the religious help?

It is time for religious thinkers to take the baton and run the race that eliminates radicalization by designing relevant policies and practices. It is time for religious thinkers to hold off defending their beliefs and go full force advocating the love of Christ.

The new ideas that come with progress don’t mean we give up lighting candles or stop reading sacred texts.

The other night I attended a village prayer vigil. We came together with our differing religious backgrounds.

Scriptures read were: I John 4:7-8, 18-21 and Isaiah 58.

A moment of individual prayer was respected.

And we all sang together a couple of times. The departing song was:

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Everywhere I go, let it shine, let it shine. Won’t let anyone blow it out; I’m gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. All around the world, I’m gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

 

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Shabbat dinner shared

I visited a Chabad Center for college students and learned this song. The Jews first sang it in Hebrew than English. I enjoyed the unity and enthusiasm.

KOL HA’OLAM KULO GESHER TSAR ME’OD

Kol Ha’olam kulo
Gesher Tsar me’od
Gesher Tsar me’od
Gesher Tsar me’od –

Kol Ha’olam kulo
Gesher Tsar me’od –
Gesher Tsar me’od.

Veha’ikar – veha’ikar
Lo lefached –
lo lefached klal.

Veha’ikar – veha’ikar
lo lefached klal.

THE WHOLE WORLD IS A NARROW BRIDGE

The whole world
is a very narrow bridge
a very narrow bridge
a very narrow bridge

The whole world
is a very narrow bridge –
A very narrow bridge.

And the main thing to recall –
is not to be afraid –
not to be afraid at all.

And the main thing to recall –
is not to be afraid at all.

Muslim neighbors

I have more in common with people who practice Islam than I realized. After getting to know some new neighbors who are Muslims, I’ve been more open to learning about the faith.

Many views afford clearer views, so I not only speak with Muslims but also read about the faith.

The book, The Qur’an, by Bruce Lawrence has been interesting. Lawrence explains that the Qur’an was first enunciated by the Archangel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad in early seventh-century Arabia. This fact portrays the feeling that the ideas in the book were inspired.

Therefore it is up to readers to read those words with the same inspiration in order to identify with correct meanings. The same goes for my Bible reading. I need to read the Bible through the lenses of love and spirit.

Lawrence also wrote, “Contexts are crucial. Although the Qur’an as a whole is authoritative, its content must be applied to particular contexts. Which aspect of the Qur’an applies and where? When does it apply and for whom?”

Unless the contexts in inspired writings of any kind are read correctly, the rhythm and spiritual power gets lost.

Readers can misinterpret the words and find misgivings and misfortunes. However, over the centuries, more good than bad has come out of reading scriptures. I’m thankful for the people who strive to read and practice faith with inspiration.

An old house in Boston, MA