There are many reasons for wars. All of them
are
wrong. I do feel that some countries or groups have to defend
themselves
but sometimes it is hard to determine who is the aggressor and who is
the
defender.
Sometimes war is for economic reasons. Sometimes it is for power
and control over other countries. Sometimes it is in the name of
religion. Sometimes it is ethnic hatred (Many of the ethnic wars
are also religious.) There are also wars because someone just
screwed up.
If the people of the world would stop and think all of the reasons are
full of bull.
Northern Ireland is a war between Protestants and Catholics. The
strange thing there is that there is not much difference between the
Anglican
Church and the Catholic Church. I was raised in the Episcopal
Church
which is the American version of the Anglican Church. Why can't
the
Catholic and Anglican Churches get together and solve this problem.
In Eastern Europe there is the war that covers what was Yugoslavia.
The groups fighting are Christians and Muslims.
The Middle east wars are Jews versus Muslims and Muslim Sects versus
Muslim Sects. The Israeli Palestinian problem can be solved by
giving the Palestinians the Israeli occupied territory that they want.
Then we have the Jerusalem problem. Turn it into a city
state like the Vatican. Have the Christians, Jews and Muslims
equally share the the government duties. Have a UN peacekeeping
force in there to keep the peace. US aid to Israel should be cut
and the Palestinians should get aid. NO AID FOR WEAPONS.
Only economic and humanitarian aid.
When you look at the religions of the world you will find that they are
very similar in their goals and ideals. We all have the same God.
There may be different names but it is the same God. I
think that you will find that those who worship more that one God are
looking at different areas where God works. They are all
different parts of the one God. Many refer to mother
nature. Either she is God or one of his
assistants.
Religious wars are waged by religious leaders who are power hungry.
They spread hatred so they can control the people and get rich
off of the assets of those they conquer. They spread the word of
hatred. No Religion has a God who hates. GOd love all
people and really does not care
what religion they are as long as the believe in Him and try to live
lives
helping others.
Instead of spending our money on wars we need to spend it on the poor
of our county and the world. We need to help people help
themselves.
God helps those who help themselves.
Anyone who thinks that there religious beliefs are the only right
beliefs are missing the boat. Many Christians say that they are
the only ones going to heaven. How come it a minority religion.
Are you sure that most of the people in the world who do not
believe that Christ is the son of God are going to Hell.
God is too good for that.
God does not like people who look down on others because they are
different. We are all equals even though we are all different.
No one is better than I am and I am not better than anyone.
We are all God's
creatures.
The World Sabbath
I recently learned about the World Sabbath of Religious Reconciliation.
The World Sabbath is the interfaith holy day
dedicated to making peace among the religions, races and nations
of the world. Each year at the World Sabbath, leaders of many
faiths pray together and repent for the sin of religious persecution,
racial discrimination and ethnic war. They forgive
each other and commit themselves to work together for peace. The World
Sabbath is a vital demonstration of God's universal power of
reconciliation and forgiveness. The World Sabbath is celebrated on the
last Saturday in January at Christ Church Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills
in Michigan, and soon, in many other cities around the world. Please
help me to work for peace by praying for the growth of the World
Sabbath, and by working for peace in your own community.
The Rev. Rod Reinhart, founder of the World Sabbath, has often said,
"Evil done in God's name is still evil. When we claim to go to war in
God's name, we commit the greatest of sins, for we claim that God is
the author of evil and not the creator of peace. For the sake of our
own souls, we must turn away from violence and war."
I agree with Fr. Reinhart. Let us turn from the sin of religious hatred
and war. Let us build a world of peace.
