Interfaith Community

“The terrorist attacks against our country on September 11, 2001 alienated a great number of North Americans from Islam and Muslims. Because they learned that the terrorists operated in the name of Islam, and because they are totally ignorant of that great civilization, they condemn Muslims as a whole.

 

The one central divergence between Islam and Christianity is the understanding of Jesus Christ. All other differences are minor. On the one hand Christians may be gratified to learn that Jesus occupies a high place of honor in Islam. He is held as one of the prophets of the Almighty, and no calling of humankind is considered higher than that of prophet. According to Islam, Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary and lived a sinless life of sacrificial service to his people.” – Creating Interfaith Community by R. Marston Speight

 

In 2006, 36% of the Iraqi population was Christian. Thirty-six percent. How many Iraqi Christians wanted to see their husbands and sons die at the hands of American Christians? How many Iraqi Muslims? How many peace-loving Iraqi Christians are wrestling deep in their souls the question of whether to forgive us? How many peace-loving Muslims?

 

Terrorists and extremists exist. Period. Whether they operate in the name of Islam or Christianity or Satan or the United States Marine Corps, terrorists exist. Extremists exist.

 

And now let’s look at some loving goodness, found in the Golden Rule.

 

THE GOLDEN RULE

 

Hinduism – This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you.

 

Judaism – What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary.

 

Confucianism – One word which sums up the basis of all good conduct…loving kindness. Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.

 

Buddhism – Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.

 

Taoism – Regard your neighbor’s gain as your gain, and your neighbor’s loss as your own loss.

 

Sikhism – I am a stranger to no one; and no one is a stranger to me. Indeed, I am a friend to all.

 

Jainism – One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated.

 

Baha’I Faith – Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things you would not desire for yourself.

 

Zoroastrianism – Do not do unto others whatever is injurious to yourself.

 

Native Spirituality – We are as much alive as we keep the earth alive.

 

Unitarianism – We affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

 

Islam – Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself.

 

Christianity – In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.

 

 

Here are a few side-by-side facts:

 

 

ISLAM   Ultimate Reality: God (Allah in Arabic), the same God revealed in Jewish and Christian Bibles.   Purpose of Life: Submit to the will of God and attain paradise after death.   How to Live: Follow the Koran, Hadith (traditional law) and the Five Pillars of Islam (daily confession of faith, daily ritual of prayer, paying alms, fasting during Ramadan, pilgrimage to Mecca).

CHRISTIANITY   Ultimate Reality: God       Purpose of Life: Know, love and serve God.   How to Live: Have faith in the true God and Christ’s resurrection, do good works, participate in sacraments (baptism, marriage, holy communion/joining Jesus)

 

Given that one of the Five Pillars of the Islamic faith includes paying alms, or obligatory contribution to charity of 2.5% of one’s total assets, this woman feels a strong affinity with Muslims. Muslims worship one God and as such have a kinship with Jews and Christians. The Islamic prophets include, among others, Adam, Abraham, Moses and Jesus.

 

So we start to see a connection. Whether we know it or not, this Earth is a Global Village. We live an interfaith community each and every day.

 

“In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate, Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds, the Merciful, the Compassionate, Master of the Day of Judgment. You alone we worship; You alone we ask for help. Show us the straight path, the path of those whom you have favored, not the path of those who have incurred your wrath or who have gone astray.” – The Koran

 

Do you know people who are under the impression that President Elect Barack Hussein Obama is a Muslim? It’s not true, folks. Obama is a Christian. Given the amount of ignorant hate-filled emails I received this election campaign, I almost wish Obama was a Muslim. I voted for him not because of his political ties or his faith association, or even because I thought he was the best choice. I voted for Obama because he’s a human being, and his campaign managers used the least amount of mud-slinging (which I detest) than did McCain’s campaign managers. The world will not go to hell in a hand basket because Democrats are in power in congress and the white house. The sun will still rise every day. Puppies will continue to warm our hearts. The price of oil will continue to fluctuate. Taxes will continue to go up – when have they not? Those who live into their faith will continue to give alms, will continue to dwell in the vine, and will continue to love kindness. The golden rule is the golden rule the world over. And like Pastor Steve told me today, the Kingdom of God will reign no matter what.

 

Love and peace,
Jamie