Puzzled by Religious Claims
I am puzzled and curious about many things. I would like to write about the wonders and mysteries of the universe, but I am most puzzled by the politics of today.
I am puzzled and curious about many things. I would like to write about the wonders and mysteries of the universe, but I am most puzzled by the politics of today.
Politics is not just a different point of view to be respected. It has divided the population with those who represent the GOP often claiming moral high ground as Christians and claiming to be on the side of right. The onslaught and spewing of hatred is beyond anything this country has seen and is certainly not the traditional understanding of Christianity or any of the world’s major religions.
The basis of nearly all religions is peace and the golden rule:
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Also, in the Bible we read, “Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you.”
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” What a mockery the politics of today makes of Christianity and human decency.
In Judaism and shared in Christianity as related in Isaiah people are told to “beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nations shall not lift up sword against nation neither shall they learn war anymore.”
Further mention of existing in peace is stated in Isaiah.
“The wolf and the lamb shall feed together the lion shall eat straw like the ox they shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, says the Lord.”
The commandment as given through Moses says, “Thou shall not kill”. I was taught as a young child that commandment was inclusive. Do not injure others by word—gossip, arguing, judging, lying or by physical violence of any kind.
Muslims usually follow Islamic belief traditions. The very word Islam means peace. In 2015 my daughter and her husband were traveling in the Middle East. They stayed in a private home in Jordan with a Muslim family for three days. The father had a tobacco business which had just been taken over by the government, taking away his source of income, but it did not lessen the warm welcome the family made to their guests. Ruth and Jason were brought large trays of fruit and given generous meals. My daughter played games with the children and has photos of them cozied up to her as she shared photos from the trip. The generosity of spirit was a highlight of their trip.
In this upside-down world the meaner and nastier and more fear mongering are claiming to be on the side of justice and often Christianity. They have spun out of control and out of reasonable thinking into the very darkness and deception they claim for their non-supporters.
It seems only reasonable to think their tactics and manic manipulation would be self-evident to the good people of this country.
Those who embrace the concepts of religions by showing equality and loving their neighbors have been viewed as socialists, communists, the enemy of the people leading us all to destruction.
Call it gaslighting, a smoke screen, deception, trickery, a sham, duplicity, dishonesty, lying, a ruse, pretense, charade, a con, fake, fraudulent, mockery of truth, bogus, cheating, charlatan, or insanity…this cannot continue. The safety of Americans and our democracy is at stake.
I am puzzled as to how the tsunami of greed for power will end. What is the best way to turn the tide? Why isn’t it self-evident that this is a path to self-destruction?