N UMBER 27 The Muslim Dilema here in the US

I do believe in the freedom of religion even though I believe that religion causes more problems than it solves..

I believe that most people, regardless of their religious affiliations, are good people and are tolerant of other religious beliefs, but I do not believe that their goodness derives from their religion but rather I believe they are by nature good people from birth. I believe that the vast majority of people from all races are inherently good, but we all unfortunately will be taught by our respective dominant religious influences that our religious practices provide us the only path to heaven, but, if you choose to convert and follow another religion you are in danger of eternal damnation, thus these diverse religions become enemies. They feel the threat that the opposing religion will become too strong and therefore eradicate all other religious practices.

We can see this religious war taking place right here and now in our lifetime. The Christians verses the Muslims are in fact waring against one another even though there is a small amount of lip-service claiming respectively that they both want peace. I believe that deep within their hearts they both want to dominate, They both would like to eradicate all religions except their own. Remember the Salem witch hunts? Do you remember 'Trial by Ordeal?

The instinct for survival is a natural condition that translates a bit of fear into each of us until we sense that there is no danger. This is the moment that we can begin trying to bond and develop a friendship.

I must admit that there is a bit of fear that resides within me concerning the Muslims and the Christians. The rhetoric is not good on either side. I can see the shields and weapons of both religions. I'm sure most Christians have heard the Christian hymn "onward Christian soldiers marching as to war....". When I was a child and went to church every Sunday there was not many church services that that song was not sung, and I'm confident that it is still a favorite in most Baptist churches today. Jesus said in Luke 19:27 "But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me". I don't believe that it takes a rocket scientist to understand that passage.

I believe that there is little that either religion can do to ease the tension between them because if you truly believe that your ways are the only way to get to heaven you would most likely be willing to go to war to prevent your loved ones from being led astray by a false religion, a religion that you believe will lead them into eternal hell fire.

Religions inherently create phobias in the minds of their followers, and, think about this, the Christians are referred to as sheep, followers of Christ Jesus. Every religion has its followers, so it would seem that we could deduce that the vast majority of people are followers and not leaders. If you would even take notice perhaps you realize that you only know a fraction of your religious affiliation and teachings, and the other members of your religion are much the same. Most people are merely followers.

I have observed that there are fanatics in most religions and some possess great leadership qualities. These are the dangerous ones, they have the potential of leading their followers to carry out violent acts of terror towards those that are perceived as their enemies.

We all must try to learn much, but with caution. Some teachings sound plausible but may bring about much pain and suffering to many, even your loved ones.

Religions enforce the doctrine of faith as the bases of their obedience but you should learn to stand on your own valid thinking efforts. Question everything.


Finton