We
must find a universal approach to religion
If we are to find a better approach to the problem of religious
conflict, we must do something that has never been done before. We must
begin by creating a new understanding, a new awareness concerning religion.
By Kim Michaels
By looking at history, it
is easy to see that humankind is engaged in a process that moves in
a clear direction. Obviously, our technology is becoming increasingly
advanced. Our lifespan is increasing and in many countries the standard
of living, health and wealth are continually improving.
Yet we also see a forward movement concerning intangible aspects of
life. For thousands of years, slavery was an integral and accepted element
of most cultures. Yet today most nations have voluntarily outlawed slavery.
How did this happen? It happened because we have gradually been increasing
our understanding of certain aspects of life. This has led to an increased
awareness of the value of human life, and the abolishment of slavery
was simply a natural outcome of our increased awareness. We have also
seen a new awareness of many other aspects of life, such as human rights,
individual freedoms, economic opportunity and environmental issues.
If we are to overcome religious conflict, we must find a way to neutralize
those cultural elements that inevitably lead to conflict. This can be
done only by increasing people's understanding of the spiritual side
of life. We must develop and promote a new level of awareness which
makes people everywhere realize that it is time to move beyond religious
conflict. We have abolished the belief that one person can own another
person and treat that person as a piece of property. It is time to abolish
the belief that you can treat people as non-persons because they belong
to another religion than your own. It is time to abolish the belief
that you can do God’s work by violating God’s laws. It is
time to abolish the idea that it is acceptable to kill people in the
name of God.
The mission of spiritual seekers
It is the mission of today's spiritual
seekers to develop and promote a universal awareness that empowers people
to grow away from the old approach to religion. We must develop a universal
approach to religion based on a new awareness of God, ourselves and
our relationship to God.
It is not our aim to define a new religion that will compete with or
replace other religions. On the contrary, we respect all constructive
religions and honor the people who follow them. We are here to help
people develop a new approach to religion and to practice that approach
within the context of their chosen religion. We are here to enrich people’s
lives by helping them raise their awareness of the spiritual side of
life.
Love is the key
If we take another
look at the factors that promote conflict
among religious people, a striking pattern emerges. Each one of these
factors is in direct opposition to people’s ability and willingness
to feel and express love for their fellow humans. Yet, almost every
religion on Earth espouses the value of love.
And although many religions portray God as a strict disciplinarian,
those same religions also talk about God’s love. We might therefore
consider whether a religious culture based on elements that destroy
love is really what God wants to see. So might need to find an approach
to religion that opens people to bringing love (back) into their spiritual
lives. That is why our motto might be, “LOVE IS THE KEY!”
Love
is not, as many people seem to think, a passive force. It is clear to
us that religious conflict will not disappear through passive measures.
If you are not actively working to reduce religious conflict, you are
helping it grow. You cannot be neutral in this, and there is no sitting
on the fence.
Therefore, spiritual people must take active measures to bring greater
unity. We must love God and our fellow humans too much to allow religious
conflicts to continue. And we must be willing to do something to bring
about greater unity.
If you think this is a worthy and inspiring cause, then join it. This
cause will require the participation of millions of people who are both
more aware and more loving.
Think
about it. Love is the key. When you become more aware and more loving,
you become the key to a better future on this planet. You are the key!
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Copyright
© 2005 by Kim Michaels |
