Written by: Promise Edem Nukunu
Ag. Secretary-General
Ag. Secretary-General
PeaceAids International
When we rise in the morning and
listen to the radio or read the newspaper, we are confronted with the same sad
news: violence, crime, wars, and disasters. No former generation has had to
experience so much bad news as we face today; this constant awareness of fear
and tension should make any sensitive and compassionate person question
seriously the progress of our modern world.
Are this people really
following the teachings of the religion they profess to follow? The Bible and
the Qu’ran concurrently talks and reject hatred and non-violence but some of it
followers ignore this but rather practice their own self adopted religion.
We must recognize that, God
never created religion. He created man kind for worship. In the creation story
which the Bible talks about, it states
‘’ let us create man in our own image and likeness’’ the Bible
never
stated ‘’ let us create man in the image and likeness of
religion(Muslims,
Christians, Buddhist, Hindu, Traditionalist, Pagan, etc). God recognizes
that, humanity supersede religion - the medium of worship. Today, human
being has
connote their religion to all kinds of philosophies and ideologies. An
attempt
by other fellows to demystify or override turn to an offense of the said
fellow. But should it be like that in the first place? I guess no!! I
believe
we can lived together in a free society were we respect each other not
because
we want to but because, we are created by one God. Let the Muslim goes
to his
mosque, and the Christian goes to his church.Let the traditionalist goes
to his
Shrine and let the Buddhist bow to his god.
The Qu’ran, in Al-shura 42:13. He has ordained for you the same course of faith as He enjoined on Noah (to adopt), and which We have revealed to you, and it is that (same faith) which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, Jesus, so keep the faith and do not differ in it. (He ordains you) to establish obedience (to Allâh) and not to be divided (in sects) therein. Hard upon the polytheists is that (teaching) which you call them to. Allâh draws (him) towards Himself who wishes (to be drawn to Him), and guides him to Himself who turns (towards Him with a sincere heart).
it (Qu’ran) states, ‘’it does not only recognized the truth of all other divine books and religion but urges Muslims to believe in their divine origin of their teachings and thus to take an effective steps to promote peace and harmony with the followers of other religion’’
The Qu’ran asserted,
judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism etc, are but a different aspects of
one and the same religion which in it original sense connote to one agenda -
submission to the will of God and to make peace with God and people. Noah,
Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Krishna, Rama, Buddha or Confucius, all were the
prophets of God (May
Allah be pleased with them all) and were sent for guidance
of their respective people. The Qu’ran conform to the truth of all faiths and
people of other believers’’
We cannot remain, in the battle
of religious differences but rather recognizing that, we are one in the human
race, recognized by God a such. The Bible made it clear, Jesus Christ did not
come to die for only one religion, but for all humans, because, we all have
sin.
We must remember, when there is
an invention, you used it regardless, of the person’s believe perspective or
religious origin. All over the world, i persistently make this clarion call for
as to unite in a symphony of brotherhood and sisterhood; Either Muslims, or
Christians, Traditionalist or Pagans, Buddhist or Tibetan, Confucius or Hindu,
protestant or
Catholic, Jews or Gentiles. We do this because, we know the
universal power; the power we can achieve through unity. We do this because, we
know, we’re the wonderful work of a marvelous creator.
At least, i know, no one
religion has thought their followers to practice evil. Only the followers can
inculcate evil in their practice. The Bible never did that, and so is the
Qu’ran or the writings of other religions.
The Bible asserted in Ephesians
book chapter 4 verses 30-32, ‘’Do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit, by the
way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you
will be saved on the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage,
anger, harsh words and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32
instead, be kind to each other, tender hearted, forgiving one another, just as
God through Jesus Christ has forgiven you’’
Although,
i recognized individual difference
and the fact, that we all (to some extent) are products of different
background, as far as geographical
location is concern, we can still live in harmony. Others may be,
psychologically impaired as far as health is concern. Whiles others are
psychologically impaired
not because of a health anomalies or disorder but as a result of their
own
parochial and self seeking interest. They plan their own evil agenda to
harm
the world. To such people, we can come against them by uniting to bring
them
out. We are more than them.
Albert Einstein asserted ‘’ the
bad people rule because the good people (like you) are seated
unconcern during nothing’’.
I am not speaking fiction but a reality that all this is achievable. Science
and technology is good and has helped man in it diversity, It is ironic that the
more serious problems emanate from the more industrially advanced societies. Science
and technology have worked wonders in many fields, but the basic human problems
remain-Peace. There is unprecedented literacy, yet this universal education
does not seem to have fostered goodness, but only mental restlessness and
discontent instead.
I am sure that many people
share my concern about the present worldwide moral crisis and will join in my
appeal to all humanitarians and religious practitioners who also share this
concern to help make our societies more compassionate, just, and equitable.From
this perspective I share with you - that:
Ø Universal humanitarianism is
essential to solve global problems; Compassion, justice and the rule of law are
the pillars of world peace;
Ø By far the greatest single
danger facing humankind - in fact, all living beings on our planet - is the
threat of war and terrorism
The world is becoming smaller
and smaller - and more and more interdependent - as a result of rapid
technological advances and international trade as well as increasing
trans-national relations. We now depend very much on each other. Today we are
so interdependent, so closely interconnected with each other, that without a
sense of universal responsibility, a feeling of universal brotherhood and
sisterhood, and an understanding and belief that we really are part of one big
human family, we cannot hope to overcome the dangers to our very existence -
let alone bring about peace and happiness. Whiles, some recognized this, other
religious extremist and terrorist override this belief.
One nation's problems can no
longer be satisfactorily solved by itself alone; too much depends on the
interest, attitude, and cooperation of other nations. A universal humanitarian
approach to world problems seems the only sound basis for world peace, it
because we recognized that no man is an island. Whiles, others work to bring
about
religious indifference, the practitioners of different faiths can work
together for world peace when we view different religions as essentially
instruments to develop a good heart - love and respect for others, a true sense
of community. The most important thing is to look at the purpose of religion
and not at the details of theology or metaphysics, which can lead to mere
intellectualism. I believe that all the major religions of the world can
contribute to world peace and work together for the benefit of humanity if we
put aside subtle metaphysical differences, which are really the internal
business of each religion.
Hatred and fighting cannot
bring happiness to anyone, even to the winners of battles. Violence always
produces misery and thus is essentially counter-productive. It is, therefore,
time for everyone and world leaders to learn to transcend the differences of
race, culture, and ideology and to regard one another through eyes that see the
common human situation. To do so would benefit individuals, communities,
nations, and the world at large.
The achievement of justice, harmony, and peace
depends on many factors such as good governance, rule of law and the principles
of universal declaration of sound moral justifiable human right. Human qualities
as morality, compassion, decency, wisdom, and so forth have been the
foundations of all civilizations. These qualities must be cultivated and
sustained through systematic moral education in a conducive social environment
so that a more humane world may emerge. The qualities required to create such a
world must be inculcated right from the beginning, from childhood. We cannot
wait for the next generation to make this change; the present generation must
attempt a renewal of basic human values. If there is any hope, it is in the
future generations, but not unless we institute major change on a worldwide
scale in our present educational system. We need a revolution in our commitment
to and practice of universal humanitarian values.
Living in society, we should
share the sufferings of our fellow citizens and practice compassion and
tolerance not only towards our loved ones but also towards our enemies.
This is
the test of our moral strength. We must set an example by our own practice, for
we cannot hope to convince others of the value of religion by mere words. We
must live up to the same high standards of integrity and sacrifice that we ask
of others. The ultimate purpose of all religions is to serve and benefit
humanity.
But, the embracing of a
particular religion does not mean the rejection of another religion or one's
own community. In fact, it is important that those who embrace a religion
should not cut themselves off from their own society; as in the case of certain
extremist, who sees the rest of the world as evil.
In this regard there are two
things important to keep in mind: self-examination and self-correction. We
should constantly check our attitude toward others, examining ourselves
carefully, and we should correct ourselves immediately when we find we are in
the wrong.
Blog: peaceaidint.blogspot.com
E-mails: peaceaidint@gmail.com
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