Tolerance is key

[clearmind69]

In hope of bringing a little more harmony and tolerance to the world, id like to share some views.

Being a practitioner of the Buddhist practise Falun Gong, I have come to notice how much intolerance can be found among the people from other religions.

When on the streets I hand out leaflets which tell clearly of the persecution FG practitioners have endured since 1999 in China at the hands of the chinese communist party. My sole purpose is only to allow people an awareness of the situation. Telling them of the cruelty those people have faced for nigh on 7 years. I do not try to convert anyone as each persons belief and faith are of their own choice.

So really, when looking at the bigger picture, im there to gain a little support from society as they go about their busy lives. Many show a good heart, are concerned and wish us well. They are genuine and kind.

I am sure many people are good Christians, Catholics, Muslims etc etc.

Yet just yesterday 2 Nordic Christians came up to me and when once heard I was Buddhist, I all of a sudden became inferior to them. Even to the point of not wanting to hear of the dire situation over in China, even being rude to Buddha.

As a practitioner of FG, with so many different types of religions, I have made the conscious decision to take the middle ground concerning others beliefs. I am tolerant towards them and respect their own personal faiths and understandings.

These guys flatly refused any other exchange. Constantly pushing their religion in my face. Quite tauntingly stating there is only one God and Christ died for man etc. These ideas and recognisions we all know and are quite aware of. I respect this.

Yet didnt the Christian Martys suffer for their beliefs at the hands of the Romans? Due to their strong belief they were thrown to lions and tortured ?

I would think any true understanding Christian could find it in their hearts to recognise and have empathy towards our situation.

I feel we are sometimes so strongly influenced by our faiths, that at times become blinded to the normality of life happening in and around ourselves. Even to the point of not lending our support when such horrible situations are happening in the world today.

Religion is the responsibiltiy of those whom follow. Regardless of their faith, is it not their responsibility to uphold kindness and tolerance?

Many every day type people have what we call good enlightenment quality and good inborn nature. They have the essence of good understanding. Yet they always come back with the arguement, " religions seem so intolerant towards each other. Many wars are created due to religion".

I dont know what to say to them. Man seems to take religion and through his own understandings goes off track from the original teachings.

And quite a few wars have been due to each man and nations own specific religion and lack of tolerance to each other.

Perhaps if each of us had more to give selflessly to one another, have more understanding and empathy, then maybe more people will come back to God or Buddha. Perhaps those wars will become less and harmony will reign this land.

Faith is a strong bond with ones own belief in God or Buddha. Yet with so many claiming to be the one and only true one God/ religion, I do find those making such claims to be unable to reach past their own boundaries. Unable to reach out to those whom are suffering. After all, it is religious people who are entrusted with Gods/Buddhas law and teachings, yet it is everyday people who are showing more tolerance and compassion when these evils such as Chinese Communism comes to our world who controls peoples minds through fear and torture and tries to destroy anything outside of their doctoring, especially religion and God/Buddha.

It is only through kind hearts and supportive minds that goodness prevails over evil. If all we do is uphold our religion in form but not through practise, is it any wonder people leave God.

There are a few billion religious people in our world. If all of them become so restricted and defined by their boundaries, what if their Lord was here today but in a form different to their preconceived understandings. What if Christ were here yet different and not acting in a set way everyone would expect him to be, do we just ignore.

Perhaps that test is already happening and many are failing to see with their hearts but just with their minds.

This is why I feel some religious people can become blinded by formality and have neglected genuine understanding.

Anyone can put claim to their religion and God, yet how many are so open and unrestricted that whatever comes before them, they remain in their Gods form and understanding.

Tolerance and Compassion are universal.

Just some thoughts to share

:-6 :-6 :-6 :-6

[koan]

Really nice post.

But, dude, we call this place FG... for a minute I was getting freaked out that we were all practitioners of some kind of weird forum rite. :wah:



I was relieved when I figured out what was going on. Serves me right for scanning.

[Ciao, Bella!]

Have you thought about posting on the persecution of your faith here?



We're a most diverse group, so you'd truly reach across many barriers! I'd be interested in knowing more myself, and I'm sure there are others here who feel the same way!

[Ted]

Clear:-6

That is an excellent post. I am in agreement with you.

Jesus calls all Christians to be compassionate. The Christian sacred scriptures say clearly "They will know we are Christians by our Love. It is not my role to judge so I will not make further comment on that particular issue.

I think that the Jesus of Nazareth would be appalled at what so many Christians have done to him and made of him.



I am without question deeply concerned and disappointed at Christian exclusivism for that was not in the message of Jesus of Nazareth.

I feel for all who suffer persecution regardless of their faith or non faith.

BTW CB is correct. It would be interesting to learn something of our brothers and sisters who practise Falon Gong.

A Christian pluralist.

Shalom

Ted:-6

[clearmind69]

Dear Ted,

You bring tears to my eyes.

Thank you for your support. Your words are so true.

Regards

Clearmind

[JacksDad]

Incredible the hypocrisy.

My own roomate tells me he doesn't like my religion and it is wrong.

What a good Christian he is.

[Ted]

JacksDad:-6

There are those in every faith who come up with the same line. The basic stimulus for all of the great faiths of the world was and is compassion. How dare anyone judge another. That is the divine role and not ours.

Shalom

Ted:-6

[Ciao, Bella!]

I'll freely admit, I can be a hypocrite at times, and not just where religion is concerned. However, I do try to keep it under control.



Having said that, I think freedom of religion is sacred. Just as I have a right to be Christian, others have a right to their faith, no matter how different it is.



Ted, this one's for you. Does freedom of religion extend to atheists? Should we quell our voices so they won't hear?

[Ted]

CB:-6

I do think that freedom of religion does extend to atheism. I do not think we should quell our voices out of respect for them anymore then one would expect them to do likewise. I think this holds true for all the faiths. What we need is to develop a respect for each others' beliefs or non beliefs as the case may be. Everyone is entitles to express they beliefs. Others can choose to listen or not as the case may be.

Shalom

Ted:-6

[JacksDad]

Ted;578114 wrote: CB:-6

I do think that freedom of religion does extend to atheism. I do not think we should quell our voices out of respect for them anymore then one would expect them to do likewise. I think this holds true for all the faiths. What we need is to develop a respect for each others' beliefs or non beliefs as the case may be. Everyone is entitles to express they beliefs. Others can choose to listen or not as the case may be.

Shalom

Ted:-6
Compassion.:-6

[Ted]

JacksDad:-6

That is exactly what Jesus calls us to be.

Shalom

Ted:-6