Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 2:02am
God's email blast
For some time now I have been on this journey of studying the world's religions and have elevated that calling to include guests on my show with different religious beliefs. Along with my studies, the information has been enlightening. Considering their histories of animosity and violence toward each other, it is amazing how much the major religions "favor" in their scriptures of the need and desire for peace. However, it is true. All people desire peace, and we all sing that meaningless song every year in every language.
Listed are a few of the scriptures and their religions concerning peace.
Christianity: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God."
Confucianism: "Seek to be in harmony with all your neighbors ... live in peace with your brethren."
Buddhism: "There is no happiness greater than peace."
Hinduism: "Without meditation, where is peace? Without peace, where is happiness?"
Islam: "God will guide men to peace. If they will heed Him, he will lead them from the darkness of war to the light of peace."
Taoism: "The wise esteem peace and quiet above all else."
Sikhism: "Only in the name of the Lord, do we find our peace."
Judaism: "When a man's ways please the Lord, He maketh even His enemies to be at peace with Him."
Jainism: "All men should live in peace with their fellows. This is the Lord's desire."
Zoroastrianism: "I will sacrifice to peace, whose breath is friendly."
Baha'i: "War is death while peace is life."
Shinto: "Let the earth be free from trouble and men live at peace under the protection of the Divine."
A bit of irony here. These religions have striking differences on the outside and in the eyes of others, but in their spirit they carry the same message. So, where are we? Why are we in global disarray? Why are our homes emotionally burning down to the slab? Why is the birth of our Savior the most stressful time of the year? Where do we start with amends? Well, "peace on earth, good will to men" is what we say, with and without music. Peace on earth. Three little innocent words we cannot embrace. So, you say, when will it come? Can it survive on earth? Or will God "delete" us all from his email list?
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Ester Davis is a writer and television producer. She can be reached at {email host@esterdavis.com}host@esterdavis.com{/email}. Copyright 2007 by Ester Davis.
Listed are a few of the scriptures and their religions concerning peace.
Christianity: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God."
Confucianism: "Seek to be in harmony with all your neighbors ... live in peace with your brethren."
Buddhism: "There is no happiness greater than peace."
Hinduism: "Without meditation, where is peace? Without peace, where is happiness?"
Islam: "God will guide men to peace. If they will heed Him, he will lead them from the darkness of war to the light of peace."
Taoism: "The wise esteem peace and quiet above all else."
Sikhism: "Only in the name of the Lord, do we find our peace."
Judaism: "When a man's ways please the Lord, He maketh even His enemies to be at peace with Him."
Jainism: "All men should live in peace with their fellows. This is the Lord's desire."
Zoroastrianism: "I will sacrifice to peace, whose breath is friendly."
Baha'i: "War is death while peace is life."
Shinto: "Let the earth be free from trouble and men live at peace under the protection of the Divine."
A bit of irony here. These religions have striking differences on the outside and in the eyes of others, but in their spirit they carry the same message. So, where are we? Why are we in global disarray? Why are our homes emotionally burning down to the slab? Why is the birth of our Savior the most stressful time of the year? Where do we start with amends? Well, "peace on earth, good will to men" is what we say, with and without music. Peace on earth. Three little innocent words we cannot embrace. So, you say, when will it come? Can it survive on earth? Or will God "delete" us all from his email list?
— — —
Ester Davis is a writer and television producer. She can be reached at {email host@esterdavis.com}host@esterdavis.com{/email}. Copyright 2007 by Ester Davis.