Why are we unable to serve as a catalyst for change? Why does it seem that we, as a viable and formidable potential force at influencing policy, that we have no say.

Our weakness can be seemingly attributed to many factors, to name a few:
We are fragmented, not having a focused lobbying effort;
We are busy with life’s demands on us as individuals and family;
We are disconnected from the realities that exist in other Nations;
We fail to genuinely sacrifice aspects of our “good” lives for the betterment of those having less than adequate living conditions;
We are arrogant to believe that our way is best, and that our “standards” should be mirrored by others less fortunate than ourselves.

Regarding Mike’s views pertaining to religion, there are many followers of Jesus and Allah and other Gods worshipped by other Religions, just as there are many interpretations of the Bible, Koran, Tao Te Ching and Tanakh. I was raised as a Roman Catholic but believe myself to be a Christian, Muslim, Jew, Buddhist, Taoist, Hindi and whatever other essence of religion affords the opportunity for an individual to be a “complete” person. And a “complete” person will never knowingly offend or exploit another individual nor harm another without just cause. I cannot identify with one religion. And I do not believe that any one religion is more true, correct or right than another. But I genuinely respect those that are of one faith and fervently worship the God and ways of their faith.

I do believe, however, that a strong belief in a single religion can lead to arrogance, violence, unnecessary fears and division among “God’s” People. This “mono-faith” also appears to sometimes lead to a blind loyalty and inability to engage in objective, constructive dialogue that can result in mutual enrichment (as opposed to a belief that accepting certain values of religion different from one’s own, erodes one’s faith. In my opinion, it likens an “Aryan” nature of sorts – please take no offense to that statement since none is intended).

And since individuals have the “free will” to interpret their religion as they see fit, certain individuals, especially those having a degree of charisma, can distort religious reality and lead those with weaker minds astray (such as Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, James Dobson and leaders of other cult religions).

I am convinced that open and honest dialogue, as well as free thinking is critical if we are ever to realize change and achieve peace among so many different cultures. Naturally this is extremely over simplified, but it can surely be a start.

Finally, I would like to reiterate by quoting a portion of Mike’s response to you Mohammed. I could not say it better and want you to understand that although it may seem very little in soothing the feelings that you must have from this awful war, it is none the less heartfelt and sincere from, I am sure, both of us and many more:

From Reverend Mike Kinman–

“And this is where my question is for you. If we were to be more like the Christians that Martin Luther King (and I would say Jesus) dreamed we would be… If we were to be, in your words “more like (you)” … what would that look like? What would American atonement for sin look like to you?”

“I ask you because it would only be a continuation of the sin of our arrogance to think I knew an answer only you and those like you can give. And I really want to hear your answer.”

“I love my country. It is my home. I believe there is much good in my country — both because I believe there is good in people everywhere but also because I believe the ideals our better angels strive for our deeply good. And that is why it is all the more painful for me when we fall so short, when we embody just the opposite to the world, when we so continually let our sin overshadow our virtue.”

“I do love my home. And I have no idea what it must be like for a home you love to be utterly destroyed by invaders. I am humbled that as I am one of those whose taxes pay for the weapons and soldiers that have invaded and devastated your home, as I am one who has certainly not raised his voice enough to stop this invasion and devastation, that you would take the time to engage my words.”

I continue to pray for your well being and all in Iraq, and for the strength of America to focus on assisting without exploiting and control.

Many of us do not want this ‘empire’. We want a republic, we want to live in peace with others, we want clean air and water and food and a safe place to live.

We will not get these things for Americans by denying them to others.
Arrogance (and pride) are mortal sins. They also go before a fall.

Mohammed Ibn Laith

http://revmikek.blogspot.com/2007/02/response-from-baghdad-world-is-getting.html

I look forward to continuing this conversation if you are able.

peace,

Mike