Religion is a ancient, powerful force. No doubt about that!
But religion has a long war record in human history. How can humanity achieve peace, while there are such differences between groups of people?
A relatively new power- but prevailing upon humanity with impressive force- is technology. We need to consider the profound and transformational effect that technology has had on humanity. We should be asking how this technology relates to the pursuit of peace on earth for mankind.
One of my professors said, "Technology giveth and technology taketh away." So I think a good question is: How has technology advanced *AND* thwarted the pursuit of peace among humankind???
Historically, distinct groups have often warred, but in "flat", linear expansion/contractions at borders. They also used to be able to ignore each other more easily/often, or at least find respite within their own borders.
One of the things technology has done is to bring the ends of the earth into closer proximity than ever before. Groups have less respite because our technology has everyone so connected that the (over?)exposure is multidimensional and permeates on these levels throughout groups and societies. It is as if everyone is heaped forcibly onto each others laps, so to speak, yet are strangers!
Maybe we have let our technology disrespect healthy personal boundaries. Maybe we needed that natural space. Maybe I am way off... I am not a historian, nor a Poli-Sci major, but I am just trying to think this through- and have a discussion with you.
But seriously, technology has advanced so quickly that humanity has not been able to catch it's breath, much less figure out how to manage it most beneficially.
Back to religious differences:
Different groups living in one community peacefully do so because they have some basic knowledge about each other (removing ignorance goes a long way to removing fear).
Firstly, religiously illiteracy is a problem, not only in our country but in the world (ignorance is a common culprit).
Secondly, thinking that peace between religions is achieved by melting away differences (koom-ba-ya) is the wrong approach!
Unity is not achieved by disrespecting real distinctions- but by understanding and respecting these differences.
Remember when this country was known as a melting pot of diversity? There were subcultures within the mainstream American cultures, where people could reside in relative peace. We respected the differences between us while living united under one flag (or tried to), didn't we?
The American tapestry was woven together (subcultures intact), and was all the more strong for her diversity. United but distinct. I think THAT is where/what America needs/wants to be.
