I commented recently that modern society is compartmentalizing life. Neatly sealed off spaces for every kind of human activity imaginable. But non-proselytizing interfaith efforts are taking one of these compartments (religio!) and trying to help people expand their love across these boundaries. I believe in the value of this, and here is why:
"Love your neighbor as yourself"
This is a familiar command, isn't it? In fact, examples of this superlative command *greatly* exceed Leviticus19:18 to Luke 10:27 to Hadid 57:27, just to touch on the texts of the Abrahamic faith traditions. Yet human history reveals what a daunting task this has proven to be. I believe the key component of this difficulty is the element of fear.
"True love throws fear outside" (1Jo 4:18)
Getting our eyes from seeing enemies to strangers to neighbors to friends to brothers to the Beloved can not occur in the company of fear. We *must* choose love or loathing- You can't have it both ways. You can not- despite religious doctrines that define all of us as heretics and blasphemers to each other. Yet some outreach ministries/dawah's efforts try. Seriously. With the best of intentions, they cover the loaf of loathing with a crust of compassion. Take a bite: Does not the taste of compassion quickly give way to the bitter loaf beneath?
When people of any and every background find ways to bravely and earnestly seek accurate knowledge of each other, motivated by nothing but the desire to love each other without fear, does this not sow peace into the world? And for believers, do we not please God by our efforts to truly love each other?
Interfaith events provide a safe place to let fear go and familiarize ourselves with Others. Google interfaith, intercultural events where you live. Then go make some new friends. :-D
And that is my thought for this lovely Monday morning.
Thanks to my friends who gave me an ear. xxoo Paula
"Love your neighbor as yourself"
This is a familiar command, isn't it? In fact, examples of this superlative command *greatly* exceed Leviticus19:18 to Luke 10:27 to Hadid 57:27, just to touch on the texts of the Abrahamic faith traditions. Yet human history reveals what a daunting task this has proven to be. I believe the key component of this difficulty is the element of fear.
"True love throws fear outside" (1Jo 4:18)
Getting our eyes from seeing enemies to strangers to neighbors to friends to brothers to the Beloved can not occur in the company of fear. We *must* choose love or loathing- You can't have it both ways. You can not- despite religious doctrines that define all of us as heretics and blasphemers to each other. Yet some outreach ministries/dawah's efforts try. Seriously. With the best of intentions, they cover the loaf of loathing with a crust of compassion. Take a bite: Does not the taste of compassion quickly give way to the bitter loaf beneath?
When people of any and every background find ways to bravely and earnestly seek accurate knowledge of each other, motivated by nothing but the desire to love each other without fear, does this not sow peace into the world? And for believers, do we not please God by our efforts to truly love each other?
Interfaith events provide a safe place to let fear go and familiarize ourselves with Others. Google interfaith, intercultural events where you live. Then go make some new friends. :-D
And that is my thought for this lovely Monday morning.
Thanks to my friends who gave me an ear. xxoo Paula
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