Is it this, or is it that?

Do you, like me, also find yourself at odds with the Bible and not really understand why?  Or, maybe you understand why but don't really know how, or if, this molds your faith. 

For most of us this is not a question of our belief in the teachings of Christ, his life, death, or resurrection.  It is a fundamental question of biblical contradictions that were spoon fed to us when we were too young to understand.  For those of us that managed to grow up enjoying the benefit of a free mind, we now see these flaws in what we had always thought of as fact.  And are these really contradictions or just variations on a theme?  We know a story is significantly different after only three people retell the original.  Were the author’s intentions colored by issues of the day?  Politics?  Gender?  Or perhaps the fact that most of it was written hundreds of years after the fact with no original documents, translated numerous times, and then to have the content voted on by, well…who died and made them God.

I found a book that, after reading, I realized I could have written.  It addresses all the issues I’ve ever found in the Bible, and more!  I recommend all of you that have ever questioned your faith due to the issue you have had with the Bible, read this book.  It will not detract from the message of the Bible, but it will help explain some of the issues you have found.  The book is, “Jesus Interrupted, Revealing the Hidden Contradictions in the Bible (and Why We Don’t Know About Them)” by Bart D. Ehrman.  Mr. Ehrman attended Princeton Theological Seminary and is the Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina.
He will address the potential value of the “historical-critical method” as an approach to studying what you read, and how he feels this historical criticism does not lead to a loss of faith.

So, how many times did Peter deny Jesus? Three?  Six?  One question I had not thought of was, if God created “light” on the first day, and the sun, moon and stars were not created till the fourth day, where was this light coming from?  When did Jesus really become the son of God?  Was it before of after the resurrection?

These are but a few issues addressed in his book.  I highly recommend it to all.  Make up your own mind of the validity.  That is the key to addressing validity of anything thrown your way.  Make up your own mind!

I know.  I keep saying it.  Don’t drink the Kool-Aid.

A Life After Death?

A new wrinkle came into my life today when someone I am close to told me they did not believe in a life after death and God was in question.  You die you become worm food, that’s it, end of story.  What?  No God, Jesus, heaven, hell, pearly gates, angels, reincarnation, spirit world, ghosts, or other paranormal woo-hoo waiting on the other side?

I’ll be the first to admit I have no idea what is waiting for us on the other side.  It could very well be oblivion.  If it is, how exciting is that?

When I was in Air Force Intelligence I was endowed with top security clearances and all the caveats that go with them.  Because of this, I was offered a special duty assignment to Area 51 as an “atta boy” for a special briefing to the four-star General in charge of SAC Headquarters. 

 Having an interest in UFO phenomena since I was in 7^th grade, Area 51 was the chance of a lifetime.  I would finally know if flying saucers were real, or if they were just top secret experimental aircraft wrongly identified by an eager population.  After a few days consideration I refused the offer.  My reasoning was this:  If I arrived and found there was nothing to the rumor of flying saucers, I would be crushed.  If, on the other hand, I was made aware of all the flying saucers in the secret underground hangers, I wouldn't be able to tell a soul…ever.  I figured that not knowing would leave the fantasy alive.  This also reflects my view of the afterlife.

I think it was put best in the 1984 film “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.”  As Indy’s friend Wu Han is dying in his arms, Wu says to Indy, “I've followed you on many adventures…but into the great unknown mystery, I go first, Indy!”

We have so little reason to follow the right path, so few of us would follow the path for the path’s sake.  I think the mystery of what awaits around the next bend, the possibility of a reward for following a better path, assists many of us in keeping our sights steadily on that path.  My great fear is that, without this carrot out in front of us, moral anarchy would reign.  I think this is why virtually all faiths have some view of what awaits us, a view that some reward awaits us, in the hereafter.

Not one to be selfish though, I’ll be very happy to let Indy go first.   

The "Perfect" Christian God

I was brought up, like most of you, to believe in God as perfect;  all seeing, all knowing. 

Think about that.  God knows what is on your mind; knows what you have done; knows what you are going to do; has given you the tools to succeed or not; the ability to live or die.

First, I want you to open your mind to the fact that there are many definitions of God, one of which is the God of the Bible, of Judaism and Christianity.  I consider myself a Christian, though not defined by any institutionalized "church."   How can I be a Christian and not have faith in the Bible?  Well, I have faith in Christ.  I have faith in God.  I have faith in man being able to totally screw up everything Christ tried to impart to us from the Father, that's how.

Now, with that said, consider the God of the Christian bible, the one written and edited by man.  I won't bore you by citing instances, we all know what they are, but does it occur to anybody else that this God is a game player?  That this God of the Bible just likes to screw with our minds?  But, if we accept that God knows the ultimate outcome, then to what end? 

Consider also that, if you are ordered by God to take your child to the mountain and sacrifice him to show your obedience to this God, doesn't God already know the outcome?  So God stops you from doing it, and this is a lesson for you to understand what?  You are capable, and willing to commit murder in God's name? 

Well, we have learned this lesson well.  Throughout history we have used the Bible as an excuse to murder countless people.

How "perfect" is the God of the Bible?  As perfect or imperfect as man interprets God to be.

There are other instances that have made religious scholars raise an eyebrow.  Personally, I think God is literally above game playing.  I don't believe we are here for God's amusement.  I am not some chrome plated ball being slammed around the pin ball landscape of life for the sick amusement of a supreme deity.  Yet, many Christians refuse to even consider the dichotomy.  They inevitably come up with some reason why all of this makes sense, and usually the reason is that the Bible says so.  

It's just Kool-Aid...drink it!  Or, maybe you can think for yourself and find God.  Its just a thought. 

Tolerance: Anti-Semitism - Just for the Jews?

Over six million Jews were murdered by Nazi Germany in WWII.  Let me make this a bit clearer for those that can't spell.  That would look like, 6,000,000.  Now, compared to the 30,000,000 that Russia lost it seems fairly small.  But, one number is due to the horror of war, the other is due to the "final solution."  6,000,000 Jews killed simply because they were Jews.

I bring this up to try and remind those that condemn Israel for what it does to those around them.  Could they be more tolerant?  Of course, but since the Exodus they have been fighting for their survival.  When is enough going to be enough?  Let us remember their faith in God as they marched dutifully into the showers of Dachau.  Let us not forget the other vacation spots erected by the Nazis for the final solution to the Jewish problem:  Auschwitz, Mauthausen, Ravensbruck and Majdanek. 

Could they be more tolerant?  Of course.  Could we be more understanding?  Of course.

When I hear people condemning what Israel does, it invariably begins with addressing the people as a whole.  "Those Jews..."   "The Hebrew mindset..."  "Why can't they just get along?"

We seem incapable of separating the Hebrew faith from the State of Israel.  Sound familiar?  We also seem incapable of separating heretical factions of the Islamic faith from the peaceful followers of Muhammad, peace be upon him.

I offer this quote, this call for repentance, for tolerance from Catholic priest and historian Edward Flannery:

"It is a tragedy in which Jesus participates, crucified again in the person of His people at the hand of many baptized in His name. The sin of anti-Semitism contains many sins, but in the end it is a denial of Christian faith, a failure of Christian hope, and a malady of Christian love. And was not this Christianity's supreme defection: that the Christian people to whom persecution was promised by its Master (John 16:2-4) was not the most persecuted people in Christendom, but rather was it the people from whom He came? And the ultimate scandal: that in carrying the burden of God in history the Jewish people did not find in the Christian churches an ally and defender but one of their most zealous detractors and oppressors? It is a story that calls for repentance."

Flannery, Edward H., The Anguish of the Jews: Twenty-Three Centuries of Antisemtism, pg. 295,  published 1985 by Paulist Press, 997 Macarthur Boulevard, Mahwah, N.J. 07430, U.S.A.

In conclusion I offer this for consideration.  This is an excerpt from Wikipedia on "Antisemitism":

Despite the use of the prefix anti-, the terms Semitic and anti-Semitic are not directly opposed to each other. Antisemitism refers specifically to prejudice against Jews alone and in general, despite the fact that there are other speakers of Semitic languages (e.g. Arabs, Ethiopians, or Assyrians) and that not all Jews speak a Semitic language.

Although the term "antisemitism" did not come into common usage until the 19th century, it is also applied to historic anti-Jewish incidences.

The term anti-Semitic has been used on occasion to include bigotry against other Semitic-language peoples such as Arabs, but such usage is not widely accepted.

Consider that last bit, "...such usage is not widely accepted."  Really?  I would offer that we must realize, and admit, we hold all Semitic people up to the light of disdain.  Anti-Semitic no longer just refers to intolerant attitudes toward Jews.  We must admit the problem before we can fix it.  I ask for tolerance toward a group of our fellow children.  Let us not judge all people by the actions of their governments or the heads of their faith.  Are we, as Americans, not as a people, so pure?

John 8:7 - But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."

Note:  I invite those wishing to continue investigating Islam with me to visit www.islamreligion.com and see what they have to offer in the way of information.  I happened upon this site and have not reviewed it yet for content, but then, it is what it is.  Any knowledge is knowledge.  I have not begun my journey into the Judaism yet, but if you know of a good site for all to review, please share.

The Death of Innocence

Why does God let the young die?

I know of a young lady that lost God when she lost her young cousin during high school in a violent car crash that killed all but the driver of the car.  She wanted nothing to do with a God that would allow that.  But is this true?  Did God allow it to happen? 

Her cousin made the decision to get in the car.  He had the right to say slow down, or to get out.  The road was icy, the car too fast.  God helps those that help themselves.  God gives us all the tools we need.  He opted to not utilize them.  It is easier to blame God than to speak ill of the dead.

But, then, maybe it was all in the greater plan.  I see a lot of her cousin in her son.  It seems odd to say, but maybe her cousin has returned, in spirit, to work through her son and bring back her faith.  In some plan maybe it was his destiny to become an angel of God.  Maybe her son is destined to do great things that require her strength of faith.

I certainly hope so.  She loved her cousin dearly, and is a loving and caring mother.  My greatest wish is that she finds her way back to a path of faith.

This leaves the question of children too young to utilize the tools God has endowed them with.  What of these babies?  Was this God's will?  I suppose this is why I believe in reincarnation.  I would like to think it is in God's plan that these children leave this life for a greater role in another.

I always imagined that in the battle between good and evil there are foot soldiers.  The good would die young because God needed the best of us on the front line of a battle we cannot even fathom.  Babies are, after all, brought into this world without sin.  I would see the souls of these babies as young adults in shining armor, wings outstretched, sword raised in defiance of all that is evil.  When they finish the battle, maybe they get another chance at a physical existence here.  Maybe this is R&R for the battle weary. Very Hollywood.

What's the alternative?  They die for nothing?  A cruel joke played by a cruel God to teach us some cruel lesson? 

Not my God.

How Are You Today?

“With determination, it is possible to block out the negative things and enjoy the positive ones, despite the cons. Most importantly, it is possible to dance through everything pernicious.”

-- Sarah Todd Hammer, author

The year is 2013, mid-June.

So, I'm in the supermarket buying a few groceries prior to stopping by customer service to get a couple of lottery tickets.  In front of me, at checkout, is a girl of about 20 years of age, lying almost prone, in a motorized wheel chair.  Her upper body was raised just enough so she could look forward to maneuver the chair with controls located at the end of the arms.  Her hands were slightly gnarled, her voice slightly slurred, and I can only assume what malady might be affecting her.  I had to roughly estimate her age at around 20 because whatever she suffered from made it difficult to get any more specific.  After years of disuse the body undergoes ravages beyond my knowledge or imagination; it is the hell of being a prisoner in your own body, when the body seems to be shutting down and the mind is helpless to stop it.

“Even the littlest things were now a challenge, one I didn't understand.”

-- Sarah Todd Hammer

She opened her small purse, preparing to put away her charge car and receipt as the checker set them on the counter - flat.  She gave the checker a quick accusatory glance which seemed to say, "Really?"  The checker was either oblivious to the fact that the young woman would have to struggle to pick them up from her position, or was afraid to hand the to her for fear of contracting whatever nightmare was going through her pea sized brain.  I'll be charitable and assume she was oblivious.

As the woman reached out with her crippled hand I could see she was working the mechanics of this exercise the rest of us take for granted.  I thought, "Well, this isn't going to work."  How was she going to easily pick these flat items from the flat surface when she can barely raise her arm and the surface is almost above her eyesight?

“I often wished that more people understood the invisible side of things. Even the people who seemed to understand, didn't really.”

-- Jennifer Starzec

I moved forward and offered, "May I?"  She smiled as I gathered up her items and handed them to her.  She cocked her head toward me and thanked me asking, "How are you today?"  How am I?  Today?  Really?  How bad could my day be?  I found my voice which had retreated behind the wall of sympathy where I store my tears.  I told her that I was fine and thanked her for asking.  She smiled - again.  With her small bag in her lap she raised her fingers enough to wave as she rolled toward the exit.

I was pulling out of the parking lot when I saw her maneuvering the chair across the parking lot entrance and onto the sidewalk along the main avenue.  She was alone, self-sufficient, and possessing of a kind word, a smile, and a life.  I forgot to purchase the lottery tickets.  How am I today?  Her question would stay with me for the rest of my life, a memory of someone stricken in youth, yet possessed of an ability to affect the lives of others in a positive way.  God bless her.    I was crying as I drove home. 

How are you today? 

How, truly bad, is your day today?  I may never have another bad day again without thinking of this young lady and realizing my concerns and woes are nothing except proof of life; a task to be surmounted with a smile, a kind word, character and, just perhaps, the occasional charity of a stranger.

“To banish imperfection is to destroy expression, to check exertion, to paralyze vitality.”

-- John Ruskin (1819-1900), social thinker, art critic

Editor's Note 

(re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card) 

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider another viewpoint.

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and then engaging in peaceful, constructive, discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning the opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 23 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with an Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, to wage his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as Chaplain Program Liaison, at a regional medical center.

Wealth

What makes you happy?  For many, the road to happiness is paved with money.  I think we all know that money can’t buy happiness, but it sure does make it easier to relax. 

Before I retired to Mexico at the beginning of 2011, I struggled with the fact that I was going to be living on what my ex-wife didn’t “appropriate” of my military retirement.  It wasn’t much.  Mexico is still a pretty good deal, and I was going to be working for my room at Terry’s ranch in Manzanillo.    That helped, but you still have to buy food and essentials, not to mention saving for air fare to come and go if needed.  But, I did it.  Of course, I was debt free. 

I was amazed at how little I actually needed to be comfortable.  It is a change of mindset that entertainment can change as you get older.  For me, I finally found the time to write a novel.  I found that I loved to write.  I finished 500 pages later and began a second.  I also discovered money wasn’t necessary to my happiness.  It is necessary to my survival, yes, but not to being happy.

What made me feel complete was creating a shrine to the Virgin of Guadalupe as a gift to Terry.  It was located as you come into the ranch parking area and head toward the rooms and the stairs to the pool.  I was very proud when several older women would break off from their family to walk over to the shrine, cross themselves and say a short prayer, or light a candle.  I knew I'd done good!

When I was called out of retirement to work on the Country Club project back in Olympia, I agreed to do it for a fair wage.  I knew in my heart, though, that I didn’t need the job.  I would be just as happy lying in that hammock around the pool at the ranch, finishing the second novel.  I do what I do because I want to.  I work now because it makes me happy and I’m having fun, not because I have to.  I don’t need the money.

I’m wealthy, rich beyond my wildest dreams of just a few years ago.  I have my health, my children, my grandchildren, my parents, family and friends.  This is wealth that money just can’t provide.

What makes you happy?

Common Courtesy?

“Courtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones which strike deepest in the grateful and appreciating heart.”

-- Henry Clay

Common courtesy, that's what my mother called it.  She tried her best to temper my hyper childhood with some "southern gentleman."  But, just the other day, I had an instance to question the commonality of it.

I went to our local bookseller to purchase a book on the sayings of Mother Teresa (Yes, even after the Canadian smear job I still have faith in her sainthood).  I held the door open for an elderly woman, giving her a smile and a nod.  She gave me a curious look and commented that she thought chivalry was dead.  I answered back that it wasn't dead, it was just in hiding.  She smiled and told me to have a nice day.  And this made me think.  Just how common was "common courtesy?"

Well, it certainly isn't common anymore.  And, before you start, just holding the door open doesn't do the job.  Ask yourself these questions:  How many people have not rushed in before they were caught having to hold the door for you?  Of those, how many actually acknowledged your existence while doing so?  Made eye contact, smiled, gave you a nod, or simply said, "After you, please!"  It isn't your willingness to hold the door that defines courtesy, it is your willingness to hold open that door while connecting to the other person.  Please, thank you, you are so very welcome, good morning, how are you, all are an attempt to connect us to another person.

True courtesy defines who we are and who we want to be.  It is a reflection of our respect for those around us.  In my case it defined me as a gentleman to this elderly woman, and, important to me, it made her smile.  To the young teenager that filed in behind her, one can hope they paid attention and I helped them define who they want to be.  Whether we know it or not, we are always mentoring.  Our courtesy, though not as common as one would hope, is a ripple in a large pond.  Each ripple has an effect.  If we cause enough courteous ripples we will have a tempest of love and mutual respect.

I challenge you to strive for "uncommon" courtesy in life.  Take that extra effort to connect with others around you.  The next time you're in the market, just don't say "Hi" back to the checker.  Look at her name tag and try saying, "Good morning, Julie!  And how are you this fine morning?  Looking beautiful as always!  Is that a new dress?"  Watch the response on her face and in her eyes.  A bad morning might become a bit brighter.  But, more importantly, those behind you might just pick up on the idea of "uncommon courtesy."

Thank you, mom!

“This is ridiculous. Clearly courtesy is off the menu.”

-- Jack Holloway

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as a chaplain at the regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com

Congregation for Religious Tolerance

I contemplated the Congregation for Religious Tolerance as I was writing what was to become my first post, "My View: Religious Tolerance." I felt my reasons for a "congregation" were sound then, and feedback tells me my reasons are still sound.  As the blog approaches 9000 page views, I've had few "comments" but e-mails and conversations have been positive over the first year.

This is, and probably will always remain, a work in progress.  I welcome any and all constructive comments and criticism that might better the end product, whatever it morphs into.

There are no members in the Congregation, and I feel this may be an odd concept for many.  I'd like you to follow the blog, but do not be a follower; be critical, but with an open mind; mentor, but do not lecture; teach only if asked; always share, and gently guide others onto their own path, assisting to smooth to the surface and remove obstacles blocking their way.

I believe that God helps those that help themselves.  You cannot put someone on their path, but you can help them define it.  The rest is in their hands.  They can stand on a street corner with a sign asking for money, or they can take a helping hand and pull themselves up.  You can't save the poor from their lot, only they can do that if they really want to.

So, why a "Congregation," and not a "Church," for Religious Tolerance? I feel the meaning of "church" has been corrupted from the meaning Jesus originally gave to it (He mentions the word only twice in His teachings I believe), and even though religious scholars say they understand it does not refer to a building, well... ask yourself, where is your church located?

And, as for standing behind a pulpit?  I'd rather sit and talk.  Well, okay...maybe on an occasional soapbox.  I think Matthew states it best:

"But do not be called Teacher (Rabbi); for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Messiah. But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”   (Matthew 23:8-12)

 I quote the Bible often, even though I have issues with the Good Book, and I will go into that on another post.  But I think the lessons, the message the Bible offers, create a good foundation for laws and morality.  Does this detract from other religious texts?  Absolutely not.  Most religious texts seem to have the same general moral, and spiritual, philosophical belief systems.  Understanding this, one wonders why we go to war and kill each other.  This for me is a mystery answered only by understanding man's greed and pride.

At this moment I am keeping the Congregation simple with two easy paragraphs and a few quotes:

Mission Statement:

The Congregation for Religious Tolerance promotes the idea of religious and spiritual tolerance through education, understanding, fairness and compassion, conversation and debate while allowing everyone to peacefully follow their own spiritual beliefs without oppression or discrimination.

Philosophy:

1.   Tolerance may not necessarily extend beyond religious beliefs to include some religious actions -- particularly those that harm or harass others. 

2.   Religious tolerance is a fundamental right in a democracy.

3.   It is incumbent upon all of us, at the end of the day, to protect those that cannot protect themselves and to stand up for the peaceful rights of others.

Quotes:

"Tolerance is the posture and cordial effort to understand another's beliefs, practices, and habits without, necessarily, sharing or accepting them."

~Joshua Liebman, social critic

"The more people come together, the more borders will be opened and people and opinions get together, the more un-renounceable tolerance will be a fundamental part of our social life. Without tolerance, there is no religious liberty, no freedom of conscience and no freedom of thought."

~Dr. Thomas Klestil, President, Federal Republic of Austria

 "Those who see the variety and not the unity wander on from death to death." ~Upanishads

Editor's Note 

(re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card) 

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider another viewpoint.

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and then engaging in peaceful, constructive discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning the opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 23 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with an Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, to wage his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as Chaplain Program Liaison, at a regional medical center.

Religious Tolerance: My View

"Until there is peace between religions, there can be no peace in the world."

-- Thich Nhat Hanh, Buddhist monk, peace activist

Note:  The is an edit of the first post on my blog, The Path.  It was also my inspiration, no, that's not quite right.  This post was not so much my inspiration as it was the impetus for starting the blog itself, and for starting the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to my true inspiration, the ignorant, vitriolic rhetoric which was being spewed against an entire religion, and all people of a particular faith.  We have since tempered such rhetoric but still have some distance to travel before we are able to focus our attention on the true evil infecting our world and identify it as the heresy it represents. 

There is a bit to be said for enduring years of seminary to learn about Holy Scripture, or of one’s faith or being 'born again' through the ministry of these 'educated' apostles of the prophets.  On the other hand, I have learned there is a lot to be said for good sense.  Good sense stopped being common years ago, so finding it is a rarity.

Due to my view of 'common' sense, I am constantly at odds with Christian sects over the Bible and their philosophies.  Where I tend to be tolerant of their beliefs, I am damned to an eternity of suffering for mine.  Is this truly God’s intent?  Is this the epitome of Christian understanding; of tolerance, love and forgiveness?  I think not, and this is the reason I have issues with most organized religions.  I feel they have their place as a springboard for education, discussion, fellowship, and opening one’s mind to religious possibilities, but, sooner or later, one has to think for one’s self.

I evidence this with two recent instances where Christian friends have condemned Islam and all of those that follow that path.  The same God and testaments, Mohammed educated by Christian and Hebrew scholars of the day, then, visited by God’s angel with a message to deliver Islam from their destructive path.  Sound familiar?  Is it sacrilege, or the coming of another prophet?  The cry goes up from the Abrahamic masses, "But, he isn’t a Christian!"

Here is a man that never professes to be the Son of God.  He recognizes that God’s chosen people, the Jews, have a written book that give them a path to follow as do the Christians.  The Jews were referred to as “the people of the book.”  His only desire is to save his people, the Muslims, from their unrighteous path by giving them laws to govern their lives, a 'Holy' book of their own.  Through angelic advice he is given the path that would label him a prophet and the governing leader of his people.

It would sound as if I were a believer in Islam, a preacher of the faith.  In so far as I find the philosophy to be as sound as that of Judaism and Christianity, this is true.  But, more to the point, I find the treatment of Islam to be a great example of the world's lack of religious intolerance that has followed them since the Crusades.  This is the same lack of tolerance which has haunted Judaism and Christianity; the same lack of tolerance which, truth be told, visits itself upon almost every 'peaceful' religious sect, and those people of faith.

We are all at odds with Islam, today.  Is it an evil religion touting war and death, or is it the peaceful philosophy of love and tolerance?  I offer up an Islamic view of their religious tolerance, referencing quotes from An Elementary Study of Islam by Hazrat Mirza Ahmad (ra), 1996:

“Muslims are required to believe not only in the divine scripture revealed to the Holy Founder of Islam, which is called the Quran, but it is essential for every Muslim to believe in all such divine revelations as were vouchsafed to other prophets, from wherever and whichever age. It is an essential part of a Muslim's belief that if anyone professes belief only in the divine origin of the Quran, and refuses to acknowledge the divine origin of other books, such as the Old Testament and the New Testament etc., his profession of Islam would be invalidated.”

Then to look at their view of other religion’s intolerance toward Islam and the “Unity of God”: 

“Coming to individuals, the belief in Unity plays a very important role in the education and upbringing of humans. It requires a consistency between man's views and actions, a consistency between his relationship with God and his fellow beings, thus binding creation in a single chain of unbreakable unity. This can be better understood by bringing to focus the practices of some so-called religious people, who preach hatred for one section of human society against another in the name of the one and only God. The principle of Unity of God is at variance with this practice, and as such does not permit people to create divisions between God and His creation and within the creation of God.”

So, where does all this leave us with Jihad, the Holy War?  Again I quote from Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad for the clarity of the message: 

"A very important question which relates to the propagation of all divine messages. It relates to the instrument of propagation Adherents of almost all religions, as they move away in time from the source, are invariably known to have employed coercion either to keep people within the fold of their religion, or to convert others into their faith. But according to the Holy Quran, this in no way reflects upon their religion's attitude to coercion. No religion at its source has ever permitted the use of force in any form whatsoever. In fact all religions have been made targets of coercion, and no efforts were spared by their opponents to arrest the growth of religions at their source and to annihilate them completely. Every time a new prophet came, attempts were invariably made by the enemies to suppress his message through the use of force and merciless persecution. It is the most tragic irony therefore that of all the books, the Holy Quran is singled out today as proponent of the employment of coercion for the sake of the spread of its message. Even greater tragedy lies in the fact that it is the Muslim clergy itself which loudly propounds this view, blatantly attributing it to the Holy Quran."

The Holy Quran, it should be remembered, is the only Divine book which absolves all the prophets of the world, wherever and in whichever age they were born, of the crime of coercion in relation to the spread of their message. Hence it is inconceivable that the Quran should present its Holy Prophet (sa) as the harbinger of an era of bloodshed in the name of peace, and hatred in the name of love of God. This is no place to engage in intricate polemical discussions, so this brief introduction should suffice here. According to the Quran, the Holy War, called Jihad, is in reality a holy campaign which uses the help of the Quran to bring about a spiritual revolution in the world."

 "Fight against them by means Of it (the Quran) a great fight"  Surah Al-Furqan (Ch. 25, V,53)

"These are the very words of the Quran which throw light on the nature of Jihad. It must be fought by means of the Quran and the Quranic message alone. Again, to tame one's rebellious nature into complete submission to God is another form of Jihad which is in fact the greater Jihad, according to the Holy Prophet of Islam. On returning from a battle, he is reported to have said, “We are returning from the lesser Jihad to the greater Jihad.”

"Of course, defensive war is permitted only on the condition that the enemies initiate hostilities and raise sword against a weak, defenseless people for having committed the only crime of declaring that God is their Lord. All offensive wars according to Islam are unholy.”

I find that, in my 'uneducated' thinking, I am more tolerant of the religious thought of others than most other Christians.  I italicize Christians in hope that we all consider which Christian we profess to be.  Do we see ourselves as the kind of Christian man has taught us to be, as he egotistically declared himself the voice of God on earth and decided, for God, Christ, and mankind, which scripture would reflect mankind's views of God and, therefore, be included into our Bible as the holiest of scripture?  The Christian who would wage a wars of domination for land and wealth during the many Crusades in His holy name, or the Christian who killed untold thousands during the numerous Inquisitions?  Or, are we to see ourselves as a Christian that tempers 'holy scripture' with the God of our heart - the loving, forgiving, understanding and tolerant God we all hope will be waiting for us in heaven?

God imbued us with a mind, an ability to think and choose.  I choose tolerance and understanding over ignorance and prejudice.  Most importantly, I choose to use the mind God gave me to exercise tolerance and understanding with all the love of God I can bring forth.

I will not drink the cyanide laced Kool-Aid of organized heresy.  But, that's just me, and I could be wrong. 

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Note on the author of the quotes: 

Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad is the spiritual head of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam. He is the fourth successor of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) who proclaimed that he was the Messiah and reformer, promised by all the great religions of the world to the people of the latter age. His community is a dynamic, world-wide, missionary force in Islam.

Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad was born on 18 December 1928 in Qadian in India. He was educated in India, Pakistan and in the UK, at The London School of Oriental and African Studies. In 1982 he was elected as the Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community following the demise of the third Khalifa (successor). The anti-Ahmadiyya ordinance imposed on 26 April 1984 by General Zia, the then dictator President of Pakistan, made it impossible for him to function as the head of his community while remaining in that country. After due consultation he decided to leave Pakistan immediately. Three days after the promulgation he took the plane from Karachi and came to London where he currently lives, and will remain until the situation in Pakistan changes for the better.

Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad is widely travelled and often delivers addresses to audiences including people from all walks of life and widely differing cultures. His addresses and other meetings are often accompanied by 'Question and Answer' sessions. He is always ready to respond to questions agitating the minds of his audience on any topic, religious or temporal, although his answers cannot avoid the influence of his deep understanding of religion, which pervades his thinking. He has written many books in Urdu as well as some in English. 'Murder in the Name of Allah' and 'Islam's Response to Contemporary Issues' are two of his recent English publications, which the reader may find of interest. He also occasionally expresses himself in Urdu verse.

Editor's Note 

(re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card) 

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider another viewpoint.

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and then engaging in peaceful, constructive, discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning the opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 23 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with an Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, to wage his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as Chaplain Program Liaison, at a regional medical center.