Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Acts of Love Between Brothers

OK, admittedly I write a lot about faith communities attacking one another. Hopefully I make clear distinctions between members of faith trying to live loving lives and the fanatics found in all faiths that hurt in the name of a loving God. So how are people of faith suppose to act? How can we tell them from others? Well, we refer to the Rule of Rules or the Golden Rule. However, the concept is known the world over:

Hinduism: This is the sum of duty: do naught to others that which if done to thee would cause pain.

Judaism: What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow men. That is the entire law, the rest is commentary.

Islam: No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself.

Buddhism: hurt not others with that which pains yourself.

Or, as we know it, taught by THE Teacher, Do unto to others as you would have them do unto you.


So, where is the example? In London. St. Alban’s Church was robbed of 600 pounds collected for Christian Aid. The elders of the nearby Mosque heard this news and decided not to simply stand by. A collection was taken of the members and the money collected was given to Father Milnes. This was not an act of political expediency, trying to sway public opinion. It was far simpler and far better. A Mosque leader stated, “We are friends and neighbors and we look after each another.”

That is how we are suppose to treat one another.

No comments: