PeaceNext, the Facebook presence of The Council for a Parliament
of the World’s Religions, presents an organization “Faiths Against Hate.” It is
my belief that hate comes from fear, and that fear has been the central power
among religions for centuries. The question in my mind is, “How do we move from
fear-based authority to compassionate bonding-based authority and partnerships?”
Parents do need to enforce boundaries based on our beliefs,
which are enforced by our rituals. To expose our children to beliefs and
practices that we don’t understand causes fear. How can we protect our children
from influences that we don’t understand?
I know that many don’t believe in evolution, but I believe
it is important to believe that with each succeeding generation of homo
sapiens, we have passed on knowledge not available to previous
generations. Our offspring do not only
absorb our animal instincts, but are also taught what we know and pass on to
them. Why would we teach hate if we were not afraid of losing our children?
Understanding of each other and all that we encounter is the
answer to fear. This is why I am constantly looking for common values among those
who claim to be religious people. Understanding and responsible, responsive
compassion is the only core of religious practice that seems to cross all
ethnic and religious boundaries; the rest is divisive tribalism.
I will always be protective of the boundaries in which I am
comfortable. Now that I am finished bringing up my own children, I am free to
expand the boundaries in which I live. I am secure in my own values; therefore,
I can freely move, without fear, among many other sets of values. My comfort
with expanded boundaries creates discomfort in many of my former “tribe,” but
this is not a source of discomfort for me.
I will not follow anyone or system that controls or leads
with fear. I will welcome death before I accept a life of fearful submission to
a jealous, angry, vengeful, or blood-thirsty figure of authority. I Am ∞
because we all are.
