THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

I saw this today and had the following thought:

“This is an interesting view that rings true with harmonic dissonance. I imagine that one of the reasons“…we all [can't] just get along…“ is because many of us ‘flip context’ to serve agenda. The formula that transforms the ‘territory of a nation’ into the prison of a reservation’ is one of imperialist entitlement – an entitlement that is evident in the current ‘protection (protect…ion*) of the rich’ policy/priority that the U.S. Congress has adopted as a mantra. It may be politically incorrect to call Columbus a “Terrorist”, but it would be specifically accurate to say that he “transported the Virus with him”…literally and figuratively…the analogy has yet to break down.”

WE MUST ALL PRAY FOR THE FERTILE GROUND WHERE PEACE CAN BE FOUND – AND THEN TILL THAT SOIL LIKE WE WERE LOOKING FOR OIL.

* – Ion:  an atom or group of atoms that has acquired an electric charge by losing or gaining one or more electrons.

WARREN B. COOPER

October 12, 2011

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THE NEO-NATIVITY

In the multi-cultural framework of America, the classic image of the place where a ‘Baby King’ was born has evolved into a greater vision of the principles represented in that birthplace.  In a country founded on the Christian principle of a tolerant Democracy, we are called to shift the focus of our reverent celebration from the Baby in the Manger to the Presence of God that can be found in our neighbor.  As a Christian Community, we are called to be tolerant of our neighbors, even those who dress and worship differently than we do, and to seek connection with them as God seeks reconciliation with us through Jesus Christ.

Events of recent history have planted seeds of fear that have festered into fruits of hate and mistrust.  We have been driven to regard those who are different as our enemies – even when their likeness to us is greater than their difference from us.  Much of this energy has been focused on the Muslim or Islamic Communities.  We have branded them with the generalizations that are found to be true of the extremist factions of their culture, forgetting that the deeds of extremist Christian Culture have produced just as much evil and bloodshed.  The Muslim religion is one founded in, and focused on, Peace and Oneness before God.

The religion and philosophy of Islam, is based upon the belief that God (Allah) transmitted knowledge to Muhammad and other prophets such as Adam, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. The followers of Islamic religion, Muslims, believe that this revelation to humanity was written down in the Quran, which to the Muslim represents the flawless word of God.  The theology of the Islamic scriptures informs most aspects of Muslim life and culture. The Five Pillars of Islam expressed in the Quran (Koran) are:

- “Shahadah”: The Testimony that there is none worthy of worship except God;

- “Salah”:  The practice of praying five times daily.
- ” Zakat”: The Giving of Zakaah or “charity” to the poor;
- ” Ramadan”: Fasting from dawn to dusk in the month of Ramadan.
- ” Hajj”: The Pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca during the month of Dhul Hijjah, once in a lifetime for one who has the ability to do it.

Muslims regard The Prophet Muhammad with the same reverence that Christians regard Jesus, and the principles of each of these religions find common ground in the worship of One God (The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob), and the circulation of Grace, Righteousness, Love, Charity and Peace.  Political distortions have served to obstruct our view, but the foundational focus is unanimous – We Are All The Children Of The Righteous, All Knowing Creator…Allah…Jehovah…The Everlasting Father…The Prince of Peace.

The rhythm of this One God meters the heartbeat of all people who love and honor righteousness, desiring right standing with a Creator who governs with Justice, in Love.  The Prince of Peace then, points us to the Principles of Peace.  If we could hear God Praying, what God would be saying…is “Give Me A World Of Peace, Purchased With The Currency Of Love, Fueled By The Vision Of Hope That Sees All Humankind As One.”

As a United American Nation – Let us broaden our Celebration – to include All Who Honor God Through Peace.

Within All of Us, The Light of the World Shines…In The Mecca a Muslim Finds…In the Christ Emmanuel Tie that Binds…as the Menorah Candle Glows…and The Love Of The One God Flows.  If you Truly Listen…then what you hear will be clear….in the carols and the hymns and the chanted prayers – The Heart of God is singing a Melody…it is A Melody in the Rhythm of Peace.

Copyright 2010 Warren Cooper