I originally posted this about four years ago. It still represents my beliefs.
All religions/faiths/beliefs have their share of extremists/fanatics/thugs looking for an excuse to behave violently.
All religions/faiths/beliefs have their share of wonderful, loving,
caring people who seek only to help their fellow human beings in any way
they can.
Fortunately, the good people outnumber the evil ones ten million to one, or more.
Sadly, the good people rarely appear in the headlines.
I was born into a Christian family and attended a Christian school and
college. I was amazed and dismayed when I encountered people who called
themselves Christians but were intolerant of people who did not share
their extremist views.
Rarely, if ever, is violence prescribed in Sacred Writings. Feed the
poor, care for the sick and elderly, help the stranger - respect one
another. We can only continue to set an example in our own lives: it can
be very difficult. Sadly, it seems impossible to reason with the
blinkered folk who believe that they are right, and are willing to
murder men, women and children who disagree with them.
Our gentle friends in West Africa have fed us, shared their last cup of
rice with us, trusted us with their children, cared for us when we have
been sick, chatted to us about their beliefs and questioned us about
ours. Never once have we felt threatened. They have earned our love and
respect: I hope we have earned theirs.
Je suis Charlie?
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