Ways And Needs

As is evident from space, the Earth is but one home and mankind its citizens.

Boundaries of nation and creed are not visible but dwell only in the imaginations of men.

Unity is the password here as is >global thinking.

Surely It Is time For >A Different Perspective.

For we Are Cradled Within A Matrix Of Immensity..

Here is a thought:

Science is showing that humanity is genetically a very closely related family. Mitocondrial DNA analysis from populations worldwide point to a common ancester who lived 150 thousand years ago. Racial differences, such as the degree of skin pigmentation, all happened as mankind spread across the globe. As different environments were encountered adaptations over many thousands of years resulted in the variations of hue, height, hair, habits etc. that we see today.

Let us not think of ourselves as Jew, Christian, Muslim, Palestinian, American, etc. But rather as a single humanity dwelling upon one world, calling upon the same universal God of all.

>The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established.

It is time, it is essential for our future, we learn to recognize:

1. The need for global awareness and mutual acceptance:

Unity, diversity, tolerance, appreciation; to know we all share the same deep needs for fellowship, satisfaction, peace and tranquility in our lives.

2. The validity of diverse ways of relating to and worshipping God:

Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Zoroastrianism: the “Eightfold Path”, the “Ten Commandments”, “Sermon On The Mount”, the Native American “Four Directions” and much more.

3. The worth of both science and religion:

Science, reason, philosophy; seeing modern technologies as a means of fostering enlightenment and acceptance based on knowledge, communicating with and uniting the world in peace.

link to >Investigating the “Case For World Unity”.pdf or htm”

Or for more on philosophy and interfaith studies link to

http://onenessbecomesus.com

For a list of faiths and a comparison of scriptures se

http://onenessbecomesus.com/Faithslisting.html

Mountain Top Removal Coal Mining Impact Witnessed In Appalachian Kentucky

Mountain Top Removal Coal Mining Practices

As Witnessed In The Appalachian Region Of Kentucky.

May 1^st and 2^nd 2007 are two days that will never be forgotten. The impact of what I saw and the realization of just how completely our lifestyle encourages a deep “plunder for profit” motive made me ashamed of our species. Certainly the habits we have embraced requiring insatiable power consumption to satisfy an imprinted “need” to acquire goods and services is not a sustainable way of life.

The more we consume the more we want. From birth to death, from cradle accoutrements to fancy funerals, we buy large houses, inefficient cars which, in turn, lead to wasteful overuse of energy. The potency of the media to suggest needs and thus generate sales of innumerable items which will bring “relief”, “success”, or “satisfaction” is a daily presence to be reckoned with.

Coal is a major source of power. United Sates power uses over 50% while Kentucky usage is over 90%. Our dramatic over-use of energy and non-sustainable habits is directly responsible for what we see in Appalachia today. The local Appalachian people and the land of their ancestors are literally being treated as sacrificial lambs who are bearing the real cost of the luxurious opulence so prevalent in the US today.

After more than a century of coal mining the people are still among the poorest in the nation. Unemployment is high. MTR mining, using more efficient labor saving technologies, employs about 10% of the former work force- one machine can do the work of a hundred men.

In addition, the environmental impact and long-term devastation is appalling. Hundreds of miles of headwater streams are inundated with toxic waste. A 400 million-year-old legacy is being seriously invaded as mountain tops are being blasted and shoved into the adjacent valleys. The reclamation I saw was far from what I would consider “restoring the land to an improved condition that will provide much needed flatter areas for people and wildlife to flourish”. Instead, the land was a rocky soil-less wasteland. No life was to be seen. Active beneficial watersheds were non existent. Any attempts at agriculture would fail.

Here are highlights from testimonials made by local people who are directly impacted by mining operations. We met in the small mining community of Vicco Kentucky.

Karl Buckshot explains,” I have lived 60 years in the mountains and am a 3^rd generation disabled coal miner. The mining companies keep promising future jobs and more industry to a population that is living 26% below the poverty level. Unions are actually weakening the coal industry and the safety standards are lower. Years ago the workers knew each other; there was” a bath house camaraderie”. Now the community is missing. MTR mining has changed the land. The former ridge and trees are now missing from his front porch view.”

Niki McCoy,” Sludge lakes are seeping toxic waste into the water table, there is a 72 acre slurry sludge pond near my property which is making water undrinkable. People are flocking out. We must reframe our thoughts and priorities. It is such a sin what is being done.”

A journalist graduate student from Inez, KY returns to the hills- he is homesick for the sheer beauty. He reports,” Many streams and headwater areas are either polluted or buried under valley fill debris.”

He is frustrated at what he terms,” the Coal Czars”.” Coal companies throw pennies at churches and schools to silence people from rising up against the coal companies. Their land is being permanently destroyed. The water is undrinkable. Appalachia is not a “throw-away” culture. The Earth does not belong to us, we belong to the Earth.

As for reclamation, there is an easement clause that allows variance to the law if a greater use than natural restoration can be found for it such as an airport, shopping mall, golf course, residential development etc. The coal companies are taking full advantage of this provision; however, less than 20% of land set aside for such use has actually been developed. Who wants to live or invest in a business where little will grow and the area is an ugly dead scar?”

John O’Rourke,” I am a retired railroad conductor. I cannot imagine coal mining leaving the area. I have seen the evolution from deep mining through strip mining to mountain top removal- it goes on and on, it’s terrible. When I speak out against MTR mining I am not out to take jobs but to protect property.

The law enforcement is corrupt. The laws as written are good but are not followed. Of all the problems I see water pollution as being the single most important issue. All in all I cannot find anything positive about MTR. Coal mining should be done underground only. MTR operations are pushing mountains into streams. The topsoil is pushed over and covered with rocks. The watershed is destroyed- only a few hardy species replace one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on earth. The forests can never return. The ecology is ruined.

Mining destroys a much larger area than is actually mined. There are other ways to get at the coal. It is not helping anyone to destroy the mountains. At the present rate of increasing consumption coal reserves will only last another 15 years. We must think of energy alternatives and put money into research. Many people cannot talk who work for the coal companies. They are afraid of loosing their jobs or putting their families in jeopardy. We need outside help to end the destruction.

Erica: Island Creek,” I am not native but married a native KY man. Five years ago the area around my home was very beautiful. Now the trees are cut and pushed over. The animals are gone. The water on my land is contaminated with high levels of arsenic. I am forced to bath my 3-year-old baby in it. There is no other water, I have no choice. The water coming from the original pump in the yard has an oily sheen. A 2^nd well was promised but it took them over a year to drill it. Now the newer well stinks. The insect sounds have ceased. Rains bring regular flooding and mudslides. The soil is so acidic lime must be added for anything to grow. This is an ongoing problem. Dusty coal trucks continuously damage roads. I am surrounded by MTR. I am continuously threatened by mud slides, my house could be washed away at any time. Blasting shakes the house regularly. Now they want to build sludge ponds behind my house. My dreams have been ruined. I wanted to raise my kids in a pristine environment. Both the judges and the coal industry are corrupt. The laws are not enforced. Easements are granted regularly. If the coal companies have their way the whole valley I call home will become a valley fill.

We have been taught to demand convenience and power but at what price? Politicians are former coal operators so violations are let go by. We are tired of loosing land to greed and corrupt politics. The cost of one ton of coal cannot be measured. We are blowing up the most ancient mountains on Earth! 422 headwater streams in KY are covered by overburden. The Bush Administration has eliminated many stream protection laws. Contrary to coal mine ads there is nothing clean or cheap about coal. Alaska is now facing the same developmental issues. They must be given the facts about what has happened here.

PS June 10^th 2007

I had a long talk with a close friend from Martin Co. KY. Carla grew up near Inez. Her family has owned land there for generations. Her aging parents have deeded the land to four of the ten brothers and sisters so the land is subdivided four ways. This is a common solution for parents with large families. The sad part is most, if not all, of the children inheriting the land no longer live on it and/or have lost their connection to it. Instead of providing a home and way of life the property is looked upon as simply a financial asset.

Now it seems the inheritors are all considering making a deal with the mining industry to let them strip mine the ridges. They would receive payment for coal extracted from the site. However, the land itself is worth more than the coal that is possibly there. Of course, be that as it may, the family whose heritage is the land they have lived on for generations is powerless to prevent what are called the “Coal Czars” from moving in and taking over. Many years ago the ancestors of these people unwittingly sold the mineral rights to big business. Now they have no choice but to either deal with the coal companies or let them come uninvited, without paying compensation, to their doorstep.

This is yet another example of what is going on. Another part of an ancient ecosystem will be lost. When I visited three years ago I was moved by the open friendliness of Carla’s parents. , “No stranger came to their door,” All were welcome to share in the warmth and camaraderie of Appalachian hospitality. The air was full of the sounds of hoot-owls, whip-poor-wills, quail, frogs, insects and more. People ate fresh food out of the family garden and lived as a close family unit.

Alas, this scene now appears to belong to the past. The pristine balance of what nature has fashioned over hundreds of millions of years will soon be gone. In its place will be dead nonfunctional watersheds, poisoned waters, flooding and the endless sound of dozers, trucks, periodic sirens and blasting as the home of the hoot-owl, whip-poor-will, quail, crickets, frogs, and other forms of life to numerous to mention is eradicated- not only on the immediate property but damage will radiate out into the neighboring areas as well.

(Please search for “speaking out world” for pictures and more information and observations on the pros and cons of mountain top removal)

http://earth.onenessbecomesus.com

Observations And A Positive Perspective

The dawning of a new world consciousness of unity, peace and brotherhood

The time we live in is full of wondrous discoveries. Since 1844, the year Samuel Morse tapped out the message “what has God wrought” on his crude communication device, mass communications has evolved and grown into a thriving worldwide network reaching all corners of the globe. It is hard to imagine life without radio, TV or the telephone and yet, over a mere century ago they didn’t exist.

In the span of a human lifetime the dream of flight has been fulfilled. In 1903 a flimsy powered flying contraption built by owners of a bicycle shop capable of but brief flight was considered a major achievement. Just sixty-six years later the Eagle had landed on the Moon. Now airlines routinely transport people and packages around the world on a regular basis.

Within the last thirty years the world of computer technology with all of its ramifications has changed the way we work and communicate. The Internet allows most anyone immediate personal access to persons, goods or services located anywhere on the planet.

The harnessing of electric power, the internal combustion engine, the light bulb, recorded music and speech, great advances in science and medicine-all this and many invented appliances and conveniences have enabled us to live easier healthier lives. Instant daily communication along with scientific enlightenment has nurtured a new consciousness- an awareness of being the citizens of the Earth, that all of humanity is truly one biological family.

Remember that Christmas Eve back in 1968 when the Apollo 8 astronauts read from the book of Genesis while circling the Moon? The Earth was seen for the first time by humankind as a singularly beautiful fragile distinctive oasis in the incomprehensible terribly hostile unforgiving vastness of Space? Within a few short years DNA tests have proven conclusively that we indeed are not only one species but share an uncommonly recent closely-knit ancestry as well.

Yet this time of incredible change also marks the beginning of an era when we are presented with choices bearing unique consequences upon which the welfare of humanity, and ultimately, all life on Earth are forced to live with…or die with.

As humanity continues to develop new ever more efficient ways of manipulating the workings of creative design to suit the whims and desires of the moment it becomes ever more apparent of the need for some sort of guidance beyond the scope envisioned by human corporation or government legislated by limited man-made goals and expectations. In addition, it is only too obvious how the demons of racism, bigotry, superstitious fear, greed, hypocrisy and religious intolerance have cursed our species and caused us to descend into the pit of war, malice and aggression between our own selves.

Yet, although this ongoing revolution and evolution of knowledge and enlightenment enkindling, at an ever accelerating rate, the hope of an ever-advancing worldwide peace and commonwealth of nations continues to become ever-more evident; the wars, fighting and terrorism continue, but, at the same time, it is also most evident the stirrings of a developing embryonic civilization also continues. What is going on?

Many modern scholars see a direct connection between the historic appearance of singularily gifted beings giving birth to a lasting religion of major impact and a subsequent growth of its corresponding civilization. Then, Baha’is believe, as time passes the original teachings of these Masters become clouded or lost altogether as truths are replaced by misleading beliefs tied to the physical terminology used to describe that which is indescribable- the world of the spirit, that which draws mankind to the reason for his being, the true knowledge and worship of God.

The spiritual lessons provided by these holy Teachers guide us in finding true everlasting fulfillment in an awareness, acceptance of and obedience to the will of the Almighty, the great Redeemer, that which brings out the true spirit of mankind from the negative waywardness of the material instinct of fighting, hatred, greed, lust, deceit etc. to the positive higher virtues of unity, love, compassion, forgiveness, and faithfulness.

In a world where we are attaining so much technical know-how, but don’t really know how socially to apply it; in a world where brother fights brother in the name of their respective gods and belief systems; in a world trampled upon by the arrogance of excess materialism, of might makes right, of fear of the unknown; a world wherein the spirit of mankind is imprisoned by self-imposed boundaries of religion, government, science, superstition etc. Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i Faith brings renewal and hope.

For more on the need for a new way of thinking, a spiritual global consciousness visit http://onenessbecomesus.com

Exploitation To Conservation

Exploitation to Conservation

 

Environmental concerns and issues on how short-term profit-driven motives are leaving a legacy of waste and abuse will not only have to be dealt with by our children’s children but will be a self evident testimony to our present day lifestyle millions of years in the future. This complex and many-faceted issue is addressed here.

Pollution and wanton ecological devastation seem to be hallmarks of our ever-increasing insatiable drive for “progress”. Mountain top removal coal mining in the Appalachian area of the S.E. United States must rank among the highest examples of this all too common practice.

It is a basic well understood fact: the Environment can only support so much animal life or tolerate so much destruction. When the ecosystem collapses all life will lose out, including ourselves. Yet, though we have the power to inflict mass destruction, we also have the potential to be a positive aid to the natural order we depend on.

Many religious traditions teach mankind has been given the gift of discernment. Not only do we have an intellect and power of reason unique to the Earth we call home but Holy Scriptures tell us we were “created in the image of God”. Furthermore, we were “created to know and to worship God”.

My faith compels me to see us as future servants of God and His creation. Our destiny is none other than to establish an ever-advancing civilization. Indeed, we are at the threshold of a golden age in which we shall continue to grow and evolve in higher virtues, acquiring a global perspective, a vision of the oneness of God and the oneness of Man. The issues of how we are exploiting the Earth and ourselves shall somehow be resolved.

For more on “serving the case for world unity visit http://onenessbecomesus.com

To see more on Mountain Top Removal visit http://speakingoutworld.com

David

The Case For Cooperation

The Case for Cooperation among the peoples of the earth

It is a wonder we, as a species, have survived. It seems we have a talent for sinking to the utmost depths of depravity or rising to the sublime heights of nobility. We torture, maim, burn, attack, crucify those who are deemed somehow “out of favor” in the eyes of God or humanity. In the name of “progress” the Earth’s resources are plundered for profit with little concern for the long-term consequences for our children’s children. Yet we produce great works of art. Science and technology has opened new vistas upon the universe showing how all is interrelated and humanity is but a part of a reality vast beyond understanding. We are coming to understand the transcendent unity of all things- everything is interconnected and interdependent.

From the above, is it not reasonable to assume we, as humanity, are of one reality? Are not the divisions of creed, sectarianism, racism, nation, ideology, poor and rich, old and young, man or woman, leader or follower found only in the minds of men? From Space the Earth is seen as one. There is no map in the heavens showing the boundaries we inflict upon ourselves.

We are indeed a single many-faceted species. It is imperative to look at the members of different races and religions as members of a single family. Yet, how can we rise above the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that stand in the way of appreciation of differences and tear down the barriers that prevent consultation and understanding between the peoples of the world? What will it take? The road we are on now leads to ecological disaster and possible extinction. Yet, Mankind is capable of much more. What is the solution to the pollution of the heart, mind, soul and the physical environment that supports us all?

David

Culture Shock

Culture Shock

I was asked to comment on my experiences with the drug culture in Stanton, KY.

This article is in no way meant as a negative stereotyping of the culture or the people of the area involved. I am only telling what I myself saw and experienced.

The year 2000 not only marked the beginning of a new millennium but opened up a chapter in my life I never could have imagined. The saga began when, from the beginning, I was misguided as to where I should set up my new mobile home. I naively ended up in, according to the State Police, “one of the worst pockets of drug abuse in the state”.

Having just left Minnesota, I was totally unaware of the “drug culture”. I tended to assume the innate goodness in neighbors and individuals until proven otherwise. Even as my trailer was set up in the lot the neighbors were open and friendly. Little did I know what the real hidden motives would be behind this apparent “friendship”.

As the first months went by it became obvious the culture, education and mind-set of these people was very different. I was not cautioned or prepared; after all, was I not in the middle of the United States? Was this not the beginning of the 21^st century? Had we not sent people to the moon and explored the stars? Did not people believe in the sciences, and good education? Was not ancient medievalist thinking in the past? As experiences began to unfold I began to wonder.

As for education: most of the people, including the youth, were high school drop outs. The parents did not discourage even their own high school aged children from dropping out saying,” you don’t really need education, school education is not necessary, it won’t help you get any better job than you can get without it. School teaching could even lead you astray from Jesus,”.

As the locals became aware I was not one of them, being brought up in a middle class well educated neighborhood far to the North, there seemed to be an element of suspicion yet the open camaraderie continued. They began by asking if I would help the younger elementary children with school assignments. Soon this escalated to needing money to buy clothing and food for the children.

During this time I was invited to a Pentecostal church. The service was very different. There was “calling upon the Holy Spirit” to descend where members would stand, wave their hands while reaching upwards in chant. Later came a remarkable scene where people, coming up to the alter to be healed, would be gripped by the minister, told they were healed by the power of Jesus, and then pushed hard on the forehead causing them to fall backwards seemingly in a catatonic trance. People standing directly in back would catch them and lay the unconscious believer on the floor.

The hallmark of the end of the service was a marked increase in “speaking in tongues”. Although sporadic at first, it reached a crescendo. Soon more members were lying on the floor between the chairs. Shaking and/or speaking in tongues all the while seemingly unaware of the outside world.

Needless to say, my Midwest educated mind was not prepared for this. I truly was confused and uncomfortable with the whole situation. I wanted to leave but since I had driven my neighbors to the church I had to wait for them. At this point I began walking around the perimeter of the sanctuary and, while carefully stepping over people lying on the floor, proceeded to say my own prayers for guidance. Almost immediately the preacher hurriedly came up to me asking in a firm tone,”who are you praying to,” I answered,” God,” Then the minister asked,”are you praying to Jesus,” I replied simply,”I am praying to God,” At this the minister said,”in this church you can only pray in the name of Jesus,”.

It was soon after this surreal experience (where I had also been approached to be saved through “laying on of hands”) I learned that these people are so suspicious of anything new or different because it might be an attempt of a satanic spirit to mislead them. The preacher apparently thought I was conjuring up the devil!

As time went on the neighbors (who were always asking favors from “Minnesota Man”) approached me to see if I would exorcise a demon from a wooden peace symbol that had a history of being used in Witchcraft Coven Ceremonials. They said,” We have been hearing voices and felt strange powers from this log. Our Pastor told us it was full of demons which had to be driven out. We know you don’t believe in this sort of thing so would you burn it? We are scared but we know you are our friend. Would you help us?,”They gave me some kerosene, and, fearfully backing away, placed both arms as a shielding cross across their breasts.

All this time there was an inordinate amount of traffic coming in and out of the trailer park. Once, during a visit one of two friend’s speech began to slur. Within minutes she was unable to communicate and was flaccid and drooling. She had just taken a “Soma”? before she came. Days later, a cop came by wondering if I had knowledge of or had seen a young man who had just died of a drug overdose. ,”Yes, I had seen him earlier today. He came to look at some chameleons I was selling,” The officer told me,” this was just a routine investigation. He was found dead in his trailer,”. Then the officer stated,”You know, you don’t belong here.”

It was now clear to the drug dealers I knew what was going on. They offered to let me in on a deal if I would drive them to Beattyville, loan them $200 dollars for the Doctor’s fee (which was the cover charge for writing them prescriptions for drugs they would sell on the street). I of course, would have to pay the pharmacy bill as well in order to get a ten percent cut of the street sales profit. I could not believe what they were asking and backed away saying,”I want nothing to do with this”

The grand finale was yet to come.

After a year of living there, I left on a visit to Minnesota. Upon returning to my Kentucky home the scene was a horror. The trailer home was vandalized to the point of needing major repair, checks from a blank checkbook were embezzled and somehow, they had gotten my credit card number and charged a large total on the account through the Internet.

The local Police were of little help. It seems, back in the year 2000, most of the Law Enforcement was corrupted by drugs, favors and nepotism. Threatening phone calls from people impersonating police officers and lawyers we common. So much else was going on I cannot recount them all. This writing could easily become a book! Suffice it to say a car given to me by my parents was rolled down a hill and totaled. My total losses added up to about $60,000 dollars.

One nice young officer came to my door saying,” We can tell you are not from here. We know what is going on with the drug dealings in the neighborhood and are gathering evidence to stop it. I strongly suggest you move out.” Indeed, it was time to leave.

My misadventure caused me major disillusion about humanity. Even as I write this nearly seven years later it is an emotional experience.

I went bankrupt, yet my overall faith in supreme goodness came to my aid. I see God as far larger than any single creed or doctrine. I am, thankfully, in comfortable housing and have met some true friends helping me to recover. This was a great lesson.

Thanks be to God, the Lord of all the worlds!

Feel free to visit “serving the case for world unity” http://onenessbecomesus.com and you will see where I am coming from.

Divisions And Subdivisions

Divisions And Subdivisions

So often we assault each other with seemingly insurmountable obstacles to understanding. Language is limited by words and often the same words can have very different and/or conflicting meanings or application between one group of people and another.

For example: the word “bad” in mainstream America is thought of in a negative context. Among school youth the word “bad” can be a compliment, appreciation or acknowledgement of approval.

“Gay” is a prime example of rapid change in world usage. Again, the meaning has shifted within a few decades from being happy, joyful and fun loving to something quite different. Ask the question,” are you gay’? And it most likely would be considered an accusation of homosexuality.

Often friends will ask me if I am a “Christian”. This question in itself has little meaning without knowing the context in which it is being asked. People labeling themselves “Christian” have all sorts of meanings attached to it, ranging from styles of Baptism, the Eucharist, Christology, the Trinity, Virgin birth, etc. The dictionary meaning is,” follower of Christ”. If this is accepted than anyone who believes he/she is following the Teachings of  Christ can be called a Christian. Interestingly, this does not necessarily include in any way deifying Jesus of Nazareth or accepting any form of church doctrine or any particular interpretation as expounding by Christian authority figures. It simply means “following the Christ.

Another step some take is to separate the Christ spirit from the man named Jesus. Christ means “anointed” in Greek. From this it can be reasoned that Jesus and Christ were two separate realities. There is much allegory in the bible to support this. See http://onenessbecomesus.com/JesusGod.pdf In other words, one could be a follower of the Christ anointing Jesus with His Authority but not feel the need too worship the name Jesus or theologize him at all.

In this deepest sense, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Zoroastrians, Buddhist, Baha’i; and any other faith professing God as the Supreme Authority can legitimately call themselves Christian. Christ is simply a Greek word expressing the mystery of the “Word” or “Spirit of Truth” described in many Faith traditions around the world. For a listing and comparative analysis taken directly from Holy Texts from different faith visit http://onenessbecomesus.com/Faithslisting.html

We are so caught up in our own little sphere of thinking. Upon moving to Kentucky I quickly discovered the general population did not think of a road as “Highway #60” or “County Road #89” rather, the name of the road was tied to its destination. Highway #60 between Winchester and Lexington is, from Winchester heading West, is called “Lexington road. Eastbound from Lexington the same highway is called “Winchester road”. County Road #89 between Irvine and Winchester is either Winchester or Irvine road depending which direction you are traveling. Thus, when a Winchester friend received instructions from a Irvine resident on how to get to Irvine the Irvine native said,” its easy, you just follow Winchester road”. Obviously, taking “Winchester Road” from Winchester to Irvine makes no sense. All the Irvine resident saw was her own point of view. The poor Winchester driver had no idea where the road was until I pointed out it has Highway #89 heading south to Irvine.

This kind of parochial thinking is found within a much broader range of applications.

Below you will see dictionary meanings for the word infidel. It appears everyone is an infidel. From the Orthodox Christian view, all nonbelievers are infidels. If you are currently of the Muslim faith, Christians themselves are infidels.

People, it is time to extricate ourselves from this faulty way of thinking. Look at the other person’s point of reference. Realize the allegorical driver from Winchester needs too know directions that are meaningful to her. Let us reach across the barriers that divide us.

David

To see a site about “serving the case for world unity” visit

http://onenessbecomesus.com

in·fi·del /ˈɪnfɪdl, -ˌdɛl/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[in-fi-dl, -del] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation

–noun

1.	Religion. a. a person who does not accept a particular faith, esp. Christianity. b. (in Christian use) an unbeliever, esp. a Muslim. c. (in Muslim use) a person who does not accept the Islamic faith; kaffir.

2.	a person who has no religious faith; unbeliever.

3.	(loosely) a person who disbelieves or doubts a particular theory, belief, creed, etc.; skeptic.

–adjective

4.	not accepting a particular faith, esp. Christianity or Islam; heathen.

5.	without religious faith.

6.	due to or manifesting unbelief: infidel ideas.

7.	rejecting the Christian religion while accepting no other; not believing in the Bible or any Christian divine revelation.

8.	Also, in·fi·del·ic /ˌɪnfɪˈdɛlɪk/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[in-fi-del-ik] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of unbelievers or infidels.

---

[Origin: 1425–75; late ME < LL infidélis unbelieving, L: unfaithful, treacherous. See in-³, feal]

—Synonyms 1–3. See atheist.

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source

in·fi·del (ĭn’fĭ-dəl, -děl‘) Pronunciation Key n. Offensive An unbeliever with respect to a particular religion, especially Christianity or Islam. One who has no religious beliefs. One who doubts or rejects a particular doctrine, system, or principle. her·e·tic /n. ˈhɛrɪtɪk; adj. ˈhɛrɪtɪk, həˈrɛtɪk/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[n. her-i-tik; adj. her-i-tik, huh-ret-ik] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation –noun 1. a professed believer who maintains religious opinions contrary to those accepted by his or her church or rejects doctrines prescribed by that church. 2. Roman Catholic Church. a baptized Roman Catholic who willfully and persistently rejects any article of faith. 3. anyone who does not conform to an established attitude, doctrine, or principle. –adjective 4. heretical. [Origin: 1300–50; ME heretik < MF heretique < LL haereticus < Gk hairetikós able to choose (LGk: heretical), equiv. to hairet(ós) that may be taken (verbal adj. of haireǐn to choose) + -ikos -ic] —Synonyms 1. apostate, backslider, recreant, protestant. 3. dissenter, skeptic, freethinker. Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006. American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source her·e·tic (hěr’ĭ-tĭk) Pronunciation Key n. A person who holds controversial opinions, especially one who publicly dissents from the officially accepted dogma of the Roman Catholic Church. adj. Heretical.

A Dialogue With A Christian

A Dialogue With A Christian

An example of thinking from an Orthodox Christian point of view

This article is a compilation from E-mail correspondence between myself and the owner of a website devoted to spreading the news,”Jesus represents the only path to salvation for both individual souls and the world at large”.

Careful study of the Christian Orthodox responses is warranted.

1. Is this the only way to interpret the Bible?
2. Does this interpretation truly serve the cause of Jesus?
3. If so, how does this thinking reconcile itself with what is taught in “The Lord’s Prayer” where Jesus teaches us to pray to,” Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name,” -not to Jesus but to God?
4. Is this thinking symptomatic of a world condition of mistrust, conflict, terrorism, intolerance and inquisition; where Moslems, Christians, Hindus, sects within sects, etc. are professing the only path to true salvation; where God is on their side and not available to others.
5. In contrast, how does this thinking promote true reconciliation and lay the foundation for a much needed world peace with justice and equity between all nations, races and religions?

(The real name of the Christian in this e-mail correspondence has been changed to “Christian”.)

Hello David
Thanks for visiting the site.

Being good stewards of the earth is certainly a good thing, but not if it will lead to a one world religion where those not subscribing to it will be
persecuted and killed.

I am somewhat familiar with the Baha’i faith. I learned a bit of it from a co-worker many years ago and from this website:

http://www.watchman.org/profile/bahaipro.htm

Christian

Hi Christian:

Thanks for the e-mail. I did go to the link on the Baha’i Faith. Although much of it is accurate it seems they have gone to a lot of trouble to attack it. There are many passages where Baha’u'llah says “We were created noble in the image of God, that you will find Me (God) within yourself. The first commandment of Baha’u'llah, as in the Gospels, is to love God and seek a relationship with Him. Yet God is treated as a Being with human qualities. All Baha’u'llah is saying is “we can never truly grasp the divine Reality”.
Baha’i is not a faith that condemns all other faiths, Indeed Baha’u'llah teaches all major world faiths such as Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, etc. were inspired directly by God.
Christianity itself has a pretty grim history when it comes to domination by Inquisitions, Crusades and the like. Christian friends say to me “I need salvation”, We all need salvation by turning to God…whether God is called Vishnu, Gitchi-Manitou, Jehovah, Ahura-Mazda, Allah etc. we need to turn to, love and worship the personal creator of us all. It is only when any religion claims to be the only one that we have conflict.
David

Hello David,

I think that is the crux of the issue. Jesus in the Gospels says He is the only way to God. No one comes to the Father except by Him, not Him or Vishnu, Gitchi-Manitou, Jehovah, Ahura-Mazda, Allah, or whatever so-called god is in the world. This message brings conflict because many do not really desire the Truth, but prefer instead to follow the dictates of their own hearts and minds.

How can Baha’u'llah say all major faiths of the world were directly inspired by God when faiths such as Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam teach differing and opposing doctrines? It would seem that this statement by Baha’u'llah cannot be true, no matter how good it may sound on the surface.

If the Baha’i faith was able to become the one world religion, or at least become the religion of a particular country, would its adherents not also pressure, persecute and eventually kill those who refuse to convert? Too often in history religions will preach love and tolerance until it gains dominance. Then the message changes to convert or die. Islam and other religions have this history. Certainly the Crusades and the Inquisition were terrible events, but they came as a result of an abandonment of the teachings of Jesus in favor of power over people making use of religion. Jesus never taught His followers to kill or torture people to make converts for His kingdom. Also, it can be argued from history that the Crusades came about initially because Muslim raiders were continually attacking Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land.

If Jesus’ claim about being the only way to God and salvation is true, and there is plausible evidence to support this, then other so-called gods and faiths cannot save anyone who trusts in them. If there is only one bridge over a deep chasm to the other side, then no matter how sincere some may feel about taking an alternate way, it cannot save them. Only the bridge. Some pointing to the bridge as the only way to safety may be deemed divisive or intolerant by those prefering to take another way, but only those taking the bridge will make it to safety, while others taking alternate routes end up losing their lives in the chasm below.

So if anyone is to be saved by God and enter His heaven, it can only be through trusting in His Son Jesus alone. God has the right to establish the way to salvation. We as His creation cannot tell God that we would rather reject His gracious offer and seek our own way to heaven and expect entrance. We would not allow someone into our home unless they accepted our invitation to enter through the front door. Someone trying to sneak in by a back door or window would not be welcome.

Jesus taught in John 10:1-5,

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”

It seems that Baha’u'llah and founders of other world religions have sought to climb up some other way because they could not enter the sheepfold by the door. Why not follow the Jesus the Messiah? He is not a thief and a robber, but the Savior and True Shepherd who gives eternal life freely to all who trust in Him alone.

Please take a look at www.gospeloutreach.net/gospel.html and www.gospeloutreach.net/saved.html. These pages will provide a good summary of the Good News.

Christian

Hi Christian:
I have read the Gospels and find much evidence to support Jesus being a servant of God. He prayed to his Father in Heaven. Jesus also proclaimed “these words are not from me but from the One who sent me”. Many Christians are unaware of the Creed of Nicea composed by a committee of Bishops near 327 AD. At the time of Constantine there was much misunderstanding as to the true nature of Jesus and the Christ which anointed him. It is here that the deity of Jesus was made official. I have a website where different scriptures of different faiths are compared. The same universal truths of “love of God” and “the spiritual nature of man” and the need for the salvation of God are found in all major world faiths.

For a Biblical study of Jesus as deity or savior link to http://onenessbecomesus.com/JesusGod.pdf

For a broader scope on Christianity see http://onenessbecomesus.com/Christianity.pdf

Hi David,

But Jesus said in the Gospels, specifically John 14, that He is the only way to God the Father, not one of many ways. Salvation comes only through Jesus according to His own teachings in the Gospels. Any founder of another religion, whether it is Baha’u'llah or someone else, that says all major religions are inspired by God cannot be telling the truth since they teach differing and contradictory things about God and salvation. Also, the deity of Jesus is taught in the Gospels quite clearly, especially in the Gospel of John and the rest of the New Testament. The Council of Nicea only confirmed this teaching in light of the Arian heresy that had arisen at that time which falsely taught that Jesus was not deity, but a created being.

The only way into God’s heaven is through trusting alone in His Son Jesus according to the teachings of Jesus Himself. Either Jesus was a liar, a lunatic, or He was telling the truth. Other faiths that teach nice things about the love of God yet point to someone or something other than Jesus as the sole means for salvation cannot provide entrance into God’s heaven. We enter the heavenly gates His way or not at all according to Jesus. Neither Baha’u'llah nor faith in his teachings can save anyone. Only Jesus the risen Savior is able to save all who trust alone in Him.

Christian

Hi Christian:

Jesus does speak the Words of God but, at the same time he is not God. He was anointed by the Christos, Greek for Holy Spirit, Baha’is believe this Holy Spirit of Truth is the only way. This “Spirit of Truth” is what John refers to when he says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning,: NIV
The only way we can know God is through the Word through which God makes His Presence known to us. John 7:16 Jesus says,” My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. If anyone chooses to do God’s will he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth,”
There are many passages in the Bible where Jesus clearly shows he is not divine but is doing the will of his Father. To me, it is self evident Jesus is one of many lamps giving light to the world through the Word of God. I ask you; would God the Father `choose only one faith and creed as the doorway to salvation. What matters is your relationship to God, not what particular religion you adhere to.
These truths are seen in many different faith traditions. God’s love embraces all. I have felt the love of God many times in my life as have friends of different faiths.
David

Hello David,

Since Jesus does speak the words of God, a careful study of the Gospel of John even from the first chapter shows that He shares the same nature as His Father in heaven. Passages like John 1:1, 10:30-31, 20:28, and many others attest to this.

Since Jesus speaks the words of God, consider His words.

“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John 3:36)

“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through