PEACE

Religion is the most important foundation of any society. Whether a person subscribes to my advice, "If you do not receive enough try to give more." or to the advice of Abbie Hoffman, the principal author of "Steal This Book", this person has a personal attitude toward life. This is his religion! It is the teaching of great religious teachers like Moses, Jesus, Mohammed, the Buddha, or the B'a'ha'ulla which can help all of us to live together peaceably.

Of course, any person's words can be twisted to say something that is contrary to the true teachings. Billy Graham's favorite misquote is probably this example of split and patch from the Gospels:
Judas went and hanged himself." "'Go, and thou do likewise.'" KJV
Mohammed began his ministry in an effort to bring peace between the firebrands among the Christians and Jews of the early seventh century (of the Christian calendar).

Over twenty-five centuries ago Confucius (Chinese for "the old Philosopher") taught that peace in the heart begets peace in the family; peace in the family begets peace in the city; peace in the city begets peace in the nation; and peace in the nation begets peace in the world. In this tiny discussion of religion I perceive a looming question, "How do we know who is telling us the truth?" (me) As a Christian my two favorite quotations on this subject are from the lips of Jesus, "By their fruits shall ye know them," and "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." KJV

The Constitution of the United States -- First Amendment says, "Congress shall make no laws respecting an establishment of religion, or abridging the free exercise thereof." I read "Congress" to include the Courts of the United States of America. Road rage might be better curbed by a course in Buddhist teaching or reading a book by Maya Angelou. To deny students the opportunity to study and discuss the thoughts and writings of ancient or modern prophets is to deny those students the keys to peace and prosperity in life!

Now it is up to you to find ways to bring and share peace within your family, your community, your nation, and the world. Start within your family, and the rest will naturally follow. Study peace, think about peace, and consider how you can become the personification of peace.

Feel free to download this page and carry it with you -- for yourself or to share with others.