I honestly don't remember when I started reading about spirituality and faith, whether it was before or after September 2001. It was in that general time frame, though.
After I turned off my computer Friday night I kept thinking of more things I wanted to say on the subject of peace, and I realized that peace might not be a bad theme for this week. I'm not quite sure where this will take me...it might just be some quotes I've underlined from the books I've read over the last three years, or I might find my muse and write more myself.
I'm going to start with the Bible because that's where I started:
You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.Matthew 5:43-48
I remember in an elementry school (second grade, maybe) religion class trying to work through this with a teacher. I could actually wrap my mind around the concept of making up with the playground bully, because that had happened. But I had just recently learned about the Holocaust, and I wanted to know how this applied to Hitler.
I don't remember the conclusion then, and for a number of years I didn't think about it all. I guess I am making up for lost time.
I think this is an outstanding topic to explore right now. :)
Posted by: Linda at September 5, 2004 09:32 PMI agree with Linda...although I might add that it's *always* a good topic to explore.
(check out www.peacefultomorrows.org)