Re: Christians and Santa Claus

From: Iceman (1c3m4n_at_chi-mafia.org)
Date: 12/19/04 

Date: Sun, 19 Dec 2004 18:44:54 GMT

On 19 Dec 2004 06:28:45 -0800, Kim wrote:

> Hi Everyone:
>
> I have been following this thread here and there. I used to read so
> much on so many different religions trying to find one that would best
> suit me. My parents were Catholic, but only followed any path when
> occasion presented itself. So in my journey in life I studied books and
> listened to many very devout religious people, hypocrites, and read all
> kinds of in depth books on everything I ever heard of. Hinduism,
> Buddhism, Zen Buddhism, Catholic, Christian (in many forms) I read the
> entire bible, and read revelations at least 7 times trying to
> understand it. It is fascinating, to see what is going on today and
> what is predicted in that final chapter. But then, I remember that many
> people must have thought the same things were happening during many
> major wars, the holocaust, Vietnam, etc. So ... when the end is near,
> seems far to me based on the history I know of anyhow. I read several
> versions of the bible, old and new testaments. I read some proverb type
> stuff from Judaism, loved it. I read some of the Tao, loved it. Read up
> on the Mormon ways, the Muslim ways. Even read "A Course in Miracles" <
> I loved that too! All and anything I could find in my search of what
> would be the right path for me as an individual.
>
> I did learn that there is much good written in all the religion I
> studied. I found much commonality. I realised that only people change
> the true ideals of what one particular belief systems intentions are.
> Some/many of the people use the power they have to control masses of
> people in a hope that all will believe and practice what is preached to
> them. In many cases it gets twisted by the preacher man or
> misinterpreted by the individual or both. Cause for disagreements at
> all and any cost.
>
> So while following this thread, I decided to look up what Buddhists do
> to tolerate people who believe other things, and I found this by the
> Dali Lama, and thought I would share. I share this because it makes
> sense to me, not because I'm trying to shove anything down anyone's
> throat or change anyone.
>
> http://www.faithnet.org.uk/KS4/Social%20Harmony/buddhismreligions.htm
>
> In his book 'Ancient Wisdom, Modern World: Ethics for a New Millennium'
> the Dalai Lama believes that harmony between religions is the main
> source of resolving conflicts between, and in, societies. He believes
> it is vital that people of different faiths talk to each other.
> However, this is not to convince others of the truth of their own
> beliefs but in order to gain greater understanding of each other. By
> doing this people will overcome ignorance and realise that, in the end,
> all religions are seeking to change people for the better as all
> religions, 'emphasise love and compassion, patience, tolerance,
> forgiveness, humility and so on. And all are capable of helping
> individuals to develop these' (p.232).
>
> Although each religion teaches that it is the 'true way' the Dalai Lama
> believes people chose the religion they feel is best for them (often on
> the basis of where in the world they are born which makes the whole
> issue one of chance). By realising this is true for themselves they
> will realise it is true for everyone and so negative attitudes towards
> other religions can be overcome. Using a medical analogy the Dalai Lama
> believes a medicine is not judged good because of its ingredients but
> because of the ability it has to cure. Likewise, religions are not to
> be judged according to their individual teachings but on the effects
> they have in people's lives. Furthermore, just as there is not one type
> of medicine so there cannot be one religion for all people. The Dalai
> Lama believes that just as people need different medicines to cure them
> so they also need different religions to 'spiritually cure them' as
> well.
>
> Summary: The Dalai Lama believes that by focusing on the similarities
> between religions, and their usefulness to promote the same attitudes
> in people, conflicts can be overcome. The reason why there are many
> religions is that people are different and so need different ways to
> achieve the same attitudes of compassion, love etc.
>
> Kim

While that all sounds good, consider the Moslems, VooDoo, Satanism, native
religions of Africa, etc. to pick out just a few of the extremes that would
counter his good wishes.

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