CAN WE LEARN SOMETHING?
Verzeihen sie mir, wenn Ich
auf English schreibe. I möchte aber das folgende teilen...
The Herald Tribune of 9.2.2006
tells us that a growing chorus of world leaders tries to calm
the fury over the cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad but violence
continues to enflame the Middle East and Asia. Pundits comment importantly on culture wars and the freedom of press.
But what is it about and is there something we can learn? I would
submit that our countries must revive one condition needed to
achieve integration, peace and prosperity. Let me offer the following
thoughts that were shared in the context of the preparation of
the 2006 European Realization Day:
Last weekend, I went with (an
atheist) friend of mine to visit Tongeren, a small city in Belgium where there is a large flea market. Merchants put their ware on offer
directly on the pavement of the street.
I showed the scene to my friend
and said:
" Can you see all these
crucifixes for sale, laying on the pavement? In the film “Kingdom of Heavens” from
Scott Riddley, there is the following scene: Sallahuddin, emir
of Syria and Egypt, has just defeated the last crusader king of Jerusalem, Guy de Lusignan. The city has
fallen. The Muslim commander enters the palace that has been ransacked
and sees a crucifix on the floor. He bows, picks up the crucifix
and puts it on a table.
You see” I went on to press
the point:” The "Da Vinci code" is a widely red book
built on the fallacy of a physical relationship between Christ
and Maria Magdalena. True Christians would consider this a detestable
blasphemy but so quote Christians turned the book into a best
seller and enriched the author. If we cannot respect Christ, tell
me, how do they expect we can respect the Prophet Muhammad?"
My friend was a bit taken aback
by my comment as for him the display of crucifixes was quite normal
and, I believe, he had liked the book. But as European flags
and burning in Beiruth, embassies are burning in Teheran because
of the affairs of the cartoons he made an effort to see my point.
Of course we have no sympathy
whatsoever for bearded extremist thugs who jump at any opportunities
to hate Christians, Hindus, Buddhists or Jews in the name of the
Prophet. They are his betrayers not his followers. True followers
of genuine spiritual leaders are not in the business of hating.
This is left to scoundrels far behind in the evolutionary scales.
We had our own moments: the Thirty Years War for instance was
a butchery that devastated Germany. It was then between Protestants and Catholics. Satan loves it: killing
in the name of God is a trusted plot and he likes repeats on this
favorite theme.
But, to be practical today,
let us rather acknowledge the failings on our side, the European
countries. Respect is due to God, to His Power, to His Son, to
the Master He sends. Europe is the place of the Guru in the Virata.
The Master must be respected and Europe is sternly reminded of the virtues of respect. We need to reconnect
in Europe with
our true traditions: once upon a time we were capable of respect.
"Our Father who arth in
Heavens, hallowed be Thy name.. Ashahadhu Anla Illaha Illah Allah."
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