reply to post by OuttaHere
Unfortunately, we see this attitude from the Christian camp as well; particularly from those in the evangelical movement.
It must be understood that a lot of the hatred is stemming from the fact that America is backing the state of Israel. We are JUST NOW (those who
understand the situation) seeing the negative effects of this alliance, those in the Middle East have been not only seeing it, but feeling it in ways
that we can't even understand or relate to.
I think, having the hearts that some of us have, if we could experience some time over there and see first hand what is going on, we might walk away
with our perspectives having gone through an overhaul.
The Jews who adhere strictly to Judaism and are opposed to the state of Israel take that stance because there is a whole culture that is being snuffed
out in "the holy land" in the name of Israel. They, those Jews of good faith, will admit that they have lived for centuries in relative peace along
side their fellow semitic neighbors despite religion.
But we, here in America, hear quite a different story. We aren't being given the truth which is sad. It is relatively easy to unravel and understand
and once you do so, you can see as clear as day where the hate is coming from.
The Islam religion does have much violence in their sacred books as does the Judaism's sacred texts, and of course, the Bible's New Testament. Every
single one of these religions w/in their own understanding of their faith knows and understands that the violence is not a green card to go harm
another person who believes differently. Yet these violent parts in each of the texts are being used against us to cause strife and wedges between the
followers of each of the religions.
While that lady may have been spewing unnecessary hatred toward your beliefs, she probably has seen the same type of hatred to her way of life and
beliefs. That may have been a great learning opportunity for you had you gone and gently spoken to her about why she felt such hatred toward those who
practice your faith. One small act of trying to understand anothers perspective could have led into a chain reaction toward more tolerance in this
world.
We fear most what we don't understand. Whenever I find myself fearing something or someone, I make it a point to face that fear and do everything in
my power to understand whatever it is that is causing fear in me.
anyway, not trying to preach... REally the point is, there are too many walls going up and not enough talking with us "normal citizens" in these
countries. We are buying into the hate and fear speeches when if you look beyond it, you see there are many good souls in each of the groups who are
trying to educate the rest of us in the knowledge of truth and understanding; sometimes at the risk of their reputation, comforts, and even their own
lives.
[edit on 2-12-2008 by justamomma]
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