MessageHi Alan, >>Peace through victory ... because no other peace is possible with an intractible, irrational, hate-filled enemy who has an inalterable goal of the destruction of all we hold dear and a blind ambition to impose and brutally enforce 12th century Islamic law on all survivors ... >>But there is hope! And it will be soon. ... which sounds not too different from what they say about us. Kinda makes ya' think... or at least it should. ;-) Jesus was a pretty astute observer of human nature, IMO, and he well understood the downward spiral of violence to which Ric refers. His lesson to us was that fighting back merely perpetuates the cycle of violence, while forgiveness of transgressions breaks that cycle for the benefit of both parties. Pretty smart guy! As paraphrased by Matthew (5:38-44), he said... "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. 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." I know little of the Quran first-hand, but I understand from occasional conversations I've had with Muslims that there are similar passages in that text. Truth is universal and transcends cultural differences. We run into trouble when pseudo-Islamic zealots scream for infidel blood while thumping the Quran in justification, clueless and unconcerned as to what the book really says. The same is true, of course, in Christian cultures. Peace, Sarah
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