World Peace

What is the meaning of faith?

One of the comments that frustrate me, and I heard it said just the other day, is that religion is the cause of so many wars and problems in the world.

Whilst on the surface this may appear true, it is my argument that it is not religions that are the cause of these problems but people. Wars and terrorist attacks are created by people in the name of religion. These are people with fundamentalist views, intolerant to how anybody else thinks, unmoved but what others believe in.

Any study into the main religions of the world will reveal the peaceful qualities of these religions. Correct following of the words of God, whether it be through the bible, the Qur’an or any other gospel should provide us with the laws to follow harmonious existences with each other. Religions actively promote peace and anybody who commits atrocities in the name of religion in my view has totally missed the point.

It maybe that some people are intent on causing trouble and latch onto religion to justify their actions. This is not the fault of religion or faith; more the result of disturbed minds.

Whilst I consider myself a Christian and feel very comfortable practicing my faith through an Anglican church, I have come to appreciate the fact that everybody has the right to worship the lord in which ever manner they feel most at ease with. Whichever way we practice our faith, there is one undisputable fact; we all recognise that there is a creator. Whatever name we give him, whatever images we have in our heads as to how he may appear, we all have that one common link; a belief and faith in our creator.

This should be the link between us all, the bond that draws us all together. A healthy respect towards each other, a tolerance of faith, race and culture should and can result in world peace if everybody can be of the same mind.

There are other issues with immigration that make it difficult to accept mass migration into different countries. Over population and financial burdens render it difficult to accommodate everybody into any one area. Also, unfortunately, history shows that different ethnic groups cannot live in harmony with their neighbour.

But why not?

Why can’t different tribes, races and religions co-exist next door to each other?

Why does there have to be “no-go” areas?

With tolerance it should be more than possible to love thy neighbour whatever their colour of skin, no matter the way they decide to follow their faith. It’s not rocket science, it just takes the will of the people to live peaceful lives.

How fantastic is that?

Terry Norrington

http://www.whatisthemeaningoffaith.com