Lance wrote: > So, what might one suggest as to a possible solution > or, course of action? > 1. Two pronged warfare: natural and supernatural. > I do believe that there may be 'spirits' involved > in this 'religious' conflict. > 2. Discuss the reconciliation of Ishmael and Isaac > 3. Repent for wrongs done by the 'West' on the 'rest' > for centuries. > 4.Prayer. Seek the 'mind of God' in these matters. > We know what we would do. We need to know what God > wants done. > 5. On a personal (community) level we need to be 'living' > this truth we 'talk'.
Just so you know, Lance, I think we probably agree with most of these. If I had lots of time, I would discuss them with you in a positive fashion. I only asked for clarification on number 3 because it is the one point that seemed unclear to me and I was hoping to hear the details. I am especially curious if you see yourself as part of the West who has hurt the East. Jonathan has mentioned "Western thought" a number of times. This academic idea that "Western thought" is ignorant and ignores "Eastern thought" has some merit, but the concept also is abused. It does no good to attack ideas by labeling them in some negative fashion. For the most part, I believe that "Western Thought" is better than "Eastern Thought." I am not ashamed to say that, but I realize that such a statement is not popular to say with many who buy wholesale into the academics of the last 50 years. Eastern thought tends to believe in no gods or in polytheism. I think that is just plain ignorant. The academics who tout "you are ignoring Eastern thought" don't care about the atheistic or ungodly views of the East. Please don't think that I am trying to give reason for acting snooty toward the East. Rather, we simply need to recognize their ignorance and the trouble that it brings them. Perhaps we should adopt an attitude like we do toward our own ignorant children. We often try and overlook their little mistakes while disciplining them for big mistakes. In this way, perhaps we can maintain charity toward those of the East. Nevertheless, we do need to be careful not to embrace their ungodly beliefs and practices. Otherwise, we will end up like those of the many tribes of Iraq who blow themselves up just hoping to murder yet one more prosperous Westerner and get the reward of 70 virgins in heaven. How much dumber and more deceived can a person get? Peace be with you. David Miller, Beverly Hills, Florida. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
