Do Unto Others
Early in my life, I was a Christian by default. I grew up in Hollywood and went to the Fountain Avenue Baptist Church where Roy Rogers and Dale Evans attended. I once got a free bible by attending ten weeks in a row. I listened to the sermons and felt scared. They were largely about fear and judgment. I joined in because it was what I was supposed to do. I went with my older brother Bob. My mom and dad did not attend.
Later in my life, I studied the bible and many other religious teachings. When I read the new testament of the King James Bible, I loved what I read about the man called Jesus of Nazareth. He mostly espoused love and non-judgment! His companions were often the poor and the needy. He said to bless those who persecute you and turn the other cheek and to not judge. He asked us to love our enemies and give to the needy.
I don’t believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible. However, whether the stories told about Jesus are true or fable, they are a design on how to live our life. Right now, a lot of Christianity does not follow these teachings of love.
I mostly follow Buddhist principles; which are: Nothing is lost in the Universe, everything changes, and cause and effect. They feel much more inclusive. To me, a religion fails if it does not include everyone.
I mention all this because we are having an election, where these principles are deep into the fabric of it. Most voters who call themselves Christians are voting for the least Christlike person I have ever witnessed. Ironic.
We get the opportunity now to live the principles of Jesus of Nazareth. No matter how this election turns out, we still get to love others as ourselves in spite of our differences. May we learn to love each other and create a noble democracy! From my hopeful heart to yours, Thomas