A Common Word
Today I read a very interesting article in the Oregonian regarding the common ground between Christians and Muslims. I’ve always felt that most religions seek to create good energy in the world and that the differences in details are not so important. The fighting based on religion is dangerous to all and completely out of tune with what faith should bring to our lives. So, the Oregonian’s article wasn’t swaying me to a new way of thinking, yet I know that it could be revealing something new to many people. The article was about an open letter to Christian leaders that was signed and/or endorsed by over 300 Muslim leaders in 2007. You can read the entire letter at www.acommonword.com. The letter successfully supports a common ground between Christianity and Muslims with what is written in both the Qur’an and the New Testament. The “Two Commandments of love” in both include the Unity of God, the necessity of love for Him, and the necessity of love of thy neighbour. I was particularly pleased to see even the historical overlap of the messengers of God. It’s worthwhile reading. Here’s the excerpt that got me started:
“Finding common ground between Muslims and Christians is not simply a matter for polite ecumenical dialogue between selected religious leaders.Christianity and Islam are the largest and second largest religions in the world and in history. Christians and Muslims reportedly make up over a third and over a fifth of humanity respectively. Together they make up more than 55% of the world’s population, making the relationship between these two religious communities the most important factor in contributing to meaningful peace around the world. If Muslims and Christians are not at peace, the world cannot be at peace. With the terrible weaponry of the modern world; with Muslims and Christians intertwined everywhere as never before, no side can unilaterally win a conflict between more than half of the world’s inhabitants. Thus our common future is at stake. The very survival of the world itself is perhaps at stake.
And to those who nevertheless relish conflict and destruction for their own sake or reckon that ultimately they stand to gain through them, we say that our very eternal souls are all also at stake if we fail to sincerely make every effort to make peace and come together in harmony.
So let our differences not cause hatred and strife between us. Let us vie with each other only in righteousness and good works. Let us respect each other, be fair, just and kind to another and live in sincere peace, harmony and mutual goodwill.”
