"Can compassion unite the world's faiths"?

[joanne guarnieri]

CNN has been a rich source of interesting news, lately....

Here is the latest world religion project, the Charter for Compassion, brought to you by the Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Karen Armstrong.

(CNN's editor gave this note "Karen Armstrong is a former Roman Catholic nun who has written more than 20 books about common themes in Islam, Judaism and Christianity, including "The Bible: A Biography." She received the 2008 TED Prize. Archbishop Desmond Tutu received the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize for opposing apartheid in South Africa. Since 1988 Tutu has been chancellor of the University of the Western Cape in Bellville, South Africa.")

First of all, what does this article make you think of?

What world religion was not quoted?

In what light would orthodox Jews consider the ancient rabbi quoted in this article as an acceptable spokesman for Judaism?

How well do we know the core beliefs of each of the religions represented in this article and would a true believer of that particular religion be able to sign this "Charter of Compassion," or subscribe to the authors' sentiments?

[Raquel]

It makes me feel sorry for Miss Armstrong.

Islam.

"When asked by a pagan to sum up the whole of Jewish teaching while he stood on one leg, Rabbi Hillel, the older contemporary of Jesus, replied: "That which is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the Torah -- and everything else is only commentary.""
My best guess is that he wasn't too stoked on the author outshining him by saying that the dl said it better. But that's not what you asked. I assume that orthodox Jews would be offended to hear that the rest of the Torah is mere commentary. 'You know, all those times when God spoke, that was just filler.'

Ummm. I will guess that you're asking about the Christians here. Because everyone else can be a true believer in whatever, but it aint Truth. I'm not sure that we can determine who is a True Believer or not but if any of my Christian friends signed that, I might have a chat with them about their naivety.


p.s. Desmond Tutu is a dork.
p.p.s. This whole thing is a load of poo. Anyone who signs it may not be interested in killing folks, but our concern isn't in physical wars over religion... is it? Our concern is spreading the gospel.

[joanne guarnieri]

Yep, Raquel, right across the board.

Actually this made me think of the end times scenario with the world religion established that either unites or obliterates all the other religions of the world.

No true believer of any religion is going to agree that the other religions are as true as the one the true believer belongs to.

That's what so confuses people when they hear that Islam is a peaceful religion, then wonder what's with the terrorists. The difference between peaceful Muslims and terrorists is the measure of true belief. The Koran endorses violence in the subjugation of all non-Muslims. Period. Even "People of the Book" who will not convert to Islam.

My husband works with many Muslims, and they are gracious people. He is gracious as well. But you can bet he is asking God for their conversion, just as am sure they are seeking Allah to convert him.

Christians would not be able to sign this document.

I'm not as familiar with Buddhists and Hindus, and Taoists. Maybe their ways offer more leeway. But I tend to doubt they would agree to any kind of a merger. That's whey they are Buddhists, Hindus and Taosts, and not, Christians, or Jews or Muslims. In fact, from what I gather, the Hindus are just as ready to pound the Muslims as vice versa in India.

[Raquel]

She was one of the main speakers at last year's Seeds of Compassion event in Seattle. So was the dl. And Tutu. My best guess is that this charter sprouted from that. Wanna know who represented Christians there???

[joanne guarnieri]

uh boy.... ....who?

Raquel said:

She was one of the main speakers at last year's Seeds of Compassion event in Seattle. So was the dl. And Tutu. My best guess is that this charter sprouted from that. Wanna know who represented Christians there???

[Raquel]

shhhh
*looks around*
it rhymes with Snob Hell.

[joanne guarnieri]

*GAAACK* My UNfavorite :o(

It is not my policy to go all judgmental about stuff. Nevertheless, after reviewing RB's passing-of-wind Spewmas (I'm speaking in code) and his famed lecture tour....I had to say something.

Grieved.

[Raquel]

there are spewma videos on farting?

joanne guarnieri said:

*GAAACK* My UNfavorite :o(

It is not my policy to go all judgmental about stuff. Nevertheless, after reviewing RB's passing-of-wind Spewmas (I'm speaking in code) and his famed lecture tour....I had to say something.

Grieved.

[joanne guarnieri]

Just the talking part. Ahem

[Raquel]

teehee

joanne guarnieri said:

Just the talking part. Ahem

[joanne guarnieri]

:o)

Raquel said:

teehee

joanne guarnieri said:

Just the talking part. Ahem

[Harry]

How can a Christian pray with non-Christian, what God, god or gods are they praying to? Muslims' god Allah isn't the Christian God. Hindus have multi gods. Mormons have their god or they can become a god.

[joanne guarnieri]

I agree Harry. It's beyond me

Harry said:

How can a Christian pray with non-Christian, what God, god or gods are they praying to? Muslims' god Allah isn't the Christian God. Hindus have multi gods. Mormons have their god or they can become a god.