dear all, for quite some time now I am rather upset reading some thoughtless messages about religion and how good christianity is and how poor and barbaric and inferior all other religions (specially the hindu religion and definitely islam) are. I do know that these words are not used literaly in any of the posts sent to Goanet. But just to read between the lines of what 'some' people write gives me a rather uncomfortable feeling.
Every religion can be abused. It is easy for us to look at what is going on in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Saoudi-Arabia, Irak, Iran, ... Belgium, Spain, England, ... in the name of islam. We can also look on what is going on in the Middle East and how some Israeli people (government) terrorise people in the name of a holy book and that this used to be a 'promised land'. Promised? By who? Anyhow, it will definitely be a lot easier for many of you people to look at what is going on in some parts of India also in the name of religion against certain minorities. In Goa many people just seem to ignore for instance the inquisition. It is necessary to know the 'facts' in order to move on. Talking about the inquisition doesn't mean that you are blaming christian religion. On the contrary you are blaming something that is completely gone out of hand and has nothing to do with religion but only with power and politics. Ever heard about the 'liberation theology' in Latin America? It is also known as Christian socialism and it focuses on Christ not only the redeemer but also the 'liberator' of the oppressed. This movement which was very active and was growing pretty fast in Latin America was of course harshly warned by Pope John Paul II (a saint???) and his successor Pope Benedict XVI. Poor people, the lowest of the lowest were uplifted by many ordinary local priests while the bishops and the cardinals were drinking their wine and talking politics and smoking their Havana's with those in power. In my opinion these brave priests are the true christians. I guess that people in these uncertain times (worldwide) deserve strong, confident, honest leadership with a true mission and vision. Unfortunately nowhere to be found so far. I appreciated a post on this list (don't know who wrote it anymore) talking about the importance of Dr. Martin Luther King. Perhaps people should try to find a way towards dialogue, which sometimes might be very difficult and dangerous specially when your opponent isn't willing. It surprises me that nobody on this list ever mentioned the 60th deathanniversary of Gandhi. It seems he and his thoughts, believes, ... have slowly vanished over the Ganges and into the sea. Unfortunately, cause he is needed. Take care Martin Van Camp - Duarte Belgium
