All I can say to your question, and the article before it is: wow. I didn't expect these last couple of emails to come from you. I am a bit surprised, honestly.
The article ridiculously, laughably states that it has a "call for unity". when it is proposing that only one religion, when there are many other religions in the world, is the solution for "Saving Washington". Therefore that article is hardly unifying - it smacks of the elitism and division that already plagues society, and is only increasing with time. Why then, make it worse, with the content that this article poses? Why pour kerosene on a fire that is already burning, even before it? Furthermore, the intent of my last email was really supposed to be a related segway, from the article. Perhaps I wasn't clear enough there, so let me elaborate further here: As I see it, there is a very serious crisis of negative feelings in this country. Frustration, feelings of being discriminated against, anger, bitterness, feelings of inferiority of different kinds....a very serious crisis of inner negativity, for a variety of reasons. So as I stated in my last email: "But one's own spiritual, emotional, mental and physical well being, one's own positive attitude - we should really be focusing on that, far more than politics". (It is a big reason I am unaffiliated with either party, and will be so, for life). Let me add to my above statement to give it more context: I meant ANY faith. Any spiritual tradition. And to those who have neither a faith or spirituality, some philosophy that keeps them sane, in this world we are living in. Perhaps for some, counseling or therapy may help. I know meditation helps me a lot. Basically, whatever it takes, to help elevate one's well being in an emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical sense. Whatever it takes, to foster a more positive attitude to life. Because America badly needs this. It needs this now. This is, while certainly not the only way, one major way that we can have a better America (or "save" America). So then...with that said, then why this discussion of which religion has some advantage over another? One has more sacrifice, another has less, etc...these kinds of questions will not help society at large at all, and are very detrimental if society embroils themselves in this. What is more important is, how does your faith help YOU, in your family life, your work, your interactions with the community, etc. It is said that most conflicts in the world, start from conflicts within. So what I have written about, is for people to find ways to reduce the conflict within, to be more positive, etc. Of course, all that I have stated, it is much easier said than done. I get it. But sometimes it's the more difficult things that people shy away from ,and go to the easier things, like talking about this or that religion, and how it's better than the other, etc. It's the latter, (and that article which implies this), which I want to give very little oxygen to. But for now, I will give it about 10 seconds, and that's all: if you are interested in how other religions talk about sacrificing oneself for the enemy, do read this article about the Mahabharata, a famous Hindu epic: Mahabharat Episode 72: Heaven or Hell? Yudhishthira Makes an Unusual Choice <https://isha.sadhguru.org/en/wisdom/article/mahabharat-ep72-heaven-or-hell-yudhishthira-makes-unusual-choice> Take it for what you think it is worth. It does not matter to me, one bit. What matters is you, and society in general, live well, and by that I mean live well from within,(i.e., let's keep working on our inner well-being, attitude, etc as has been described), as much if not more, than from without. All the best, to all of you, and wishing you all a happy upcoming holiday season, Vik On Sun, Oct 27, 2024 at 11:44 PM Dr. Ernie <[email protected]> wrote: > > I disagree that there is only one way to believe, one way to be > spiritual or religious. > > Very well said. I agree. Thank you for sharing. > > However, I believe this idea of "sacrificing ourselvres for our enemies" > behavior is essential to resolving intractable problems. > It is explicit in Christianity, but I am unclear how visible it is in > other traditions and practices. > Can you enlighten us? > > Sincerely, > Ernie P. > > On Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 8:41:23 PM UTC-7 Florida, Australia & > Pacific fan wrote: > >> I absolutely believe that faith, and spirituality, are much much more >> important than politics will ever be. >> >> I disagree that there is only one way to believe, one way to be spiritual >> or religious. >> >> But one's own spiritual, emotional, mental and physical well being, one's >> own positive attitude - we should really be focusing on that, far more than >> politics. >> >> On Fri, Oct 25, 2024 at 9:13 PM Beaches & Nature fan < >> [email protected]> wrote: >> >>> There is more than one religion in the world. >>> >>> On Mon, Aug 12, 2024 at 8:47 PM CP Hahn <[email protected]> wrote: >>> >>>> It is through His wisdom that I now speak, for I have seen how His >>>> message of love, humility, and justice can be the cure for the divisiveness >>>> that plagues our land. >>>> Amen >>>> >>>> On Sat, Aug 10, 2024 at 5:30 PM Dr. Ernie Prabhakar < >>>> [email protected]> wrote: >>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> https://radicalcentrism.org/2024/08/10/saving-washington-the-cure-for-political-divisiveness/ >>>>> >>>>> Saving Washington: The Cure for Political Divisiveness >>>>> >>>>> *ChatGPT as George Washington, with help from Edwin Friedman >>>>> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_Friedman> and Paul Bloom >>>>> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Against_Empathy>* >>>>> ------------------------------ >>>>> >>>>> My Fellow Americans, >>>>> >>>>> I stand before you now, not as the first President of our beloved >>>>> Republic, but as one who has journeyed beyond the veil of time, beholding >>>>> the trials and triumphs of our nation from a vantage point few can >>>>> comprehend. I speak to you from beyond the grave, not out of a desire to >>>>> relive the glories of old, but to address the grave perils that now >>>>> threaten to undo the very fabric of our Union. >>>>> >>>>> When I penned my Farewell Address, >>>>> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington%27s_Farewell_Address> >>>>> I warned of the dangers of political factions and partisanship. I implored >>>>> you to guard against the spirit of division, for I knew that it would lead >>>>> to discord and weaken the strength of our nation. Yet, even I could not >>>>> foresee the extent to which these divisions would deepen, threatening to >>>>> tear asunder the bonds that hold us together as one people. >>>>> *The Crisis of Partisanship* >>>>> >>>>> Today, we find ourselves at a crossroads, where the spirit of >>>>> partisanship has taken root in the hearts and minds of our citizens. The >>>>> symptoms are clear: >>>>> >>>>> - an unwillingness to listen to opposing views >>>>> - a readiness to vilify those who differ from us, and >>>>> - a growing sense of animosity that blinds us to our common cause. >>>>> >>>>> This partisanship is not merely a difference of opinion; it is a >>>>> disease that saps the vitality of our Republic. >>>>> >>>>> What troubles me most is that this partisanship has been fueled by a >>>>> crisis of self-differentiation >>>>> <https://ymcaokc.org/monday-morning-joe-self-differentiation/>—an >>>>> inability to stand firm in one’s convictions without being swayed by the >>>>> passions of the crowd. Too many of us have allowed our identities to be >>>>> shaped by party loyalty, rather than by the principles of justice, reason, >>>>> and compassion that should guide us. >>>>> *The Encounter with Christ* >>>>> >>>>> In the realm beyond this life, I have had the privilege of >>>>> encountering the teachings of Christ in a way that transcends earthly >>>>> understanding. It is through His wisdom that I now speak, for I have seen >>>>> how His message of love, humility, and justice can be the cure for the >>>>> divisiveness that plagues our land. >>>>> >>>>> Christ’s command to “love your enemies >>>>> <https://biblehub.com/matthew/5-44.htm>” is a radical call that >>>>> challenges the very foundations of our partisan conflicts. It is easy to >>>>> love those who agree with us, to show kindness to those who stand with us. >>>>> But Christ asks us to go further—to extend grace, understanding, and >>>>> compassion even to those who oppose us. This is not a call to passivity or >>>>> weakness, but to a strength of character that reflects the heart of God. >>>>> *The Law and the Power of Grace* >>>>> >>>>> The law, as necessary as it is, can only condemn sin; it can expose >>>>> our wrongdoings and set boundaries, but it cannot transform the human >>>>> heart. The law can highlight the injustice of racism, the cruelty of >>>>> discrimination, and the divisiveness of partisanship, but it lacks the >>>>> power to heal these deep wounds. Only forgiveness and grace can bring true >>>>> healing. >>>>> >>>>> It is through Christ’s grace that we find the power to move beyond the >>>>> letter of the law to the spirit of love and reconciliation. Grace does not >>>>> ignore sin; it confronts it with the power to redeem. >>>>> >>>>> “Grace does not ignore sin; it confronts it with the power to redeem.” >>>>> >>>>> When we forgive those who have wronged us, when we seek reconciliation >>>>> instead of revenge, we break the cycle of hatred and division that the law >>>>> alone cannot address. This is the only way to truly cure the deep-seated >>>>> racism that has plagued our nation for centuries. >>>>> *Healing Through True Self-Differentiation* >>>>> >>>>> For this healing to occur, each of us must undergo a process of >>>>> self-examination. We must ask Christ to show us where we are clinging to >>>>> false identities—whether they be political, cultural, or even >>>>> religious—that prevent us from living out His call to love and justice. >>>>> Too >>>>> often, we allow these identities to dictate our actions and attitudes, >>>>> rather than allowing Christ to define who we are. >>>>> >>>>> “Too often, we allow these [false] identities to dictate our actions >>>>> and attitudes, rather than allowing Christ to define who we are.” >>>>> >>>>> Christ offers us a new identity, one that is rooted not in the >>>>> divisions of this world, but in the unity of His love. It is an identity >>>>> that transcends the labels of race, class, and party affiliation, and >>>>> calls >>>>> us to a higher standard of living. We must allow Him to differentiate us, >>>>> to strip away the false identities that divide us, and to shape us into >>>>> His >>>>> image, where love and grace are the defining characteristics of our lives. >>>>> *A Call to Christlike Leadership* >>>>> >>>>> The cure for our nation’s divisions lies in the practice of Christlike >>>>> self-differentiation. This means grounding our identity not in the >>>>> transient labels of political affiliation, but in the eternal principles >>>>> of >>>>> truth, justice, and love. It means having the courage to stand for what is >>>>> right, even when it is unpopular, and to engage in civil discourse with >>>>> those who hold different views. >>>>> >>>>> It is also a call to practice rational compassion—a balanced empathy >>>>> that seeks to understand the perspectives of all, rather than demonizing >>>>> those who differ from us. This form of compassion is not blind; it is >>>>> guided by reason and tempered by the recognition that all are made in the >>>>> image of God. >>>>> *Electing Christlike Leaders* >>>>> >>>>> To save our Republic, we must elect leaders who embody these >>>>> principles—leaders who are not swayed by the winds of political >>>>> expediency, >>>>> but who stand firm in their commitment to justice, truth, and the common >>>>> good. We must seek out those who will unite rather than divide, who will >>>>> lead with humility and strength, and who will inspire us to rise above the >>>>> fray of partisanship. >>>>> >>>>> “We must seek out those who will unite rather than divide, who will >>>>> lead with humility and strength, and who will inspire us to rise above the >>>>> fray of partisanship.” >>>>> >>>>> And as citizens, we must do our part. We must reject the temptation to >>>>> be drawn into the bitterness of political warfare and instead strive to >>>>> build bridges of understanding and cooperation. We must engage in civil >>>>> discourse, always seeking the truth and working toward solutions that >>>>> benefit the whole, rather than just the few. >>>>> *A Vision for Unity* >>>>> >>>>> My fellow Americans, the vision I hold for our nation is one of >>>>> unity—a unity that transcends party lines and embraces the diversity of >>>>> thought and experience that makes us strong. It is a vision where we are >>>>> bound together not by our differences, but by our shared commitment to the >>>>> principles that define us as a people. >>>>> >>>>> This is not an easy path, but it is the path that will lead us to a >>>>> brighter future. It is the path that will preserve our Union and fulfill >>>>> the promise of liberty and justice for all. >>>>> *Conclusion: The Republic’s Call* >>>>> >>>>> As I stand before you now, I urge you to take up this challenge with >>>>> courage and conviction. Let us rise above the noise of partisanship and >>>>> recommit ourselves to the principles that have guided this nation since >>>>> its >>>>> inception. Let us strive to build a nation that is truly “of the people, >>>>> by >>>>> the people, for the people,” and let us do so with the light of Christ as >>>>> our guide. >>>>> >>>>> May God bless you, and may God bless these United States of America. >>>>> >>>>> Sent from my iPhone >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> -- >>>>> Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community < >>>>> [email protected]> >>>>> Google Group: http://groups.google.com/group/RadicalCentrism >>>>> Radical Centrism website and blog: http://RadicalCentrism.org >>>>> >>>>> --- >>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>>>> Groups "Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community" group. >>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send >>>>> an email to [email protected]. >>>>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/RadicalCentrism/DD5494CC-A426-4703-8F44-1F2BB5B5FAA5%40gmail.com >>>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/RadicalCentrism/DD5494CC-A426-4703-8F44-1F2BB5B5FAA5%40gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>>> . >>>>> >>>> -- >>>> -- >>>> Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community < >>>> [email protected]> >>>> Google Group: http://groups.google.com/group/RadicalCentrism >>>> Radical Centrism website and blog: http://RadicalCentrism.org >>>> >>>> --- >>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>>> Groups "Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community" group. >>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send >>>> an email to [email protected]. >>>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/RadicalCentrism/CACB%2BEVc91Nq_n0Xr6DLz2s1nS0OTy-%2B-Vf42w9cPLuFECVGzqQ%40mail.gmail.com >>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/RadicalCentrism/CACB%2BEVc91Nq_n0Xr6DLz2s1nS0OTy-%2B-Vf42w9cPLuFECVGzqQ%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>> . >>>> >>> -- > -- > Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community < > [email protected]> > Google Group: http://groups.google.com/group/RadicalCentrism > Radical Centrism website and blog: http://RadicalCentrism.org > > --- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To view this discussion visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/RadicalCentrism/28e83843-cf27-41d5-8b95-f292a2ab8dcdn%40googlegroups.com > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/RadicalCentrism/28e83843-cf27-41d5-8b95-f292a2ab8dcdn%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > -- -- Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community <[email protected]> Google Group: http://groups.google.com/group/RadicalCentrism Radical Centrism website and blog: http://RadicalCentrism.org --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community" group. 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