Common Ground

Ihad a wonderful conversation recently with two young Muslim fellows on topics that I have not often discussed with new friends. We spoke freely for more than an hour about God our creator, our spiritual paths, religious upbringing and how we express our spiritual beliefs in our daily lives. No one was trying to convince the other of the superiority of their religion. Rather, we were open-minded, humble and listened intently to what the other had to share. It was a most uplifting and heartwarming exploration.

I often long for the opportunity to converse comfortably with friends and family about religion. I understand why this is a topic many wish to steer away from as many people have experienced abuse, oppression and violence via those who they believed to be trustworthy but who selfishly went about contorting and perverting the religious texts to justify their beliefs and appalling actions.

Even in less severe situations some experience how religious belief and interpretation can become a point of contention within families and communities. I feel that many actions taken based on religious belief contradict the broader purpose of the religion itself and add to the confusion and misunderstanding widely held today of the true purpose of religion.

In his book, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, Abdu’l-Baha, the son of Baha’u’llah (Founder of the Baha’i Faith) and designated interpreter of his father’s writings says… “The strife between religions, nations and races arises from misunderstanding. If we investigate the religions to discover the principles underlying their foundations, we will find they agree; for the fundamental reality of them is one and not multiple. By this means the religionists of the world will reach their point of unity and reconciliation. They will ascertain the truth that the purpose of religions is the acquisition of praiseworthy virtues, the betterment of morals, the spiritual development of mankind, the real life and divine bestowals. All the Prophets have been the promoters of these principles; none of Them has been the promoter of corruption, vice or evil.”

When I explained to my new friends my humble understanding of religion and its purpose in our lives, it was refreshing to find an attentive ear and we quickly found common ground upon which to build unity of thought. When this unity of thought arose in our conversation, I was hit with the sense that we had uncovered a common truth, something very important to each of us that we shared. From this wonderful experience, I am committed to seeking out more uplifting conversations in the hopes of establishing more friendships and building more shared truth.

Spiritual Upliftment

and Conversation

Join us in off ering prayers for the healing and uplift ment of the world, and conversati on on topics that support the establishment of unity and peace.

We are three local Baha’i friends who meet on Zoom from 7:15 to 8:30 on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month.

All are invited and welcome, whatever your spiritual path. Please call us for details and link: Tim/Laurice Mock, Lee Masters – (250) 748-2585 March Topics March 9: Being a Protagonist for Social Change Part 1 March 23: Being a Protagonist for Social Change Part 2 So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth. Baháʼu’lláh