HWPL WARP Journal October 2021

136 WARP OFFICES MEETINGS HELD IN 92 COUNTRIES IN SEPTEMBER 2021

Africa 23

South Africa

Sudan

Cameroon

South Sudan

Rwanda

Kenya

Nigeria

Lesotho

Eswatini

Zimbabwe

Burundi

Tanzania

Côte d’Ivoire

Mozambique

Ghana

Gambia

Tunisia

Zambia

Europe 31

Sweden

Norway

Croatia

Moldova

Spain

Czech Republic

Austria

Cyprus

Netherlands

San Marino

France

Armenia

United Kingdom

Portugal

Germany

Estonia

Romania

Albania

Switzerland

Kosovo

Finland

Hungary

Lithuania

Poland

Bulgaria

Denmark

Middle East 4

Syria

Lebanon

United Arab Emirates

Jordan

Oceania 7

Australia

New Zealand

Fiji

CURRENT WARP OFFICES STATUS

As of September 30, 2021 Total

CIS 6

Belarus

Ukraine

Russia

Kazakhstan

Kyrgyzstan

Asia 33

India

Laos

Cambodia

Sri Lanka

Thailand

Myanmar (Burma)

Vietnam

Malaysia

Indonesia

Nepal

Bhutan

Philippines

Bangladesh

Pakistan

Japan

The Americas 32

Uruguay

Paraguay

Canada

Surname

Brazil

Guyana

Costa Rica

Chile

Jamaica

El Salvador

Ecuador

Argentina

Belize

Venezuela

Bahamas

Mexico

Grenada

Guatemala

United States of America

Antigua and Barbuda

Trinidad And Tobago

7th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit - Calling for Concerted Action for Sustainable Peace

On September 18th, 2021, the 7th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit was held online. This year's event dealt with the progress of international efforts and the plans to promote the peace agenda in the 'New Normal' era. In particular, concerted action for sustainable peace from various sectors such as international law, religion, education and the media were presented. Since the World Peace Summit in 2014, HWPL has been conducting citizen-centered peace-building activities to create “a culture of peace” advocated by the United Nations and international community to set up an environment of peaceful coexistence. It was a valuable time to see how we have been working in solidarity and cooperation, regardless of nationality, race, religion, gender, or age; and to get inspiration for future developments.

1. Legislate Peace (LP) Project

HWPL’s "Legislate Peace" (LP) project, is an initiative to garner support for the DPCW and achieve its adoption at the international level. Starting this year, we have launched new campaigns, such as the online study group on the DPCW Handbook and human rights webinars to bring fresh energy to our society that has grown weary of the pandemic. The DPCW handbook explains the 10 articles and 38 clauses of the DPCW in detail. The study aims to teach citizens about the values and spirit of peace embodied in each article and urge them to support the DPCW.

Dr. Mizanur Rahman, dean and professor of law at the University of Dhaka, said “the DPCW Handbook enables us to systematically teach international law and the essence of peace to students and others. And that enables these students to become lecturers in the following course.” He emphasized the need to promote public discourse on peace-building starting from academia.

2. The World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Office Meetings

WARP Offices were established to fulfill the pledge made during the 2014 HWPL World Peace Summit for the alliance of religions. With 265 offices operating in 129 countries, activities of the WARP Offices have been growing despite the pandemic. For seven months since January in 2021, 3,089 scripture comparison discussions were held, which is a 340% hike compared to the previous year. Such active engagement and in-depth discussion were possible thanks to the endeavors of countless religious leaders from all over the world.Sister Belinda Westcott, Coordinator of Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University from South Africa said, “this understanding and harmony between faiths is a huge contributing factor to reducing conflict and war in our world… I think that our group is a very small group. But when I think that these groups are happening all over the world, it’s not a small thing. And you know, it kind of reminds me of a network of light. And it’s like this network is over our planet.”In addition, platforms such as HWPL’s Religious Youth Peace Camps were provided for people across the globe to experience various religions and their teachings. Participants can experience religious issues including conflict firsthand through diverse activities, and also take part in active discussions to resolve conflicts.

3. Cultivating Citizens of Peace

Along with HWPL, educators and journalists are spreading the culture of peace by teaching the spirit of peace and inspiring citizens around the world. Starting with the pandemic era in 2020, we’ve been constantly reminded of how valuable it is to be able to live peacefully, and media reports about HWPL’s peace projects via video, audio, websites, paper, and social media shot up four times more in 2021 compared to the previous year. In addition, “Voice of Peace Media Forum” was hosted for journalists in February 2021. The forum discussed social trends and future responses through the lens of journalists’ expertise and perspective. There, journalists and news media voiced a message of self-reflection and set ten principles for the media industry in the ‘New Normal’ era.HWPL’s Peace Education provides two tracks: student learning and teacher training. So far, 214 educational institutes have partnered with HWPL for Peace Education by signing MOUs and MOAs, and it is being conducted in 53 schools. Notably, peace education in the Philippines, India, and Romania is showing great progress.M. Florent Pasquier, Professor of Sorbonne University of France, says, “The way HWPL treats peace education programs is clearly the result of a long process of reflection, in which we see

a progression. Peace education for students in France seems absolutely necessary to me. It should be a part of the school curriculum. It is no longer an option. It should be a part of a common core of education, of a basic curriculum, so that one at least knows that it exists.”.In addition to peace education, as part of fostering citizens of peace, various civil society-based peace activities such as campaigns to plant trees of peace and to install peace monument have been actively carried out.

4. International Peace Youth Group (IPYG)

Youth Empowerment Peace Workshop (YEPW), A discussion platform for youth around the world: In order to further expand the good consciousness of young people, IPYG promoted “solidarity” and “cooperation” among young people around the world. Youths joined the YEPW workshops, a global discussion platform, hosted by continent. There, they shared the challenges in their region and launched collaborative projects to counter the issues. Participants in Europe and the Americas discussed the rapidly growing cyberbullying and COVID-19 blues, and as a result, campaigns and classes were conducted to address cyberbullying.

Youth Empowerment Peace Class (YEPC), Education for all including the youth and citizens: The youth in Africa and Asia discussed ways to resolve education disruption. According to a UNESCO survey, half of the youth from ages 15 to 17 were unable to attend school even before 2020, and the pandemic exacerbated the issue. Currently, more than 450 youth from 35 countries have signed up for YEPC. The courses not only provide HWPL’s peace education, but also has parent education on the importance of family and parental role, self-wellness education that raises awareness of the dangers of drugs and smoking, and global citizenship education to develop the bearing and conduct of citizens in an era of globalization.

At this year’s 7th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit, we were able to present practical answers to global problems such as cyberbullying, the underprivileged, pandemic-related issues, wars and disputes, and also witness their effects. While the United Nations and other international communities are pursuing international solidarity and peaceful alliance in line with the “New Normal” era, HWPL’s continued efforts are contributing to the establishment of peace as a continuation of practical actions, and not superficial values.

On this day, HWPL CEO Lee encouraged active cooperation among all the peace messengers gathered at the event:

“What is the purpose embodied in this slogan, “We are one”? It is to end all wars and to make a peaceful world to leave it as a lasting legacy for future generations. Today, the world is groaning under the weight of the pandemic. But that doesn’t change the fact that God is alive and that all creation exists. Then we, as higher beings, have no reason to be idle because of the situation. Our goal is still the same. Until the day our goal is reached, let us not change. We are one. So, let us be one and fulfill what we have hoped for.”

Peace Solidarity

Peace is the ultimate goal of HWPL. We all, individually and collectively, wish to create peace in the world. Peace is a state of harmony or the absence of hostility. “Peace” can be defined as a non-violent way of life, also used to describe the cessation of violent conflict. Guru Arjan Dev ji expounds: Of all the religions, the supreme religion is to recite the Divine Name with full love and devotion and render selfless service to humanity. (SGGS p 266)

It is the duty of all spiritualists to come on a common platform and give to the world the message of shedding ego by reciting the Divine Name honestly, with full love and devotion, to see One in all and all in One. It will help create spiritual brotherhood and establish divine Peace in the world.

In this sense, HWPL’s World Alliance of Religions Peace office monthly meetings are also contributing a lot towards our aim of achieving peace at the international level. During these meetings, discussions are held on various topics. The religious leaders present their views based on their religion’s scriptures. The different religions need to show solidarity from individuals to groups to communities to countries and eventually peace can be spread throughout the world where people can live joyfully.

When we have the WARP Office meetings, there are youth audiences from International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), which has more than 100 million members around the world. I believe that the best way to take peace message forward is through youths of the world. It is the youth of the world which suffered the most due to the pandemic, which is being regarded as a war against humanity. They lost their jobs, their livelihood and their loved ones. Their education was impacted due to closure of schools and colleges. They were deprived of continuance of their sports programme specially during Olympic year. Therefore, youths can truly convey their feelings to others and the importance of achieving peace in the world.

When they learn the teachings of scriptures from the WARP Office meetings, and if each member of IPYG teaches at least three members of the society to work towards achieving peace through the teachings of their Gurus according to the scriptures of their religions, it will make great impact to the world. Let this process continue and we all will witness achievement of peace in the world in no time. This will help leadership positions at community and national levels to take note of the campaign aiming to bring all wars, including the likes of COVID-19 pandemic, to an end and spread a culture of peace in the world.

HWPL has led the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) movement since 2016. It shows us the strong power of solidarity for peace, and it is the basis of how various sectors of HWPL are working differently but gathering hearts into one to realize peace. With the help of civil societies, legal and political intervention, international disputes may end through peaceful means. In short, the efforts of DPCW will bear fruit. It, certainly, is not an easy task but it is, nevertheless, not impossible. I believe that many complex problems have simple solutions. Peace solidarity that we are making under the lead of HWPL, this is a simple but the best answer for peace.

By Dr. Avtar Singh Sethi Society Advisor of The Kalgidhar Trust

56th HWPL Poland

Warsaw WARP Office

Topic: Prayer

On September 26, 2021, a scripture comparison discussion was held at the Poland Warsaw WARP office under the theme of Prayer.

Since 2020, HWPL has gathered many religious leaders online across religions, denominations, and borders to pray for people around the world suffering from the pandemic and other problems. The form and language of prayer were different for each religion, but prayers were held for all religions, and everyone who attended experienced an amazing time of prayer led by the religious leaders according to their own rituals and manners.

So, what exactly is prayer? What is at the core of the act of prayer in each religion, and why did the act or ritual of prayer take on that particular form? What’s the purpose of prayer? These are the questions that the Jewish, Buddhist, and Christian panels answered to.

Q1. What is prayer in your religion?

Rabbi David Basok / Judaism

In Judaism, the answer should be divided into 2 parts: Bible time and the “new” period of about 2000 years.

During the bible time, it was natural for God and Man to talk, and God gave answers through the prophet. Many kings of the country asked the prophet what to do. Sometimes people could tell whether their prayer was accepted indirectly through the situation. People often requested for their needs – rain, health, protection and peace.

However, this era has been ended and Jews no longer receive direct responses from God. Everything changed when the temple of Jerusalem, which was the center of Jewish rituals, collapsed 2,000 years ago. Now many people pray for individual health and success as well as to give glory to God.

Prayer is the center of Jewish religion. We pray 3 or 4 times a day. Before we pray, we read some religious texts like book of Psalms or other books of the bible together. It’s better to pray outside, and you can do it at the synagogue or at the office. However, you should not pray when there are conditions that you cannot pray for. For example, if it is a place that you cannot concentrate well or that is not appropriate to glorify God.

There is also a leader when we pray together. Most of the prayer leaders in synagogues are men and do not need special skills. It doesn’t have to be Rabbi. In Liberal Judaism, women can also be leaders.

Prayer is a very important ritual in Judaism, but for 2000 years, rabbis prayed according to schedules. When praying becomes a ritual only, it is not natural and you do not pray from your heart. So, some rabbis say that you should rather pray briefly, but with good intentions, and you shouldn’t repeat same words like a parrot.

Sensei Furyu / Zen Buddhism

There are many different kinds of prayers in Zen Buddhism. When we pray, we pray with texts from scriptures like Mantras, Sutras and Dharani. These texts are connected to wisdom and energy. We should pray to seek this wisdom from Buddha and Bodhisattva.

We have silent prayers, prayers out loud, ceremonial prayers for peace, and bowing prayers. Also, meditation called “Zazen” can be a prayer. Working, resting, sleeping with open mature state of mind are also prayers. We treat all spiritual practices as a prayer. Through a prayer, we can humble ourselves and achieve freedom and love. We can love others when we experience oneness.

Zen Buddhism is not about sitting still. Peace of mind can be naturally achieved through prayers. Peace will be with us when our heart is opened.

Milos Mohwald / Christianity

We often pray when we face something we cannot solve with our own power. We also pray when we need to find solutions or answers in some situations. People pray to the being who has higher ability than man. It is God in Christianity.

For believers, prayer is considered as one of the basic things in the life of faith. One who doesn’t pray is like a non-believer because prayer is a conversation between God and believers. We should pray often as if we are breathing.

Also, it is not a one-way communication, which is just asking what we want. We should listen to God’s word. It is the same logic when we make friends. We don’t make any friends who is just asking us for what they want.

In 1 Samuel 12:23, it says “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.” As we can see, we should not fail to pray. It is because we can easily sin when we stop praying. It becomes hard to discern good and right. We cannot get closer to God. 1Thessalonian 5:16-20 also mentions that we should pray continually. It is important because our heart gets closer to God through prayers.

Then, how should we pray? We can find the answers in Matthew chapter 6. In verses 31 to 32, it says that pagans (non-believers) seek what to eat, what to drink and what to wear. It clearly says that God knows that we need them. Believers don’t need to pray for those things, but to pray for God’s kingdom and righteousness according to verses 33 to 34. What does it mean? When we look at Jesus’ prayer in Matthew 26:39. He prayed to God “please do according to your will, not my will.” He didn’t pray for himself, but for God’s work and righteousness. Also, we should be careful not to pray with wrong motives. According to James 4:2-3, God doesn’t receive those prayers.

Q2. What is the purpose of prayer in your religion?

Rabbi David Basok / Judaism

In Judaism, there was a big change in the meaning of prayer in the Middle Ages. This brought a big philosophical question.

In Judaism, if I do something good, I will be rewarded, and if I do something bad, bad things may happen. For example, if I am sick now, it could be the result of my actions in the past. Then can I pray to get healed? If a person who prays is in a different situation, then can he deserve to get different reality through prayers? Some Jews still believe that prayer can change God’s will, but mainstream Judaism drew new understanding that prayer changes people.

It is also said that prayer is an education and training for us to become better people. As we pray and seek what we need, prayer reminds us the important things in our lives.

Sensei Furyu / Zen Buddhism

The purpose of prayer is to be freed from suffering. In order to do this, we should achieve awakening, harmonious life, help others and find peace, wisdom, true freedom and love. We should share them all to others.

When we pray with a mature heart, then it will influence the whole universe and everyone in the world. We should be changed through prayers. When we pray, we do not just read the texts of Mantras, but we try to open wisdom. We are seeking wisdom and hoping to receive wisdom through prayers. We should remove obstacles in our heart and let wisdom flow in us. We should pray with sincere hearts to Bodhisattva so we can receive wisdom.

We should also pray for others. When we receive wisdom through prayers, we must apply them first and then be changed first.

Milos Mohwald / Christianity

As I explained in the previous answer, the purpose of prayer should not to only grant my wishes, but we should take account of will of God as he listens to our prayers.

In the bible, there are many verses explaining this: In Proverbs 15:29, God listens to the prayers of righteous one. Righteous one means a holy person. One example of prayers of righteous ones is the prayer of Solomon. He is a well-known king with great wealth and honor. When he prayed, he didn’t ask for long life, wealth or anything for himself, but prayed to receive wisdom for God’s people (1 King 3:11-12). God was pleased with this prayer as it was righteous. Therefore, Solomon was given not only wisdom, but also all wealth and honor. 1 Timothy 4:5 also explains that believers are sanctified as they pray according to God’s will.

Then what is God’s will? He wants everyone to become one with him and to be happy and live eternally. This is also the hope of believers. When God’s will would be fulfilled, then our hope will be fulfilled too. We should pray not only for my wishes, but also for God’s will to be fulfilled.

Prayer is a fundamental part of each religion. In Judaism, prayer was said to educate and train in order to transform into a better person, and it was said that 2,000 years ago, it was possible for people to receive a direct response from God. Zen Buddhism teaches that you can get enlightenment through prayer and be free from pain and suffering. All actions done, be it working, breathing or even sleeping, can be prayer if done with a mature mind and meditation. In Christianity, prayer is the help and response we seek from God for things we cannot do with our own powers. However, it is said that we should pray for God’s will, and not just for our individual, human wishes. As such, this WARP Office meeting was a meaningful time to find out the nature of prayer as an act of seeking truth in religion.

*Disclaimer: To encourage free speech in an open interfaith dialogue, we have shared minimal information of participating panelists in our dialogues.

59-60th HWPL Albania

WARP Office

Topic: Wars in Scriptures

There are many causes of war in the world. Conflicts occur over borders and territories, over economic benefits, between ethnic or religious groups and over ideologies. Additionally, what comes to mind when one thinks of “war” are acts of cruelty, horrific accounts, great sadness and loss, and pain that lasts generations. These are just a few examples of pain caused by confrontations between opposing sides.

And religious scriptures that go beyond human thought and philosophy also contain records of great wars. What do the wars recorded in the different religious scriptures have in common and how do they differ from the wars that occur outside of religious texts and in human history. Also, what are the recorded historical events of war and related prophecies in the religious texts? What are the causes and consequences of wars? Can all wars, whether in the religious world or in the secular world, be ended? Or, would wars simply persist endlessly, as was the case throughout human history?

Q1. Is there a record of war in your Scripture? Who is fighting whom, and what is the cause of this war?

Ermal Bega / Islam

We have the sad story of the “war” between Allah (God) and Satan when Satan became arrogant towards God concerning the creation of the first human being (Adam) from the earth (clay). Then, there was the “war” between the first two sons of Adam and Eve, the first human beings and parents on Earth, when Cabeel (or Cain) killed Habyl (or Abel) out of jealousy. Then, during all the history of human beings on Earth we have always had many stories of wars, for so many reasons; jealousy, envy, ignorance, money and property, prejudice, politics, religion, selfishness, etc. That is why the Almighty Allah (God) have always sent prophets and messengers with divine messages, and the holy books etc., to guide human beings to the right path.

The main meaning of all the verses in the Quran about the war is to fight against human ignorance and idolatry (as it is considered the worst and most ignorant act a human can do - praising someone else or idols besides God, the Creator of everything). Also, when Prophet Muhammad was alive, he fought against the Arab polytheists who were worshiping many idols (360 idols were inside the Kaaba in Mecca).

“War” in Islamic perspective is only for good coming from God only, and war in this world, I think, will never end totally. Because there will always be war between darkness and light, between good and bad, between knowledge and ignorance, justice and injustice.

The main message for this topic is the message that Prophet Muhammad told his companions after a battle with the Arab polytheists in his time. The Muslims won the war, but Prophet Muhammad said: “We came from a lesser war, and started a greater war. That war is the internal war with ourselves (the greater Jihad).” The phrase internal Jihad, or greater Jihad, refers to the efforts of a believer to live their Muslim faith to the best of their abilities.

References: The Holy Qur’an 60:8-9, 7:56, 2:190, 8:61, 4:90

Vasudeva Datta Das / ISKCON

In the Puranic literature, there are descriptions of many wars fought between celestial beings and demons. The Puranic literature describe that there are planets where demigods live and planets where asuras (demons) reside. Between these two parties, there are always quarrels and wars. The demigods (suras) are devotees of the Lord, in charge of the administration of the universe, and they live in the upper planetary systems of the universe. The lower part of the universe is the abode of the asuras (demons). The asuras always try to disrupt the universal order by trying to conquer the abodes of the demigods. All the eighteen Puranas pointed out that this material world is a very dangerous place and one should strive to reach the spiritual world, the kingdom of God.

The most important war is described in the Mahabharata. Five thousand years ago, this great battle took place in Kuruksetra (a historical place in India) where two royal families, the Pandavas and the Kurus, fought a great war for the dominion of Earth. The Pandavas were great devotees of Lord Krishna and the demoniac Kurus were envious of the position of the Pandavas. They fought a great war, where millions of warriors were killed. Lord Krishna was on the side of the Pandavas, and by His grace, the Pandavas won the war. As righteous heirs, they were reestablished on the imperial throne. The Kuruksetra war has been a dharmic war, where the Supreme God was present on the battlefield and the dharma (the universal order) was reestablished in the planet Earth.

References: Narada Muni to Vyasadeva, Srimad Bhagavatam 1.5.11, Srimad Bhagavatam 6.3.19, SB 1.19.2 / Krishna to Arjuna, Bhagavad Gita

1.7.25, 16.9, SB1.7.25

Rodney Stubbs / Christianity

In the Bible, we see the battle between God and Satan (Ephesians 6:10~12). This war started even before Adam, and it was fought in the spiritual realm AND in the physical realm. The Bible tells us that in the spiritual realm, God and His holy spirits fight against Satan and his evil spirits; in the physical realm, the pastors and people who belong to God fight against the pastors and people who belong to Satan.

God, the creator of all things in heaven and on earth, (Genesis 1) created the spiritual beings as well as mankind. In Isaiah 14:12~15, an archangel God created wanted to be like God. It opposed God and wanted to replace God. As a result, this spiritual being was cast out of heaven to earth. In the garden of Eden, Satan deceived Adam and Eve by twisting God’s words(Genesis 3:1~4). Satan tricked them into disobeying God and so, they were cast out of Eden. This means they were separated from God. Because of sin, mankind became Satan’s possession. (Luke 4:5~6)

Satan rules over the physical world because it was cast down to earth, and the sin of Adam separated mankind from God. Satan works to prevent mankind and God from reconnecting and sin continues to separate mankind from God. Satan works hard to keep deceiving people with lies and by twisting God’s word. This war over the hearts of men continues today. (1 Peter 5:8)

Ermal Bega / Islam

In the Holy Quran, there is no message that the war is going to be over forever. This is because this world is created in such a way that Allah (God) through the Holy Quran, is guiding us to reach peace through God’s message only. (Holy Quran 72:23, 2:39) By nature, the human beings are arrogant, so the killings and wars has always been part of humanity since the beginning of time on earth. This is why Allah have sent so many messengers and prophets to guide their people to the right path of God (Holy Quran, 5:64).

About the last wars, in Islam, there is a full science called Islamic eschatology, which deals with events of the future, especially those in the last days of the Earth.

The Qur’an gives only short details on the signs that would indicate the hour’s imminent arrival. Among the signs of the hour is the observable disintegration of established familial, societal, and economic norms. (Holy Quran 27:82, 21:96–97, 43:61) Prophet Muhammad also has mentioned 15 centuries ago about the minor and major signs of the last day.

About the weapons being used, it is not mentioned in any of the Islamic sources. While about the consequences, there are so many in different forms, such as losing many innocent people, consequences in morality, economy, in knowledge, losing one’s religion, etc.

Vasudeva Datta Das / ISKCON

In the history of this world, wars were always present in different forms. According to the Vedic Scriptures, wars are the consequence of arbitrary action of man, contrary to the law of nature (law of God). You reap the consequences of your good lawful actions, which is living a life without too much anxiety. And you reap the consequences of your evil actions by being afflicted by wars, famine, natural disasters, poor health, etc.

Our actions are regulated by the law of karma, every action have an equal reaction. We have to pay until the last cent, if we incur in debts that we accrue by disobeying the laws of nature. Nature is very inflexible, you cannot escape. You have to pay in this life or the next. When we take birth in this world, we should know that in due course, Mother Nature will ask the payment of our debts for this life and for the unsolved debts of the previous lives.

We live in an age of degradation, which is Kali yuga; an age of quarrel and hypocrisy. A small disagreement between people can create havoc in society, envy is the root of our permanence in this material world, so we cannot expect a peaceful society.

A very substantial step toward real peace could be activated when people become conscious of their real position as God’s servants and, overcoming their envy, they will understand the real meaning of nonviolence.

Q2. Is there a saying that the war is over?

When and where does the last war take place, what are the weapons used to fight, and what are the consequences?

“The steadily devoted soul attains unadulterated peace because he offers the result of all activities to Me; whereas a person who is not in union with the Divine, who is greedy for the fruits of his labor, becomes entangled.” (B.G. 5.12)

Reference: Bhagavad Gita 2.40, B.G 4.14, B.G. 4.17, B.G. 16.19, B.G. 18.66

Rodney Stubbs / Christianity

In the Bible, there are physical wars in the Old Testament, and in the New testament the focus changes to the spiritual. In Ephesians 6:12~17, we can see a lot of figurative descriptions: armor of God, having girded your loins with truth, the breastplate of righteousness, having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. These are the spiritual weapons used in the spiritual war. That brings us to Revelation, the last book of the Bible. It is a book of prophecy so it’s written entirely in figurative language.

An example can be found in Revelation 12:1~5: “A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; and she was with child; and she cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth. Then another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems. And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child. And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up to God and to His throne.”

This is a story of the war in the time of Jesus’ second coming. It may sound like a Hollywood movie. But Revelation is written entirely in figurative language, because it is entirely a prophecy. What we notice here is that the figurative language does not simplify the meaning to aid understanding of the book of Revelation. However, it is a description of the end of war and the consequences of the final war.

Physical wars will end if we first win the spiritual wars we are facing now. Bible also talks about physical peace. But first, we need to win the battle against Satan and against ourselves.

Through the dialogue, we were able to understand the history of wars from the perspective of three different religions, and that these wars were all between God the Creator (on the side of good) and the opposer (on the side of evil). There were also some differences regarding wars to come in the future. On one hand, wars will repeat itself due to evil in Man. On the other hand, there are prophecies about the final war where God eventually wins.

What is clear is that through the records about wars in the scriptures, we were able to contemplate which side, whether good or evil, am ‘I’, and what we should be on guard against, and what kind of goals in life we should pursue. HWPL WARP Offices works to gather peace-minded religious leaders to collectively study the religions and to move away from polarizing religion and conflict. We hope that the time that panelists of the Albania Elbasan WARP Office spent in the dialogue had taken us a step closer to cessation of war and world peace.

*Disclaimer: To encourage free speech in an open interfaith dialogue, we have shared minimal information of participating panelists in our dialogues.

Topic: Trustworthy Scriptures

To have a deeper discussion based on scriptures, we must first have a clear understanding of what sets religious scriptures apart from other secular written texts and knowledge. What should we and what can we understand from scriptures? What makes scriptures trustworthy enough that believers count their life of faith on it? Why are religious texts considered sacred and held to the highest regard amongst oceans of texts and knowledge?

In the 51st WARP Office meeting in Siem Reap, Cambodia held in June, 2021, the topic was “About Trustworthy Scriptures”. We had three speakers from Buddhist, Christian and Islam faiths on the panel to share with us their insights on these questions.

Salim Charo / Islam

Allah is the Lord of the worlds (Quran 1:2), and the Prophet is described as the messenger for the worlds (Quran 21:107), and the Quran is introduced as a reminder to the worlds (Quran 68:52), then what is the relevance of the Quranic message to the world?

“And in no way is it anything except a Remembrance to the worlds.” (Quran 68:52)

Allah tells us that He does not guide those who turn away from remembering Him and who are heedless of that which He revealed to His Messenger (PBUH), those who have no intention of believing in that which he has brought from Allah. This kind of people will never be guided to faith by the signs of Allah and the Message which He sent His Messengers in this world, and they will suffer a painful and severe punishment in the Hereafter (Quran Nahl: 104-105). Then Allah informs us that His Messenger (PBUH) is not a forger nor a liar, because the one who fabricates falsehood about Allah and His Messenger (PBUH) is the evilest of creatures.

Kelvin Omega / Christianity

In John 17:3, the bible clearly explains that we can only achieve eternal life through knowing God and Jesus Christ. Also, in I Timothy 2:4, the only way we can achieve salvation is by getting the knowledge of the truth in the Bible because that is where God’s will is recorded.

Those who understand the will of the Creator will go to heaven (blessed) but those who do not understand will go to hell. Depending on whether they understood or not, believers may or may not achieve the purpose of faith, that is, heaven and eternal life. This is why God gave the scripture with His will written in it in advance to people.

Q1-1. (For monotheistic religions) What is the difference between those who understand the Creator’s will and those who don’t, such that the Creator gave scripture(s) to people?

The definition of religion according to its root words in Latin is to reconnect. Since God is spirit, we cannot have direct conversations with Him. However, through the scripture, God reveals His will and people in the physical world can connect to the spiritual realm through scripture. The purpose as to why the scripture is given is to inform people and give answers to essential questions that people seek answers to, such as solutions to the problems that people will encounter during this life and after.

Q1-2. (For Buddhism) What is the difference between those who have attained enlightenment of the truth and those who have not, such that the authors of the Buddhist texts wrote scriptures for people?

Ven. Yon Bunyom / Buddhism

The points of difference of enlightened One compared to others are as follows:

1. Virtue of Wisdom (Paññā Guna)

2. Virtue of Purification (Visudhi Guna)

3. Virtue of Compassion (Karunā Guna)

The author of Buddhist texts gave people the scriptures to extract the Buddha’s words into their work and retelling it. Texts are explained in easier language to help the public to understand the teachings, and also to discover the truths in religious scripture and writing it down. This brings benefit to followers and readers for better understanding of religious perspectives.

Q2. What questions should a trustworthy scripture must have answers to?

Ven. Yon Bunyom /

Buddhism

For Buddhism, trustworthy scripture should provide answers like the four sublime states: Loving-kindness (Mettā), Compassion (Karunā), Sympathetic Joy (Muditā) and Equanimity (Upekkhā) (which are Inner and outer peace for humanity).

In addition, it should answer the four-fold noble truths: suffering, cause of suffering, cessation of suffering and the path to end suffering.

The Buddha’s last word to monks, “Behold, O monks, this is my advice to you. All component things in the world are changeable. They are not lasting. Work hard to gain your own salvation.”

Salim Charo / Islam

a. Spiritual answers would include about belief and its articles, acts of worship and sincerity, Mankind! worship your Lord, Who hath created you and those before you, so that ye may be righteous. (Baqara 2:21).

b. Answers about worldy affairs should include social, moral values, family, economical such as business transactions, and about politics, But seek, in that which Allah has given you to attain the Everlasting residence. Do not forget your share in this world. Do good, as Allah has been good to you, and do not corrupt in the land, Allah does not love those who corrupt. (Qasas 28:77).

c. The Qur ān also lays frequent stress on the design and order of the universe. There are no gaps or dislocations in nature. Those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and on their sides; and they reflect upon the creation of the heavens and the earth: “Our Lord, You did not create this in vain. Glory be to You! So protect us from the suffering of the Fire.” (Al-Imran 3:191)

d. The Hereafter is also covered, such as death, life after death, resurrection, and about the accountability (of individuals) and admission to paradise or hell. Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them. (Baqara 2 :3)

Kelvin Omega / Christianity

Scriptures should contain answers and address issues that secular books cannot. In John 3:31-32, we can see that Jesus Christ who comes from above speaks of things of heaven. Also, God can provide answers to so many issues that mere mortals cannot fathom or understand. In Psalms 147:5, God’s understanding is beyond measure.

For a scripture to be recognized as a trustworthy scripture, it must contain clear answers on spiritual and essential issues which secular books cannot answer, such as the beginning of things, the four phases of life- Birth, aging, sickness and death; good and evil, about the end times, spiritual attributes, the soul, afterlife, forgiveness of sins, and so on.

As individuals with souls, it is only natural to look into spiritual matters and the answers can be found in scriptures.

Religious texts have been preserved, read, studied and abided by for centuries. They serve as important guiding posts for many, whether in ruling nations or the individual hearts and minds. The wealth of knowledge and wisdom in its myriad of languages teach us about life, nature, Man and more. It is unimaginable what kind of history Man would have lived through without religious scriptures.

It is more vital now than ever to have a proper understanding of scriptures and acknowledge differences as well as similarities to see how we can move all of humanity toward a world of peace guided by the scriptures.

*Disclaimer: To encourage free speech in an open interfaith dialogue, we have shared minimal information of participating panelists in our dialogues.

Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light

If you would like to have more information or have any inquiries regarding the HWPL WARP Offices, please contact us at info@hwpl.kr