Posted by: UNN June 22, 2010
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Dear Dinesh Sharma Jee
Sunday Secretary to Dr. Leo Rebello
Namaste
Thanks for the article by Dr. Leo Rebello “Common Values from different Religions.” I really do appreciate the sentiment and that is the way to go for humanity. It should have been and it should be. Hoping his good efforts bear fruits for all of us.
However, let me point out a few errors and the crux of the problem. First, Religion is not Dharma. Religions are exclusive (the only true way), and are a set of doctrines and behaviors to be believed and obeyed. Dharmas are about seeking truth (Satya) and spiritual disciplines (Yoga). There are many Dharmas evolved in the Indian sub-continent – Shaiva, Vaishnav, Baudha, Jain, Tantra, Sikh etc. Hinduism is neither a Dharma nor a religion but a collection of all these Dharmas. It is a geographical definition. Thus, to put Christianity (a religion), Buddhism (a Dharma) and Hinduism (a collection of Dharmas including Buddhism) as parallel institutes is not correct. Here in lies the problem in discussions. Because, we will be comparing apples and oranges.
More importantly only religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Communism) creates problem. Do you know any atheist army, humanist army, Buddhist army, Hare Krishna army? Have you heard about atheists forcing or paying to convert to atheism? But we have Moses attacking Canaan, and Crusade and Jehad in the name of God. Therefore ‘preaching peace’ to all – peaceful and non-peaceful groups, as if they stand in the same footing is not acceptable. You need to preach peace to Pope and Bin Laden, not to Dalai Lama. In Nepal, Churches are systematically using power of money, propaganda and education to convert poor and innocent people, regardless of its consequences, breaking our families and social fabrics apart. Matter of fact, people like Pope are worst than Bin Laden.
Here is the crux of the problem. Religions, not Dharma, claim exclusive truth. For them all their co-religionists are brothers and good. And all others are evil and enemies. The only solution is to convert all others by any means. Does total conversion and extermination of others solve the problem? Not really. Evil and terror of religion simply targets its own people and we have – Inquisition.
Any realistic solutions to end violence coming out of religions (specifically Christianity and Islam) must deal first with the doctrines motivating such behaviors given in the referendum below. It is not only about bad ideas, but it combining with militancy and power. A Jew or a Brahman may think himself superior, but it is not a problem till he holds a gun. If it is only a matter of attitude, then it can be solved with education and cross-culture exchanges. In any event, the solution starts with recognizing the evil doctrines and repudiating them clearly.
Let us consider the basic Christian doctrines:
All Christians, no matter how evil, go to heaven. All others, no matter how virtuous, go to hell. A sin can be transferred from one person to another. Can they be true?
Dinesh Sharma Jee, it basically is saying that all your virtuous but non-Christian ancestors have gone to hell. Do you agree?
Do you have any clue why Taliban dynamited Bamiyan Buddha?
Let me attach a few articles for your perusal. Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Tilak Shrestha, Ph.D.
_________________________________________________________
A. Christianity:
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)
Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 2:5)
He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18)
B. Islam:
Believers, take neither Jews nor Christians for your friends. They are friends with one another. Whoever of you, seeks their friendship shall become one of their number. Allah does not guide the wrong doers. (Quran: Al Ma'idah: 5 - 51)
Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last day, nor hold the forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and his messenger, nor acknowledge the Religion of Truth from among the People of the Book, until they pay the Jaziyah with willing submission. And feel themselves subdued. (Quran: Al Taubah: 9 - 29)
When your Lord revealed to the angels: I am with you, therefore make firm those who believe. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them. (Quran: Al Anfal: 8 - 12)
Lo! Those who disbelieve, among the people of the Scripture and idolaters, will abide in fire of hell. They are the worst of created beings. (Quran: Al Bayyinah: 98 - 6)
When you meet the unbelievers in the Jihad strike off their heads and, when you have laid them low, bind your captives firmly. Then grant them their freedom or take ransom from them, until War shall lay down her burdens. (Quran: Muhammad: 47 - 4)
Take him and fetter him and expose him to hell fire. And then insert him in a chain whereof the length is seventy cubits. Lo! He used not to believe in Allah the tremendous, and urged not on the feeding of the wretched. Therefore hath he no lover hear this day nor any food save filth which none but sinners eat. (Quran: Al Haqqah: 69 - 30.37)
O ye who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers who are near to you and let them find harshness in you and know that Allah is with those who keep their duty. (Quran: Al Taubah: 9 - 123)
"It is not for any Prophet to have captives until he hath made slaughter in the land. You desire the lure of this world and Allah desires for you the hereafter and Allah is Mighty, Wise. Now enjoy what you have won as lawful and good and keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is forgiving, merciful." (Quran: Al Anfal: 8 - 67.68)
The fruit of the Zaqqum tree shall be the unbelievers's fruit. Like dregs of oil, like scalding water, it shall simmer in his belly. A voice will cry: "Seize him and drag him into the depths of Hell." Then pour out scalding water over his head, saying: "Taste this, illustrious and honourable man!" This is the punishment which you have doubted. (Quran: Al Dukhan: 44 - 40.49)
For the unbelievers We have prepared chains and fetters and a blazing Fire. (Quran: Al Dahr: 76 - 1.5)
Garments of fire have been prepared for the unbelievers. Scalding water shall be poured upon their heads, melting their skins and that which is in their bellies. They shall be lashed rods of iron. Whenever, in their anguish, they try to escape from Hell, back they shall be dragged, and will be told: "Taste the torment of the Conflagration!" (Quran: Al Haj: 22 - 19 & 22 - 23)
The unbelievers among the People of the Book and the pagans shall burn for ever in the fire of Hell. They are the vilest of all creatures. (Quran: Al Bayinah: 98 - 1.8)
Sunday Secretary to Dr. Leo Rebello
Namaste
Thanks for the article by Dr. Leo Rebello “Common Values from different Religions.” I really do appreciate the sentiment and that is the way to go for humanity. It should have been and it should be. Hoping his good efforts bear fruits for all of us.
However, let me point out a few errors and the crux of the problem. First, Religion is not Dharma. Religions are exclusive (the only true way), and are a set of doctrines and behaviors to be believed and obeyed. Dharmas are about seeking truth (Satya) and spiritual disciplines (Yoga). There are many Dharmas evolved in the Indian sub-continent – Shaiva, Vaishnav, Baudha, Jain, Tantra, Sikh etc. Hinduism is neither a Dharma nor a religion but a collection of all these Dharmas. It is a geographical definition. Thus, to put Christianity (a religion), Buddhism (a Dharma) and Hinduism (a collection of Dharmas including Buddhism) as parallel institutes is not correct. Here in lies the problem in discussions. Because, we will be comparing apples and oranges.
More importantly only religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Communism) creates problem. Do you know any atheist army, humanist army, Buddhist army, Hare Krishna army? Have you heard about atheists forcing or paying to convert to atheism? But we have Moses attacking Canaan, and Crusade and Jehad in the name of God. Therefore ‘preaching peace’ to all – peaceful and non-peaceful groups, as if they stand in the same footing is not acceptable. You need to preach peace to Pope and Bin Laden, not to Dalai Lama. In Nepal, Churches are systematically using power of money, propaganda and education to convert poor and innocent people, regardless of its consequences, breaking our families and social fabrics apart. Matter of fact, people like Pope are worst than Bin Laden.
Here is the crux of the problem. Religions, not Dharma, claim exclusive truth. For them all their co-religionists are brothers and good. And all others are evil and enemies. The only solution is to convert all others by any means. Does total conversion and extermination of others solve the problem? Not really. Evil and terror of religion simply targets its own people and we have – Inquisition.
Any realistic solutions to end violence coming out of religions (specifically Christianity and Islam) must deal first with the doctrines motivating such behaviors given in the referendum below. It is not only about bad ideas, but it combining with militancy and power. A Jew or a Brahman may think himself superior, but it is not a problem till he holds a gun. If it is only a matter of attitude, then it can be solved with education and cross-culture exchanges. In any event, the solution starts with recognizing the evil doctrines and repudiating them clearly.
Let us consider the basic Christian doctrines:
All Christians, no matter how evil, go to heaven. All others, no matter how virtuous, go to hell. A sin can be transferred from one person to another. Can they be true?
Dinesh Sharma Jee, it basically is saying that all your virtuous but non-Christian ancestors have gone to hell. Do you agree?
Do you have any clue why Taliban dynamited Bamiyan Buddha?
Let me attach a few articles for your perusal. Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Tilak Shrestha, Ph.D.
_________________________________________________________
A. Christianity:
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)
Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 2:5)
He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18)
B. Islam:
Believers, take neither Jews nor Christians for your friends. They are friends with one another. Whoever of you, seeks their friendship shall become one of their number. Allah does not guide the wrong doers. (Quran: Al Ma'idah: 5 - 51)
Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last day, nor hold the forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and his messenger, nor acknowledge the Religion of Truth from among the People of the Book, until they pay the Jaziyah with willing submission. And feel themselves subdued. (Quran: Al Taubah: 9 - 29)
When your Lord revealed to the angels: I am with you, therefore make firm those who believe. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them. (Quran: Al Anfal: 8 - 12)
Lo! Those who disbelieve, among the people of the Scripture and idolaters, will abide in fire of hell. They are the worst of created beings. (Quran: Al Bayyinah: 98 - 6)
When you meet the unbelievers in the Jihad strike off their heads and, when you have laid them low, bind your captives firmly. Then grant them their freedom or take ransom from them, until War shall lay down her burdens. (Quran: Muhammad: 47 - 4)
Take him and fetter him and expose him to hell fire. And then insert him in a chain whereof the length is seventy cubits. Lo! He used not to believe in Allah the tremendous, and urged not on the feeding of the wretched. Therefore hath he no lover hear this day nor any food save filth which none but sinners eat. (Quran: Al Haqqah: 69 - 30.37)
O ye who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers who are near to you and let them find harshness in you and know that Allah is with those who keep their duty. (Quran: Al Taubah: 9 - 123)
"It is not for any Prophet to have captives until he hath made slaughter in the land. You desire the lure of this world and Allah desires for you the hereafter and Allah is Mighty, Wise. Now enjoy what you have won as lawful and good and keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is forgiving, merciful." (Quran: Al Anfal: 8 - 67.68)
The fruit of the Zaqqum tree shall be the unbelievers's fruit. Like dregs of oil, like scalding water, it shall simmer in his belly. A voice will cry: "Seize him and drag him into the depths of Hell." Then pour out scalding water over his head, saying: "Taste this, illustrious and honourable man!" This is the punishment which you have doubted. (Quran: Al Dukhan: 44 - 40.49)
For the unbelievers We have prepared chains and fetters and a blazing Fire. (Quran: Al Dahr: 76 - 1.5)
Garments of fire have been prepared for the unbelievers. Scalding water shall be poured upon their heads, melting their skins and that which is in their bellies. They shall be lashed rods of iron. Whenever, in their anguish, they try to escape from Hell, back they shall be dragged, and will be told: "Taste the torment of the Conflagration!" (Quran: Al Haj: 22 - 19 & 22 - 23)
The unbelievers among the People of the Book and the pagans shall burn for ever in the fire of Hell. They are the vilest of all creatures. (Quran: Al Bayinah: 98 - 1.8)