Sunday Musings - September 19, 2021
The good news
For many Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and others, the good news is we do not have to kill or otherwise hurt each other. The good news is loving those we label as our enemy pays enormous dividends. The good news shared by Grandma Fannie and others is that one attracts more flies with honey than one does with vinegar. The good news is that hate, and punishment does not add anything to the life of the one who hates or punishes. The good news is that it is safe to love.
I am fascinated by the fact that despite many in the United States wanting to identify themselves as Christian they staunchly defend the right to carry arms and to use a weapon if one feels threatened, believes that a loved one is threatened or even believes that their private possessions are threatened. If in fact the use of hatred and violence is justified there was never any reason for teachers such as Jesus, Mohammed, and the Buddha. If the use of hatred and violence is justified why pretend to take prisoners of war, political prisoners or all those who are labeled as criminals.
I am well aware that we humans get frightened. Sometimes initial fear is a good thing. If a frightened or hungry animals such as a bear or a tiger in coming toward us, it is not likely that one can talk down the animal with the promise of a gift card to a major grocery chain. If a person is pointing a gun at one, it makes sense to be a bit frightened and not charge them or even verbally attack them. It is true that if i am confronted by an angry person who is threatening violence treating them with loving respect in a calm voice may give them space to breathe and to not become violent. It is true that jailing and treating someone as less then will not motivate someone to be their best self. Depending on the diagnosis one may be able to either design healing program or, in some case, keep someone is a locked facility where staff treat them as the ill people they are. We do not admit to intentionally jailing someone for living with a brain tumor or some form of dementia. We may keep them in a facility where they cannot harm themselves or someone else. (i am well aware that some owners of facility for those with dementia are merely attempting to make money and do not provide promised loving care.)
It is true that there are always those who believe an eye for an eye; that violence will teach people a lesson. The truth is violence simmers and waits for an opportunity to return the violence to the original owner or pass it on. Clearly there are those individuals and governmental entities who seem to temporarily “win” with violence. It is true that some who are mistreated have an awakening and decide, in spite of being mistreated, to not continue the cycle of violence. It is true that there are some who initially become less violent because they want to avoid future mistreatment
All great spiritual teachers agree on basic scientific facts:
o Love and not violence is more likely to heal.
o We are social beings and need each other. If we mistreat one part of the whole, we cause harm to the whole.
o Either all life is sacred, or no life is sacred. (In the case of some issues such as abortion good people may disagree about when life begins.)
o Property is never more important than life.
o when a person is hungry it is our duty and privilege to share our crust of bread or whatever we have.
o None of us are in a position to judge another. i must love the person who kills or otherwise harms another. I must never respond to violence with violence.
Written September 19, 2021
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpicktt.org
The good news
For many Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and others, the good news is we do not have to kill or otherwise hurt each other. The good news is loving those we label as our enemy pays enormous dividends. The good news shared by Grandma Fannie and others is that one attracts more flies with honey than one does with vinegar. The good news is that hate, and punishment does not add anything to the life of the one who hates or punishes. The good news is that it is safe to love.
I am fascinated by the fact that despite many in the United States wanting to identify themselves as Christian they staunchly defend the right to carry arms and to use a weapon if one feels threatened, believes that a loved one is threatened or even believes that their private possessions are threatened. If in fact the use of hatred and violence is justified there was never any reason for teachers such as Jesus, Mohammed, and the Buddha. If the use of hatred and violence is justified why pretend to take prisoners of war, political prisoners or all those who are labeled as criminals.
I am well aware that we humans get frightened. Sometimes initial fear is a good thing. If a frightened or hungry animals such as a bear or a tiger in coming toward us, it is not likely that one can talk down the animal with the promise of a gift card to a major grocery chain. If a person is pointing a gun at one, it makes sense to be a bit frightened and not charge them or even verbally attack them. It is true that if i am confronted by an angry person who is threatening violence treating them with loving respect in a calm voice may give them space to breathe and to not become violent. It is true that jailing and treating someone as less then will not motivate someone to be their best self. Depending on the diagnosis one may be able to either design healing program or, in some case, keep someone is a locked facility where staff treat them as the ill people they are. We do not admit to intentionally jailing someone for living with a brain tumor or some form of dementia. We may keep them in a facility where they cannot harm themselves or someone else. (i am well aware that some owners of facility for those with dementia are merely attempting to make money and do not provide promised loving care.)
It is true that there are always those who believe an eye for an eye; that violence will teach people a lesson. The truth is violence simmers and waits for an opportunity to return the violence to the original owner or pass it on. Clearly there are those individuals and governmental entities who seem to temporarily “win” with violence. It is true that some who are mistreated have an awakening and decide, in spite of being mistreated, to not continue the cycle of violence. It is true that there are some who initially become less violent because they want to avoid future mistreatment
All great spiritual teachers agree on basic scientific facts:
o Love and not violence is more likely to heal.
o We are social beings and need each other. If we mistreat one part of the whole, we cause harm to the whole.
o Either all life is sacred, or no life is sacred. (In the case of some issues such as abortion good people may disagree about when life begins.)
o Property is never more important than life.
o when a person is hungry it is our duty and privilege to share our crust of bread or whatever we have.
o None of us are in a position to judge another. i must love the person who kills or otherwise harms another. I must never respond to violence with violence.
Written September 19, 2021
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpicktt.org
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