Standing up for others

This site  www.StandingUpforOthers.com is dedicated to Rev. Sun Myung Moon, whom I have come to respect and honor for his teachings in creating a cohesive world. Standing up for others is the right thing to do, every human goes through a period of invincibility to vulnerability, if we don't stand up for those who are vulnerable, then who will stand up for us when we are vulnerable? Continued at: http://standingupforothers.blogspot.com/2012/08/standing-up-for-others_14.html

The idea of alms, charity, taking care of the elderly, weak, sick and the children is a common theme in every religious tradition. It is indeed an insurance for every one's well being. I cannot be at peace when others around me aren't, and hence it behooves me to take care of the ones who need assistance.



www.FoundationforPluralism.com

I am blessed to have taken a stand for Jews, Catholics, Ahmadiyyas, Immigrants, Hindus, Falun Dafa, Zoroastrians, Muslims, Native Americans, Christians, Baha'i, Wicca, Sikh and other identities of humanity including GLBT community. It is the right thing to do. 

Father Moon emphasizes the idea, "Living for the sake of others" indeed there is a lot of wisdom in it as Martin Niemoller also reflects it in his eternal poem, "first they came for the Jews, I wasn't a Jew, so I did not say a thing, then they came for Communists, I didn't care, I wasn't a communist, then he concludes, then they came for me and it shattered me to know that there was no one left to speak up for me."

Please note that I am no more of a volunteer than you are, if I have not spoken out against one of your dear causes, it is simply because not being aware and having only 24 hours in a day. If you would like to share it with me, please do so in the comments section.

Mahatma Gandhi has been a major inspiration in my life. Twice in my life I have seen Mahatma Gandhi in my dreams, the first time was when I was in College around 1971, when Mahatma Gandhi, the vice-chancellor of Bangalore University Sri V. Narsimaiah and I were having a dinner together and Mahatma puts his hands on my shoulders and says, "tujhe bahut kaam karna hai beta", you have a lot of work to do son, and again around 2003, he appears in my dreams and with the same affectionate hand (as my Dad's), he pats on my back, "you have to do it"... the only thing I consistently get from this message was the work of Pluralism, help me God, I am committed to do.

Thanks to my Father and Mother for breaking away from the traditional practices of apartheid, growing up as kids, we did something that was un-heard of, the Dalits and us would eat off our plates, and drink tea off our glasses, they would come in to our home... and many had called my Dad for stopping it. I shall write that some time.

Links are linked where the compilation is done, others will be completed by 12/31/12 - God willing if I am alive. 

• Standing up for Atheists
• Standing up for Christians
• Standing up for GLBT
• Standing up for Hindus
• Standing up for Immigs
• Standing up for Jews
• Standing up for Others
• Your Comments

• Standing up for Apostates Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and Malaysia work
• Standing up for Baha'i - Iran petitions 
• Standing up for Jains - Adding the Jain logo at
• Standing up for Muslims  - Standing up for Ahamdiyya, Bohra, Ismailia, Shia, Sufi, Sunni and other Muslims
• Standing up for Pagans - Petition to save a woman in Saudi Arabia
• Standing up for Sikhs - Afghanistan, France, UK, USA, Pakistan
• Standing up for Wicca - Arlington Cemetery Head stones
• Standing up for Native Americans http://wisdomofreligion.blogspot.com/2010/02/petition-for-native-american-heritage.html
• Standing up for Falun Dafa http://www.clearwisdom.net/emh/articles/2006/3/19/70952.html
• Standing up for Women's rights - Burqa, Sharia, divorce,
• Standing up for Darfur - Joined the Darful Coalition and petitions
• Standing up for Bosnia - Faxes, phone calls etc.
• Standing up for Burmese Buddhists - http://wisdomofreligion.blogspot.com/2007/10/stand-with-burmese-people.html

 

I am dedicating this site to Reverend Sun Myung Moon, founder of the Unificationists Church ascended to heaven on Sunday, September 2, 2012.  I have written many articles about his teachings and planning to write a tribute to his work after the Unity Day event on September 11, 2012.

I was moved by his teachings of the divine principles, and his continuous emphasis on "living for the sake of others

Reverend Moon's work for humanity is exemplary, he was committed to peace between North and South Korea, and Israel and Palestine. He was also considering enabling the United Nations to understand and resovle the religious conflicts before they exploded into genocides and massacres.

His greatest legacy to mankind is the book he compiled called, "World Scripture" a comparative anthology of sacred texts. It is indeed the best reference guide for the pluralists and interfaithers. (A tribute to Rev. Moon).

 

To be updated, God has blessed me to be a part of many a societies and I am thankful for the same. I urge you to knock off one hour's TV or gossip and spend that time standing up for others, the least you can do is to let them know that you are with them and that they are not alone.

 Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, peace making, foreign policy, Islam, Israel, India, Pakistan, interfaith, and cohesion at work place or social settings. He is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day at www.TheGhousediary.com. Mike has a strong presence on national local TV, Radio and Print Media, and is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News, fortnightly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. His personal site www.MikeGhouse.net indexes everything you want to know about him.

  

Standing up for Sikhs

Thank God for giving me the opportunity to serve fellow beings, I am writing about the work I have done in standing up for others.  I hope you would feel inspired to stand up for some other than you own.

I am blessed to have served about every community, and one of these days, I will complete the list from my work in the last thirty years 

Delhi Sikh Massacre
Taliban Harassment
UK's denial in public service
French Harassment
United States
Killing of a Sikh in Arizona
Preventing Sikh's name from the 9/11 Memorial
and now the Wisconsin shooting

There is a lot of work that needs to be done, on my part, here is a partial list of my involvement and work I was able to pull from Google.

1. Sikhs honored - https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeghouse/sets/72157631762797919/show/?rb=1
2. Unity Day with Sikhs - http://911unitydayusa.blogspot.com/2012_09_01_archive.html
3. Sikh Genocides Commemoration - http://holocaustandgenocides.blogspot.com/2013/01/6th-annual-holocaust-and-genocides-sikh_23.html 
4. Sikh Genocide pictures - https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeghouse/sets/72157636856041595/
5. Huffington Post about Gurpurab - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/sikhs-and-muslims-on-542n_b_1087327.html
6. Harassment of Sikhs - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/harassment-of-sikhs-in-ne_b_3997899.html
7. Holocaust and Genocides - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/holocaust-remembrance-and-recognizing-all-genocides_b_2547164.html
8. Defending Sikhs in Malaysia - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/who-owns-allah-the-god-th_b_4143551.html
9. Mike Ghouse speaking at Candle light vigil at Gurdwara - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dR0t7O51ViM
10. Sikh Temple Massacre - http://www.smirkingchimp.com/thread/mike-ghouse/44751/sikh-temple-massacre-in-milwaukee-wisconsin
11. is the Sikh Shooting Christian Terrorism? http://dallasmuslimcenter.blogspot.com/2012/08/texas-faith-is-sikh-shooting-christian.html
12. Ramadan Iftar at Gurdwara - http://ramadanexclusive.blogspot.com/2012/08/ramadan-day-20-sikh-temple.html
13. Holocaust and Genocides - http://holocaustandgenocides.blogspot.com/2014/01/why-only-mike-ghouse-by-shah-alam.html
14. Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh - http://www.opednews.com/articles/Festivals-of-the-World--3-by-Mike-Ghouse-Guru-Gobind-Singh_Pluralist-Mike-Ghouse_Religion-Interfaith_Sikh-Guru-140107-725.html
15. http://pluralismcenter.blogspot.com/2012/08/honoring-sikh-community-in-dallas.html
16. http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/08/texas-faith-is-sikh-shooting-christian.html
17. http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/08/sikh-massacre-in-milwaukee-gurudwara.html
18. Resolving 500 year old Sikh-Muslim conflict - http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2010/08/quraan-surah-hijr-1526-30.html

Standing up for Others

Standing up for others is the right thing to do, every human goes through a period of invincibility to vulnerability, if we don't stand up for those who are vulnerable, then who will stand up for us when we are vulnerable?

www.FoundationforPluralism.com 

The idea of alms, charity, taking care of the elderly, weak, sick and the children is a common theme in every religious tradition. It is indeed an insurance for every one's well being. I cannot be at peace when others around me aren't, and hence it behooves me to take care of the ones who need assistance.

I am blessed to have taken a stand for Jews, Catholics, Ahmadiyyas, Immigrants, Hindus, Falun Dafa, Zoroastrians, Muslims, Native Americans, Christians, Baha'i, Wicca, Sikh and other identities of humanity including GLBT community. It is the right thing to do.

Father Moon emphasizes the idea, "Living for the sake of others" indeed there is a lot of wisdom in it as Martin Niemoller also reflects it in his eternal poem, "first they came for the Jews, I wasn't a Jew, so I did not say a thing, then they came for Communists, I didn't care, I wasn't a communist, then he concludes, then they came for me and it shattered me to know that there was no one left to speak up for me."

Please note that I am no more of a volunteer than you are, if I have not spoken out against one of your dear causes, it is simply because not being aware and having only 24 hours in a day. If you would like to share it with me, please do so in the comments section.

Mahatma Gandhi has been a major inspiration in my life. Twice in my life I have seen Mahatma Gandhi in my dreams, the first time was when I was in College around 1971, when Mahatma Gandhi, the vice-chancellor of Bangalore University Sri V. Narsimaiah and I were having a dinner together and Mahatma puts his hands on my shoulders and says, "tujhe bahut kaam karna hai beta", you have a lot of work to do son, and again around 2003, he appears in my dreams and with the same affectionate hand (as my Dad's), he pats on my back, "you have to do it"... the only thing I consistently get from this message was the work of Pluralism, help me God, I am committed to do.

Thanks to my Father and Mother for breaking away from the traditional practices of apartheid, growing up as kids, we did something that was un-heard of, the Dalits and us would eat off our plates, and drink tea off our glasses, they would come in to our home... and many had called my Dad for stopping it. I shall write that some time.

Links are linked where the compilation is done, others will be completed by 12/31/12 - God willing if I am alive. 

• Standing up for Atheists
• Standing up for Christians
• Standing up for GLBT
• Standing up for Hindus
• Standing up for Immigs
• Standing up for Jews
• Standing up for Others
• Your Comments

1. Standing up for Apostates Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and Malaysia work
2. Standing up for Baha'i - Iran petitions 
3. Standing up for Jains - Adding the Jain logo at
4. Standing up for Muslims  - Standing up for Ahamdiyya, Bohra, Ismailia, Shia, Sufi, Sunni and other Muslims
5. Standing up for Pagans - Petition to save a woman in Saudi Arabia
6. Standing up for Sikhs - Afghanistan, France, UK, USA, Pakistan
7. Standing up for Wicca - Arlington Cemetery Head stones
8. Standing up for Native Americans http://wisdomofreligion.blogspot.com/2010/02/petition-for-native-american-heritage.html
9. Standing up for Falun Dafa http://www.clearwisdom.net/emh/articles/2006/3/19/70952.html
10. Standing up for Women's rights - Burqa, Sharia, divorce,
11. Standing up for Darfur - Joined the Darful Coalition and petitions
12. Standing up for Bosnia - Faxes, phone calls etc.
13. Standing up for Burmese Buddhists - http://wisdomofreligion.blogspot.com/2007/10/stand-with-burmese-people.html

To be updated, God has blessed me to be a part of many a societies and I am thankful for the same. I urge you to knock off one hour's TV or gossip and spend that time standing up for others, the least you can do is to let them know that you are with them and that they are not alone.

MikeGhouse is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is a professional speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, civic affairs, Islam, India, Israel, peace and justice. Mike is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News and regularly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. The blog www.TheGhousediary.comis updated daily. 

  

Standing up for the Tea Party

When someone is accused of wrong doing, it is the duty of every human to stand up for them; ultimately everyone would be better off.

The ABC news has messed up, “and issued a report Friday suggesting that the horrific shooting at a Colorado movie theater was perpetrated by a suspect with ties to the movement, the situation had a familiar feel to it, tea party leaders say.”

Although the report may suit many who hate the politics of the Tea Party, but speaking up against false suggestions is the right thing to do.

My instant reaction smelled the wrongness of the suggestion that the murder was linked to the Tea Party. I deliberated about the dangerous and sinister accusations aggressively made against Muslims almost every week by the individuals affiliated with the Tea Party, then a verse from Quraan popped  in my ears, “don’t let your bias of others make you unjust towards them”, bingo, I was back home with my original reaction. Justice is the ultimate panacea to the ills of the society.

Here I am calling on ABC News to give equal time to the tea party members to clarify their position. Individuals may be wrong, but never a group of people.

I was intrigued by Lu Ann Busse’s statement, “There’s been repeated incidents where people have an agenda to demonize a certain segment of the population, whether it is the tea party or similar groups,” Busse said. “They try to use everything to demonize and marginalize us, and I think it’s totally irresponsible and not the way people should act.”

Indeed, I am concerned about that statement, and ask Lu Ann Busse, who is currently running for the Colorado House and a former Tea Party leader  to join me in condemning similar statements made by Tea party affiliated men and women like Michelle Bachman, Herman Cain, Sara Palin and countless others for political gains.

We need to set the country on the right track by speaking up against wrong doing, no matter who it is.

All it takes is one man to fix the ills of our society, and one man to mess it up.   I salute John McCain for speaking up against Michelle Bachman, and appreciate all the sheep that jumped behind him like Ed Rollins, John Boehner and a host of others.

I am pleased to stand up for the Tea Party in this regard, and I have stood up for everyone from Atheists to Zoroastrian and every one in between athttp://standingupforothers.blogspot.com/

_______

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on the topics of Pluralism, Coexistence, politics, interfaith, Islam and cohesive societies. He is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. 

Standing up for others

Standing up for others is the right thing to do, every human goes through a period of invincibility to vulnerability, if we don't stand up for those who are vulnerable, then who will stand up for us when we are vulnerable?

Father Moon emphasizes the idea, "Living for the sake of others" indeed there is a lot of wisdom in it as Martin Niemoller also reflects it in his eternal poem, "first they came for the Jews, I wasn't a Jew, so I did not say a thing, then they came for Communists, I didn't care, I wasn't a communist, then he concludes, then they came for me and it shattered me to know that there was no one left to speak up for me."

The idea of alms, charity, taking care of the elderly, weak, sick and the children is a common theme in every religious tradition. It is indeed an insurance for every one's well being. I cannot be at peace when others around me aren't, and hence it behooves me to take care of the ones who need assistance.

I am blessed to have taken a stand for Jews, Catholics, Ahmadiyyas, Immigrants, Hindus, Falun Dafa, Zoroastrians, Muslims, Native Americans, Christians, Baha'i, Wicca, Sikh and other identities of humanity including GLBT community. It is the right thing to do.

Please note that I am no more of a volunteer than you are, if I have not spoken out against one of your dear causes, it is simply because not being aware and having only 24 hours in a day. If you would like to share it with me, please do so in the comments section.

Mahatma Gandhi has been a major inspiration in my life. Twice in my life I have seen Mahatma Gandhi in my dreams, the first time was when I was in College around 1971, when Mahatma Gandhi, the vice-chancellor of Bangalore University Sri V. Narsimaiah and I were having a dinner together and Mahatma puts his hands on my shoulders and says, "tujhe bahut kaam karna hai beta", you have a lot of work to do son, and again around 2003, he appears in my dreams and with the same affectionate hand (as my Dad's), he pats on my back, "you have to do it"... the only thing I consistently get from this message was the work of Pluralism, help me God, I am committed to do.

Thanks to my Father and Mother for breaking away from the traditional practices of apartheid, growing up as kids, we did something that was un-heard of, the Dalits and us would eat off our plates, and drink tea off our glasses, they would come in to our home... and many had called my Dad for stopping it. I shall write that some time.

Links are linked where the compilation is done, others will be completed by 12/31/12 - God willling if I am alive. 

1. Standing up for Atheists
   http://standingupforothers.blogspot.com/2012/04/speaking-up-for-atheists.html 
   
2. Standing up for Apostates Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and Malaysia work
3. Standing up for Baha'i - Iran petitions 
   
4. Standing up for Christians http://standingupforothers.blogspot.com/2012/01/standing-with-christians.html
   
5. Standing up for Hindus
   http://standingupforothers.blogspot.com/2012/04/standing-with-hindus.html
   
6. Standing up for Jains - Adding the Jain logo at DOJ
   
7. Standing up for Jews http://standingupforothers.blogspot.com/2012/02/standing-up-with-jews.html
   
8. Standing up for Muslims  - Standing up for Ahamdiyya, Bohra, Ismailia, Shia, Sufi, Sunni and other Muslims
   
9. Standing up for Pagans - Petition to save a woman in Saudi Arabia
   
10. Standing up for Sikhs - Afghanistan, France, UK, USA, Pakistan
    
11. Standing up for Wicca - Arlington Cemetery Head stones
    
12. Standing up for Native Americans http://wisdomofreligion.blogspot.com/2010/02/petition-for-native-american-heritage.html
    
13. Standing up for Gays and Lesbians http://standingupforothers.blogspot.com/2012/05/standing-up-for-gays-and-lesbians.html
    
14. Standing up for Falun Dafa http://www.clearwisdom.net/emh/articles/2006/3/19/70952.html
    
15. Standing up for Women's rights - Burqa, Sharia, divorce,
    
16. Standing up for Darfur - Joined the Darful Coalition and petitions
    
17. Standing up for Bosnia - Faxes, phone calls etc.
    
18. Standing up for Burmese Buddhists - http://wisdomofreligion.blogspot.com/2007/10/stand-with-burmese-people.html
    
19. Standing up for Palestinians and Jews together
    www.IsraelPalestinedialogue.com
    
20. Standing up for Immigrants
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrjU0KULv-Y

To be updated, God has blessed me to be a part of many a societies and I am thankful for the same. I urge you to knock off one hour's TV or gossip and spend that time standing up for others, the least you can do is to let them know that you are with them and that they are not alone.


MikeGhouse is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is a professional speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, civic affairs, Islam, India, Israel, peace and justice. Mike is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News and regularly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. The blog www.TheGhousediary.comis updated daily. 

  

Senator Williams' Remarks Offended Hindus

Huffington post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/senator-williams-offend-hindus_b_1075392.html

It is not only a Hindu issue, it is indeed an American issue. The speaking out shouldn't be just from Hindus, but Christians, Jews, Muslims, Atheists, Pagans, Wiccans, Zoroastrians and others as well. Why should anyone stand up for you, if you are not willing to do the same for others?

As people of faith, we condemn the statement made by Kentucky State Senator David Williams, "Williams charged that the actions of Beshear were tantamount to "idolatry." He stated that as a Christian, he would not participate in Jewish, Muslim or Hindu prayers, and hoped Hindus would open their eyes and "receive Jesus Christ as their personal saviour." Williams made this comment about the ground breaking ceremony of a manufacturing plant in Elizabeth Town in Kentucky that Governor Steve Beshear attended.

As a moderate Republican I am embarrassed that almost all of the bigotry in our nation is flowing out of fellow Republicans. It is time for the good Republicans to speak up and stop this flow and at least lose gracefully in 2012. If the economy turns around a little bit even a useless Democrat will win against a Republican. It is time to wake up and speak out against the bigotry of Williams and all others including the Presidential candidates.

Williams also criticized the Governor for sitting cross-legged with a "dot on his forehead," and described the ceremony as "polytheistic."

I have condemned and talked about similar pronouncements from Pat Robertson, Robert Jeffress and a few Muslims and Jewish clerics for their take on idolatry with a primitive understanding. Idols or icons are representations of God for the Hindus, just as the holy books are God's words for the Jews, Christians, Muslims and others.

No one has a right to belittle other's faiths. If Senator Williams has a problem let it be his problem and one should not malign Christianity for his bigotry. Each faith is dear to the believer and no faith is superior to the other. Faith is about humility and not arrogance. All faiths are designed to bring solace to its followers. Religion is a mechanism that gives hopes and restores one's balance with what surrounds one; people and the environment,.

Indeed, we are one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. We are represented by every race, nationality, ethnicity, language, culture and religion. We see God as one, none and many and in every form; male, female, genderless and non-existent, being and non-being, nameless and with innumerable names. Americans together are committed to preserve this pluralistic heritage of America.

No one should have a problem with other's belief, but it should become our problem when someone denigrates it. We must stand up for each one of the 312 Million Americans.

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer committed to build a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. His work is fully indexed at www.MikeGhouse.net

Do Jews, Christians and Muslims better understand each other since 9/11?

TEXAS FAITH: Do Jews, Christians and Muslims better understand each other since 9/11?

Abstract: Jews need sincerity and not duplicity. Native Americans need an apology and there is a good amount of phobia embedded in Hindus about conversions. We believe in Jesus as a Prophet and not as a son of God. Unless we deal with tough issues about our differences, we will continue to fake being nice to each other and brood with ill-will within. There is indeed improved understanding among faiths since 9/11. But there also is deepening suspicion among them. One is spiritually motivated and the other is political. Please note, most of my writings are inclusive of all theist and atheists traditions, we all inhabit the earth and we need to figure how best to co-exist cohesively.

# # #

Since September 11, 2001, many conversations have taken place among Muslims, Jews and Christians. There are official interfaith conversations occurring all over the globe, where participants dig into each other's texts. And numerous personal dialogues have been established over the last decade. Many of us have learned more about the three Abrahamic faiths since September 11, 2001 than perhaps we knew before that day.

But here's this week's question, which is simple in its wording but not necessarily simple to answer: Do followers of the three Abrahamic faiths really understand each other better since 9/11?

Eight Texas Faith Panelists including Mike Ghouse weighs in at: http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/09/texas-faith-do-jews-christians.html

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas

There is indeed improved understanding among faiths since 9/11. But there also is deepening suspicion among them. One is spiritually motivated and the other is political.

We were better off when we knew very little about each other. But as we faced the hostage crisis in 1979, the evangelical foray into politics, the Baptist convention on harvesting poor souls and finally 9/11, religion moved on to center stage. It will get better when we know more about each other.

On September 11, 2001, I was on the radio in Dallas attempting to make sense out of the chaos of the day and pave the way for relevant actions. Interfaith-faith prayers, blood donation and fundraising for the men and women in uniform were all in place by evening. The fog was clearing up. Osama bin Laden was the bad guy and Muslim-Americans had nothing to do with his actions, nor did they authorize him to terrorize any one. Indeed, he placed a wedge between Americans that still needs to be undone.

Atheists, Baha'i, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Jews, Native Americans, Pagans, Sikhs, Wicca and Zoroastrians along with area city mayors, FBI, police and fire chiefs and community leaders graced the first interfaith event in Frisco. Out of which a new tradition evolved called Unity Day. It continues year after year.

But while we are trying to know more about each other, more needs to be done. Here are a few examples;

* Mosques in Dallas/ Fort Worth area opened their doors right after the 9/11 incident. As Christians walked in, they were naively welcomed by yet-to-be trained volunteers who said, "We believe in Jesus as a Prophet and not as a son of God." However, the volunteers were trained to welcome without conflict the very next week.

Of course, back in the 8th Century, a Syrian bishop had declared that Islam was a false religion. That declaration has remained in the psyche of a few Christians forever.

Pastor Robert Jeffress of the First Baptist Church of Dallas reiterated the statement and added, "Quran is a false book written by a false prophet." He was asked to prove it but failed.

There are several verses in Quraan that are mistranslated for political gains. Steve Blow in Dallas Morning News quoted me, "In the Middle Ages, European leaders commissioned a hostile Quran translation to foster warfare against Muslim invaders. Later, Muslim leaders produced another translation to inflame Muslims against Christians and Jews."

One such difficult passage is "Kill the infidels wherever you find them." Ten such propaganda verses were read to separate the myths from reality. They were not read by Muslim clergy, but by Baptist, Mormon, Protestant, Catholic, Unitarian, Methodist, New Age, Unificationists, Sikhs, Hindu and others at the Quraan Conference

*Shamelessly, anti-Semitism continues to operate under the radar. The anti-circumcision bills in San Francisco and Santa Monica were irksome to some, but frightening to others. Indeed, there are still a few Christians out there who cannot shake off what Fred Phelps was demonstrating with reckless posters such as "Christ Killers."

The Judeo-Christian phrase was thrown around in the 40's to build relationships between Jews and Christians. A whole industry of opportunists was born from it. The support for Jews by Billy Graham, Richard Nixon, Pat Robertson, John Hagee, Glenn Beck and other chest thumpers have ulterior motives. They want to cash in on the name of Israel and perhaps convert them. Jews need sincerity and not duplicity to feel genuinely secure.

*Native Americans need an apology for the destruction of their religion and there is a good amount of phobia embedded in Hindus about conversions. Some of them feel that Governors Nikki Haley and Bobby Jindal made it in politics because they converted to Christianity.

*The spiritual balance in the community needs to be restored through observing and following the Golden Rule, which is treat others as you would like others to treat you. Although we have failed in the past, such as when the city of Plano rejected a permit to build a Hindu temple in the early 80's and Richardson did not permit a Muslim school to open there in the mid-1990s, we still have come a long way. Thank God, those are now history and the public in the metroplex welcomes diversity.

* Interfaith meetings are still social gatherings. Leaders from smaller groups are invited as tokens rather than to genuinely get to know each other. Unless we deal with tough issues about differences, we will continue to fake being nice to each other and brood with ill-will within. There is plenty of room for honesty to grow and mature.

If we can learn to respect the otherness of other people and accept the God-given uniqueness of each one of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge. One of these days we will get there. Meanwhile, I am pleased to invite you to the 7th Annual 9/11 Memorial, the Unity Day USA on Sunday September 11 at 5:00 PM at the Unity Church of Dallas on Forest Lane. Details are at www.UnitydayUSA.com

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References:
Steve Blow – Dallas Morning News: http://www.dallasnews.com/news/columnists/steve-blow/20100919-In-defense-of-Islam-pursuing-9397.ece

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List of difficult passages: http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2010/12/difficult-passages-in-quraan.html

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Quraan Conference program sequence: http://quraanconference.blogspot.com/2010/12/quraan-conference-program-sequence.html

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Mike Ghouse is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Politics, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. Over a thousand articles have been published on the topics and two of his books are poised to be released on Pluralism and Islam. Mike's work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find all of his current articles at www.TheGhousediary.com