Lyle's Blog

The religions of the world are all about peace.   However, history is littered with religious violence in the name of God no matter which religion one could name.  This very fact is the bedrock for many to reject God.  Atheists with good reason are repulsed by the violence of a god.  What atheists do not understand is all violence stems from unrepentant mankind.

I come from a Christian background.  I can only speak of the Bible as I haven’t had exposure or desire to read other books from other religions.  I believe peace is the desire of everyone.  Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, etc. all want peace.  How do we get there?

When Christ was born the angels declared “peace on earth and goodwill toward men”.  To me, this implies there wasn’t real peace before.  God had to make a way for mankind to have peace with Him; that is why Christ came, to be the mediator between Him and mankind.

Men are prone to violence; 14,000 wars have proven that.  We don’t need religion to start a war but is a handy reason if we can find no other.  So what is it that makes war so attractive?  We fight over possessions.  I have no idea what the ten commandments are of other religions but the ten delivered by Moses tell the story of man.  Men are envious, greedy, revengeful, and selfish.  Possessions or power over others seems to be the over-riding reason we do anything and we are willing to kill to get our way.

If we are to live in peace, the question becomes how do we do it?  The truth is we have to put in the discipline to humble ourselves.  War comes about from the need to humble other people and not ourselves.  Mathew 5:9 says “blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God”.  We must become children of God if we are to live in peace.  Exodus 12:4 says that the Lord will fight for you, you’re to hold your peace.  God himself is the chief judge.  He will settle the “books” because all sin is against God.  It is He that has our life in His hands.  Who are we to fight for Him the maker of the universe we live in?

Maybe it’s time to learn what Christ taught, to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind and love your neighbor as yourself.  We don’t have to fight anymore.  The battles have been won.  Humble yourself, pick up your cross and follow the road to peace.