on living gods and religion, how islam conquered people!-gctid37659

[kweku, afro olmec]

On Living, gods and religion – a tale of the Madman
   Rodney D. Coates
     
                   Sitting along the garden, the Madman did see a Priest sitting amongst the children.  As he watched, the Priest began to play a game of marbles and the children laughed as they joined in.  Such joy was present, amidst the gathering that the Madman could not help but notice and thus began to speak:
     
   "Beware the person who would cling to their clerical garb while they fail to connect with those around them.  Sinful is the cleric who would live a life of luxury while their flock goes begging.  Damned is the priests who burdens the children with sin and damnation, while life passes them by.  Blessed is the Priests who takes time to look at the world through the eyes of a child.  Forever favored are those whose Sheppard is content to eat with the humble.  And for those Clerics whose fondest wish is to be in the celebrity of the poor –a special place in heaven awaits."
     
   Shock filled the room, as others began to watch, the Priest seemed oblivious to all but the children before him.  And yet the Madman continued:
     
   "Is it not strange that there are those who spend their entire time speaking of sin and lies, while ignoring the greater truths."
     
   "What greater truths" –piped an elderly man, leaning on a cane.  "Would you judge the holy ones, that have been given to us as a gift?  Are you to tell us that they are not what they seem?  Who are you to judge, and to be so cruel?
     
   Mustafa, the Madman, musing –again did speak.  "Would that those who would be our Holy Ones would first understand the basic calling on their lives.  Strange that many speak so much of evil, yet show no real understanding of such. For what is evil but that which is opposed to the living.  Is not evil but live spelled backwards?  And is not anything which is contrary to life the epitome of that which is evil?  Why is it that those who would be called Holy, fill their proclamations with so much grief, so much sorrow, and so much pain?  Is it a god of Grief that they worship?  Is their god one that only respects sorrow, and is it but pain that they have to offer?  Where is this god that would only take sin as an offering, and who is this god that only expects sacrifice from their worshipers?  Is this god so small, so meager, so petty that they would reduce humanity to a slave –surely there must be a higher calling, a higher God.  Surely –there is another Way."
     
   "Would you blaspheme, ridicule, and call our god unjust?" –the old man, now whose face is red, exclaims.
     
   "No!" Mustafa responded. " What I ridicule is that myth which has been proclaimed as god, what I judge is that mistake that some would crown almighty, and what I denounce are those who preach a doctrine of sin and death in homage to this creation of humanity's meanderings. "
     
   "And so, who is the god that you would have us worship, what is their name and where may they be found?" –the old man asked.
     
   "If you would see the face of God, look into the tears of the mother as she watches her child take its first breath.  Hear the voice of God in the laughter of these children.  Experience the love of God as the sky caresses the earth.  Learn of the love of God as you feel the warmth of the sun, and marvel at the majesty of God as you watch the ever changing tapestry of life that unfolds all around you.  If you would know God then learn to love all live, embrace that which is not of you, and forgive that which has hurt you.  If you would speak of God then learn the language of peace spoken by the doves, walk the path of the Saints as they minister to the poor, and lift the burden of the martyrs as you open up your heart to those who would tear it asunder.  If you would worship at the altar of God then bring your love not your tokens, your joy not your offerings, and your wonder and not your doubts.  If you would speak the language of God then learns the words of forgiveness, acceptance, and openness.  If you would reflect that God in your life, then open up yourself, let that light shine through, and empty all of your guilt, shame, and deceptions.  Then, you will be able to truly find God."
     
   But, how can this be?  How is it that we have these religions – islam,christianity,budhism,what are they doing for Kmtyw peoples!?

It is our insistence to be righteous that makes it all wrong.  It is when we would take that which is Holy and use it to abuse, misuse, and destroy another that it ceases to be Holy.  And would you know the name of God?
     
   Yes –so that I might worship this God.
     
   "The  name is  . . ."  and Mustafa, the mad, became silent.
     
   Yes –the name is ..

"Exactly, the name is . . ."
     
   The old man, not understanding left.
     
   Watching him walk away, Mustafa looked over at the children and the Priest  and he asked "The name is . . .
     
   And they all laughed, and continued to play.

The man who has no imagination has no wings.
Muhammad Ali
     
   
   Rodney D. Coates
   Professor