It is a fact that religion often has to do with culture and with globalisation, there is the impact of this changing the culture of society. This will mean that either the professed religion of an individual must change to embrace changing culture or the individual just change his religion to be able to live in the culture he is comfortable with.
As far as God and saints are concerned, it matters not what culture a person prefers but whether he can find fulfillment and meaning in life both in present life and his expectations of afterlife is what matters. Religion is a preference of men and not dictated by the preference of God and saints.
Thus though a man may be born in a certain race group and society, he may find himself at odds to the religion he is born into and his new cultural preference may dictate that he changes religion if the religion he is borne into is simply out of tune to his cultural orientation.
It is alright for him to have doubts and second thoughts on a belief held by the society he grew up with, as doubts exist because he simply does not understand and cannot see eye to eye. But if the doubts are accepted by the society he is in and if he is allowed freedom to be different, he will be a better person if one day he learns and is able to understand that much better. He may then better appreciate the view of his original religion and culture.
This is the logical approach that follows the advice of Lord Bo Tien to all with respect to those who have doubts and who question the spiritual principle that core members of a temple may have. He advises members not to be upset that others may differ from thinking with fellow members but to accept them as part of the group and as no different from any other believers or devotees.
This open acceptance is necessary. One day, they will understand and be stronger and even more ardent members of the society of that temple. Thus a temple of any lord saint will end up as a temple of men of various religious inclinations.
Men will ever have different understanding, beliefs and cultural bias. But behind all these is the same common need to find find spiritual fulfillment in God and saints. This is the singular oneness or commonality regardless of religions, culture or race.
Men may leave that temple or religion to be with other temples or religions. But please do not draw the line that they no longer belong as part of that temple or religion. Keep the door open for one day they will understand and realise they are part of the same under Heaven. They need not give up their new temple or religion for they still belong to the world of men under Heaven.
Difference or doubt is to be accepted and is good, for in time men will understand better and be closer and united. This applies to religions or to secular world.
Difference in views is good for all. It is after all a way of life. The important thing is to know why and to be better off from the learning of why this is so. Differences in religions are good for all to realise, to understand and to know why there are differences.
Difference or doubt is to be accepted and is good, for in time men will understand better and be closer and united. This applies to religions or to secular world.
Difference in views is good for all. It is after all a way of life. The important thing is to know why and to be better off from the learning of why this is so. Differences in religions are good for all to realise, to understand and to know why there are differences.
This will make men understand other religions as well as better understand their own. After all, men of the world are of different races and cultures and yet they are all still men, aren't they?
My God is your God and your God is my God* but yet we may think otherwise because we know not enough of God. We are near but yet far from God. This is as said by Lord Bo Tien when he said that the far may be near and the near far.
My religion can be your religion but yet you want to be different in religion. But still your different religion is same as mine. They are under the same God. It is so and yet we think it is not so.
In time, we will laugh and be closer when we age and meet again in thoughts, deeds and speech with better understanding of life and the Doctrine or Word that is life.
We will laugh over our past differences and parting of ways when actually we did not. We are just moving in a circle and in the same circle. We will end up where we start, or rather we did not move at all though we have moved allot.
There is allot of learning for all because of seeming differences in views of the same thing. Difference in view is good for all.
Actually the bottom line is the same but what matters to a man is the preference of how religiosity should be manifested. This of course has to do with culture, whether it is appealing socially and in tune with his way of living and status.
When there is change of religion, it is conversion but when there is change of temple or church, this is not conversion but being reborn to the same religion. The latter is referred to by some as awakening of sorts - waking up to spirituality in the form that appeals to the man.
Men are always too good in talking and rationalising. That is why the issues of men are many and plentiful. Didn't many saints say that? Lord Bo Tien is certainly one of the saints who said that. They should know as men often go round and round for the same thing. Men somehow need to play musical chairs.
Men needs excitement and change. They will always go for change. Religions that appeal to the East become religions of the West and vice versa. In time, there will be mix of religions and it is already happening in discreet manner. Men enjoy playing games.
Certainly admittedly, we all do at some time or other, so long as we are not yet saints but men. God and saints know us better that we will do so. They afford us with choice of many religions and sects so that we will be spoilt for choice. This will allow us more gain and game for better religiosity. Are we game for better religiosity?
Yes and if so, we must welcome doubt and differences as well as the need for more change. Any change may perturb those who are comfortable with status quo but welcome and refreshing to those who find it stale and have doubts.
*An interesting cross reference
And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: RUTH 1:16 KJV
