Religion: Source of Violence or Love

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FAITH Q&A: Religion: Source of Violence or Love?

By The Reverend Duke Tufty, Senior Pastor, Unity Temple on the Plaza

Q: Why is there so much violence when most religions teach love?

A: Love is the greatest experience we can have on this earth. Love heals, soothes, blesses and exhilarates. That which is the opposite of love causes emotional wounds, disturbs, curses and deflates the spirit.

Knowing this, why doesn't every person choose love over expressions opposite in nature? The answer is fear. When a person sees another individual who displays an outstanding characteristic or attribute that he or she does not have, jealousy or resentment can occur, which is the fear of not being good enough.

When a group of people come into contact with another group of people who are different by nature or hold different religious, political or lifestyle beliefs, the question arises as to who is right and who is wrong. The fear of not being right gives birth to prejudices and discriminations against those who are different in an attempt to make them wrong.

Every battle between nations or individuals is initiated by fear. Fear has driven us to turn against one another. More than 100 million lives have been taken in war. Currently the world powers spend more than $1 trillion a year on warfare, more than enough to wipe out famine and disease.

There is one creative force behind the universe, and the primary characteristic of the creator is love. The only way God's plan for this planet can come into fruition is through love. A lack of faith or trust in that plan causes us individually and collectively to fear, which puts us in opposition to God's plan and engages us in a battle that can only lead to a devastating defeat.

Send e-mail to the Rev. Duke Tufty at duke0123@hotmail.com

Universal Light Institute