The degree to which your religion excludes those who believe differently than you — much less condemns those who happen to do so to an eternity of suffering, is the degree to which your religion portrays either a false god … or a real God who is not worth worshiping.

And the degree to which your religion advocates Compassion & Kindness & Respect to ALL, especially to those who oppose you or your beliefs — the degree to which your religion refuses to damn or condemn or denigrate those who believe differently, is the degree to which it honors a God of Love; a God who is worthy of your gratitude and your homage and — most important of all — your emulation.

Amen … Let it be so.

“Common sense dictates that we evaluate our beliefs on the basis of how they affect us. If they make us more loving, creative, and wise, they are good beliefs. If they make us cruel, jealous, depressed and sick, they cannot be good beliefs.” ~ Barbara Marx Hubbard

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them … A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit … Thus, BY THEIR FRUIT you will recognize them.” ~ Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:15-20)

“The fruit of the Spirit is Love: joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. ” ~ Paul (Galatians 5:22-23)

Filed under: Wisdoms from the Journey by Scaughdt