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Saudi and Spanish kings urge religions to join forces (Roundup)
Jul 16, 2008, 15:52 GMT
Madrid - The kings of Saudi Arabia and Spain on Wednesday urged world religions to join forces in building a more peaceful and harmonious world.
It was time to turn 'a new page for humanity' in inter-religious understanding, which could help the world recover lost values and emerge from confusion, Saudi King Abdullah said on inaugurating the World Conference on Dialogue, a major inter-faith event sponsored by his country in Madrid.
Islam was a religion of moderation and tolerance, the monarch stressed.
Earlier initiatives may have failed because they sought to merge religions, an attempt doomed to failure, because all religions were convinced of their own beliefs despite God being the same for all, King Abdullah said.
Human tragedies were not caused by religions, but by extremism, the monarch explained.
Spain's King Juan Carlos said inter-faith dialogue could help to solve problems including terrorism, hunger, disease and poverty.
Muslim World League Secretary-General Abdullah al-Turki called on delegates attending the three-day conference to produce concrete projects with follow-up plans.
Other guests at the inauguration included Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Middle East Quartet envoy Tony Blair and US civil rights figure the Reverend Jesse Jackson.
Around 250 Muslim, Christian and Jewish clergy and other experts on inter-religious dialogue, including 15 women, were attending the meeting instigated by Saudi Arabia in what was seen as a ground-breaking move for the highly conservative Muslim kingdom.
Experts and intellectuals including Lebanese Culture Minister Tariq Mitri and Vatican inter-faith specialist Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran were to analyze questions such as the civilizational foundations of inter-faith dialogue, ways to promote it, and common human values.
The conference, which also includes representatives of Buddhism, Hinduism and Taoism, is taking place against the backdrop of the Middle East conflict and controversy over caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed, but it was expected to shun political questions.
The sessions are closed to the media, with a final communique expected on Friday.
Organized by the World Muslim League, the conference was partly inspired by King Abdullah's unprecedented meeting with Pope Benedict XVI in the Vatican in November 2007, and by the International Islamic Conference for Dialogue in Mecca last month.
Detractors slammed the Madrid conference as a public relations operation by Saudi Arabia after the attacks of September 11, 2001 in the United States, which were carried out mainly by Saudis inspired by Saudi-born Osama bin Laden.
Critics said it was ironic for a meeting on religious tolerance to be sponsored by Saudi Arabia, where others than Sunni Muslims had few right. There were few Shi'a Muslim participants, and none of the Jewish delegates were listed as Israelis, they added.
Yet others praised the initiative, with the World Jewish Congress describing it as a 'significant and timely development.'
Cardinal Tauran said Saudi Arabia's 'act of great courage' had come surprisingly quickly after King Abdullah's meeting with the pope.
Inter-religious understanding should be promoted with 'prejudice-free' religion studies at universities and by training specialists on inter-faith dialogue, the newsletter of Radio Vatican quoted Tauran as saying.
The organizers were believed to have chosen Spain as the host country, because domestic opposition would have made it difficult to stage the conference in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Turki said Spain had been chosen because of the religious tolerance that characterized it when it was partly under Moorish rule for eight centuries until 1492.
Muslims, Christians and Jews lived in a relative harmony in Moorish Spain, known as al-Andalus. 'The image of al-Andalus made us hold this conference in Spain,' al-Turki told the daily El Mundo.
King Abdullah also praised Spain's support to the Middle East peace process and role in promoting the Euro-Mediterranean partnership.
Zapatero is the sponsor, alongside his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, of the Alliance of Civilizations project to improve understanding between the West and the Muslim world, which has been adopted by the United Nations.
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Older Talkback
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Our leaders in the Arab World are worse than Israeli dogs with rabies, While Israel massacres our people bringing death and destruction what our leaders in Saudi, Kuwait, Egypt doing? After kissing their master’s feet in the west, go down to casinos and spend our national wealth, just think of 8000 Royal families in Saudi, 3000 in Kuwait, they are nothing but lazy, fat, corrupt, stupid, windbags.
Re: A letter to US Congress
To Americans: Congress and President
Re: A letter to Congress
To Americans: Congress and President
Now is the time to tell the truth. Without it, you will never have peace. We know that all of you do not tell the truth, and we understand why. You have been given more than an opportunity to CHANGE, and you choose, as is your right not to tell the truth. Our Country is in trouble, and over 200 million Americans need help. This we know. This fact you know, but because of selfish pride, greed and other self-serving agendas, America will continue to suffer no matter who is in power. Congress has failed to help Americans live a life of prosperity and peace, and this is not acceptable.
As Congress, it is your moral and public duty to protect and serve your districts, and you have failed. As President, it is your duty to do the same and work with Congress for Change and you have failed. As Americans we are suffering, and we know that Congress and our President can do nothing, because you do not tell the truth. It has nothing to do with race or religion. It has to do with doing the right thing for Americans, not yourselves or others that have their own interests. Our Military is in trouble and needs help. We can offer them the respect and dignity due someone who is willing to lay down their life for us all.
Obama and others will not Change America; only Americans can truly change America after we change ourselves.
We need a new Government managed by those that tell the truth. We also understand that this is the last 4 years of America, as we know it. We also know that all of you would like for all us to believe you all and accept our fate, and that, will not happen!
On September 11, 2008 at 8AM PST we will become public. At the Federal Building, 11000 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, California.
Our first order of business will be to introduce a plan to nationalize the oil industry in America. Under the current Congress this plan will not work, only under a new Congress will this work.
We are not afraid of the TRUTH, are you?
We are a Legion of many, who will live a life of peace, and have respect for all living things, while having considerations for those who are different, and look for ways to truly accommodate those who are slow in understanding.
We support the poor, helpless, and defenseless people. We support the freedom of Women, we support the sane treatment of animals and the environment, and we support the freedom of religion and expression. We do not support ignorance, period.
We are a growing nation of people that encourage all Americans to become part of the New American Republic!
CHANGE FOR AMERICA FOR AMERICANS!
I am very sorry mate, but your letter is to the wrong people, your letter should read more like,
Dear Jewish Lobby groups,
Sorry for troubling you while you are busy creating wars for us Americans to fight, kindly, now that you have stripped our country clean of all it’s treasure by dominating all our commerce, financial institutions, and the stupid idiots who run us, give us, poor American taxpayers a break to recover a bit before we go and fight your (Israel’s) new fight in Iran when we will be completely bankrupt.
Yours Sincerely
The Ignorant and innocent American Voter
Islam, for those how do not know it, is a peaceful religion, and has no relation whatsoever to terrorism act. For those who want to know about Islam, might find these webs of interest to them: www.islam-guide.com or www.islamalways.com . I ask GOD to let all of us, all the world’s inhabitants live in peace and harmony. Thank you.
porky there are some people wh do feel that way people who hate. But a true christian doesen't hate porky we love and care for u we want u to who god is and through his son jesus u may know him and even if u dont belive im not going to force u but u cant cange what is true u belive that there is no gravity as hard as u want it dosent change the fact that it's till there i hope one day u will come to know god for i was once like u
Where is the peace in islam?
Your founder invented islam in a dark cave when he was attacked by demons and immediately robbed caravans going back and forth to Mecca.
Your founder kidnapped and ransomed hundreds of people.
Your founder personally murdered dozens of people during his wars and invasions of Arabia.
Your founder raped many women he captured during his lifetime.
Islam INVADED Egypt, Syria, Israel, Persia, India, Indonesia, Europe, North Africa, and besieged Constantinople several times.
Abraham.....WHERE IS THE PEACE IN ISLAM!?!?!?!
Another thing, why is the koran so worthless and full of errors?
That poor excuse of a cupcoaster claims the sun revolves around the earth.
The koran than says the EARTH IS FLAT!!
What is up with that nonsense and you morons than say the koran is perfect and you believe it unconditionally.
That is 1 big reason your political cult of death posing as a religion is so tragic and pathetic.
Lies no longer work muslim as long as people read and research about islam on their own time.
Please tell your lies elsewhere.
Porky, it seems as if you have resorted to extremist categorization of Athiest, Jew and Christian alike.
As you are an Athiest Porky, i'm unconvinced that you can logically believe that killing animals, indeed killing period, is in some way cruel or morally wrong. the concept of 'cruelty' suggests some kind of violation of a moral reality, which according to the theory of everything being random and coincidence, is illogical. Might need to explain that one a bit.
As for women in bags...huh??
I'm going to explain the whole 'God lover' thing to you.
God gives two important commandments.
Loving God is the first commandment.
If Christians do the first one, then it really should follow that they do the second commandment of loving all humanity as well. Now, no one is perfect, (an essential step in becoming a Christian is by default admitance that you are in fact evil and very flawed), but any 'genuine' Christian is generally attempting to emulate the love of God for their fellow human beings. Therefore, your accusation is relatively invalid and pretty inaccurate.
Do we fear you??
We love and fear the God that created the entire existence of the universe and all creation just by saying the word. Trust me, athiests do not make the list of things we fear.
What don't we want Athiests to reveal??
Ummm...nothing. We are the ones with the revelation. And like the guy who gave it to us, we are giving it away free too. Jesus lived, died, and was resurrected. You can be too! Happy eternal life forever day!
Porky, on behalf of Christians who love God, and therefore love his commandment to love our fellow human beings:
We love you! We know where you can get happiness, fulfilment and life that lasts forever - Jesus. You don't have to take what Jesus offers, but we warn you that Jesus owns the world and he is taking it back sooner or later. If you wont accept his mercy, then all there is left is the wrath of God, which is bad beyond belief. Praise God that you have free will and can make up your mind and choose whatever you like. For me personally, I tried life without Jesus for 22 years and things went downhill. I've been trying life with Jesus for a year and a half and life doesn't get better. Hope that helps in your decision.
May you recieve God's blessings for you! :)
Abraham, I think that post up there was a little bit harsh towards you.
However, I have a question for you.
What is God like? Who is God to you? How does God relate to you? How does God feel about you personally Abraham?
If you can't answer those questions, just ask Jesus. Jesus is far more than just a prophet, he is God and he is human, and he loves you more than anyone knows what love is. And Jesus wants you to know Him, because God is personal and close to us, He is intimate, not distant nor unknowable.
Jesus came so that you could know who God is.
And Jesus is certainty of salvation. There is no guessing, no trying to do as many good works as possible but never knowing for certain.
Jesus offers certainty of heaven.
Doesn't that make you feel great, it does so for me! :D
Thoughtful Porky,
Your genuineness is appreciated. May I also be so genuine in my opinion in return?
Dieticians divide animals in clean/unclean into the same categories as God did for the same reasons; for health safety. My opinion is that was loving for God to reveal that to a people who were clueless of germs and cleanliness until the 1800's. The immediate and long-term result was the Jews lived longer and healthier lives than the cultures around them, and those cultures mistakenly accused the Jews of cursing them to die younger. (It is someone else's fault. Lack of knowlege in healthy living is not the problem. The Jews did this to us. This type of hatred and prejudiced haa continued to exist against the Jews.)
When God says, 'No' He is saying, *Don't hurt yourself!* God knows that hurt people do just that, they hurt people, and try to get even. God said, in essence, *take it out on the dog*, and drop the matter so you can start over fresh in loving one another. People are much more valuable to God than animals. He never took pleasure in the death of animals, but wants people to obey His command to love one another. The animal was a symbol of God's promise that He would come be the ultimate. God came as a man and died on the cross once and for all so no more animals have to be killed.
God made women as a gift perfectly suited for man and beautiful to behold. God likes for women to be beautiful on the inside and outside, dressing modestly, revealing their treasures only to the one man who is joined with them for life. God leaves it up to the woman to choose what is modest dress that honors her husband and enriches their union.
God has said those who love Him will serve one another, even their enemies. Turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, love your enemies. Those are commands of Jesus. A Roman soldier had the authority to command anyone to carry his heavy gear for him for a mile. No matter what a citizen was doing, he had to stop and serve the soldier without complaint. Jesus said to carry the gear an extra mile. It was a Roman soldier who commanded a man to carry Jesus' cross for him because Jesus was too beaten down to go any farther.
As a science teacher, I have witnessed many atheists not getting along with other atheists; but I think you are saying atheists agree to disagree and everyone is allowed their own opinion. Jesus agrees with that too. Thank you for allowing me to share my own opinion with you.
There is no such thing as darkness. It can not be produced or extended. There is only an absence of light. Jesus said He was the Light of the world. Anyone who comes to Him will be accepted. If anyone wants to get away from the Light, He allows that person to choose to be away from Him forever. He calls it hell and says it is sheer torment to live without Him. I don't want anyone to suffer that, and it is scary and sad to think about loved ones refusing to come to the Light. I love my family enough to take a stand against someone wanting to cover up the Light so they cannot see it and have the freedom to choose or to reject the Light.
God loves His children enough to reveal Himself. He didn't have to do that. He also revealed that He would bring peace to the earth by allowing those who do not want Him to be away from Him forever. He has foretold much of history, and has foretold that someone demanding to be worshiped as God would come and fool the people who do not want the Light. This man will combine all the world with his peace plan that combines religion, economics and government into a one-world system that lets all hell break loose and no peace anywhere on earth for a short while. God said it will happen when the church forgets Him and is full of lies and hypocrisy. I think we agree that is all around in plain sight. After all hell breaks loose, Jesus, a Jew, said He would come from the east to rule from the Temple Mount. (The Muslims have sealed the East Gate in the wall around Jerusalem, and say they want Eastern Jerusalem.)
Jesus said there are many who will say they are His, but they actually have hard hearts and did not come to Him at all. Jesus said He was God,and they killed Him for that. That was His crime. His first century followers were crucified too. So Jesus was either a nut-case, an evil liar, or God. Those are the only possibilities for a man who says He is God. If I have to choose between Jesus and not Jesus, I may have to die for believing Jesus is God.
These are my opinions based on the Bible, and nothing else, because God said there would be no more new information to come from Him. All new information, God warned, would be from the evil one coming to set himself up to be worshiped by God. That is why I am not a Muslim, a Mormon, a Jehoveh Witness, new ager, etc., because they have new information God said would be from demons. I believe God gives everyone a choice to choose Jesus, the Light or to choose something else that God says leads to darkness forever.
So we agree on some things, and not others, but most importantly, we afree that everyone gets to choose what they believe. If the UN decides my views are extreme, then I will not be allowed this freedom to choose. That is what happened to Jesus who was very extreme to condemn the culture that thought a cow more valuable than a woman. Extremists also founded the USA; willing to give up peace to provide people with the freedom to choose religion. It is not freedom from religion in our Constitution, but freedom of religion.
Respectfully,
Lisa
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PorkyJul 16th, 2008 - 16:15:30
As an athiest I would never cruelly slaughter an animal because a God thinks I should, I would never allow women to go around in a bag, divide animals into clean and dirty catagories and try to dominate all those around us. All us atiests just get along with all the other atiests just fine so why do God lovers hate us? Do thet fear us? What do we know that they think should not be revealed?
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