"Friends, if we be honest with ourselves, we shall be honest with each other." - George Macdonald (1824-1905)

True religion

There is a religion in which its followers are told to speak the truth and treat people kindly no matter what insulting things are said about them or their religion. In this religion believers are told to treat everyone kindly no matter how cruelly they are treated for they will be rewarded after death. The believers are to focus on helping the poor and speak up for the oppressed (no matter what those people believe). Naturally such a religion brings about reform in the society that embraces it and puts those beliefs into practice. Unfortunately, no society has ever fully embraced those beliefs because there are always those who are more interested in personal gain than doing what is right.

In the religion I am speaking of believers must not to take the law into their own hands but instead appeal to the authorities for justice when injustices are done. If after appealing they do not get justice they must not take the law into their own hands for their God forbids them to. Believers must obey the laws of the government unless the government asks them to do that which is plainly wrong, and even then they must be willing to be pay the penalty for disobeying the law without becoming violent (e.g. go to prison)*.

The religion I am talking about sounds good but it does not bring peace in the short term. By its very nature this religion brings about division. If you speak up for the oppressed you will find yourself opposing religious leaders, kings and prime ministers. If you stand up for the oppressed you will make yourself a target of the rich and powerful.

If you embrace this religion you may be seen as a traitor to your culture, family or community. But take heart. They killed the prophets why should you expect better treatment? The few people who embrace this religion have always had some impact on the societies in which they live despite strong opposition.

We are called to follow the example of the prophets.

Each generation has its own battle; there are always those who are more interested in making money than doing what is right.

And so nations grow better or worse depending on who is more active at the time.

*(Note: there is one exception to this rule. Governments must protect their own people no matter what those people believe, and so the believer in government has a responsibility to protect his or her subjects. This might also include a state or local government not enforcing an unjust law which is prescribed by a federal government.) 

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