Coexist - or Live Peaceably

Yesterday morning, on the way to work I saw a bumper sticker that stated "Coexist". I had never seen any thing like that before,so using the Internet, I found a picture of it.



Their description of this follows:
Every letter has a symbol that represents a system of thought: The crescent and star for Islam; the pentagram for Wicca; the relativity formula for science; the star of David for Judaism; the Karma Wheel dotting the i for Buddhism; the Tao symbol for Taoism; the cross for Christianity.

At first glance, I thought to myself ... "ah this person is for human coexistence between all religions." But more I thought on this, and researched the concept, the more, I don't really agree with that. Each religion and philosophy are directly opposed to each other. That's why there are so many religions, in the world.As if we could all get along!

Can we imagine for even one second that persons from each of these religions, philosophies, thoughts, got together in one room and then have a rational conversation for any period of time? Of course that's seems improbable, and quite impossible.


The dictionary defines "coexist" as: 1. to exist together or at the same time and 2. to exist separately or independently but peaceably, often while remaining rivals or adversaries: Although their ideologies differ greatly, the two great powers must coexist.


As the human race, we all do 'coexist' on the planet we live, as there is no escaping the earth. We try in our human abilities to live peaceably among each other, careful not to offend one another in polite company. Many avoiding the topics of religion, politics, and moral values altogether, to obtain coexistence. We search out people who have the same values, or religious viewpoints, or political affiliations, so that we don't have conflicts. We don't try to bridge the gaps of race or religion or politics to have peace among ourselves. Those who do, seem to be fighting a losing battle.

As a Christian woman, I seek to do the will of Jesus. He stated to Love God with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my mind, and to love my neighbor as myself. (Matthew 22:25-30)

So, does this mean I must coexist with my neighbors, who may disagree with my religious beliefs? Do I try and convert them to my way of thinking? Do I love them as God loves his creation? Do I try and give them the good news of Christ's sacrifice on the cross? Do I tell these persons that their religion/viewpoint,and/or philosophy is wrong and they are going to hell? Is that my 'job'? Is that what Jesus did when he came across people who believed in other ideologies other than his own?


Being born-again Christians, we are told to go out and give the good news to those we meet. If they receive the message, great! If not, are we to shake the dust off of our feet, as the disciples were instructed to do, and walk away? (Mark 6:7-10). Or, do we keep going back after they have denied the message?

I'm all for peace in the world. No wars, no divisions, no turmoil, but even Jesus spoke about having wars, and rumors of wars. Over 2000 years ago, Jesus knew there would always be conflict in the world. Over 2000 years before He came to earth there was turmoil, conflict, wars and battles. So, for all history, and now all eternity, there will be some type of conflict.

Coexistence can happen among co-workers, among neighbors, and among multi-cultural people. However, I really don't believe that coexistence can happen between persons who have differing opinions and belief systems. Someone will always want to bring their philosophy or religious belief saying it is superior over the other.

On the Internet, I did find two websites who believe and teach 'coexistence'. I think each of these are a noble cause to fight for, but I, for one, don't believe either organization will have an easy path to follow. (see below)

Yes, we all have one world that we all live on. God, who created the heavens and the earth, meant for all of us to live in harmony with Him and our neighbor. May we all try to do that in the best way we can and to live peaceably with one another. The book of Titus, chapter 3, verses 1 & 2 say, "Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men."


In Peace and in harmony,

Tracey


1) The Coexist Foundation -- http://www.coexistfoundation.net/about.htm
To promote and facilitate the education of the public in the Jewish, Christian and Islamic faiths and belief and in particular to advance the knowledge and understanding of: the teachings, traditions and practices of the Jewish, Christian and Islamic faiths; the shared history of the Jewish, Christian and Islamic faiths; To promote for the benefit of the public, religious harmony between Jews, Christians and Muslims by encouraging among them a greater understanding and appreciation of each other’s distinctive faith, beliefs, and practices and their common ground. And to this end also to promote friendship, goodwill and mutual trust among them.

"God has given us many faiths but only one world in which to co-exist. May [this] work help all of us to cherish our commonalities and feel enlarged by our differences." Sir Jonathan Sacks, the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations

2) Planet Coexist -- http://planetcoexist.com/
It is the allowance for and the cultivation of a diversity of beliefs within a unified world. In essence, this approach to life reminds us that all the peoples of the earth - religious, national, ethnic, etc. are the many tribes that make up the one nation of humanity. Each community or approach to life is but one flavor of spirituality or philosophy practical application that makes up the rainbow of the human spiritual and practical experience. To thrive as a people, on this planet, we must remember that we each have a unique place in the body of the global community and that each part needs to help out the other for wholeness. It is a process of addressing, understanding, appreciating, honoring and celebrating our diversity within the context of our unity.