There are many other notions and problems that create distrust and disunity within the world of today and most of them are somehow religion related, creating conflict and divisions within the human race:
Some people are under the assumption that it does not really matter what they do in this life, to anyone or anything. They seem to believe that as long as they believe in Jesus Christ and God, that it does not matter how they really behave or treat someone else. They believe that as long as they believe in Jesus Christ and God and have faith, they can pretty much do anything in this world, and they will be saved, regardless of what they do or say to the people in the world around them! This belief, I find, is directly related to some comments made by the apostle Paul, about faith and the law, in the New Testament of the Holy Bible: Galatians: 2:16 “A man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” 3:11 “No man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.” But, 3:13 “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law,” 3:23 “but before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed,” 3:24 “wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” 5:22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” 2:19 “For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.” For, Romans: 3:27 “Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? (works of the law, not good works as some have interpreted it) Nay: but by the law of faith.” 9:32 “Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law.” 3:28 “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” 3:31 “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” You see Paul is not saying that a man should ignore good works and good deeds, and that we are not being held responsible for the things we do in this life: Romans 14:12 “So then, every one of us, (everybody) shall give account of himself to God.” 9:27 “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” For, Matthew 7: 21 “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Revelations 2:23 For, “I will give unto every one of you, according to your works.” You see, Paul was not talking about the good works and the good deeds of our actions, but the works of the laws of Moses, as it fairly, clearly states many times; he was not belittling the importance of the good behavior of mankind or the importance of doing good things in this life or good works and deeds for others. This can clearly be seen by those who are really looking with clear seeing eyes. You see, whenever a new manifestation of God comes to this earth some things that were important to the revelation and religion before it, are sometimes superseded by new rules and laws needed for the new day; example, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth: Judaism, Deuteronomy: 19:21 “But life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” Christianity, Matthew: 5:38 “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth;” 5:39 “but I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” So, Matthew: 23:23 “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” 23:24 “Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.” 23:25 “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.” 23:26 “Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.” 15:14 “And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.”
I decided this topic needed to be examined more closely and elaborated on, when I heard a pastor talking about the confusion that transpired, in the past, between Peter and Paul; as he criticized Peter for his actions, which I later discovered were the actions of another disciple entirely; as he proceeded to infer that Peter was completely misguided and totally wrong in what he had to say, do or believe, giving his listeners the distinct impression that only Paul knew the truth about God’s Holy Word; but I ask you, did Jesus Christ call Paul a rock and tell him that he was going to build his church upon him or give him the keys to the kingdom or tell the people to turn to him once Jesus was gone? Matthew: 16:17 “And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona.” 16:18 “That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” 16:19 “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Clearly Jesus was placing Peter in charge after he was gone, nor was this changed when Jesus spoke to Paul outside of Damascus, in-fact Paul was told he would be being told what he should do: Acts: 9:1 “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,” 9:2 “And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.” 9:3 “And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:” 9:4 “And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” 9:5 “And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And The Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” 9:6 “And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And The Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.” Saul, who was later to be called Paul, was told he would be told what he must do, not to usurp the authority and take over from Peter Christ’s ministry, as some are preaching and would have us believe; in-fact Peter was the first one in charge of or head of the church and many consider him to be the very first Pope in the line of Popes!
Now please don’t misunderstand me or get me wrong. I am not saying that what Paul was saying is wrong or false, clearly those Jews who were just holding onto the law of Moses had missed out on the teachings of Jesus; even Christ tells us this: Luke: 24:44 “And he (Jesus) said unto them, these are the words which I spake unto you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.” John: 5:39 “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” Clearly Jesus is telling them that man needs to have more then just the law and words to gain eternal life, for they only think they have eternal life: 5:46 “For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me.” 5:47 “But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?” For, 3:12 “if I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?”
The things that Paul was saying about the works of the law are true, in the manner he was speaking of them, but some people have confused doing the works of the law of Moses with doing good works or service to God, saying we are not obligated to preform good works or good deeds or service in the path of God, we just need to have faith; I have actually heard some people say this myself; with some people going so far as stating you cannot buy your way into heaven or salvation by doing good works, you need to have faith and only faith in Jesus will allow you to be saved. Ephesians: 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God;” 2:9 “Not of works, lest any man should boast.” But Jesus tells us you will not get into heaven without living the life and doing good works or deeds; he tells us we will be judged on this: Matthew: 7: 21 “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Which means abiding by the word and living by it, not ignoring it or pretending it doesn’t matter. Matthew 12:36 “But I say unto you, they (the people) shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” 16:27 “He (God) shall reward every man according to his works.” Romans 14:12 “So then, every one of us, (everybody) shall give account of himself to God.” We will be asked of our doings in this life and the good or bad things we have done, when we pass out of this mortal life, into the hands of God: Revelations: 2:23 “I will give unto every one of you, according to your works.” 20:12 “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” 20:13 “And they were judged every man according to their works.” And so you think works are not important: Revelations: 2:23 “I will give unto every one of you, according to your works.” Matthew: 16:27 “He (God) shall reward every man according to his works.” 1 Peter: 1:17 “The Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work.” Revelations: 20:13 “And they were judged every man according to their works.” Apparently Christ, John, Matthew, Peter and God think good works and deeds are important; God is judging everyone according to their works and deeds, be they good or bad!
We will all clearly be, being asked of our works and deeds and doings in this life, be they good or bad, when we pass on out of this life, into the other realm. So it should clearly be understood by us, by now, that we need to live a good life here in this world; but some people, it seems, have confused this idea, with the idea that we just need to believe and have faith, which would definitely be the easy way of doing things; no real, true work required on our part, for our future life and deliverance; but are you really willing to bet your future life and existence on this possible fallacy and understanding? Does this really seem to be how The Creator did things in the past or was there always work involved on the part of the people? I know people would just like to believe it’s going to be that simple and easy, but do you really want to take the chances on this being a possible false belief?
Also, Paul’s writings can be confusing and hard to understand at times; you need to pay very close attention to what he is actually saying when reading his writings or you might confuse what he is saying; even Peter commented on this problem: 2 Peter: 3:15 “And our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;” 3:16 “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest (wrestle with), unto their own destruction.” Paul’s teachings and writings can be hard and very confusing to understand for the people. It takes very close attention, on our parts, when we are studying his work, to figure out what he is really, actually trying to tell us and say to us; and than we still might have it all wrong. Another problem we run into within the writings of Paul is that some of the things he states and tells us, should not be taken as valid doctrine or theology, but should only be looked at as conjecture on his part. He tells us this himself, throughout his writings, for those people who are paying close attention; here are a few of those instances: Galatians: 3:15 “Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; (with the words of a man) Though it be but a man’s covenant.” And, 1 Corinthians: 7:25 “I have no commandment of The Lord: yet I give my judgment.” And so, 11:13 “Judge in yourselves.” 11:16 “But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.” And again, Romans: 6:19 “I speak after the manner of men (the words of a man).” If I run into any discrepancies between what Paul states, and what Jesus Christ has to say or do; I go with the words and actions of Jesus Christ every time. People you should really think about this, whenever confusion arises within The Holy Teachings or you are unsure of something in The Holy Writings. It also needs to be remembered that other men in this world are also giving us their own conjectures and human reasonings and understandings as well; so be on guard.
Another problem we run into with the theologies and the doctrines of men is that some men will take one sentence or phrase and formulate their entire theology and belief structure around it, right or wrong. The problem with this kind of investigative behavior is that other parts of the religious writings and books may shed a slightly different light on the subject or reveal an entirely different meaning to the sentence or phrase, than the one currently being held by the people. We are warned in the religious writings of God, that this kind of practice is dangerous and that we should not do this: Christianity: Matthew: 22:29 “Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures.” James: 2:10 “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, (pick and choose what they wish to believe and follow, while ignoring the rest), (they) he is guilty of (disobeying) all (of The Holy Word of God),” 2 Corinthians: 4:2 “handling the word of God deceitfully.” Therefore, 1 Thessalonians 5:21 “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good,” John: 5:39 “Search the scriptures!” Isaiah, 28:10 “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little (study the whole word of God, not just part of it): 28:11 “yet they would not hear.” Therefore, James: 2:12 “so speak ye, and so do, (we are absolutely not suppose to separate out one word or one sentence from His Holy word, and ignore what the rest of The Holy Book is actually saying to us and teaching us; and if we do this we are truly transgressors!).” Revelation: 22:19 “And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life.” Judaism: Deuteronomy 24:17 “Thou shalt not pervert the judgment,” 16:19 “thou shalt not pervert the words.” For, 27:26 “Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words.” Isaiah: 34:16 “Seek ye out of the book of The LORD, and read;” Lamentations: 3:40 “Let us search and try our ways.” Deuteronomy 27:18 and, “cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way (another name for God’s true teachings and religion). 27:19 So, “cursed be he that perverteth the judgment: (God’s Holy Word and teachings).” 4:2 “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of The LORD your God which I once command you.” 12:32 “What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it,” 2 Corinthians: 4:2 “handling the word of God deceitfully.” (King James Bible) “We must never take one sentence in the Teachings and isolate it from the rest,” for our (very) own benefit or interpretation, while ignoring what the rest of the teachings do in-fact teach and say. (Baha’i Faith)
So, some people will take one sentence in the holy book out of context and pervert the meaning of the whole text and maybe even the whole book. This can be done by a speaker being careless with the word and by the speaker not investigating further into what the rest of the book is actually saying about a subject. It can also happen, on our part, by our not clarifying the meaning of the sentence or phrase we are hearing for ourselves, to know if we are being told the truth and not being led astray. For much of mankind has clearly been led astray, by certain people talking about faith and the works of the law, in the Holy Bible; Because the pastor, I listened to, spoke of faith nullifying works repeatedly, but not once did he specify that these works he was talking about Paul nullifying were the works of the law; which Paul repeatedly clarified in his statements, referencing the law! The pastor didn’t clarify what he was saying and repeatedly seemed to call the works we should all be living by and doing, dead works: Hebrews: 9:14 “purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” But not once did he mention to the congregation that was listening to him, that these works that he spoke of were works of the law, and not good works and good deeds we should all practice in our lives and live by, example: Galatians: 2:16 “A man is not justified by the works of the law,” 2:19 “for I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.” So, anybody who does not know better or someone who does not read and study for themselves, and pay close attention to what they read, could quite possibly believe that the pastor was stating that Paul was teaching us that man is not bound by the practice of doing good and living by good works and deeds, but that man just needs to have faith period; which is exactly what I heard my friend say out of a lack of knowledge of the scriptures, in the past, and have heard multiple other individuals falsely state, in my presence.
Again, Revelations: 2:23 “I will give unto every one of you, according to your works.” Matthew: 16:27 “He (God) shall reward every man according to his works.” 1 Peter: 1:17 “The Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work.” Revelations: 20:13 “And they were judged every man according to their works.” Clearly all of humankind is being held responsible for living a good life involving good works and good deeds; and we will all be judged according to these things. And it’s not like humanity isn’t being told, in the bible, that we should all live a good live and do good things for one another in this life; we are all clearly being told to live a good life by doing good works and good deeds in this life: Matthew: 7:21 “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” 16:27 “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” 1 John: 3:18 “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 2:6 “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he (Jesus) walked.” Ephesians 6:6 “Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;” We are not to do things for each other because it is what we want men to see of us, but because we love God and we love following His ways: 1 John 2:4 “He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 2:5 “But, whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him.” 2:6 “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” 3:18 “(Again, people) let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” James: 1:22 “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” 1:23 “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:” 1:24 “For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.” 1:25 “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” 2:10 “Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” 2:11 “For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.” 2:12 “So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged.” For, 2:14 “what doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?” 2:15 “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,” 2:16 “And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?” 2:17 “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” 2:18 “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” 2:20 “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” 2:21 “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?” 2:22 “Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?” 2:23 “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” 2:24 “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only!” We need both faith and good works or good deeds in our life’s if we are living a righteous Godly life. 1 John: 3:17 “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” By our good actions we show forth our love for The Creator. 3:18 “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” Clearly we are being told we need to have faith and we are to live out our life’s preforming good works and good deeds, living a life of service unto The Lord. We are to do both of these things, not just one without the other; which makes sense. When were we ever told we should not live a good life and do good things for one another? That makes no sense, if you reflect on it. It has never been The Creator’s way that people should not do good, that is part of His religion: Revelations: 2:23 “I will give unto every one of you, according to your works.” 20:13 “And they were judged every man according to their works.” So, Matthew: 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Even Paul tells us we need to live our life according to faith and good deeds or doing service unto God, performing good works or good things for one another: Romans: 3:31 “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” For, 2 Timothy: 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” 3:17 “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Romans: 8:13 “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” 2:21 “Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?” “Thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?” 2:22 “Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery?” “Thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?” 2:23 “Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?” 2:24 “For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.” 14:12 “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Galatians: 6:4 “But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.” 6:5 “For every man shall bear his own burden.” 6:7 “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” 6:8 “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Ephesians: 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Titus: 3:8 “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” 3:9 “But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. Observance of the law is profitable to mankind and the best means of maintaining the activities of man.” Romans: 10:5 “For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.” 13:9 “For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” 13:10 “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” 2:13 “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” Titus: 1:16 “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Hebrews: 10:23 “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” 10:24 “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” 2 Corinthians: 9:6 “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” 9:7 “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart,” Ephesians: 6:8 “Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of The Lord.” 9:14 “Even so hath The Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” Romans: 2:10 So, “glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good.”
Galatians: 6:7 “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” 6:8 “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” 6:10 “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men.” And yet there are people who are mean, hateful and unkind, that see nothing wrong with their actions and distasteful behavior. They believe that faith is all that they need, and they seem to think and believe they will just be accepted into heaven no matter how rude and crude or hateful they are to the people around them. But this is not the true case, as I have now hopefully proven to those with eyes to see the truth! If you are a rude and nasty person in this life, the chances are you will be a rude, crude, nasty person when you cross over to the other side; because you have done nothing, here in this life, to change your nasty, hateful behavior or do you really think you will suddenly become a warm, loving person that everybody wants to be around, as if by magic. If you have done nothing to make yourself pleasant and agreeable, here in this life, why do you think you will suddenly be pleasant and agreeable there, on the other side; you have done nothing, in this life, to make you pleasant and agreeable there! If you were like this before you died, you will be like that after you die, you have done nothing here, in this life, to change your nasty hateful behavior to those around you: 2 Corinthians: 9:6 “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” 9:7 “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart,”
And so, moving on to other problems:
The Day of Judgement or The Apocalypse spoken of in The bible, and then later reiterated in The Qur’an, is a topic of much discussion and much fear in this currant world of today. Christians are calling for the end of the world and the coming of the rapture, resurrection and the beginning of The Day of Judgement everyday now! But unbeknownst to most of the Christian people of this world, is the fact that the Muslims of this world are also expecting and waiting on The Apocalypse and The Day of Judgement. It is spoken of quite a lot in the Qur’an; over a hundred time or so, in my estimation, without actually physically counting the instances. In reality, much of the bloodshed and horrific deeds going on in this world of today, related to the actions of some of the more fanatical Muslims, is directly related to the Muslim belief that the time of the end is near and The Day of Judgement is at hand.
You see, many of these more fanatical Muslims are being told that the end is near, within their lifetimes, so their life in this world doesn’t matter anymore, because it will all soon be over. So many are being told, they need to make a place for themselves in the gardens of the next world, (one of the descriptions for heaven for Muslims), while they can, because soon it will all be out of their hands.
You see, many of these people believe or are being told that if they die a martyrs death, they will be guaranteed a place, in the beautiful gardens of the next life. Many of these people see this as their way out or maybe their escape from the duress of this existence, or maybe even their only way out, that has a happy ending for them, no matter what terrible things they have done or are doing, in this life. They will, in-essence, get their salvation, more or less guaranteed, according to their belief. This is of-course, how many of these people are interpreting their writings; while many others are just being told what to believe, or just being told what other people want them to hear, regardless of the truth. A very risky thing for someone to do considering what they believe is really at stake for them; especially if God/Allah turns out to be a god of love and mercy like He says He is; which would mean He would actually condemn such hateful actions and atrocities and would hold them accountable for their heinous crimes:
Christianity, 1 John: 4:10 “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us,” 4:11 “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” Revelation: 4:11 “For Thou hast created all things; For Thy pleasure (Thy love), they are, and were (all) created.” James: 1:18 “Of His Own Will, begat He us, with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.” 4:19 “We love Him, because He first loved us; and this commandment have we from Him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” 1 Thessalonians: 4:7 “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” 4:8 “He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, Who hath also given unto us His Holy Spirit.” 1 Peter: 1:17 “And The Father, judgeth according to every man’s work.” 1 John: 4:8 “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” 1 Corinthians: 3:11 “Finally, brethren, be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and The God of love and peace shall be with you.”
Islam, 13. “O mankind! We (loved, cherished and) created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (and love each other, not that ye may despise and hate one another).” 55. So, “the misbeliever (the one who misinterprets the word of God through actions, understanding and deeds) is a helper, against his own Lord (Allah/God),” So when people do these terrible things to one another , 77. “ye have indeed rejected Him, (turned against Allah/God)!” 23. “O mankind, your insolence is against your own souls.” 9. “It was not Allah Who wronged them but they wronged their own souls.” 13. “They contend against Allah.” So, 3. “He will judge between you; for Allah sees well that ye do!“ 3. “For Allah is to all people most surely full of kindness, Most Merciful.” So, 10. “The believers are but a single Brotherhood: So make peace and reconciliation — and fear Allah, that ye may receive Mercy.” “Develop (than) a mutual liking, friendship and love and help one another.” “You should be a source of comfort, love and respect.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surahs 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 30, 39, 49 and 60 and Letters of Ali b. Abi Taalib and The Hadith, Bukhari Vol 8, Book 73, # 40)
So than, what does Allah/God really have to say about all of these terrible things going on in the world in His name? He is a god of love, not a god of hatred and cruelty. He does not actually encourage acts a barbarism and brutality towards others, these are things that man does to one another not God; they do this on their own and attribute it to God! He teaches love and compassion and mercy, but men choose violence and aggression to live by. He teaches unity and love, and they choose bloodshed, war, oppression and hatred for themselves and others. What they want they pick and choose out of His writings and make it mean what they want it to mean, so they will have control over others. Many of the things they say are not really what the writings of God teach and say, for many people have taken the writings of The Creator and twisted and confused them; taking what they want out of them and ignoring what they don’t want. In the mean time many other people are having a really hard time realizing this and understanding what is going on, because they are taking their religious writings completely literally and physically; which is a really bad mistake for the people trying to understand just what The Creator is trying to say to them and get them to understand. You see humanity absolutely needs to investigate the teachings of The Creator for themselves, so they will know just what is really being said, and not just be relying on the hearsay of someone else, who may or may not know what they are talking about or they find themselves dealing with someone who is changing and altering the writings and its meanings to better suit their own ambitions! You see, we are told many times, in both The Bible and The Qur’an, that the word of God is really symbolic and spiritual in nature, and needs to be really thought about and meditated upon, before settling on any one meaning or interpretation of the word:
Christianity, “For, it is impossible to understand (all) the hidden truths of God which are in His sayings, and the multitude of their meanings!” (St. John) 1 Corinthians 2:14 For, “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God (His true spiritual teachings and writings): for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” For, John 6:63 “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” 1 Corinthians 2:6 For, “we speak wisdom among them; yet not the wisdom of this world,” 2:7 “But we speak the (spiritual) wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom! Matthew 19:11 But, “all men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.” Colossians 1:9 So, “we do not cease to pray for you and desire that ye might be filled with all wisdom and spiritual understanding;” For, 1 Corinthians: 2:4 “my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit,” Romans: 7:14 “For we know that the law is spiritual:” so, 8:4 “righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit,” 2 Corinthians: 3:5 “not that we are sufficient of ourselves; but our (true) sufficiency is of God;” 3:6 “Who also hath made us able ministers of The New Testament; Not of The Letter, But of The Spirit: for the letter, (the physical, literal translation of the word) killeth, but of the spirit (the true spiritual, symbolic understanding of the word and letter of the word of God) giveth life!” 1 Corinthians: 2:4 So, “my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, (But In Demonstration of The Spirit) and of power:” 2:5 “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” Therefore, Mark: 4:11 “these things are done in parables:” So, John: 5:39 “Search the scriptures;” Matthew: 9:13, “go ye and learn what that meaneth,” than, Mark: 13:14 “let him that readeth understand!” For, 1 John: 4:6 “We are of God (and) he that knoweth God heareth us; (and) he that is not of God heareth not us ~ the spirit of truth ~ (the hidden mystic, symbols found within The Creators Holy Words).” John: 5:6 “Because the Spirit is truth,” 4:23 and, “the true worshipers shall worship The Father in spirit, because, 4:24 “God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him (must) worship Him in spirit;” 6:63 For, “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, (allegories and symbols) and they are life!” 6:4 So, “let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself; (again read The Creator’s writings, for your very own selves, and discover the true symbolic, spiritual message hidden away within The Creator’s Holy Words).” 6:5 “For every man shall bear his own burden, (no one else can bear that for you!)” 1 Corinthians: 2:10 For, “the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God (the hidden meanings and allusions within His teachings).” So, we must, again, look for our very own selves and see where God is actually leading us? 2 Peter: For, 1:20 “no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation, (the true actual understandings of the word is open for all to seek for themselves).” For 1 Corinthians 2:10 “God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God.” 2:11 “For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” For, “the Sayings (God’s Holy words and teachings) are not intended to be interpreted literally!” (The Gospel of Thomas) So, 2:1 “there were false prophets among the people, even as there shall be, false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies (and) swift destruction.” 2:2 “by reason of the way of truth (the true spiritual, symbolic message) shall be evil spoken of.” For the real spiritual truth and symbolic content of God’s Holy Message shall be buried and hidden beneath the fancy and flowery words, of (self-serving charlatans and vein theologians), who are, or may be, serving their very own personal self-interests, “deceiving even the very elect, Matthew 24:24)!” And, Matthew: 22:29 “Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures.” 2 Peter: 2:12 Because these men “speak evil of the things that they understand not, (the true spiritual nature and hidden meanings found within God’s teachings);” 2:13 “beguiling unstable souls; which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray.” 2 Corinthians: 4:2 “handling the word of God deceitfully.” 2 Timothy: 3:13 For these, “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” 4:3 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts 4:4 “And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” So, 2:15 “(study to shew thyself approved unto God), a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth; (seeking and understanding the word).” 2 Peter: 1:16 “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables,” but sought the truth hidden within God’s Holy Words. So, John: 5:45 “Do not think that I will accuse you to The Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.” 5:46 “For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.” 5:47 “But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?” 3:11 “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.” 3:12 So, “if I have told you earthly things and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?” One should always be thoughtful when reading The Holy Bible, for it is full of spiritual symbolisms that can very easily elude the unsuspecting reader, even while he is searching. 1 Corinthians: 2:7 “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, (hidden spiritual wisdom), which God ordained before the world unto our glory:” The wisdom of God is clearly hidden in the writings of the bible, in both the Old and New Testaments. John: 6:63 For, “it is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” Mark: 4:23 “If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.” (King James Bible)
Islam: For, 102. “The Holy Spirit has brought the revelation (the word and message) from thy Lord, in truth, in order to strengthen those who believe, and as a guide and Glad Tidings.” (The Qur’an Yusuf Ali, Surah 16) For, 85. “The Spirit (of the word cometh) by the command of my Lord: of knowledge (but) it is only a little of (the spirit of the word) that is communicated to you, (O men!)” (The Qur’an Yusuf Ali, Surah 17) For, 192. “this is a Revelation from The Lord of the Worlds:” 193. “With it (the word) came down the Spirit of Faith and Truth.” (The Qur’an Yusuf Ali, Surah 26) For, 5. “by his command doth He send the spirit (of inspiration) to any of His servants He pleases.” (The Qur’an Yusuf Ali, Surah 40) 30. That “he (man) might Grow (in spiritual understanding)?” “Though it is no blame to thee if he grow not (in spiritual understanding).” (The Qur’an Yusuf Ali, Surah 80) So, 121. “Those to whom We have sent the book study it as it should be studied!” “Recite (and study) the Qur’an,”’ 94. “investigate carefully.” 93. “Bring ye the Law and study it;” 6. “ascertain the truth.” (Qur’an Yusuf Ali, Surahs 3, 4, 49 and Hadith, Bukhari Vol 9, Book 92, # 466) 27. “We have put forth for men, in this Qur’án every kind of Parable, in order that they may receive admonition.” (The Qur’an Yusuf Ali, Surah 39) So, 109. “If the ocean were ink (to write) the words of my Lord, sooner would the ocean be exhausted than would the words (and meanings) of my Lord, even if we added another ocean like it, for its aid.” (The Qur’an Yusuf Ali, Surah 18) So, 2. “Follow that which comes to thee by inspiration from thy Lord.” (The Qur’an Yusuf Ali, Surah 33) 48. For, “We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture(s) that came before it, 9. for “We have, without doubt, sent down the Message (to the) Messengers before thee, amongst the religious sects of old:” 1. For “these are the symbols of the Perspicuous Book. We have sent it down, as an Arabic Qur’án, in order that ye may learn (true) wisdom.” 7. “Verily in it are Signs for Seekers (after The Truth),” 121. “So judge between them by what (Allah/God) hath revealed, and follow not vain desires, diverging from the truth that hath come to thee.” 25. So, ‘“give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness. Every time they are fed with fruits therefrom, they say: ‘why, this is what we were fed with before,’ for they are given things in similitude (symbologies, allegories);” for, 26. “Allah disdains not to use the similitude (spiritual, symbolic messages in His writings), of things, lowest as well as highest. Those who believe know that it is truth from their Lord; but those who reject Faith say, ‘what means Allah by this similitude (allegory)?’ By it He causes many to stray and many He leads into the right path.’” 89. “And, We have explained to man, in this Qur’án, every kind of similitude; yet the greater part of men, refuse except with ingratitude!” 54. Yet, “We have explained in detail in this Qur’án, for the benefit of mankind, every kind of similitude (symbology): but man is, in most things, contentious.” 1. So, “those who reject Allah and hinder (men) from the Path of Allah, their deeds will Allah render astray.” 2. “But those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, and believe in the (Revelation) sent down to Muhammad, He will remove from them their ills and improve their condition.” 3. “Because those who reject Allah, follow vanities, while those who believe, follow the Truth from their Lord. Thus does Allah set forth for men their lessons by similitudes,” for Allah tests mankind to see if they will see and receive the true spiritual message and truth found within His teachings. 46. “See how We explain the Signs by various (spiritual symbols), yet they turn aside.” 65. “See how We explain the Signs by various (spiritual symbols), that they may understand.” 66. For, ‘“thy people reject this, though it is the truth. Say, ‘not mine is the responsibility for arranging your affairs;”’ 67. “for every Message is a limit of time, and soon shall ye know it, when thou seest men engaged in vain discourse about Our Signs, (for they change the inherit meaning of the word).” 104. “Now have come to you, from your Lord, proofs to open your eyes; if any will see, it will be for (the good of) his own soul; if any will be blind, it will be to his own (harm); I am not (here) to watch over your doings.” 105. “Thus do We explain the Signs by various (symbols and symbologies): that they may say ‘Thou hast taught us diligently,’ and that We may make the matter clear to those who know,” 57. “thus do We explain the signs by various (symbols) to those who are grateful.” So again, it is, “The Holy Spirit that has brought the revelation from, thy Lord, in order to strengthen those who believe.” 84. “The Spirit (of the word cometh) by the command of my Lord; (but again) it is only a little that is communicated to you!” 34. For, “Allah doth guide whom He will to His (true spiritual light, for), Allah doth set forth Parables, (allegories, hidden meanings of the spirit), for men to follow;” 193. “with it, came down the Spirit of Faith and Truth to thy heart and mind.” 66. “My Signs used to be rehearsed to you, but ye used to turn back on your heels — (In arrogance): talking nonsense like one telling fables by night.” 68. “Do they not ponder over the Word of Allah, has anything (new) come to them, that did not come to their fathers of old?” 121. “Those who believe not in the Signs of Allah, theirs will be a grievous Penalty.” “It is those who believe not in the Signs of Allah (His true message and teachings), that forge falsehood; it is they who lie!” “All this is because, they love the life of this world, better than the Hereafter.” 77. “Know they not that Allah knoweth what-so-ever they conceal, and what they reveal?” 78. “And there are among them (people) who know not the Book but (see therein their own) desires, and they do nothing, but conjecture.” 79. “Then woe to those who write the Book with their own hands and then say: ‘This is from Allah!‘ Woe to them for what their hands do write.” 59. “The transgressors changed the word from that which had been given them,” 174. “they conceal Allah‘s revelations in the Book.” 78. “There is among them a section who distort the Book with their tongues; (as they read) you would think it is a part of the Book, but it is no part of the Book; and they say, ‘That is from Allah,’ but it is not from Allah: it is they who tell a lie against Allah, and (well) they know it!” 13. “They change the words from their (right) places and forget a good part of the Message that was sent them, ever bent on (new) deceits,” 33. “saying things about Allah of which ye have no knowledge,” 150. “who deny Allah and His Messengers, and wish to separate Allah from His Messengers, saying: ‘We believe in some but reject others:” who 91. “have made the Qur’án into shreds (as they please).” 85. “It is only a part of the Book that ye believe in, and do ye reject the rest!” “See, how We explain the Signs of (Allah), by various (spiritual symbols), yet they, (the people) turn aside.” For, 7. “He (Allah/God) it is Who hath sent down to thee The Book (The Qur’án): in it are verses basic and fundamental, (while) others are allegorical (symbolic, mystic, and of the spirit; they are spiritual symbolisms or parables, not so readily seen, or understood, by men),” with “hidden meanings and (spiritual understandings), but no one knows all of its hidden meanings and understandings, except (Allah/God).” For, 60. “The truth (comes) from Allah (God) alone; so be not of those who doubt.” for, “We have put forth for men, in the Qur’án every kind of parable, in order that they (the true believers) may receive admonition.” 24. “Seest thou not how Allah sets forth a parable? — a goodly Word, (a word of spirit and understanding), like a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and it’s branches (that reach) to the heavens — It brings forth it’s fruit, at all times, by the leave of its Lord. So Allah sets forth parables for men, in order (to test and teach them), that they may (grow in spirit),” 3. and “he (man) might Grow (in spiritual understanding)?” 195. “Have they feet to walk with? or hands to lay hold with? or eyes to see with? or ears to hear with?“46. For, “do they not travel through the land, so that their hearts may thus learn wisdom, and their ears may thus learn to hear? Truly it is not their eyes that are blind, (but their hearts, which are in their breasts).” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surahs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 31, 39, 47, 62, 80 and Hadith, Bukhari Vol 9, Book 93, # 532 and Islamic Miscellaneous, Teachings of Hafiz (G. L. Bell tr))
It should all be abundantly clear now, from the writings of both The Bible and The Qur’an; that God’s message to us is both symbolic and spiritual in nature, as God is Himself a spirit in the spiritual world trying to get us to see the spiritual truth and light through open seeing eyes: 104. “Now have come to you, from your Lord, proofs to open your eyes.” (The Qur’an Yusuf Ali, Surah 6) So we need to absolutely look into His teachings and writings for our very own selves and see what we can glean from out of His words and massages to us, because even that which seemingly can only be taken as completely literally, such as the feeding of manna from God to the Hebrew children, and the garden of Eden in Genesis, may also have spiritual, symbolic meanings as well: 1 Corinthians: 10:1 “Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, 10:3 and did all eat the same spiritual meat; 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink,” or Romans: 5:14 “The similitude (allegory, symbolic story) of Adam’s transgression.” So, even the food and water spoken of in the Old Testament, given to the Hebrew children by Moses, and the story of Adam and Eve, with the tree and the apple are a similitudes, spiritual stories not meant to be taken literally according to the words of The Apostle Paul. And so, some things that were pretty much only thought of as a literal, physical occurrences in the bible; Paul tells us are spiritual and symbolic as well, which clearly tells us to be very thoughtful when reading The Creator’s writings and teachings. We also need to take the time and look into His words and teachings, because some of the people claiming to be our spiritual guides and teachers may be misinterpreting what they see, while others may be purposely, falsely interpreting and misrepresenting His massages and teachings to us for their very own benefit, profit or gain.
Another terrible thing that absolutely needs to be realized here, in this current day, is that the killing and murder of innocent people is in no way a guaranteed pass into heaven for the people perpetrating these evil deeds; just like people killing themselves by suicide in the process of killing innocent people is just killing yourselves, and is again, not a true, free pathway into heaven. In-fact the people who do these terrible, heinous crimes, whether they do it by suicide from bombs or suicide by someone else’s hand, while perpetrating heinous, inhumane actions on innocent victims can expect just the opposite of heaven to be the outcome of their vile activities. The Qur’an clearly tells us that murder, persecution and suicide are all forbidden, and clearly tells us what the outcomes will be, for such activities. For the people perpetrating such evil actions, the outcome is definitely not good, regardless of what these people believe or are being told!
Muhammad and The Qur’an tell us that: 93. “If a man kills a believer intentionally his recompense is Hell, to abide therein: and the wrath and the curse of Allah are upon him, and a dreadful penalty is prepared for him.” (The Qur’an Yusuf Ali, Surah 4) So, “If a man, after understanding Islam and its laws and obligations, murders somebody, then his punishment is to dwell in the (Hell) Fire forever.” (Hadith, Bukhari Vol 5, Book 58 # 194) Furthermore, 10. “those who persecute the Believers, men and women, and do not (stop and turn in repentance), will have the Penalty of Hell: they will have the Penalty of the Burning Fire.” (The Qur’an Yusuf Ali, Surah 85) For, 71. “the believers, men and women, are protectors, one of another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 9) For, “The Prophet said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not hurt (or trouble) his neighbor (or one another).” (Hadith Vol 7, Book 62 # 114) 227. “And (they are to) defend themselves only after they are unjustly attacked.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 26) But you might be asking yourself, after reading all of this, just who are the true believers according to the Islamic people and The Qur’an? I mean these people are recklessly killing all kinds of people, Muslim, non-Muslim, men women and children, and they are not batting an eye at all of the carnage they are creating! Well according to Muhammad and The Qur’an, the true believers are those people who: 2. “when Allah (God‘s) name is mentioned, they feel a tremor in their hearts, and when they hear His signs (teachings) being rehearsed, find their faith strengthened.” 3. They are people, “who establish regular prayers and spend (freely) out of the gifts, We have given them for sustenance, on charity:” 4. For, “such in truth are the (true) believers;” 71. For these “believers, men and women, are protectors, one of another, they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil, they observe regular prayers, practice regular charity and obey Allah and His Messengers; and believe in the Last Day:” 19. For, “they are the Sincere (Lovers of truth), and the witnesses, in the eyes of their Lord,” 23. “the Believers are (men and women) who have been true to their Covenant;” 162. “and believe in what hath been revealed by Allah,” or in-other-words, people who actually feel something for The Creator, in their hearts and actually do love God/Allah, with all of their being and actually follow His teachings and writings. 82. “It is those who believe and confuse not their beliefs with wrong; they are on (right) guidance.” 4. “Such in truth are the believers!” These people are considered to be true believers, according to Muhammad and The Qur’an. Than, just who does Muhammad consider the true believers to be:
62. “Those who believe (the followers of Islam), and those who follow the Jewish (Scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians (the followers of the teachings of Adam, considered to be the father of mankind), and who believe in Allah (God) and the last day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” And he further tells us: 136. “We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma’il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus and that given to Prophets from their Lord, we make no difference between one and another of them, and we bow to Allah.” And so, 137. “if they believe as ye believe, they are indeed on the right path;” For again, 69. “Those who believe and those who follow the Jewish (Scriptures), and the Sabians and the Christians, and who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” Or, 17. “Those who believe and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Sabians, and the Christians and the Magians (the followers of Zoroaster) and the Polytheists (the Buddhists and the Hindu people, who speak of many names for The One, True, Actual God, according to their Holy books). For again: 84. “We believe in Allah (God), and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Isma’il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in (Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the Prophets, from their Lord; we make no distinction between one and another among them, and to Allah do we bow our will.” So than tell me, who than does Muhammad actually tell us that the real, true believers really are? (EVERYBODY THAT ACTUALLY BELIEVES IN GOD) and actually does what He tells them to do, and has love for God in their hearts! 136. “O ye who believe! believe in Allah and His Messenger, and the scripture which He hath sent to His Messenger; and the scripture(s) which He sent to those before him, (all the previous messengers).” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surahs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 17, 22, 33, 49 and 57)
And so than, just who is Muhammad actually talking about when he is talking about the true believers that are absolutely not to be killed: The Christians, and The Jews, and The Zoroastrians, and The Sabians, and The Muslims etc… And so again, what happens when a believer or anyone, for that matter, intentionally kills a believer: 93. “If a man kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell: and the wrath and the curse of Allah are upon him, and a dreadful penalty is prepared for him.” (Qur’an Sarah- 4) And furthermore, 10. “those who persecute the Believers, men and women, will have the Penalty of Hell: they will have the Penalty of the Burning Fire.” (The Qur’an Surah 85) And yet who are God’s real, actual believers, according to the actual writings of The Qur’an and Islam? The people who actually believe in God, no matter what religion they are found in: The Muslims, The Jews, The Christians, The Sabians, The Zoroastrians and whoever else He considers to be such etc… these are all actually the true believers according to the teachings and writings of Muhammad. The true believers are those people who God says the true believers are, period! 46. “We believe in the Revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; (for) Our Allah and your Allah (are) one; and it is to Him we bow.” (The Qur’an Yusuf Ali, Surah 29) So, if the believers in Islam don’t really accept these other religions, they are not truly Muslim: 150. They are, “(those who) wish to separate Allah from His Messengers, saying: ‘We believe in some but reject others.”’ Then, 85. “it only a part of the Book(s) that ye believe in, and do ye reject the rest?” (The Qur’an Yusuf Ali, Surahs 2, 3, 4 and 5) And in fact The Hadith further tells us that if you kill or murder anyone your recompense is hell: “If a man, after understanding Islam and its laws and obligations, murders somebody, then his punishment is to dwell in the (Hell) Fire forever.” (Hadith, Bukhari Vol 5, Book 58 # 194)
So then, indiscriminate killing is not really a true, actual part of Islam, but a warped product of today. For those people who are well informed of the true, actual religious writings of The Qur’an know that they only: 190. “Fight in the Cause of Allah, those who fight you; but 90. if they withdraw from you and fight you not, but (instead) send you (guarantees of) peace, then Allah hath opened no way for you (to war against them or fight them).” (The Qur’an Yusuf Ali, Surahs 2 and 4) And so, those people who are doing all of these killings, they are either not very well informed of their true Holy Writings or just don’t care; the same as, some of these people don’t seem to be very well informed as to what happens to them when they commit suicide; either in the process of killing other innocent people or just killing themselves! A man “got severely wounded, (in religious battle, jihad) and hastened to die by slanting the blade of his sword in the ground directing its sharp end towards his chest between his two breasts. Then he eased on his sword and killed himself. Allah’s Apostle said, he is of the people of Hell Fire!” (Hadith, Bukhari Vol 4, book 52 # 147) This story was told and retold several times in the Hadith, and yet the killer, suicide fanatics of today still don’t seem to get the message, that is so clearly meant for them: “Do not kill yourselves; verily, God is compassionate unto you, but whoso does that, We will broil him with fire.” (The Qur’an Palmer, Sura 4) 29. “O ye who believe! eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities: nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily Allah hath been to you Most Merciful. 30. If any do that, (commit suicide) soon shall We cast them into the fire.” (The Qur’an Yusuf Ali, Surah 4) Do not kill or destroy yourselves, that needs to be clear and well thought out, by anyone who is getting ready to strap on a bomb or getting ready to get themselves killed by someone trying to save innocent lives from this kind of horrific, deranged insanity. Killing and destroying yourselves is killing and destroying yourselves period, no matter how you do it!!! And as I stated earlier, committing suicide, murder and persecuting other people, are all very bad things to do, and those who do these things, their book states, hell is waiting for them; this is taken directly out of the writings of The Qur’an. This is not something that I just made up people, read the book for yourselves, it’s not like it’s hidden from the people!
And now, for those people who are just direly waiting for The Day of Judgement and the end of the world; and maybe even trying to hurry it along. Didn’t we just state and hopefully demonstrate, that The Creators words, teachings and writings are symbolic and spiritual in nature, and not to be taken literally! What makes you think that the end of the world, the rapture, the resurrection and The Day of Judgement are any different?
Joel: 2:1 “Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of The LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;” 2:2 “A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.” 2:10 “The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:” 2:11 “for the day of The LORD is great and very terrible!” 2:17 “Let the priests, the ministers of The LORD weep, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?” 2:31 “The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of The LORD come.” Here we see Joel prophesying about the coming of the Babylonians and the conquest of Jerusalem as the day of The Lord, and the sun and the moon being darkened and the moon being turned into blood; but these signs in the heavens never physically happened, but took place symbolically and spiritually in the writings of The Bible; and yet we expect these things to literally, physically happen in relation to the writings of The New Testament: Matthew: 24:29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken.” Revelation: 6:12 “And there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth and the moon became as blood;” 6:13 “And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth.” I ask you, what has changed here? If the teachings and writings of The Creator were symbolic and spiritual in The Old Testament, than they will also be symbolic and spiritual in The New Testament and The Qur’an, as I demonstrated with numerous statements from both The Bible and The Qur’an earlier. We should not be expecting the rapture, the resurrection, The Day of Judgement and the end to take place literally and physically, these things will take place spiritually and symbolically, and we will have to actually recognize them for what they are; how else can we be judged for them? And it’s not like The Bible and The Qur’an don’t warn us of this; both The Bible and The Qur’an hint of this.
CHRISTIANITY: Matthew: 22:31 “But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,” 22:32 “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” 11:5 “The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up.” Ephesians: 5:14 “Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead.” And, Luke: 20:36 “neither can they die any more; for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.” 20:37 “Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth The Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” 20:38 “For He is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto Him.” John: 5:25 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.” 5:26 “For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; 5:27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.” 5:28 “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,” 5:29 “And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” Thomas 2:51 “His (Jesus’) disciples said to Him, ‘When will the repose of the dead come about, and when will the new world come?’ He said to them, ‘What you look forward to has already come, but you do not recognize it.’” (The Gospel of Thomas) JUDAISM: Isaiah: 42:1 “Behold My servant, whom I uphold; Mine elect, in whom My soul delighteth; I have put My spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment….” 42:2 “He shall not cry, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.” 42:3 “A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.” 42:4 “He shall set judgment in the earth.” Isaiah prophesies in the Old Testament that when Jesus comes he will bring forth judgment and set judgment in the earth. This is later on followed up by Matthew’s assertion that Jesus Christ is the one Isaiah was talking about: Christianity: Matthew: 12:18 “Behold My servant, whom I have chosen; My beloved, in whom My soul is well pleased: I will put My spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment….” 12:19 “He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.” 12:20 “A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment….” Then Jesus Christ tells us in John: John 11: 25 “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” 9:39 “And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world.” 12:31 “Now is the judgment of this world:” Now is the judgment of this world? It couldn’t be stated any clearer. Christ came to judge the world of man and Christ’s day was the end and Judgment for that day. John 5:22 “For The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:” 5:27 “And hath given him authority to execute judgment.” 5:30 “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of The Father which hath sent me.” So, 1 Peter 4:6 “For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.” 4:17 “For the time is come that judgment must begin.” Hebrews 9:26 “But now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.”
The rapture, the resurrection, the end and The Day of Judgement are not to be taken literally or physically; they come at the time when the manifestation of God is revealed to mankind, nor was this any different with the coming of The Qur’an, in the days of Muhammad: Islam: 22. “With Allah rests the End.” (The Qur’an Yusuf Ali, Surah 31) 54. “It is Allah Who created you,” 55. “on the Day that the Hour (of reckoning) will be established, the transgressors will swear that they tarried not but an hour: thus were they deluded! 56. But those endued with knowledge and faith will say: ‘Indeed ye did tarry, within Allah‘s Decree, to the Day of Resurrection, and this is the Day of Resurrection: but ye were not aware!”’ 8. “Say: ‘The Death from which ye flee will truly overtake you: then will ye be sent back to the Knower of things secret and open: and He will tell you (the truth of) the things that ye did!” (The Qur’an Yusuf Ali, Surahs 30 and 62) “And this is the day of resurrection, but ye do not know.” (The Qur’an Palmer, Sura 30) “This is the Day of Resurrection, but ye used not to know.” (The Qur’an Pickthall, Sura 30) “This is the day of the Resurrection – but ye knew it not.” (The Qur’an Rodwell Sura 30) 19. “(O unbelievers!) if ye prayed for victory and judgment, now hath the judgment come to you.” (The Qur’an Yusuf Ali, Surah 8) 20. “They will say, ‘Ah! woe to us! This is the Day of Judgement!’ 21. “(A voice will say,) ‘This is the Day of Sorting Out, whose truth ye (once) denied!”’ (The Qur’an Yusuf Ali, Surah 37) “This is the judgment (day) of Allah and His Apostle, (Muhammad declared), Resurrection is at hand.” 8. “Say: ‘The Death from which ye flee will truly overtake you: then will ye be sent back to the Knower of things secret and open: and He will tell you (the truth of) the things that ye did!”’ (Hadith, Bukhari Vol 9, Book 84, # 58 and The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 62) 28. “And your creation or your resurrection is in no wise but as an individual soul: for Allah is He Who hears and sees (all things).” (The Qur’an Yusuf Ali, Surah 31) 73. “Allah bringeth the dead to life and showeth you His Signs, perchance ye may understand.” (The Qur’an Yusuf Ali, Surah 2) 5. “The heavens are almost rent asunder from above them (by His Glory): and the angels celebrate the Praises of their Lord, and pray for forgiveness for (all) beings on earth: Behold! Verily Allah is He, the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” 17. “It is Allah Who has sent down the Book in truth, and the Balance (by which to weigh conduct, and judge).” “And what will make thee realize that perhaps the Hour is close at hand?” 18. “Do they then only wait for the Hour, that it should come on them of a sudden? But already have come some tokens thereof, when it (actually) is on them (already)!” (The Qur’an Yusuf Ali, Surahs 42 and 47) And, 25. “We exacted retribution from them: now see what was the end?” (The Qur’an Yusuf Ali, Surah 43)
The rapture, the resurrection, the end of the world and The Day of Judgement are not to be taken literally or physically, as has now been clearly demonstrated. The end of the world and The Day of Judgement are spiritual and symbolic events or concepts that occur with the coming of each new manifestation of God; and need to be thought of in the light of true spiritual awakening or becoming spiritually alive. “Your creation and your quickening hereafter, are but as those of a single individual.” (The Qur’an Rodwell, Sura 31)
And so, these visions of how many people see the ending of the world to be, with the rapture, the resurrection, The Judgement, etc… this is not an entirely accurate picture. The world will continue to go on: the newness or new heaven and new earth will be do to a new message being given to mankind, so that a new spiritual reality will come about in the lives of mankind: Isaiah 65:17 “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” And those people who do nasty, hateful things to other human beings; well they are going to be held responsible for their actions, here in this life, and in the next world, where the true Judgement from God will take place and true justice will be served. 28 For “your creation and your raising are only as (the creation and the raising of) a single soul.” (The Qur’an Pickthall, Sura 31) So we will all be held responsible for the real, true, actual actions of our own souls, there is no quick fix here. There is no get out of hell free card to exempt us, for those people who are doing nasty, terrible things to other people, but think they have figured out a way around God’s rules and laws. Killing is killing, everybody will be judged according to their very own actions, there is no quick way out of this world that ends with a happy ending for those people who are making other people’s lives miserable or terrorizing people. 31. “Take (not) life — which Allah has made sacred.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 17) God’s not going to bless people for rape, torture and genocide, as some people seem to believe or are being told. God/Allah created you, and He also created them, and they are in His image as-well: 1 Thessalonians: 4:8 “He that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us His Holy Spirit.” So when you do these evil, terrible things to one another: 77. “ye have indeed rejected Him, (turned against The Lord)!” 23. “O mankind, your insolence is against your own souls.” 9. “It was not Allah Who wronged them, but they wronged their own souls.” 13. “They contend against Allah.” (The Qur’an Yusuf Ali, Surahs 7, 8, 30, 25) So if you hurt others or kill yourself hurting and killing others, you will absolutely be judged for your actions, this is not a free way out for anyone; read the Qur’an it tells you what is going to happen to you! 93. “If a man kills a believer intentionally his recompense is Hell.” (Qur’an – Surah 4) Furthermore, 10. “those who persecute the Believers, men and women, will have the Penalty of Hell; they will have the penalty of The Burning Fire.” (Qur’an – Surah 85) And who again, are the believers? The Christians, the Jews, the Muslims, the Zoroastrians, the Sabians, etc… the true believers are those people from all of The Creators different religions, who have love for God in their hearts and actually do follow His laws and teachings! And so what happens when you strap on a bomb and kill one of these believers, well Allah’s statements were clear on this subject, and even if you don’t kill an actual believer: 68. “Invoke not, with Allah, any other god, nor slay such life as Allah has made sacred.” 29. “Kill not one another.” (The Qur’an Surahs 4 and 25) We are still not to kill according to the Qur’an! It’s a pretty standard law: Exodus: 20:13 “Thou shalt not kill,” it is found in all of God’s religions. And so, what actually happens when you purposely kill yourself or get yourself killed in the cause of Allah, not related to actually defending yourselves from people unjustly attacking you, well The Qur’an again, clearly tells you what is going to happen to you: “Do not kill yourselves; verily, God is compassionate unto you, but whoso does that, we will broil him with fire.” (The Qur’an – Sura 4) A man “got severely wounded, (in jihad) and he hastened to die by slanting the blade of his sword in the ground directing its sharp end towards his chest between his two breasts. Then he eased on his sword and killed himself. Allah‘s Apostle said, he is of the people of Hell Fire!” (Hadith, Vol 4, book 52 # 147) in-other-words, no suicide bombers or death by the bullet of another; people are not supposed to kill themselves period!!! This is a teaching taught in all of Allah/God’s religions. If people are being physically attacked they have a right to defend themselves, and their cause is a righteous cause, but if they are not being attacked their actions are only perceived retribution, and their actions are murder, pure and simple: 190. “Fight in the Cause of Allah, those who fight you; but 90. if they withdraw from you and fight you not, then Allah hath opened no way for you (to war against them or fight them).” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surahs 2 and 4)
Some people seem to feel that just because we are promised a new heaven and a new earth in the writings of God and there is this commonly held notion that the end of the world is now quite near and close at hand, both of which I touched upon earlier, that we don’t need to take care of this world, we all live on, for our children and our children’s children; because this entire world will be totally gone and destroyed soon, and none of these children will live on or be born to this world! So some people feel that there is no need for them to protect the earth and they have no problem spoiling it for others or squandering its resources, while they can, leaving nothing for future generations or leaving what is left unusable and spoiled for future generations; because their greed and wants are really what seems to matter to them most, and nothing else. Of-course, some people don’t really believe in a Creator and only think of what is good for them here and now, while others just don’t believe in or care about the rights of others when it comes to what they desire and want; but for those people who believe in an end of the world and are trying to get out of the earth what they can, while they can, didn’t I just demonstrate earlier, that the writings of The Creator should not be taken literally, because His words and teachings are spiritual and symbolic in nature? What really makes you think that the end of the world and the new heaven and the new earth are any different? Example: Mark: 13:24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,” 13:25 “And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.” 13:26 “And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” If a real, actual star hit the earth, it would engulf the earth in a blazing hot, scorching plasma fire and atomize the earth, pretty much instantly, into nothingness; there would be no earth for Jesus Christ to come to and visit, let alone all of the stars in the heavens hitting the earth; and here are some other indicators of the spiritual symbolic nature of The Creators Holy Words and Teachings found in the writings of God:
Judaism: Hosea 12:9 “I that am The LORD thy God,” 12:10 “I have also spoken of the spiritual by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions and have used similitude’s, (allegories, symbolisms) by the ministry of the prophets;” Numbers: 12:8 “and the similitude of The LORD shall he behold.” For, Proverbs 25:2 “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing.” Ezekiel: 17:1 “And the word of The LORD came unto me, saying,” 17:2 “Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel.” Psalms: 49:4 “I will incline mine ear to a parable,” 78:2 “I will open my mouth in a parable.”
Christianity: 1 Corinthians 2:7 “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory.” 2:13 “We speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 2:14 “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” John 4:24 And, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit.” John 6:63 “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” 3:12 “If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?” 8:43 “Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word;” Galatians: 4:24 “Which things are an allegory.” John: 10:6 “This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.” Luke: 6:39 “And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?” Matthew: 13:10 “And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?” 13:11 “He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.” 13:12 “For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.” 13:13 “Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.”13:14 “And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive;” 13:15 “For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” 13:16 “But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.” Thomas 2:90 “These are ‘secret sayings,’ and are intended to be esoteric in nature. The Sayings are not intended to be interpreted literally, While a literal interpretation may make sense, only by understanding the deeper meanings of the Sayings can one truly understand them.”
Islam: For, 102. “The Holy Spirit has brought the revelation (the word and message) from thy Lord, in truth, as a guide and Glad Tidings.” For, 85. “The Spirit (of the word cometh) by the command of my Lord: of knowledge (but) it is only a little of (the spirit of the word) that is communicated to you.” For, 192. “this is a Revelation from The Lord of the Worlds:” 193. “With it (the word) came down the Spirit of Faith and Truth.” 30. That “he (man) might Grow (in spiritual understanding)?” 27. “We have put forth for men, in this Qur’án every kind of Parable, in order that they may receive admonition.” 1. For “these are the symbols of the Perspicuous Book.” 7. “Verily in it are Signs for Seekers (after The Truth),” 46. “See how We explain the Signs by various (spiritual symbols), yet they turn aside.” 7. “He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: in it are verses basic or fundamental, others are allegorical, (symbolisms, similitudes or parables).” 105. “Thus do We explain the Signs by various (symbols and symbologies): that they may say ‘Thou hast taught us diligently,’ and that We may make the matter clear to those who know,” 57. “thus do We explain the signs by various (symbols) to those who are grateful.” 66. For, ‘“thy people reject this, though it is the truth. For, 60. “The truth (comes) from Allah (God) alone; so be not of those who doubt.” for, “We have put forth for men, in the Qur’án every kind of parable.” For, 26. “Allah disdains not to use the similitude (spiritual, symbolic messages, parables in His writings), of things, lowest as well as highest.” 35 “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His light is as a niche wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as it were a shining star. (This lamp is) kindled from a blessed tree, an olive neither of the East nor of the West, whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself) though no fire touched it. Light upon light. Allah guideth unto His light whom He will. And Allah speaketh to mankind in allegories, for Allah is Knower of all things.” 35. “Allah doth set forth Parables for men: and Allah doth know all things.” 89. “And We have explained to man, in this Qur’án, every kind of similitude: yet the greater part of men refuse (to receive it) except with ingratitude!” And, 54. “We have explained in detail in this Qur’án, for the benefit of mankind, every kind of similitude: but man is, in most things, contentious.” 3. “This because those who reject Allah follow vanities, while those who believe follow the Truth from their Lord: Thus does Allah set forth for men their lessons by similitudes,” 21. “such are the similitudes which We propound to men, that they may reflect.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surahs 2, 3, 6, 12, 16, 17, 18, 24, 26, 39, 47, 59, 80 and The Qur’an (Pickthall tr), Sura 24)
Zoroastrianism: 11. “And this our word I have proclaimed as a symbol to be learned, and to be recited, as it were, to every one of the beings under the influence of and for the sake of Righteousness the Best,” (for) “The gentle pen is more powerful than the sword.” “Mazda gives to the prophet, the scriptures. The scripture containing the lessons of the prophet is his main instrument. It lays down the rules and regulations which bring salvation to mankind. But unless man has the goodwill to accept the (real spiritual truths of the words) of the gospel (and go beyond the symbols) it does not benefit him at all.” “Hear the best with your ears, and discern by pure mind. Choose the ought, man by man (every man), for his own self. Before the great trial comes, wake up to this my counsel.” “One should rely on his own conviction, and not allow himself to be drifted by the opinions of others.” 2. “That which Gathas (may) be to us, which are our guardians and defenders, and our spiritual food, yea, which (may) be to our souls both food and clothing, such are these Gathas to us, guardians, and defenders, and (spiritual) food, even such they are, both food and clothing to the soul.” (ZOROASTER, the unknown and Hymns of Atharvan pp. 87 and 197 and Yasna 19 and 55)
Hinduism: 218. “As the man who digs with a spade (into the ground) obtains water, even so, an obedient (pupil) obtains the knowledge which lies hidden (within);” “The hidden (spiritual) truths of religion embalmed in the ancient Upanishads.” “The Eternal Place! Thus hath been opened thee This Truth of Truths, the Mystery more hid Than any secret mystery. Meditate! And- as thou wilt- then act!” “The hymn has a mystical meaning.” “for the words of learned men are a means of purification.” (Hindu, Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr) chapter 18 and Hindu, Laws of Manu chapter 2 and The Mababharata and Hindu, Vedas, Rig VedaHindu, Vedas, Rig Veda)
Buddhism: “The Tathagatas do not teach a Dharma that is dependent upon letters. Anyone who teaches a doctrine that is dependent upon letters and words is a mere prattler, because Truth is beyond letters and words and books.” It is “the ignorant and simple-minded (that) declare that meaning is not otherwise than words, that as words are, so is meaning.” “This does not mean that words and books never declare what is in conformity with meaning and truth, but it means that words and books are dependent upon discriminations, while meaning and truth are not.” “The ignorant and simple-minded being fascinated with their self-imaginations and erroneous reasonings, keep on dancing and leaping about, but are unable to understand the discourse by words about the truth of self-realization, much less are they able to understand the Truth itself.” “Therefore, let every disciple take good heed not to become attached to words as being in perfect conformity with meaning, because Truth is not in the letters.” So, “(Give) devout attention to the teaching(s) of the Blessed One.” “Study the words for yourself.” for, “to hear the true spiritual teaching of the Buddha, is difficult.” And, “the meaning of the Blessed One’s (Buddha’s) discourses, He has no (real, absolute) system of doctrine that can be specifically formulated. And why is this? Because of, what the Blessed One adumbrates (gives partial disclosure, or hints at) in the terms of the Dharma which is, in reality, inscrutable and inexpressible, with the true message being of a purely spiritual concept.” (Buddha, Lankavatara Sutra and Buddha, Tevigga Sutra and Buddha, Diamond Sutra)
Sabeanism: “The name of the great Mystery, the mystic Word, is pronounced upon thee.” “He who partaketh of this bread (pihta) (the spiritual word), put out (for him) will be sinless in the Place of Light, the Everlasting Abode.” “If thou readest (the holy word and teachings), read it as it is written, and be careful and make inquiry, into the word of Haiyi (God).” For, “My chosen ones, ye sought and ye have found, moreover ye shall seek and ye shall find. Ye sought and ye have found, My chosen ones, even as the first (souls), sought and found.” “Not through coercion; but by true self investigation.” “The first (generations) sought and found: and let those that come after seek, and they will find. Seek and find for yourselves, for your eyes shall not turn away from Me unsatisfied.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapters 43 and 173)
The Babi religion: “Christ, in spite of the relative calm of the surroundings in which He preached, thought it necessary to employ the parable, Siyyid Ali-Muhammad, (The Bab) a fortiori, was obliged to disguise his thought in numerous circuitous ways and only pour out, one drop at a time, the filter of his divine truths. He brings up his child, Humanity; he guides it, endeavoring always not to frighten it and directs its first steps on a path which leads it slowly but surely, so that, as soon as it can proceed alone, it reaches the goal pre-ordained for it from all eternity.” “If thou keepest firm in the religion of God, the covering shall be removed for thee and thou shalt become informed of the allegories and mysteries of the Kingdom of God.” (The Bab, Shoghi Effendi, The Dawn-Breakers, p. 96 and Abdu’l-Baha, Tablets of Abdu’l-Baha v3, p. 629)
The Baha’i Faith: “Know verily that the purpose underlying all these symbolic terms and abstruse allusions, which emanate from the Revealers of God’s holy Cause, hath been to test and prove the peoples of the world; that thereby the earth of the pure and illuminated hearts may be known from the perishable and barren soil.” “Wert thou to cleanse the mirror of thy heart from the dust of malice, thou wouldst apprehend the meaning of the symbolic terms revealed by the all-embracing Word of God made manifest in every Dispensation, and wouldst discover the mysteries of divine knowledge.” “Notwithstanding the warning which, in marvelously symbolic language and subtle allusions, hath been uttered in days past, and which was intended to awaken the peoples of the world and to prevent them from being deprived of their share of the billowing ocean of God’s grace, yet such things as have already been witnessed have come to pass!” “Alas, alas! the world has not discovered the reality of religion hidden beneath the symbolic forms!” The “Divine things are too deep to be expressed by common words. The heavenly teachings are expressed in parable in order to be understood and preserved for ages to come.” “The meanings of thy words evinced thine abundant attraction and thy turning unto the Lamp of Lights. Be not grieved on account of lack of information of the mysteries of this great Cause. If thou keepest firm in the religion of God, the covering shall be removed for thee and thou shalt become informed of the allegories and mysteries of the Kingdom of God.” (Bahá’í Faith, Baha’u’llah, The Kitab-i-Iqan, pp. 48, 68 and 75, and Abdu’l-Baha, Divine Philosophy, p. 187 and Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha in London, p. 79 and The Tablets of Abdu’l-Baha v3, p. 629)
So clearly God’s message to mankind is spiritual in nature, which should clearly indicate to the reader that this promise, we find in all of The Creators writings, of a new heaven and a new earth is also spiritual and symbolic in nature and not to be taken literally. In-other-words, there will not be a new physically created heaven and earth; these prophecies were never meant to be taken literally, so we really do need to take care of this planet that all of us live on or it won’t be able to sustain future generations, and mankind could quite possibly die out over pure greed and foolishness. The non-literal nature of this promise of a new heaven and a new earth is also hinted at in The Creators writings:
The coming of a new heavens and a new earth. is openly proclaimed or hinted at in all of God’s religions, but the coming of the new heavens and a new earth does not necessarily mean the true physical destruction of the physical earth, but instead can be related to the ending of one spiritual cycle of laws and traditions and the coming of a new revelation from God. JUDAISM: Isaiah 34:4 “And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll; and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.” It is not the physical heaven that is being talked about here, but the spiritual, symbolic heaven of religion. Whenever a new manifestation of God comes to this earth the religious teachings: the laws and the sacraments of the older religions are out dated, and so the heavens of the old faith is symbolically rolled up and a new heaven of laws like a new earth of beliefs are laid down in its place. Example: it is with the coming of the new covenant and laws of the covenant that the heavens of the older religion, that is being replaced, are rolled up and a new heaven is laid down in its place. Christianity: Revelations 6:14 “And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together.”
Judaism: 1 Chronicles: 16:15 “Be ye mindful always of His covenant; the word which He commanded to a thousand generations; 16:16 Even of the covenant which He made with Abraham, and of His oath unto Isaac; 16:17 And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant.” 4 Kings: 17:34 “Unto this day they do after the former manners: they fear not The LORD, neither do they after their statutes, or after their ordinances, or after the law and commandment which The LORD commanded the children of Jacob, whom He named Israel;” 17:35 “With whom The LORD had made a covenant.” Deuteronomy: 29:21 “And The LORD shall separate him unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law.” Hosea: 8:1 “Set the trumpet to thy mouth. He shall come as an eagle against the house of The LORD, because they have transgressed My covenant, and trespassed against My law.” Jeremiah: 31:31 “Behold, the days come, saith The LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah;” 31:32 “Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which My covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith The LORD;” 31:33 “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith The LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people.”
Christianity: Galatians: 3:17 “And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law.” Hebrews: 8:8 “Behold, the days come, saith The Lord, when I will make a new covenant,” 8:7 “For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.” 8:10 “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith The Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people.” 8:8 “For finding fault with them (the covenants), He saith, Behold, the days come, saith The Lord, when I will make a new covenant.” 8:13 “In that He saith, A new covenant, He hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.” 10:19 “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 10:20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.” 12:24 “And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant.”
Islam: 7. “And remember We took from the Prophets their Covenant as (We did) from thee: from Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus the son of Mary: We took from them a solemn Covenant:” 8. “When We substitute one revelation for another, and Allah knows best what He reveals (in stages), they say, “Thou art but a forger”: but most of them understand not.” 9. “Say, the Holy Spirit has brought the revelation from thy Lord in truth, in order to strengthen those who believe, and as a guide and Glad Tidings to Muslims.” A new covenant. (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 16 and 33) 23. “Allah has revealed (from time to time) the most beautiful Message in the form of a Book, consistent with itself, (yet) repeating (its teaching and laws in various aspects). 106. None of Our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We substitute something better or similar; knowest thou not that Allah hath power over all things?” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surahs 2 and 39) 93. “And remember We took your Covenant and We raised above you (the towering height) of Mount (Sinai), (saying): “Hold firmly to what We have given you and hearken (to the Law);” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 2) 111. “Allah hath purchased of the believers their persons and their good; for theirs (in return) is the garden (of Paradise): they fight in His cause, and slay and are slain: a promise binding on Him in truth, through the Law, the Gospel, and the Qur’án: and who is more faithful to His Covenant than Allah?” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 9)
Zoroastrianism: 3. “And we worship the former religions of the world devoted to Righteousness which were instituted at the creation, the holy religions of The Creator Ahura Mazda, the resplendent and glorious.” 14. “O Zarathushtra, what righteous man is Thy friend for the great covenant?” 19. “He who accomplisheth for me, even Zarathushtra, in accordance with Right that which best agrees with My will, to him as earning the reward of the Other Life.” “Also we worship the holy benefit which is so widely diffused, and that wisdom which is the bounteous Armaiti, whose are the laws of the Righteous Order, and of those holy creatures who have Righteousness as their first.” (Zoroaster, The Zend-Avesta, Avesta – Yasnas 16 and 46 and Visperad)
Hinduism: “I come, and go, and come. When Righteousness Declines, O Bharata! when Wickedness Is strong, I rise, from age to age, and take Visible shape, and move a man with men, Succouring the good, thrusting the evil back, And setting Virtue on her seat again.” “As I before have been So will I be again for thee; with lightened heart behold! Once more I am thy Krishna, the form thou knew’st of old!” Bringing forth a new covenant and “to shelter Virtue’s laws.” (Hindu, Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr) chapter 4, 9 and 11)
Buddhism: “I am not the first Buddha who came upon earth, nor shall I be the last. In due time another Buddha will arise…. He shall reveal to you the same eternal truths which I have taught you. He will preach to you His religion, glorious in its origin, glorious at the climax and glorious at the goal, in the spirit and in the letter.” “He speaks at the right time, in accordance with facts, speaks what is useful, speaks about the law and the discipline; his speech is like a treasure, at the right moment accompanied by arguments, moderate and full of sense.” (Buddhism, 1 Sermon of the Great Passing and The Eightfold Path)
Sabeanism: “And it was revealed to me (?) and to all of them in this book, and they acted upon this reliable baser acting according to this (its) light and removing nothing from this writing of great revelation that was given to Adam the first man.’ ‘And Thou hast spoken to us with Thy Word And hast commanded us with Thy commandment ‘Be My glory and I will be your Glory. Be My light and I will be your Light. And My name shall be in your mouths And I will be with you.’ Thou art He who over-throwest (false) gods in their high-places And bringest reproach on the divinity of (false) deities.” “To you do I call and (you) do I teach, Men who have received the Sign. Certainly have ye held to established truth, Ye have held to the certainty about which I instructed you. I call to My chosen ones so that Ye may not turn your thought away from Me.” “Thou, Manda-d-Hiia, hast established for thy chosen that which thou hast revealed to us from the book,” This is the agreement (God) made with Adam. His covenant with mankind. (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapters 45, 48 and 75)
Babism: “FEAR ye God and breathe not a word concerning His Most Great Remembrance other than what hath been ordained by God, inasmuch as We have established a separate covenant regarding Him with every Prophet and His followers,” “and instituted new rules, new laws, and a new religion.” “Indeed, We have not sent any Messenger without this binding covenant and We do not, of a truth, pass judgement upon anything except after the covenant of Him Who is the Supreme Gate hath been established.” “The Lord of the universe hath never raised up a prophet nor hath He sent down a Book unless He hath established His covenant with all men, calling for their acceptance of the next Revelation and of the next Book; inasmuch as the outpourings of His bounty are ceaseless and without limit.” “PRAISE be to Thee, O Lord, my Best Beloved! Make me steadfast in Thy Cause and grant that I may be reckoned among those who have not violated Thy Covenant nor followed the gods of their own idle fancy.” (The Bab, Selections from the Writings of the Bab, pp. 46, 86, 215 and The Dawn-Breakers, p. 514)
Baha’i Faith: “His Holiness Christ made a covenant concerning the Paraclete and gave the tidings of His coming. His Holiness the Prophet Muhammad made a covenant concerning His Holiness the Bab and the Bab was the One promised by Muhammad, for Muhammad gave the tidings of His coming. The Bab made a Covenant concerning the Blessed Beauty of Bahá’u’lláh and gave the glad-tidings of His coming for the Blessed Beauty was the One promised by His Holiness the Bab. Bahá’u’lláh made a covenant concerning a promised One who will become manifest after one thousand or thousands of years,” “and instituted new rules, new laws and a new religion.” He likewise, with His Supreme Pen, entered into a great Covenant and Testament with all the Bahá’ís whereby they were all commanded to follow the Center of the Covenant after His departure, and turn not away even to a hair’s breadth from obeying Him.” “The Covenant of God is like unto a vast and fathomless ocean.” (The meaning of Paraclete, a Comforter)
“O ye beloved of God, know that steadfastness and firmness in this new and wonderful Covenant is indeed the spirit that quickeneth the hearts which are overflowing with the love of the Glorious Lord; verily, it is the power which penetrates into the hearts of the people of the world!”
(Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’i World Faith and Selections from the writings of Abdu’l-Baha Section, pp. 357, 358 and p. 223 and Some Answered Questions, p. 25)
And so, with the ending of each covenant and set of laws, one spiritual heavenly cycle is ended, with the spiritual end and replacement of the older laws and world order, and the advent of a new dispensation, brought about by the coming of a new covenant and laws, and a new spiritual symbolic world; or a new world order, or heavenly cycle ushered in by the revealing of a new spiritual message to the world. And so, God’s message for mankind will be, without end, renewed, with the coming of each new spiritual heaven and earth, with the coming of each new spiritual cycle God has planned for mankind.
JUDAISM: Isaiah 65:17 “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” The former heavens and earth will not be remembered or come to mind. Does this really sound like the absolute physical destruction of the heavens and the earth? Also just where will we be while all of this change over is taking place? The bible doesn’t tell us, but if this is just the changing of a spiritual cycle, the bible doesn’t need to tell anyone anything, because we will be right here while all of this is happening; and only a few people will even realize this change is taking place, so subtle is God when He wants to be. Isaiah: 66:22 “For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before Me, saith The LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.” The seed of Israel and their name will remain before The Lord? How could this possibly be the case with the physical destruction of everyone and everything on earth; there would be nothing left including the name of the children of Israel. But if this is just the changing of a spiritual cycle, these statements would be true, because the children of Israel would still be on the earth and a new thing would be happening on the earth: “And The Lord will do a new thing on the earth.” (Other Apocrypha, The Book of Enoch) Isaiah: 42:9 “Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare.” 42:10 “Sing unto The LORD a new song, and His praise from the end of the earth.” 43:18 “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.” 43:19 “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?” 48:6 “I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.” 62:2 “And thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of The LORD shall name.” 65:15 “And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto My chosen: for The Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call His servants by another name: 65:16 That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in The God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by The God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.” 65:17 “For (again), behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” Ezekiel: 7:6 “The end is come: it watcheth for thee; behold, it is come.” 11:19 “And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh.” 18:31 “Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit.” 36:26 “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh.”
CHRISTIANITY: Revelations 21:1 “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.” Passed away? This again, does not sound like the major shift of land masses or the fiery death and destruction of our earth if it was hit by the moon or another planet or the sun or a wandering star. And, just the sheer time scale involved here with all of this. It would take billions of years before we would again have a habitable planet to live on; this is definitely something we would most definitely remember. Hebrews: 9:26 “For then must he (Christ) often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” Here it clearly states that Jesus’ death was during the end of the world, but as we are now living and breathing, it is clearly easy to see that the term used here, end of the world, clearly was not meant to be a physical, literal event, but a spiritual, symbolic event denoting, not the physical end of the world, but symbolically, the spiritual ending of heavenly events. 1 Peter: 4:6 “For, for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” 1 John: 2:15 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of The Father is not in him. 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of The Father, but is of the world. 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.” 2 Peter: 3:1 “Beloved, I now write unto you;” 3:2 “That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of The Lord and Saviour:” 3:3 “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,” 3:4 “And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” 3:5 “For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God.” Matthew 24:3 “And as he (Christ) sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” 24:4 “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.” 24:5 “For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” 24:13 “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”
Not only was Christ asked, by his disciples, about the ending of the world, which he didn’t even find the topic worthy of commenting on. He was also asked, by them, about the coming of the new earth? Thomas 2:51 And, “His disciples said to Him, (Christ) ‘When will the repose of the dead come about, and when will the new world come?’” And, “He (Christ) said to them, ‘What you look forward to has already come, but you do not recognize it.’” (The Gospel of Thomas) The new earth had already came with the end of the world and the rising of the dead, and His disciples didn’t even recognize it! How could this possibly be, unless these events again, did not happen physically, but were spiritual, symbolic events? The coming of a physically new heaven and earth did not take place then, nor will it take place now: 2 Corinthians: 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 5:18 “And all things are of God.” So, Colossians: 3:9 “put off the old man with his deeds;” 3:10 “and – put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him.” For, 1 Corinthians: 5:6 “Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?“ 5:7 “Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump.” Ephesians: 4:22″ That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;” 4:23 “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;” 4:24 “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Revelation: 2:17 “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” 3:12 “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” 21:1 “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.” 21:3 “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle (the manifestation) of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” 21:5 “And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.”
Islam: 4. “To Him will be your return, it is He Who beginneth the process of Creation, and repeateth it, that He may reward with justice those who believe and work righteousness.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 10) 27. “It is He Who begins (the process of) creation; then repeats it; to Him belongs the loftiest similitude (allegory, symbolic truth): for He is Exalted in Might, Full of Wisdom;” 28. for “He does propound to you a similitude (allegory, spiritual message).” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 30) 28. “And your creation or your resurrection is in no wise but as an individual soul, (not the destruction and physical recreation of the entire earth).” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 31) 1. “Praise be to Allah, Who created (out of nothing) the heavens and the earth, Who made the angels messengers with wings — two, or three, or four (Pairs): He adds to Creation as He pleases: for Allah has power over all things.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 35) 15. “Were We then weary with the first Creation, that they should be in confused doubt about a new Creation?” 16. “It was We who created man and We know what dark suggestions his soul makes to him: for We are nearer to him than (his) jugular vein.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 50) 62. “And ye certainly know already the first form of creation: why then do ye not celebrate His praises?” 61. “From changing your Forms and creating you (again) in (Forms) that ye know not.” 63. “See ye the seed that ye sow in the ground?” 64. “Is it ye that cause it to grow, or are We the Cause?” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 56) 46. “From a seed when lodged (in its place);” 47. “That He hath promised a Second Creation (raising of the Dead).” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 53) 65. “Were it Our Will, we could crumble it to dry powder.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 56)
48. “One day the Earth will be changed to a different Earth, and so will be the Heavens.” 20. Say: “Travel through the earth and see how Allah did originate creation: so will Allah produce a later creation: for Allah has power over all things.” 47. “He hath promised a Second Creation.” 104. “The Day that we roll up the heavens like a scroll rolled up for books (completed) — even as We produced the first Creation, so shall We produce a new one.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surahs 14, 21, 29, 53) 151. “A similar (favor have ye already received) in that We have sent among you a Messenger of your own, rehearsing to you Our signs, and sanctifying you, and instructing you in Scripture and wisdom, and in new Knowledge (a new book).” 152. “Then do ye remember Me; I will remember you.”(The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 2) So, 97. “Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has faith, verily, to him will We give a new life, We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 16) 15. “O People of the Book! there hath come to you Our Messenger, revealing to you much that ye used to hide in the Book, and passing over much (that is now unnecessary): There hath come to you from Allah a (new) Light and a perspicuous Book.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 5) 89. “These were the men to whom We gave the Book, and authority, and prophethood: if these (their descendants) reject them, behold! We shall entrust their charge to a new People.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 6) 38. “He will say: “Enter ye in the company of the peoples who passed away before you, men and Jinns, into the fire. Every time a new people enters, it curses its sister-people (that went before), until they follow each other, all into the fire. Saith the last about the first.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 7) 19. “Seest thou not that Allah created the Heavens and the earth in Truth? If He so will, He can remove you and put (in your place) a new Creation?” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 14) 97. “Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has faith, verily, to him will We give a new life, a life that is good and pure.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 16) 37. “By men whom neither traffic nor merchandise can divert from the Remembrance of Allah, nor from regular Prayer, nor from the practice of regular Charity: their (only) fear is for the Day when hearts and eyes will be transformed (in a world wholly new).” 38. “That Allah may reward them according to the best of their deeds, and add even more for them out of His Grace: for Allah doth provide for those whom He will, without measure.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 24) 45. “But We raised up (new) generations, and long were the ages that passed over them.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 28) 11. “As sustenance for (Allah‘s) Servants; and We give (new) life therewith to land that is dead: Thus will be the Resurrection.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 50) 99. “See they not that Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, has power to create the like of them (anew)? Only He has decreed a term appointed, of which there is no doubt. But the unjust refuse (to receive it) except with ingratitude.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 17) 3. “We created not the heavens and the earth and all between them but for just ends.” 33. “See they not that Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, never wearied with their creation, is able to give life to the dead? Yea, verily He has power over all things,” 35. “shall any be destroyed except those who transgress?” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 46) 14. “To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: He forgives whom He wills, and He punishes whom He wills: but Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 48) 44. “The Day when the Earth will be rent asunder, from (men) hurrying out: that will be a gathering together — quite easy for Us.” 45. “We know best what they say; and thou art not one to overawe them by force.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 50) 56.“But those endued with knowledge and faith will say: ‘Indeed ye did tarry, within Allah‘s Decree, to the Day of Resurrection, and this is the Day of Resurrection: but ye were not aware!” (day of resurrection or end of the world) 25. “But it is to Allah that the End and the Beginning (of all things) belong.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surahs 30 and 53)
Zoroastrianism: 4. “And in this Zaothra with this Baresman I desire to approach Thee, the lord, with my praise, Thou who art Ahura Mazda (God), The Spiritual Lord and regulator of the spiritual creatures [The Lord and regulator of the spiritual creation]. And in this Zaothra with this Baresman I desire to approach thee, Zarathushtra Spitama, with my praise, the terrestrial (Lord and regulator) of the terrestrial creation, [The Lord and regulator of the terrestrial creation].” (The Zend-Avesta, Avesta – Visperad) 3. “And we worship the former religions of the world devoted to Righteousness which were instituted at the creation, the holy religions of The Creator Ahura Mazda, The Resplendent and Glorious.” (The Zend-Avesta, Avesta – Yasna 16) So, “Homage to the Fravashi of the righteous Spitama Zarathushtra. Homage to the whole creation of the Righteous One, that is coming into being and that will be.” So, “purification comes to the righteous creation, which is of the Beneficent Spirit,” “creation is advanced (a new spiritual creation).” (The Zend-Avesta, Khorda Avesta – Book of Common Prayer pt. 1) “Man, therefore, ought to refrain and curb every tendency towards devilish actions, and (in his life) exhibit to his fellow creatures, till the end of this world’s existence, deeds that are worthy of the soul.” “A perfectly wise man remains everywhere mindful of the end of the world.” (Zoroaster, The Denkard). “The world is the same old world as it had been, but thanks to the inspiration of the prophet, it has put on a new color. The out look has changed and the devotee now feels the blissful presence of Mazda everywhere. The kingdom of heaven has come down on earth.” (ZOROASTER, Hymns of Atharvan p. 833)
Hinduism: 11 “Thou, comprehending with thy might the earth and heaven, for ever new and new.” 6. “At the new creation (of, the world) they become the seed,” “as well as, that in the beginning of each new creation they are the propagators of the world and, being re-born, re-establishing the sacred law,” “to life new-born, have other eyes, new light!” “At the beginning of each Kalpa, all Issue new-born from Me.” 30. “As at the change of the seasons each season of its own accord assumes its distinctive marks, even so corporeal beings (resume in new births) their (appointed) course of action.” (Vedas, Rig Veda – Book 10 and The Dharma Sutras, Apastamba Prasna 2, Patala 9, Khanda 24 and The Dharma Sutras, Introduction to Apastamba, The Bhagavad Gita and The Laws of Manu) 2.“He stands behind all persons, and after having created all worlds He, the Protector, rolls it up at the end of time.” “The general destruction of created things as well as, that in the beginning of each new creation they are the propagators of the world and, being reborn, re-establish the sacred law. Though the wording differs, these passages fully agree in sense with Apastamba’s Bhavishyat-purana which says, They (the ancestors) live in heaven until the (next) general destruction of created things. At the new creation (of the world) they become the seed at the new creation.” (Hindu, The Dharma Sutras, Apastamba Prasna 2, Patala 9, Khanda 24 Introduction to Apastamba) “At the End of Times, He maketh all to end- and recreates.” One spiritual cycle ends and a new age begins. (Hindu, Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr) chapter 13) “He hath enveloped the sky, the atmosphere, He the heaven; He hath become all the worlds, He hath come to be. Up that. The radiant. Thou from of old with Thy new glory.” He hath adorned the heavens and the earth with new splendor and wonderment. (Hindu, Vedas, Yajur Veda – Kanda II)
Buddhism: 25. “The mendicant who lives in friendliness with confidence in the doctrine of the Buddha will find peace, the blessed place where (the cycle of) existence ends.” 24.“All-conquering and all-knowing am I.” 14. “The one whose conquest cannot be conquered again, into whose conquest no one in this world enters, by what track can you lead that one, the awakened, the omniscient, the trackless?” “All things in the world are like a dream, or like an image miraculously projected.” “Those who see Thee thus, serene and beyond conception, will be emancipated from attachment, will be cleansed of all defilement, both in this world and in the spiritual world beyond.” “When there is recognition that there is nothing in the world but what is seen of the mind itself, all dualistic discriminations will be discarded and the truth of imagelessness will be understood, and will be seen to be in conformity with meaning rather than with words and letters.” “The ignorant and simple-minded being fascinated with their self-imaginations and erroneous reasonings, keep on dancing and leaping about, but are unable to understand the discourse by words about the truth of self-realization, much less are they able to understand the Truth itself. Clinging to the external world, they cling to the study of books which are a means only, and do not know properly how to ascertain the truth of self-realization, which is Truth.” (Buddhist, Dhammapada – Sayings of the Buddha 1 and 2 (tr. J. Richards Buddha, Lankavatara Sutra) “The word sankhara (formations) comprises all things which have a beginning and an end, the so-called created, or “formed” things, i.e., all possible physical and mental constituents of existence.” “It is impossible that any one can explain the passing out of one existence, and the entering into a new existence, or the growth, increase, and development of consciousness, independent of corporeality, feeling, perception, and mental formations.” ((The Eightfold Path), Buddha, the Word (The Eightfold Path)) “Knowing the destruction of all that is created, you know the uncreated, holy one. When the holy one has reached the other shore in meditation and contemplation, all bonds vanish for the one who knows. For the one I call holy there is neither this shore nor that shore nor both, who is free from fear and free from shackles. The one I call holy is thoughtful, detached, settled,accomplished, desireless, and has attained the highest goal.” 4. “Who will conquer this earth (life) With Yama’s realm and with celestial world? Who will investigate the well-taught Dhamma-verses Even as a skilful garland-maker plucks flowers?” “A learner (sekha) will conquer this earth With Yama’s realm and with celestial world. He will investigate the well-taught Dhamma Verses. Even as a skilful garland-maker plucks flowers.” (Buddhist, Dhammapada – Sayings of the Buddha 2 and 3 (tr. J. Richards)) “The world, however, is given to pleasure, delighted with pleasure, enchanted with pleasure. Verily, such beings will hardly understand the law of conditionality, the Dependent Origination of every thing;” ((The Eightfold Path), Buddha, the Word (The Eightfold Path)) So, “Look on the world as a bubble, look on it as a mirage.” (Buddhist, Dhammapada – Sayings of the Buddha 1 (tr. J. Richards))
Sabeanism: “And it was revealed to me (?) and to all of them in this book, and they acted upon this reliable baser acting according to this (its) light and removing nothing from this writing of great revelation that was given to Adam the first man and to his descendants (and to) all who bear witness unto this light and illumination until worlds end, (at the latter end of the age). Naught shall pass away from the Word of the great Father of Glory, praised be his name!” “Cometh not to an end nor passeth away for an age of ages and for world without end.” “The good will see and will be found ready, (But) The wicked will be discomfited and the children of (this) world abashed.” “Pray ye for us from there, and we will pray from here for you! All fruits perish; all sweet odours vanish, (but) the perfume of Life (Haiyi/God) is established for ever and unto world’s end upon those who love His name of Truth.” “Thou hast chosen (us), hast taken us out of the world of hatred, envy and disputes and hast set us firmly on paths of truth and faith,” So, “Be no son of the House, the world,” “Adam, look upon the world which is a completely unreal thing. It is a unreal thing, in which you can put no trust.” “Display kindness, show compassion.” Be giving of that which you have to those in need. “And every man who giveth oblation; will be made to shine On the day of deliverance,” ‘secure, seal and guard the soul of (this one), and establish it, that evil will be removed, that they (humans) will be freed from all of the fetters and bonds of this world,” and set the spirit and soul of man, on the road, to true, spiritual, truth and well being! So than, “Be no son (be no prisoner) of the House, this world.” “Adam, look upon the world, which is a completely unreal thing, it is an unreal thing, in which you can put no trust.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapters 8, 13, 17, 24, 35, 43, 48, 60, 74, 75 and 76, and instructions for Adam)
Babi Religion: “There was a blast on the trumpet, and all who are in the heavens and all who are in the earth expired, save those whom God permitted to live.” “Once again the heavens had opened and that a new Dispensation had come to bless the sons of men.” The Bab: (Shoghi Effendi, The Dawn-Breakers p. 41)
Baha’i Faith: “These foundations of the Religion of God, which are spiritual and which are the virtues of humanity, cannot be abrogated; they are irremovable and eternal, and are renewed in the cycle of every Prophet.” “For the independent Prophets are founders; They establish a new religion and make new creatures of men;” “They are the divine Gardeners Who till the earth of human hearts and minds.” “They change the general morals, promote new customs and rules, renew the cycle and the law.” “My laws appear like the sun in the heaven of Mine utterance,” “Their appearance is like the season of spring, which arrays all earthly beings in a new garment, and gives them a new life.” Thus establishing the foundations of a new heavens and a new earth. (Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, pp. 47, 164 and The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 295 and Baha’u’llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 21) “Verily, verily the new heaven and the new earth are come. The holy City, New Jerusalem, hath come down from on high in the form of a maid of heaven, veiled, beauteous, and unique, and prepared for reunion with her lovers on earth. The angelic company of the celestial Concourse have joined in a call that hath rung throughout the universe, all loudly and mightily acclaiming: ‘Hail, O City of God! Abide Thou, and make Thy habitation with the pure, virtuous and holy servants of Thine; for they are Thy people, and Thou art their Lord.”’ (Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’i World Faith – Abdu’l-Baha Section, p. 350)
So, the coming of a new heavens and a new earth is totally symbolic and spiritual in nature; the coming of a new religious dispensation with a completely new messenger, not to be taken literally and physically; in-which-case, men definitely need to start taking better care of this planet we all live on, for future generations of humanity and stop trying to lay their irresponsible actions on the belief that we will soon have a new planet to totally abuse and not take care of! You read the various revealed verses from The Creators religions on this subject, think about it before it is to late.
Some people are extremely selfish and greedy, and do not think of the good or welfare of others, but only think of themselves and what they can get out of this life; much of the time at the expense of other people. This is a very big problem in the world of today and causes endless strife and problems within the world of humanity. This is also something the religions of The Creator warn us not to do, because of the great harm it can cause to humanity: Judaism: Job: 5:2 “For wrath killeth the foolish man, and (selfish) envy slayeth the silly one.” Proverbs: 21:25 “The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.” 21:26 “He (selfishly) coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.” Psalms: 10:2 “The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.” 10:3 “For the wicked boasteth of his heart’s desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom The LORD abhorreth.” For, Ecclesiastes: 5:10 “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that (selfishly) loveth abundance with increase,” Proverbs: 27:4 “Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy (greed, selfishness)?” 27:20 “Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of (the selfish, greedy) man are never satisfied.” Christianity: 1 John: 2:16 “For all that is in the world, the (selfish) lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of The Father, but is of the world.” 2:17 “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” 1 Timothy: 6:9 “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful (selfish) lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” 6:10 “For the love of money is the root of all evil.” James: 4:1 “From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your (selfish) lusts that war in your members?“ 4:2 “Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not.” 4:5 “Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy, (is selfish)?” “for they seek therein their own selfish interests.” (Martin Luther) Islam: “God loves not him who is proud and boastful; who are (selfish) miserly and bid men be miserly too, and who hide what God has given them of His grace;- but we have prepared for the misbelievers shameful woe.” (The Qur’an (E.H. Palmer tr), Sura 4) “Do you expect Allah to grant you rewards reserved for courteous, kind and benevolent people, while you actually are proud, vain, haughty (selfish) and miserly?” “You know they are usually stingy misers, intensely self-centered and selfish, suffering from the obsession of grasping and accumulating wealth.” “For the sake of yourself be afraid of self-aggrandizement, self-glorification and selfishness.” (Ali b. Abi Taalib, Letters from Nahjul Balaagh) Zoroaster: “And let not our good waters (which are not only good, but) best, and Mazda-made, help on the man who strives to mar our settlements which are not to be corrupted, nor him who would mar our bodies, (our) uncorrupted (selves),” (8) “nor the thief, or bludgeon-bearing ruffian who would slaughter the disciples, nor a sorcerer, nor a burier of dead bodies, nor the jealous, nor the (selfish) niggard, nor the godless heretic who slays disciples, nor the evil tyrant among men.” (The Zend-Avesta, Avesta – Yasna 69) And, “withstand the wicked one that deceives his friend and (the selfish) the niggard that causes the destruction of the world.” (The Zend-Avesta, Khorda Avesta – Book of Common Prayer pt. 1) Hinduism: “Crafty priests have forged these maxims and with selfish objects say, Make thy gifts and do thy penance, leave thy worldly wealth and pray!” (Hindu, Ramayana (R. Dutt, abridged tr)) 7. “For verily we truthful singers praise; you the (selfish) niggard trafficker is here excluded,” “pass over them; make ye the (selfish) niggard’s life decay: give light unto the singer eloquent in praise.” (Vedas, Rig Veda – Book 1) Buddhism: “Not by mere eloquence, nor by beautiful complexion does a man become good natured; should he be jealous, selfish and deceitful. In whom such behaviour Is cut off and wholly uprooted, that wise man who has cast out impurities, is indeed called good natured.” Selfish, “miserly people certainly do not go to heaven.” “Overcome anger by love; overcome wrong by good; overcome the miserly (selfishness) by generosity, and the liar by truth.” (Buddhist, Dhammapada – Sayings of the Buddha,1 and 3 (tr. J. Richards)) Sabeanism: “Praise Thee, for amongst them all hatred, (selfish) envy and dissensions exist not.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapter 76) Babism: “Indeed, by adhering to forms and by following the promptings of your selfish desires, ye have deprived yourselves of the good-pleasure of your Lord, except those whom their Lord hath endowed with knowledge and who in this Day render thanks unto Him for the bounty of being identified with the true Faith of God.” “Deliver me, O Lord, from the fire of ignorance and of selfish desire, suffer me to be admitted into the precincts of Thy transcendent mercy and send down upon me that which Thou hast ordained for Thy chosen ones.” (The Bab, Selections from the Writings of the Bab, pp. 162 and 215) Baha’i Faith: “The heart must be sanctified from every form of selfishness and lust, for the weapons of the unitarians and the saints were and are the fear of God.” “Therefore today “victory” neither hath been nor will be opposition to anyone, nor strife with any person; but rather what is well-pleasing is that the cities of [men’s] hearts, which are under the dominion of the hosts of selfishness and lust, should be subdued by the sword of the Word, of Wisdom, and of Exhortation.” (Abdu’l-Baha, A Traveller’s Narrative, pp. 45 and 63) “Therefore it is evident that warfare, cruelty and bloodshed in the kingdom of man are caused by human greed, hatred and selfishness.” (Abdu’l-Baha, Foundations of World Unity, p. 24) So, “Concern yourselves with the things that benefit mankind, and not with your corrupt and selfish desires.” (Baha’u’llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 29)
So selfishness and miserliness are truly looked down upon in the writings of The Creator, which is not very surprising, as far as I am concerned, because of what selfishness and miserliness can ultimately lead to in the human world, and that is human greed. Human greed has caused problems and confrontation and confusion in this world for thousands of years. It is one of those really, really bad problems we face in this world, that causes constant confusion, hardship, heart ache, difficulties and bloodshed within the human race. In truth, the greed of today has gotten so bad that people will let other humans die over it; men, women, children, it doesn’t really seem to matter that much to the truly greedy people. Human greed is behind most of these terrible wars fought on this earth, if truth be told. Human greed is responsible for most of the destruction on this planet, with big money and greedy corruption behind most of the damage being done to the environment of this planet. People will kill one another over the want of money. Heartless people will let other people do without the basic necessities of life, just so they can have more things. People starve to death, children starve to death, just so people can drive their fancy cars. Others do without food or proper medical care, just so the well to do can have more, and can have more and can have more etc… The list goes on and on, of all the suffering caused by excessive greed; and the political leaders in this world are just being bought and paid for, just so the truly greedy can continue this downward cycle of greed, suffering and the want of more etc… need I say more! Christianity: Luke: 12:34 “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” 16:13 “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (money).” 1 Timothy: 6:10 “For the love of money is the root of all evil.” Mark: 10:25 “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” 1 Timothy: 3:2 “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;” 3:3 “Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre (shameful gain); but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;” 3:8 “Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double tongued, not given too much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 3:9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.” Philippians: 3:18 “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:” 3:19 “Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.” Judaism: Proverbs: 15:27 “He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house;” for, 28:20 “he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent,” for, 28:22 “he that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.” 28:27 “He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse,” and 22:16 “he that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.” Psalms 49:6 “They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;” 49:7 “None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:” Ecclesiastes: 5:10 “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.” Isaiah 56:11 “Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough.” Islam: “Beware, my son, that avarice and greed may not drive you towards destruction and damnation.” “Avoid greedy and covetous persons!,” 7. — “We will indeed make smooth for him the path to Bliss. But he who is a greedy miser and thinks himself self-sufficient, and gives the lie to the Best, — We will indeed make smooth for him the Path to Misery; nor will his wealth profit him when he falls headlong (into the Pit of hell). (Islam, Ali b. Abi Taalib, Letters from Nahjul Balaagh and The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 74) Zoroastrianism: 5. “May Sraosha (Obedience) conquer disobedience within this house, and may peace triumph over discord here, and generous giving over avarice (greed), reverence over contempt, speech with truthful words over lying utterance. May the Righteous Order gain the victory over the Demon of the Lie.” 33. “They do not keep in mind the working of Time and the transientness of the body, They ever go wandering about on the way of desire, (wantonness, selfishness, greed) They are tossed in doubt by evil Passion.” (The Zend-Avesta, Avesta – Yasna 60 and The Zend-Avesta, Avesta Fragments) Hinduism: “Free thy heart from sin and greed.” 2. “The good and the pleasant approach man: the wise goes round about them and distinguishes them. Yea, the wise prefers the good to the pleasant, but the fool chooses the pleasant through greed and avarice.” (Hindu, Mababharata (R. Dutt, abridged tr and Upanishads vol. 2, Katha-Upanishad) Buddhism: “Greed is a root of unwholesome karma; Anger is a root of unwholesome karma; Delusion is a root of unwholesome karma. [The state of greed, as well as that of anger, is always accompanied by delusion; and delusion, ignorance, is the primary root of all evil.] Therefore, I say, these demeritorious actions are of three kinds: either due to greed, or due to anger, or due to delusion.” 18. “Unrestrained men are evil. Don’t let greed and wrong doing subject you to lasting suffering.” 20. “How could a man full of desires and greed be a man of religion? 15. “Let us live in joy, free from greed among the greedy.” 18. “Know this, human, that the unrestrained are in a bad way. Do not let greed and wrong-doing bring you long suffering.” (Buddhist, Dhammapada – Sayings of the Buddha 1 and 2 (tr. J. Richards) and The Eightfold Path), Buddha, the Word (The Eightfold Path)) Sabeanism: “Praise Thee, for amongst them all hatred, (selfish greed), envy and dissensions exist not.” “The Place which is all portals of radiance, light and glory Praiseth Thee.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapter 76) “The mana rejoiceth in its treasure And in the glory of Life Which resteth on it. I have acknowledged Thee (O) Elect Righteous One, For Thou settest my soul free From transitory things.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapter 93) Babi Religion: “Avarice (greed) which is the national passion,” “without mercy, moderation, or shame, they employed any means, however base and lawless, to extort from the innocent the benefits they themselves coveted. Forsaking every principle of justice and decency,” (The Babi and Baha’i Religions p. 161 and Shoghi Effendi, The Dawn-Breakers, p. 642) Baha’i Faith: Avarice is definitely a subject that really had very good reasons to be addressed in the books of God. Greed is one of the seven cardinal sins, or better known as the seven deadly sins found in the bible, and is responsible for untold human misery and suffering at the hands of those men and women, who hold greed as their way of life. To many of these people avarice is their god, forming the basis of their religious beliefs, that allows them to take from others, what they feel is their God given right to have, regardless of whom their nature of inordinate desire for more may harm, or what damage they may do to human society. How many wars has this uncontrolled urge in some human individuals spawned in the world, how much hardship and death has it left in it’s wake? And, in reality for what: “The commanders of armies glory in having killed ten thousand men, not for food, nay, rather, for military control, territorial greed, fame and possession of the dust of the earth. They kill for national aggrandizement, notwithstanding this terrestrial globe is but a dark world of grossest matter. It is a world of sorrow and grief, a world of disappointment and unhappiness, a world of death. For after all, the earth is but the everlasting graveyard, the vast, universal cemetery of all mankind. Yet men fight to possess this graveyard, waging war and battle, killing each other. What ignorance!” The earth is spacious enough for all, there is room for plenty if we just learn to work together in peace! But, instead many of these world leaders in power still choose antagonism as their main source of communication. “Therefore, it is evident that warfare, cruelty and bloodshed in the kingdom of man are caused by human greed, hatred and selfishness (something we as caring human beings need to learn to avoid and rise above, so we can learn to care about and take care of one another).” (Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 120 and 396)
There are people who try to be kind, giving and loving to everyone and everybody on this entire planet; and than there are some people in this world, who are just the opposite, who do hateful, terrible, diabolical things to others, just because they are hateful, cruel, mean and vile to their very depths, nature and core; who will do anything to anyone and think little of it, just as long as it doesn’t come back on them or hurt them. And than there is, of-course, all the rest of the human race, who fall somewhere in-between these two extremes, which is the majority of the human race; some religious and some not. Many of these people, to differing degrees, are religious by nature, and just try to live out their lives, trying to live a decent life, just dealing with the ups and downs of this worldly existence. And then there are some people, who claim to be religious, who try to use the religious beliefs of people to try and control them; many of which, who are evil by nature or unfeeling of heart, who have no problem doing evil in this world, and try to use religion to impose their will and force their purposes and agenda on others. Some of these people even use the name of The Creator as a means to isolate and divide people; and some who use religion to be cruel, mean, vile, hateful, unjust and unkind to people weaker than them or not like them. Many of these people, of this day, will use religion to hurt and attack people, and to do dire, hateful, detestable, abominable things in this world; and see nothing wrong with their appalling actions and insufferable, distasteful behavior. Many of these people warp and distort the meanings of the words of The Creator, just to suit their own diabolical, evil purposes and design, so they can better control the people, and disrupt the world of humanity. Many of these people do this, just to try and put a halt to the beneficial interactions of people with one another or to try and stop the peaceful coexistence of human beings, with one another, in benevolence and peace:
Christian: Matthew: 23:13 “But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.” Mark: 7:7 “Howbeit in vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” 7:8 “For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men.” Galatians: For, 1:7 “There be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel,” 2 Corinthians: 4:2 “handling the word of God deceitfully.” 2 Peter: For, 2:1 “there were (are) false prophets among the people, even as there shall be, (are) false teachers among you, (us, even now), who privily shall bring in damnable heresies (and) swift destruction.” 2:2 “And (a great) many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be (evil spoken of).” We, as humans, need to examine the teachings of The Creator for ourselves and verify what we are being told and determine our own path, and be unified and live in peace with one another, and not to be ostracized and separated from one another by our religious leaders! 1 Corinthians: 1:10 “Now I beseech you, that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together.” Romans: 15:6 “That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God.” And, Galatians 6:10 “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men.” So people, 2 Corinthians 13:11 “be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” Romans: 12:18 “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Hebrews: 12:14 “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see The Lord.”
Judaism: Jeremiah: 12:10 For, “many pastors have destroyed My vineyard, they have trodden My portion under foot (soiled His holy words.)” 12:12 For, “the spoilers are come.” 9:6 And, “thine habitation is in the midst of deceit; (and) through deceit they refuse to know Me, saith The LORD.” 8:9 For, “the wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed: lo, they have rejected the word of The LORD; and what wisdom is in them (The true Spirit and spiritual nature of His Holy Words)?” 10:21 “For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought The LORD.” Isaiah: 29:13 “Wherefore The Lord said, forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:” 9:16 “For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed,” 9:17 “for every one is an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly.” Malachi: 2:7 “For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of The LORD of Hosts.” 2:8 “But ye are departed out of the way (and) ye have caused many to stumble at the law (and) ye have corrupted the covenant, saith The LORD of Hosts (and) ye have not kept My ways, but have been partial in the law,” adding to and picking and choosing what ye want to believe in and ignoring anything and everything else that doesn’t conform to your ways of thinking and believing!!! Hosea: 4:6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because thou hast rejected knowledge.” Again we, as humans, need to look at and study the things we are being told and come to our very own conclusions; and than try to live together in unity and peace, because all of us came from the one same Creator: Psalms 133:1 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Leviticus: 19:18 “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself; I am The LORD.” 19:34 “The stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself.” Isaiah 54:13 “And all thy children shall be taught of The LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.” For, 32:17 “the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance.”
Islam: 121. “It is those who believe not in the Signs of Allah (God, The Creator) that forge falsehood; it is they who lie!” “All this is because, they love the life of this world, better than the Hereafter.” 108. So, “say not, any false thing that your tongues may put forth, ‘This is lawful, and this is forbidden,’ so as to ascribe false things to Allah (God). For those who ascribe false things to Allah, will never prosper.” 78. For, “there are among them illiterates, who know not the Book but (see therein their own) desires, and they do nothing but their own conjecture.” 79. “Woe than, to those who write the Book with their own hands and then say: ‘This is from Allah,’ to traffic with it for a miserable price! Woe to them for what their hands do write, and for the gain they make thereby.” 78. “There is among them a section who distort the Book with their tongues; you would think it is a part of the Book, but it is no part of the Book; and they say, ‘That is from Allah,’ but it is not from Allah: it is they who tell a lie against Allah, and (well) they know it!“ 81. “Nay, those who seek gain in Evil, are girt round by their sins, they are Companions of the Fire, therein shall they abide.” As we should clearly see by now, we, as humans, again need to look and verify the things we are being told, and again, try to live together in brotherhood, unity and peace: 10. “The believers are but a single Brotherhoods So make peace and reconciliation.” “Develop mutual liking, friendship and love and help one another,” “be not divided among yourselves.” 92. “This Brotherhood of yours is a single Brotherhood, and I am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore serve Me (and no other),” “I just wanted to attract and unite their hearts.”’ So, 7. “let there be peace and tranquility for all the creatures of Allah.” 224. “And make not Allah’s (name) an excuse in your oaths against doing good, or acting rightly, or making peace,” “enter not into conflict.” (Islam, The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surahs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 14, 16, 21, 24, 28, 31, 33, 39, 49 and Islam, Hadith, Bukhari Vol 2, Book 23, Number 382 and Vol 9, Book 93, # 532, Ali b. Abi Taalib, Letters from Nahjul Balaagh and Hadith, Bukhari Vol 1, book 1 # 6 and Bukhari Vol 9, Book 93, # 532 and Bukhari Vol 9, Book 93, # 527)
Zoroastrianism: 7. How, “Can they be true to Thee, O Ahura Mazda (God, The Creator), who by their doctrines turn known inheritances of Good Thought into misery and woe.” For, “real religion is killed by too many rites (doctrines, theologies, dogmas and traditions).” “How long (then) will you go on dallying with the shape of the jug? Leave the jug alone; seek the water (God’s true teachings within the water).” “Let him that knows inform the wise; no longer let him that knows nothing deceive (teaching their vain conjectures to others). Be to us, O Mazda Ahura, the Teacher of Good Thought,” “To withstand the wicked one that deceives that causes the destruction of the world.” 9. For, “The teacher of evil destroys the lore, (perverts and destroys the spirit of the word). He by his false teachings destroys the design of (spiritual) life and he prevents the possession of Good Thought from being prized.” And so, “from This True Spirit have the liars fallen away.” So again, we must learn to investigate His writings for ourselves and come to our very own conclusions, that way we will not be easily led astray, and again we need to learn to live together in unity and peace: “Love attracts, while fear repels. Thus love is the principle of unity, unity with God and unity with men.” “When men love and help one another, to the best of their power, they derive the greatest pleasure from loving their fellowmen.” “The religion of the Gatha is the religion of love, and Mazda is the friend of men.” “Harmony of the world (making the world one) is the ideal that the prophet teaches. Harmony of the world should be the aim of the selfless worker.” 9. “I pledge myself to the Mazdayasnian religion, which causes the attack to be put off and weapons put down;” “And we worship the victorious Peace.” 7. “Violence must be put down! against cruelty make a stand,” 5. “and may peace triumph over discord.” (Zoroastrianism, Hymns of Atharvan pp. 31, 34, 87 , 107, 197, 500, 507 and 670 and The Zend-Avesta, Avesta – Yasnas 12, 19, 22, 25, 30, 32, 45, 47, 48, 49, 53, 58 and The Khorda Avesta – Book of Common Prayer pt. 1 and Denkard)
Hinduism: “All those traditions (smriti) (Krishna tells us), and (all) those despicable systems of philosophy: (the dogmas, doctrines, theologies and traditions of men), which are not based on the (true) Veda, produce no reward after death; for they are declared to be founded on Darkness.” And, “it is not improbable, that our text is disfigured by several very old (man induced) corruptions.” “It must be remembered, that many a word may have been misunderstood and many a sentence confused, as it was told by father to son.” Also, “in many cases a literal translation may convey an entirely wrong meaning, and a strictly literal translation would therefore be wrong, and would convey no meaning, or a wrong meaning;” for, “one steadfast rule- while shifting souls have laws Many and hard. Specious, but wrongful deem The speech of those ill-taught ones who extol The letter of their Vedas, saying, “This Is all we have, or need;” being weak at heart With wants, seekers of Heaven: which comes- they say- As “fruit of good deeds done;” promising men Much profit in new births for works of faith; In various rites abounding;” But it must be remembered, “that those who handed down the ancestral treasures of ancient wisdom (traditions, doctrines and dogma), would often feel inclined to add what seemed useful to themselves.” Clearly we need to be looking into the word and studying the teachings of The Creator for ourselves, because Krishna clearly tells us that mankind has been tampering with The Creators words and teachings from, pretty much, the beginning of time itself; and we also need to learn to live together in peace and harmony: “The world is overcome- aye! even here! By such as fix their faith on Unity. The sinless Brahma dwells in Unity, And they in Brahma.”“Be united, He says,” 2.30 “abstain from violence,” “may union and peace be ours.” (Hindu, Laws of Manu chapter 12 and The Upanishads, vol. 1 and Hindu, Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr) chapters 2 and 5 and Vedas, Yajur Veda – Kanda 5 and 7)
Buddhism: “There are common heretics Of this world who teach amongst humans that which is not true. You will be beset by these heretics on every hand within and without. There will be plenty of these heretics about hiding themselves in the very personalities of the saints, the better to carry out their deceitful tricks on the un-weary persons.” For, “The memory-habit of erroneous intellection will ever cling to them. To make the matter worse, the simple-minded ones, poisoned by this erroneous view, will declare this incorrect way of thinking taught by the ignorant, to be the same as that presented by the All-knowing One.” Again, mankind has been clearly tampering with The Creators writings and lying to the people; so the only true way to know the truth is to study and investigate the writings of The Creator for ourselves, and again, we need to learn to live together in unity, harmony and peace: “He unites those that are divided, and those that are united he encourages; concord gladdens him, he delights and rejoices in concord, and it is concord that he spreads by his words. He avoids harsh language and abstains from it. He speaks such words as are gentle, soothing to the ear, loving, going to the heart, courteous and dear, and agreeable to many. He avoids vain talk and abstains from it. He speaks at the right time, in accordance with facts, speaks what is useful, speaks about the law and the disciple; his speech is like a treasure, at the right moment accompanied by arguments, moderate, and full of sense.” “The primary cause of pure unity of enlightenment that has existed from the beginning of time is compassion, purity, harmony, likeness, permanency and peace.” 1. “Occasions of hatred are certainly never settled by hatred, they are settled by freedom from hatred; this is the eternal law,” and “15. there is no happiness greater than peace.” (Buddha, The Eightfold Path and The Surangama Sutra and The Lankavatara Sutra)
Sabeanism: “Hearken not to the talk of all peoples and generations; Let not their stumblings: (doctrines, dogmas, theologies and traditions), cause you to stumble, Stumble not because of their stumblings!” “Let not the torturers (of the tormentors) strike us, nor condemners and damn (control our message and) souls!” Protect us from, “the wicked and furious ones Who scheme to work and plot evil upon us.” Study the words and teachings and try to live together in peace and unity with one another: “May they be knit together in the communion of Life in which there is no separation.” “Praise Thee, for amongst them all hatred, Envy and dissensions exist not. The Place which is all portals of radiance, light and glory Praiseth Thee.” In unity, “bliss and peace there will be on the road which Adam attained,’ “My vigilance and praise,’ ‘Go in peace, chosen, pure and guiltless one in whom there is no spot.”’ (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapters 34, 70, 74, 75, 89, 173 and 410)
Babism: “Let not the deeds of those who reject the Truth shut you out as by a veil.” For, “in every nation thou beholdest unnumbered spiritual leaders who are bereft of true discernment, and among every people thou dost encounter myriads of adherents who are devoid of the same characteristic, whose prophecies were false and forged by false traditionalists (that) could only be the superstitions of diseased brains.” So, one must study the word and come to your own conclusion, because you know not whether that which you are hearing and being told is true or not, than we must try to live together in peace and be united with one another: “Become as true brethren in the one and indivisible religion of God, free from distinction, for verily God desireth that your hearts should become mirrors unto your brethren in the Faith, so that ye find yourselves reflected in them, and they in you. This is the true Path of God, the Almighty, and He is indeed watchful over your actions.” And, “Unity was (is) the goal that ‘excelleth every goal!” “O PEOPLES of the earth! Verily the resplendent Light of God hath appeared in your midst, invested with this unerring Book, that ye may be guided aright to the ways of peace and, by the leave of God, step out of the darkness into the light.” Than, “may the peace of God be with those who have been guided aright through the power of divine guidance.” (The Bab, Selections from the Writings of the Bab, pp. 56, 60 and 160 and Peter Smith, The Babi & Baha’i Religions, p. 83)
Baha’i Faith: “The Prophets and Manifestations of God bring always the same teaching; at first men cling to the Truth, but after a time they disfigure it. The Truth is distorted by man-made outward forms and material laws. The veil of substance and worldliness is drawn across the reality of Truth.” For, “‘The beginnings of all great religions were pure; but (the) priests: (Divines, Mullas, Magians, Devas, clergy, theologians etc…) taking possession of the minds of the people, filled them with dogmas and superstitions, so that religion became gradually corrupt.”‘ For the “People are too easily led by tradition. It is because of this that they are often antagonistic.” “It is misguided ones like these who are the cause of division and hatred upon earth.” 24. “O YE THAT ARE FOOLISH, YET HAVE A NAME TO BE WISE!“ “Wherefore do ye wear the guise of shepherds, when inwardly ye have become wolves, intent upon My flock? Ye are even as the star, which riseth ere the dawn, and which, though it seem radiant and luminous, leadeth the wayfarers of My city astray into the paths of perdition.” Men are bending and twisting the word of God to suit their very own twisted goals, desires and agenda; so the only true way to get around their evil designs and mechanizations is to read and study the word for yourselves, and than try to get along with one another and live in peace: “Do not only say that Unity, Love and Brotherhood are good; you must work for their realization,” for, “so powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.” So, “We work and pray for the unity of mankind, that all the races of the earth may become one race, all the countries one country, and that all hearts may beat as one heart, working together for perfect unity and brotherhood,” again, “unity was the goal that ‘excelleth every goal!” “According to the divine will, — religion should be the cause of love and agreement, a bond to unify all mankind for it is a message of peace and good-will to man from God.” “As the East and the West are illumined by one sun, so all races, nations, and creeds shall be seen as the servants of the One God. The whole earth is one home, and all peoples, did they but know it, are bathed in the oneness of God’s mercy. God created all. He gives sustenance to all. He guides and trains all under the shadow of his bounty. We must follow the example God Himself gives us, and do away with all disputations and quarrels (and live in peace with one another).” “War is destruction, while Universal Peace is construction; war is death, while peace is life; war is rapacity and bloodthirstiness, while peace is beneficence and humaneness; war is an appurtenance of the world of nature, while peace is of the foundation of the religion of God; war is darkness upon darkness, while peace is heavenly light; war is the destroyer of the edifice of mankind, while peace is the everlasting life of the world of humanity; war is like a devouring wolf, while peace is like the angels of heaven; war is the struggle for existence, while peace is mutual aid and cooperation among the peoples of the world and the cause of the good-pleasure of the True One in the heavenly realm.” “Live in peace!“ (Abdu’l-Baha in London, pp. 27, 56, 38, 60 and 125, The Paris Talks, pp. 46, 99 Baha’i World Faith pp. 239, 244 and 284, and Baha’u’llah, The Persian Hidden Words and Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 13)
You see, The Creator really does want humanity to live together in peace and unity with one another and be one human family, but again, there are some people in this world who, like the one’s just discussed, are involved in activities such as oppression and repressive of others, and in some cases human atrocities and blatant deeds of human vileness and exploitation; and in some cases heinous crimes against humanity. Many of these people believe, it seems, that their faith is all that they need to be saved, and that they will be just fine, believing that they are just going to be accepted into heaven no matter how rude, cruel and hateful they are to the people in the world around them; believing that faith is all that they need, and they don’t need to preform good actions, deeds or works in this life for the benefit of others. But this again is not the true case, as I discussed earlier. If you are a rude, evil, nasty person in this life, you will be a rude, crude, nasty, evil person when you cross over into the other life; because you have done nothing, here in this life, to change your nasty, hateful, evil behavior and disposition; or again, do you really believe you are just suddenly going to become a warm, loving, kind person that everybody wants to be around, as if by magic. If you have done nothing to make yourself that way, here in this life, why do you think you will suddenly be pleasant and agreeable there, on the other side; you have done nothing, in this life, to make you pleasant and agreeable there! If you were evil like this before you died, than you will be evil, mean and hateful after you die, faith will not change that, because you have done nothing here, in this life, to change your evil, nasty, hateful behavior towards others; again Paul tells us: 2 Corinthians: 9:6 “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” 9:7 “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart,”
As I said earlier, much of this belief, that people only need to have faith, is directly related to comments made by the apostle Paul, about faith and the works of the law, in the New Testament of the Christian Bible, example: Galatians: 2:16 “A man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” Therefore, 3:11 “No man is justified by the law in the sight of God, for The just shall live by faith.” But, 3:13 “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law,” 3:23 “but before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed,” 3:24 “wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” 5:22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” 2:19 “For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.” For, Romans: 3:27 “Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? (Again, works of the law, not good works as some have interpreted it) Nay: but by the law of faith.” 9:32 “Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law.” 3:28 “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” 3:31 “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.”
As I said, Paul’s words, though seemingly clear on this subject, leads some to confusion about works, the law and faith in The New Testament or maybe some people are just wishing that it is that simple, to get everything they want and desire through faith, with no real, actual effort on their part for their salvation; nor is Paul the only one to lead people to this conclusion: Judaism: Habakkuk: 2:4 “The just shall live by his faith.” Deuteronomy: 32:20 “And He said, I will hide My face from them, — children in whom is no faith.” Islam: 193. “Our Lord! we have heard the call of one calling (us) to faith.” 88. “We deliver those who have faith.” 118. “Say those without knowledge: We have indeed made clear the signs unto any people who hold firmly to faith.” 121. “Those who reject faith therein, the loss is their own.” 56. “As to those who reject faith, I will punish them.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surahs 2, 3 and 21) Zoroastrianism: 5. “O Ye Bountiful Immortals! as Ye have made us, so do Ye save us, holy men, and saintly women (as we are, and steadfast in faith)” “And in this Religion, Ahura Mazda has been confessed with faith, and the Good Mind likewise with Him, and Righteousness the Best.” (The Zend-Avesta, Avesta – Yasnas 57 and 58) Hinduism: “Worship Me well, with hearts of love and faith, All come who cleave With never-wavering will of firmest faith, They that receive not this, failing in faith To grasp the greater wisdom, reach not Me.” (Hindu, Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr) chapters 7 and 9) Buddhism: “And, verily, those who are filled with unshaken faith in me, all those have entered the stream.” ((The Eightfold Path), Buddha, the Word (The Eightfold Path)) Sabeanism: “Thou hast shown us the Way of Life and hast guided our feet into ways of truth and faith, so that Life cometh and expelleth the darkness and goodness cometh and casteth out evil.” “We offer up our commemoration, our petition, our prayer, Our submission, our tabuta and our faith In Thy presence.” “Blessed art Thou, my Lord, Manda-d-Hiia.” “In the name of the Great Life! Hear me, my Father, hear me! Draw me upward (O) Great One.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapters 45, 75 and 80)
Now Paul, and these other speakers, are not saying that man should ignore good works and good deeds, and that we are not going to be held responsible for the things we do in this life, good or bad: Christianity: Romans 14:12 “So then, every one of us, (everybody) shall give account of himself to God.” 9:27 “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” For, Matthew 7:21 “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Revelations 2:23 For, “I will give unto every one of you, according to your works.” And: Judaism: 2 Samuel: 3:39 “The LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.” Islam: 31. “To Allah (God) belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth; so that He rewards those who do evil, according to their deeds.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 53) Zoroastrianism: 62. “To that world, to the world of Hell, you are delivered by your own doings!” (The Zend-Avesta, Avesta – Vendidad 5) Hinduism: 240. “Single is each being born; single it dies; single it enjoys (the reward of its’) virtue; single (it suffers the punishment of its’) sin.” (Hindu, Laws of Manu chapter 4) Buddhism: “And further, people take the evil way in deeds, the evil way in words, the evil way in thoughts; and by taking the evil way in deeds, words, and thoughts, at the dissolution of the body, after death, they fall into a downward state of existence, a state of suffering, into perdition, and the abyss of hell.” ((The Eightfold Path), Buddha, the Word (The Eightfold Path)) Sabeanism: “The good will see and will be found ready, (But) The wicked will be discomfited and the children of (this) world abashed.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapters 35 and 76)
You see Paul, and these other people, were not talking about the good works and the good deeds of our actions in this life, but the works of the law, as it fairly, clearly states, in the Christian bible many times. Paul was not belittling the importance of the good behavior of mankind or the importance of doing good actions in this life or good works and good deeds for others, as some have interpreted it; nor were these other people belittling the importance of doing good. Paul, and these other people, were saying that there is more than just the works of the law needed for man to be saved and to get into heaven; but some people have confused doing the works of the law, with doing good works or service unto God, believing we are not obligated to preform good works or good deeds in the path of God. They say we just need to have faith: Ephesians: 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God;” 2:9 “Not of works, lest any man should boast.” But again, Jesus tells us you will not get into heaven without living the life and doing good works or deeds; he tells us we will be judged on this: Matthew: 7: 21 “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Which again means, abiding by the word and living by it, not ignoring it or pretending it doesn’t matter. Matthew 12:36 “But I say unto you, they (the people) shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” 16:27 “He (God) shall reward every man according to his works.” Romans 14:12 “So then, every one of us, (everybody) shall give account of himself to God.” We will be asked of our doings in this life and the good and bad things we have done, when we pass out of this mortal life into the hands of God: Revelations: 2:23 “I will give unto every one of you, according to your works.” 20:12 “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened; and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” 20:13 “And they were judged every man according to their works.” And so if you truly think works are not important? Revelations: 2:23 “I will give unto every one of you, according to your works.” Matthew: 16:27 “He (God) shall reward every man according to his works.” 1 Peter: 1:17 “The Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work.” Revelations: 20:13 “And they were judged every man according to their works.” Apparently Christ, John, Matthew, Peter and God all think good works and deeds are important! Again: Judaism: 2 Samuel: 3:39 “The LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.” Ecclesiastes: 12:14 “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Isaiah: 13:11 “And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity;” 3:10 “for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.” 3:11 “Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him;” Proverbs: 24:12 “and shall not He render to every man according to his works?” Islam: 31. “To Allah (God) belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth; so that He rewards those who do evil, according to their deeds.” 123. “Whoever works evil, will be requited accordingly, nor will he find, besides Allah, any protector or helper.” 46. “Whoever works righteousness benefits his own soul; and whoever works evil, it is against his own soul.” “On the Day of Judgement, the people will be rewarded or punished according to their deeds, the day on which evil doers will suffer for their vicious and wicked ways.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surahs 4, 41 and 53, and Ali b. Abi Taalib, Letters from Nahjul Balaagh) Zoroastrianism: 62. “To that world, to the world of Hell, you are delivered by your own doings!” 11. “But these that are of an evil dominion, of evil deeds, evil words, evil Self, and evil thought, Liars, the Souls go to meet them with evil food; in the House of the Lie they shall be meet inhabitants.” 8. “So they whose deeds are evil, let them be deceived, and let them all howl, abandoned to ruin.” (The Zend-Avesta, Avesta – Yasna 49, 53 and The Zend-Avesta, Avesta – Vendidad 5) Hinduism: 240. “Single is each being born; single it dies; single it enjoys (the reward of its’) virtue; single (it suffers the punishment of its’) sin.” “And, this thing thinking, all those ruined ones- Of little wit, dark-minded- give themselves To evil deeds, the curses of their kind.” 1. “That Self is a bank, a boundary, so that these worlds may not be confounded. Day and night do not pass that bank, nor old age, death, and grief; neither good nor evil deeds. All evil-doers turn back from it, for the world of Brahman is free from all evil.” (Hindu, Laws of Manu chapter 4, Hindu, Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr) chapter 16 and Upanishads vol. 1, Khandogya-Upanishad Part 4) Buddhism: “And further, people take the evil way in deeds, the evil way in words, the evil way in thoughts; and by taking the evil way in deeds, words, and thoughts, at the dissolution of the body, after death, they fall into a downward state of existence, a state of suffering, into perdition, and the abyss of hell.” “Karmically unwholesome” is every volitional act of body, speech, or mind which is rooted in greed, hatred, or delusion, and produces evil and painful results in this or any future form of existence.” “Here and beyond (the worker of evil) is punished. The wrong-doer is punished both ways. He is punished by the thought, “I have done evil”, and is even more punished when he comes to a bad state.” ((The Eightfold Path), Buddha, the Word (The Eightfold Path) (Buddhist, Dhammapada – Sayings of the Buddha 1 (tr. J. Richards) chapter 1)) Sabeanism: “If right is different than wrong, then their retribution also must be different. They cannot lead to the same goal. The distinction between right and wrong is fundamental to man. Man lives under the power of supreme reality of moral distinctions and of their absolute significance. To invalidate the hypothesis would be to invalidate the life which is based upon it.” “The good will see and will be found ready, (But) The wicked will be discomfited and the children of (this) world abashed.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapters 35 and 76)
Clearly men and women are suppose to be doers of good works and good deeds and live our lives through the performance of positive, upright, vitreous actions for the benefit and well-being of all mankind. What we are not supposed to be, is just spectators, relying strictly on faith, while we just stand by and watch, waiting for things to happen in this world, that may or may not be good. We need to have a positive, impact and influence in the world around us for the well-being of all. We are asked, in the writings of The Creator, to become a beneficial, positive force in the lives of others, and to become a benefit to all of mankind; and not just be complacent observers, with no positive, constructive influence or impact in the world around us and in the lives of the people around us:
Christianity: 1 John: 3:18 “Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” For, Luke: 11:28 “Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” 2 Timothy: 3:17 “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” For, Matthew: 7:21 “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” 16:27 “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” 2:6 “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he (Jesus) walked.” Ephesians 6:6 “Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;” We are not to do things for each other because it is what we want men to see of us, but because we love God and we love following His ways: 1 John 2:4 “He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 2:5 “But, whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him.” 2:6 “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” 3:18 “(Again, people) let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John: 3:17 “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” James: 1:22 “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” 1:23 “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:” 1:24 “For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.” 1:25 “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” 2:10 “Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” 2:11 “For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.” 2:12 “So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged.” For, 2:14 “what doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?” 2:15 “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,” 2:16 “And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?” 2:17 “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” 2:18 “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” 2:20 “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” 2:21 “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?” 2:22 “Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?” 2:23 “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” 2:24 “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only!” Again: Matthew 12:36 “I say unto you, they (the people) shall give account thereof in the day of judgment,” and 16:27 “He (God) shall reward every man according to his works.” Romans 14:12 “So then, every one of us, (everybody) shall give account of himself to God.” We again, will be asked of our doings in this life and the good and bad things we have done, when we pass out of this mortal life: Revelations: 2:23 “I will give unto every one of you, according to your works.” 20:12 “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened; and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” 20:13 “And they were judged every man according to their works.” And so if you truly think works are not important? Revelations: 2:23 “I will give unto every one of you, according to your works.” Matthew: 16:27 “He (God) shall reward every man according to his works.” 1 Peter: 1:17 “The Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work.” Revelations: 20:13 “And they were judged every man according to their works.” Therefore, John: 14:21 “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” 14:23 “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” 14:15 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” 15:10 “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in His love.” Luke: 4:4 “And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Than, Hebrews: 10:23 “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering;” 10:24 “and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” Than, Matthew: 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” James: 2:18 Therefore, “I will shew thee my faith by my works!”
It is clear that good works and good actions and deeds, on our part, are truly important in the writings of God; even Paul tells us we need to live our lives according to faith and good deeds or doing service unto God, performing good works or good things for one another: Christianity: Romans: 3:31 “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid, yea, we establish the law.” For, 2 Timothy: 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness;” 3:17 “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Romans: 8:13 “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” 2:21 “Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?” “Thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?” 2:22 “Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery?” “Thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?” 2:23 “Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?” 2:24 “For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.” 14:12 “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Galatians: 6:4 “But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.” 6:5 “For every man shall bear his own burden.” 6:7 “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” 6:8 “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Ephesians: 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Titus: 3:8 “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” 3:9 “Observance of the law is profitable to mankind and the best means of maintaining the activities of man.” Romans: 10:5 “For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.” 13:9 “For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” 13:10 “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” 2:13 “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” Titus: 1:16 “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Hebrews: 10:23 “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering;” 10:24 “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” 2 Corinthians: 9:6 “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” 9:7 “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart,” Ephesians: 6:8 “Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of The Lord.” 9:14 “Even so hath The Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” Romans: 14:12 “So then, every one of us, (everybody) shall give account of himself to God.” 2:10 So than, “glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good.” Philippians: 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Ephesians: 5:1 “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 5:2 and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.” 5:3 “But fornication, and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 5:4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” 5:5 “For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” Philippians: 2:12 “Wherefore, my beloved, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” 2:13 “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Than, Hebrews: 10:23 “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith –” 10:24 “and unto love and to good works.”
Judaism: Deuteronomy: 5:1 “And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them.” 8:3 “And He humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that He might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of The LORD doth man live.” Ezekiel: 20:11 “And I gave them my statutes, and shewed them my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them.” 33:20 “I will judge you every one after his ways.” Hosea: 14:9 “Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of The LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.” Isaiah: 3:10 “Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.” 3:11 “Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.” Proverbs: 24:12 “If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not He that pondereth the heart consider it? and He that keepeth thy soul, doth not He know it? and shall not He render to every man according to his works?” Ecclesiastes 12:13 “Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” 12:14 “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” And, Jeremiah: 17:10 “I The LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” Hosea: 4:9 “And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings.” 7:2 “They consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about; they are before My face.” 7. “And every one that shall be saved, and shall be able to escape by his works, and by faith, whereby ye have believed.” (Deuterocanonical Apocrypha, Esdras 2 (Ezra 4)) For, Habakkuk: 2:4 “The just shall live by his faith.” 1 Kings: 2:3 “and by Him (God, our) actions (our works and deeds) are weighed.”
Islam: 82. “But those who have faith and work righteousness, they are Companions of the Garden (heaven), therein shall they abide (for ever).” 104. “to those without faith is a grievous punishment.” 165. “But those of faith are overflowing in their love for Allah.” So, 124. “If any do deeds of righteousness, be they male or female, and have faith, they will enter heaven.” Than, 114. “They believe in Allah and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and they (hasten in emulation) in (all) good works; they are in the ranks of the righteous.” 93. “And remember We took your Covenant and We raised above you (the towering height) of Mount (Sinai), (saying): “Hold firmly to what We have given you and hearken (to the Law);” Remember, 3. “it is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the Criterion (of judgment between right and wrong).” 32. “(A voice will say), “This is what was promised for you, for everyone who turned (to Allah) in sincere repentance, who kept (His law).” 123. “Not your desires, nor those of the People of the Book (can prevail): whoever works evil, will be requited accordingly. Nor will he find, besides Allah, any protector or helper.” 9. “Those who believe, and work righteousness, their Lord will guide them because of their faith: beneath them will flow rivers in Gardens of Bliss.” 97. “Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has faith, verily, to him will We give a new life, a life that is good and pure, and We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions.” “This is (nothing but) lights from your Lord, and guidance, and mercy, for any who have faith.” 88. “But whoever believes, and works righteousness — he shall have a goodly reward.” 112. “But he who works deeds of righteousness, and has faith, will have no fear of harm nor of any curtailment (of what is his due).” 94. “Whoever works any act of righteousness and has Faith — his endeavour will not be rejected: We shall record it in his favor.” 44. “Those who reject Faith will suffer from that rejection: and those who work righteousness will spread their couch (of repose) for themselves (in heaven).” 45. “That He may reward those who believe and work righteous deeds, out of His Bounty: for He loves not those who reject Faith.” 19. “Covetous over you. Then when fear comes, thou wilt see them looking to thee, their eyes revolving, like (those of) one over whom hovers death: but when the fear is past, they will smite you with sharp tongues, covetous of goods. Such men have no faith, and so Allah has made their deeds of none effect: and that is easy for Allah.” Letter 53. “Keep the fear of Allah in your mind, to give priority to His worship and to give preference to obeying His Commands over every other thing in life, to carefully and faithfully follow the commandments and interdictions as are given by the Holy Book.” 51. “The answer of the Believers, when summoned to Allah and His Messenger, in order that He may judge between them, is no other than this: they say, ‘We hear and we obey’: it is such as these that will attain felicity.” 52. “It is such as obey Allah and His Messenger, and fear Allah and do right, that will win in the end.” 76. “Those that keep their plighted faith and act aright, verily Allah loves those who act aright.” “68. And who does more wrong than he who invents a lie against Allah or rejects the Truth when it reaches Him? Is there not a home in Hell for those who reject Faith?” 54. “Say: ‘Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger!”’ (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surahs 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 16, 18, 20, 21, 24, 29, 30, 33, 50 and Ali b. Abi Taalib, Letters from Nahjul Balaagh )
Zoroastrianism: “Virtue is not a matter of thoughts and words. It must find expression in acts.” “It is the practice of religion and not its mere profession that can save a man.” “How is it that those who prescribe the rules of purity do not themselves practice them?” “It is impossible to attain Mazda (God) without forming character!” “The religion that does not purify character hardly deserves to be called religion.” “Oil that extinguishes the lamp, is not oil it is water.” “Religion is mere pretension if no care is taken for the formation of character.” 7. “And we worship the glorious works of Righteousness,” 4. “I who have set my heart on watching over the soul, in union with Good Thought, and as knowing the rewards of Mazda Ahura for our works, will, while I have power and strength, teach men to seek after Right.” And “faith is the foundation of higher life, sages hold faith to be a mark of spiritual life.” Denkard. “Every person should make one’s own self devoutly faithful, and should resign oneself to God, and thenceforward one should be grateful unto Him.” 3. “Mazda, I have faith,” 5. “if an understanding man should be able to hold one who comes over from his vow and his ties of faith, himself having brought him thereto, and living according to the ordinances, and so, in this Religion, Ahura Mazda has been confessed with faith.” 5. “O Ye Bountiful Immortals! as Ye have made us, so do Ye save us, holy men, and saintly women (as we are, and steadfast in the faith).” 3. “(Zarathushtra) appointed as one to enjoin on them the fellowship with Good Thought, Right and Mazda; so take counsel with thine own understanding, with good insight, practice the holiest works of Piety.” 5. “And we worship the Good Mind (of the Lord), and His Sovereign Power, and the Good Faith, and the good law, and Piety the ready mind (within Thy folk)!” So, “we worship the most true religious Knowledge, Mazda-made and holy, and the good Mazdayasnian law.” 36. “The Law of Mazda will not deliver thee unto pain. Thou art entreated (for charity) by the whole of the living world, and she is ever standing at thy door in the person of thy brethren in the faith, beggars are ever standing at the door of the stranger, amongst those who beg for bread.” For, “it cannot be that the consequences of a good deed and those of a bad deed would be the same. They are sure to yield different results. The underlying principle of (divine reckoning, reward and punishment) is laid down here.” 14. “Fulfill (then) upon them through their actions and judgments that judgment, which at the last shall bring them to the House of the Lie.” 5. “I will speak of that which (He), the Holiest declared to me as the word that is best for mortals to obey; while he said: they who for my sake render Him obedience, shall all attain unto Welfare and Immortality by the actions of the Good Spirit’ – (He) Mazda Ahura.” 16. “Then let him have Obedience coming with Good Thought.” Denkard: Zarathustra (Zoroaster), “Be it known that a man must do himself personally good deeds (good works) for his soul’s benefit. If a man does not do a deed required for his spiritual welfare, no other man can do that for him.” “(Every) man makes (his) account-book himself.” “The fruit of every goodness is delight; the fruit of every harmful action is distress.” “Be it known that the final judgment of the soul bears a relation to its desires and capacities.” 3. “He who recites the praise of Holiness, in the fullness of faith and with a devoted heart, praises me, Ahura Mazda; he praises the waters, he praises the earth, he praises the cattle, he praises the plants, he praises all good things made by Mazda, all the things that are the offspring of the good principle.” 15. ‘The first step that the soul of the faithful man made, placed him in the Good-Thought Paradise; ‘The second step that the soul of the faithful man made, placed him in the Good-Word Paradise; ‘The third step that the soul of the faithful man made, placed him in the Good-Deed Paradise; ‘The fourth step that the soul of the faithful man made, placed him in the Endless Lights.'” “These are the classes and states in life which give attention to the rulers, and fulfill the (laws) of religion; (they are the guides and companions of that religious man).” “Through these actions ye shall acquire Right.” “We worship the holy benefit which is so widely diffused, and that wisdom which is the bounteous Armaiti, whose are the laws of the Righteous Order, and of those holy creatures who have Righteousness as their first.” (The Zend-Avesta, Avesta – Yasnas 16, 19, 25, 28, 37, 44, 45, 46, 51, 53, 57, 58, 61 and Hymns of Atharvan pp. 133, 160, 187, 192, 305, 306, 458, 507 and 658 and Visperad, and The Zend-Avesta, Avesta Fragments)
Hinduism: 11.“Let him never, for the sake of subsistence, follow the ways of the world; let him live the pure, straightforward, honest life of a Brahmana.” 12.“He who desires happiness must strive after a perfectly contented disposition and control himself; for happiness has contentment for its root, the root of unhappiness is the contrary (disposition).” “The whole world hath delight In Thy surpassing power, obeying Thee.” 175. “Let him always delight in truthfulness, (obedience to) the sacred law, conduct worthy of an Aryan,” “Nay, and no jot of time, at any time, Rests any actionless; his nature’s law Compels him, even unwilling, into act; [For thought is act in fancy]. He who sits Suppressing all the instruments of flesh, Yet in his idle heart thinking on them, Plays the inept and guilty hypocrite: But he who, with strong body serving mind, Gives up his mortal powers to worthy work, Not seeking gain, Arjuna! such an one Is honourable. Do thine allotted task! Work is more excellent than idleness.” “First The Sankhya’s, which doth save in way of works Prescribed by reason; next, the Yog, which bids Attain by meditation, spiritually: Yet these are one! No man shall ‘scape from act By shunning action; nay, and none shall come By mere renouncements unto perfectness.” “darkness of the soul is chased by light, Splendid and clear shines manifest the Truth As if a Sun of Wisdom sprang to shed Its beams of dawn. Him meditating still, Him seeking, with Him blended, stayed on Him, The souls illuminated take that road Which hath no turning back- their sins flung off, By strength of faith.” “All creatures live bewildered, save some few Who, quit of sins, holy in act, informed, Freed from the “opposites,” and fixed in faith, Cleave unto Me.” “Only by fullest service, perfect faith, And uttermost surrender am I known And seen, and entered into, Indian Prince! Who doeth all for Me; who findeth Me In all; adoreth always; loveth all Which I have made, and Me, for Love’s sole end, That man, Arjuna! unto Me doth wend.” “The faith of each believer, Indian Prince! Conforms itself to what he truly is. Where thou shalt see a worshiper, that one To what he worships lives assimilate, [Such as the shrine, so is the votary,].” 226. “Let him, without tiring, always offer sacrifices and perform works of charity with faith; for offerings and charitable works made with faith and with lawfully-earned money, (procure) endless rewards.” 227. “Let him always practice, according to his ability, with a cheerful heart, the duty of liberality, both by sacrifices and by charitable works, if he finds a worthy recipient (for his gifts.)” “By works the votary doth rise to faith.” (Hindu, Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr) chapters 3, 5, 6, 7, 11, 17 and Laws of Manu chapter 4)
Buddhism: “Wrong living as wrong, and right living as right, one practices Right Understanding and in making efforts to overcome wrong living, to arouse right living, one practices Right Effort and in overcoming wrong living with attentive mind, and dwelling with attentive mind in possession of right living, one practices Right Attentiveness. Hence, there are three things that accompany and follow upon right living, namely: right understanding, right effort, and right attentiveness.” “Truly, the disciple who is possessed of faith and has penetrated the Teaching of the Master, he is filled with the thought;” “May rather skin, sinews and bones wither away, may the flesh and blood of my body dry up: I shall not give up my efforts so long as I have not attained whatever is attainable by manly perseverance, energy and endeavor!” “So understand this, my man – Unrestrained men are evil. Don’t let greed and wrong doing subject you to lasting suffering.” “In the practice of all good deeds, disciples should never indulge in indolence.” 18. “The man of conscience, always striving after purity, alert, reserved, pure of behaviour and discerning.” “Make a refuge unto yourself, Quickly strive and become wise. Purged of taint and free from stain, To heavenly state of the Noble will you attain.” “People give according to their faith, or as they feel well disposed.” “The bhikkhu who lives full of goodwill, with faith in the religion of the Buddha – he will reach the place of peace.” “Whoever lives not for pleasures, with senses well controlled, moderate in eating, has faith and the power of virtue, will not be overthrown by Mara.” “Whoever lives not for pleasures, with senses well controlled, moderate in eating, has faith and the power of virtue, will not be overthrown by Mara.” “However, Disciples, it may be that (after my passing away) you might think: “Gone is the doctrine of our Master. We have no Master more.” But you should not think; for the Law and the Discipline, which I have taught you, Will, after my death, be your master.” 14. “Not to speak harshly and not to harm others, self restraint in accordance with the rules of the Order (moral laws), moderation in food, a secluded dwelling, and the cultivation of the higher levels of consciousness – this is the teaching of the Buddhas.” 25. “Therefore in this religion, this is what comes first for a wise bhikkhu – guarding of the senses, contentment, and discipline in accordance with the rules of the Order.” “The Law be your light, The Law be your refuge! Do not look for any other refuge!” (Buddha, the Word (The Eightfold Path, Buddhist, Dhammapada – Sayings of the Buddha 1, 2 and 3 (tr. J. Richards and The Diamond Sutra))
Sabeanism: “If right is different than wrong, then their retribution also must be different. They cannot lead to the same goal. The distinction between right and wrong is fundamental to man. Man lives under the power of supreme reality of moral distinctions and of their absolute significance. To invalidate the hypothesis would be to invalidate the life which is based upon it.” “The good behold and are refreshed:” “The good will see and will be found ready, (But) The wicked will be discomfited, chastised by Manda-d-Hiia (Savior God).” (Sabeanism, Seth son of Adam and Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapters 35 and 171) “The names of righteous and believing (faithful) people Will be established in the Place of Light. Thy name giveth out light.” “To each according to the works of his hands It is awarded.” “Every man who toiled And was long-suffering shall come and take with both hands,” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapter s 77 and 123) “A throne is set up for the Lord of Radiance, For the Lord of Radiance a throne is set up, And the Lord of Radiance sitteth thereon.” “Before him are set up recompenses Which he delivereth to the perfect, To the perfect doth he deliver them” “And said: ‘To each according to the works of his hands It is awarded.” “And he said: ‘Every man who toiled And was long-suffering shall come and take with both hands, But he who did not toil nor endure, Standeth empty in the House of Dues.”’ “He will seek but will not find, And ask, but naught will be given him, Because he had in his hand and gave not, He will search there in his bosom and will find nothing.” “Thou art praised, Manda-d-Hiia.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapter 123) “To you do I call and (you) do I teach, Men who have received the Sign. Certainly have ye held to established truth, Ye have held to the certainty about which I instructed you. I call to my chosen ones so that Ye may not turn your thought away from Me.” “Thou, Manda-d-Hiia, hast established for thy chosen that which thou hast revealed to us from the book,” which establisheth order. “Good is the Good for the good, and His (nature, order) is set upon those who love His name.” “Thou hast freed us from death and united us with life, released us from darkness and united us with light, led us out of evil and joined us to good. Thou hast shown us the Way of Life and hast guided our feet into ways of truth and faith so that Life cometh and expelleth darkness and goodness (light) cometh and casteth out evil.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba – chapters 45, 48, 72 and 89)
Babi Religion: “It behoves each one of you to manifest the attributes of God, and to exemplify by your deeds and words the signs of His righteousness, His power and glory. The very members of your body must bear witness to the loftiness of your purpose, the integrity of your life, the reality of your faith, and the exalted character of your devotion.” “The days when idle worship was deemed sufficient are ended. The time is come when naught but the purest motive, supported by deeds of stainless purity, can ascend to the throne of the Most High and be acceptable unto Him.” “It behoves each one of you to manifest the attributes of God, and to exemplify by your deeds and words the signs of His righteousness, His power and glory. The very members of your body must bear witness to the loftiness of your purpose, the integrity of your life, the reality of your faith, and the exalted character of your devotion.” “Ye should perform such deeds as would please God, your Lord, earning thereby the good-pleasure of Him Whom God shall make manifest.” The Bab: (Shoghi Effendi, The Dawn-Breakers, pp. 91, 93, 129)
Baha’i Faith: “Strive to attain nearness to reality through the acquisition of strength of character, through morality, through good works;” “whosoever has a pure heart and renders good deeds is nearer to God.” “I, therefore, pray to God that you may be strengthened in good deeds.” Than, “Whoso keepeth the commandments of God shall attain everlasting felicity.” “Walk ye in the fear of God, and render not your works vain.” “Guidance hath ever been given by words, and now it is given by deeds. Every one must show forth deeds that are pure and holy, for words are the property of all alike, whereas such deeds as these belong only to Our loved ones. Strive then with heart and soul to distinguish yourselves by your deeds. In this wise We counsel you in this holy and resplendent tablet.” “Have faith, patience and courage — this is but the beginning, but surely you will succeed, for God is with you!” “Quaff from the living waters of faith.” For, “the essence of faith is fewness of words and abundance of deeds; he whose words exceed his deeds, know verily his death is better than his life.” “O people of God! Do not busy yourselves in your own concerns; let your thoughts be fixed upon that which will rehabilitate the fortunes of mankind and sanctify the hearts and souls of men. This can best be achieved through pure and holy deeds, through a virtuous life and a goodly behavior. Valiant acts will ensure the triumph of this Cause, and a saintly character will reinforce its power. Cleave unto righteousness, O people of Baha! This, verily, is the commandment which this wronged One hath given unto you, and the first choice of His unrestrained Will for every one of you.” (Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Divine Philosophy, p. 99, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 300, 457, Paris Talks, p. 101, The Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, pp. 93, 256 and 289, The Persian Hidden Words and Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 169 and The Tablets of Baha’u’llah, p. 156)
We need both faith and good works, or good deeds and actions in our lives, if we are living a righteous Godly life. 1 John: 3:17 “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?“ James: “Ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?” 2:17 “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” By our good actions we show forth our love for The Creator. 3:18 “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” Clearly we are being told we need to have faith and we are to live out our lives preforming good works and good deeds; living a life of service unto The Lord. We are to do both of these things, we are to do actual good in this life, not just one without the other; which makes sense. When were we ever told we should not live a good life and do good things for one another? That makes no sense if you think about it and reflect on it. It has never been The Creator’s way that people should not do good; if you take the time and read into the writings of The Creator, you will find that good is actually part of His religious teachings: and so, Revelations: 2:23 “I will give unto every one of you, according to your works.” 20:13 “And they were judged every man according to their works.”
And Paul does tell us we need to live our life according to faith and good deeds or doing service unto God; performing good works or good things for one another: Romans: 3:31 “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the law.” For, 2 Timothy: 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” 3:17 “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Romans: 8:13 “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” 2:21 “Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?” “Thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?” 2:22 “Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery?” “Thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?” 2:23 “Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?” 2:24 “For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.” 14:12 “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Galatians: 6:4 “But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.” 6:5 “For every man shall bear his own burden.” 6:7 “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” 6:8 “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Ephesians: 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Titus: 3:8 “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” 3:9 “But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. Observance of the law is profitable to mankind and the best means of maintaining the activities of man.” Romans: 10:5 “For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.” 13:9 “For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” 13:10 “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” 2:13 “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” Titus: 1:16 “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Philippians: 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Ephesians: 5:3 “But fornication, and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 5:4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” 5:5 “For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” Philippians: 2:12 “Wherefore, my beloved, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” 2:13 “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Than, Hebrews: 10:23 “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering” 10:24 “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” 2 Corinthians: 9:6 “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” 9:7 “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart,” Ephesians: 6:8 “Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of The Lord.” 9:14 “Even so hath The Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” Romans: 2:10 So, “glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good.” So, Hebrews: 10:23 “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith; unto love and to good works.”
Clearly we are suppose to have faith in The Creator and demonstrate our faith to Him by living a life preforming good works and good deeds or good actions for others. All of His religions tell us this truth, including many statements from Christ and Paul telling us to live a life performing good works and deeds in The New Testament of The Holy Bible. There is no need to question this any further, it is clearly stated in The Holy Bible for those who care to read for themselves; and for those who don’t: Revelations: 20:12 “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened; and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” 20:13 “And they were judged every man according to their works.” And so if you truly think works are not important? Revelations: 2:23 “I will give unto every one of you, according to your works.” And, Matthew: 16:27 “He (God) shall reward every man according to his works.” For, 1 Peter: 1:17 “The Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work.” Revelations: 20:13 “And they were judged every man according to their works.”
And furthermore:
Judaism: 2 Samuel: 3:39 “The LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.” Islam: 31. “To Allah (God) belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth; so that He rewards those who do evil, according to their deeds.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 53) Zoroastrianism: 62. “To that world, to the world of Hell, you are delivered by your own doings!” (The Zend-Avesta, Avesta – Vendidad 5) Hinduism: 240. “Single is each being born; single it dies; single it enjoys (the reward of its’) virtue; single (it suffers the punishment of its’) sin.” (Hindu, Laws of Manu chapter 4) Buddhism: “And further, people take the evil way in deeds, the evil way in words, the evil way in thoughts; and by taking the evil way in deeds, words, and thoughts, at the dissolution of the body, after death, they fall into a downward state of existence, a state of suffering, into perdition, and the abyss of hell.” ((The Eightfold Path), Buddha, the Word (The Eightfold Path)) Sabeanism: “The good will see and will be found ready, (But) The wicked will be discomfited.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapters 35 and 76)
Clearly we will be judged in the next life according to our actions here, in this life, and not by just our beliefs in faith only; The Creators religions clearly show us this. So for those who truly desire heaven as their future, permanent home, they really need to consciously make the effort, and put forth their best endeavors, here in this existence, for: Judaism: Psalms: 14:2 “The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God:” 15:2 “He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.” 15:3 “He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.” 85:11 “Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.” 85:12 “Yea, The LORD shall give that which is good,” 89:2 “For – mercy shall be built up for ever (and) thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.” And, 62:12 “Thou renderest to every man according to his work.” For, 33:13 “The LORD looketh from heaven; He beholdeth all the sons of men.” 33:14 “From the place of His habitation He looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.” 33:15 “He fashioneth their hearts alike; He considereth all their works.” “He that planted the ear, shall He not hear? He that formed the eye, shall He not see?” Jeremiah 23:24 “Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith The LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith The LORD.” Proverbs 15:3 “The eyes of The LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” Christianity: 1 Peter: 3:12 “For the eyes of The Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but The Face of The Lord is against them that do evil, (He seeth all that they do).” Acts: “Known unto God are all his (man’s) works from the beginning of the world.” 1:24 “And Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men.” Hebrews 4:13 “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him.” 1 Corinthians: 3:20 “And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts (seeth all).” 1 John: 3:20 “For – God – knoweth all things.” John 21:17 “Lord, Thou knowest all things.” Acts: 1:24 “Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men.” For, 1 Thessalonians: 2:5 “God is witness!” Acts: 15:8 “And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness.” Luke: 16:15 “And he said unto them, God knoweth your hearts.” Islam: 233. “Fear Allah and know that Allah sees well what ye do.” 96. “Allah sees well all that they do.” 61. “Nor is hidden from thy Lord (so much as) the weight of an atom on the earth or in heaven.” 58. “For Allah is He Who heareth and seeth all things.” 59. “With Him are the keys of the Unseen, the treasures that none knoweth but He. He knoweth whatever there is on the earth and in the sea. Not a leaf doth fall but with His knowledge: there is not a grain in the darkness (or depths) of the earth, nor anything fresh or dry (green or withered), but is (inscribed) in a Record Clear (to those who can read),” 29. “and of all things He hath perfect knowledge.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surahs 2, 4, 6 and 10) Zoroastrianism: 1. “The holy (Zarathushtra) asked Him: ‘O holy Ahura Mazda! I ask Thee; answer me with words of truth, Thou who knowest the truth. Thou art un-deceivable, Thou hast an un-deceivable understanding; Thou art un-deceivable, as Thou knowest everything. The powerful, all-seeing, un-deceivable.” 2. “O Far-seeing One, may Ye manifest unto me those incomparable things Of your Khshathra, O Ahura,”’ Denkard. Zoroaster, “He is omnipotent to watch over all His creation. And this great power of His shows us that the possessor of such greatness is, with His wisdom, able to perceive all.” “Zarathushtra asked Ahura Mazda: ‘O Thou, all-knowing Ahura Mazda! Thou art never asleep.” 3. “Mazda Ahura, the all-knowing!” (Zoroaster, The Zend-Avesta, Khorda Avesta – Book of Common Prayer pt. 1 and Vendidad and Yasna 45) Hinduism: “Orbs which see All things, whatever be In all Thy worlds, O Eyes of God!” “He, God (Brahma) with far-seeing eyes.” “I, Arjuna!, know all things which were, And all which are, and all which are to be, Albeit not one among them knoweth Me!” “O God, who knowest all things!” “God that knoweth all.” (Hindu, Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr) chapters 7 and 11 and Vedas, Rig Veda – Book 1 and Upanishads vol. 1, Vagasaneyi-Samhita-Upanishad and Yajur Veda – Kanda II) Buddhism: “By awareness,” “by vigilance it was that Indra (Brahma) attained the lordship of the gods.” 24. “All-Conquering and All-Knowing am I; Sees with wisdom.” 14. “The Awakened, the Omniscient, the Trackless?” (Buddhist, Dhammapada – Sayings of the Buddha 1, 2 and 3 (tr. J. Richards)) Sabeanism: “Praiseth Thee. The ancient, lofty and watchful One,” “First Life! (Haiyi, God) Lift up Thine eyes upon these souls.” “Deliver them, save them and protect them from this world of the wicked and from those watch-houses (purgatories). Let thy mercy, Great First Life, rest upon them.” “Manda-d-Hiia (Hiia/Haiyi/God) Sublimest of beings, Knowledge of Life is Thy name, Truth is Thy name. Pure is Thy name, magnified is Thy name, Honoured is Thy name, blessed is Thy name And abiding is Thy name. Victorious art Thou And victorious is Thy name. Victorious are the words of Truth which proceed from Thy mouth Over all deeds.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapters 58 and 75) The Babi Religion: “Thou art the God Who dealeth mercifully with all things, Who judgeth between all things and Whose vision embraceth all things.” “Nothing whatsoever escapeth Thy knowledge, and naught is there which is hidden from Thee.” “He is not unaware of the actions of the mischief-makers, inasmuch as nothing whatever in the heavens or on the earth can escape His knowledge.” “Verily the knowledge of God embraceth all things.” “He is truly the All-Knowing, the All-Powerful.” (The Bab, Selections from the Writings of the Bab, pp. 1, 57, 161, 178 and 186) The Baha’i Faith: “Nothing is, or can ever be, hidden from God.” “God is the seer, and the eye is the sign of His vision.” “God, who sees all hearts, knows how far our lives are the fulfillment of our words.” “Nothing can ever be, hidden from God.” “To this I testify before God, the Almighty, the Exalted, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.” “Verily the knowledge of God embraceth all things.” “God, verily, is the Helper, the Knower, the Ordainer, the Omniscient.” (Bahá’í Faith, Baha’u’llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, pp. 8, 90, Baha’i World Faith – Abdu’l-Baha Section, p. 310, Paris Talks, p. 81, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 138)
God clearly is, The All Knowing, All Seeing, Omnipotent Creator of absolutely everything; for those people who believe in a Divine, All-Knowing, All-Powerful, Ever-Present Creator. To think that He is unaware of our actions and anything that we say or do, is tantamount to being almost ludicrous, for those who believe in an Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresent Divine Being; and all of His religions tell us this. So our true works, deeds and actions, and our true beliefs and faith, are not hidden from Him; but are ever present in His knowledge of us. So for those people who would prefer to believe that we only need our beliefs and our faith; regardless of what the rest of The Creators religious books do, in-fact, actually have to say on this subject; there is unequivocal question here to this belief? So if you have doubts of our needing to have both faith and good works preformed in His path, for our souls to actually be acceptable unto Him; you need to really think about all of this, before you find out the hard way! And all of these writings I have picked out for your perusal, should actually help you in this decision; and if all of us humans actually started being good, kind and loving to one another, as His writings suggest, it would only make for a better world for all of humanity, think about it.
And thinking about the world becoming a better place, and we humans trying to help make the world become a better place? Do you ever really stop and think about all of this, and just wonder why all of us, as in all of humanity, were created in the first place; again for those of us who believe we were created by an All-Powerful, Divine Being, and not just the result of some unrelated, cosmic mishap. Because if you believe in an All-Powerful, Divine Being, than humanity didn’t just come about by accident or by some bizarre cosmic mishap; which means that our creation wasn’t just all a strange, happenstance or a cosmic accident, and there was an actual purpose for our creation. All of our creation, not just part of humanity, as some people (by their actions), would apparently seem to like for us to believe! Think about this: Baha’i Faith, “The Almighty hath not created in man the claws and teeth of ferocious animals, nay rather hath the human form been fashioned and set with the most comely attributes and adorned with the most perfect virtues.” “Man was created to be merciful, he becomes a tyrant; he was created to be kind to all the children of men and given the capacity to confer life, but he becomes the destroyer of life.” “God has created man in order that he may be a dove of the Kingdom, a heavenly candle, a recipient of eternal life.” “God has created man in order that he may be resuscitated through the breaths of the Holy Spirit and become the light of the world.” Not to be a ravenous beast intent upon the life, blood and soul of mankind! “The purpose of God in creating man hath been, and will ever be, to enable him to know his Creator and to attain His Presence.” “All praise and glory be to God Who, through the power of His might, hath delivered His creation from the nakedness of non-existence, and clothed it with the mantle of life.” “From among all created things He hath singled out for His special favor the pure, the gem-like reality of man, and invested it with a unique capacity of knowing Him and of reflecting the greatness of His glory.” We were put here to reflect the glory of God, not to dispute with and attack one another: Genesis: 1:27 “God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them.” So we were created to act like and be more like our Creator, in Who’s image we were created; Who is loving and merciful, not hateful and tyrannical: Christianity and Judaism, Ephesians: 2:4 “God, Who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us.” So we should behave more like Him, and be more like Him (His image), and be more loving and merciful towards one another; and try to do more of that for which we were created. Amos: 4:13 “Lo, He that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is His thought;” — His teachings to us that tell us of what is best for the development of our souls, and what is best for the progress of human society. Colossians: 3:9 “Lie not one to another, (hate not, despise not and hurt not one another), seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;” 3:10 “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him.” Malachi: 2:10 “Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother.” 2 Timothy: 2:24 “And the servant of The Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men.” Islam, Letter – 31. “Do good to your brother,” 14. “We reward those who do good.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 28 and Ali b. Abi Taalib, Letters from Nahjul Balaagh) Zoroastrianism, Denkard “Do good to one another as sincere brothers.” Hinduism, (Be ye a) “Helper to his brother men.” (Hindu, Mababharata (R. Dutt, abridged tr)) Buddhism, “Practice kindness and compassion on all alike.” “Buddha, Surangama Sutra) Sabeanism, “Love the great Family of Life,” “amongst them all hatred, Envy and dissensions exist not.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapters 75 and 76) The Bab, “Love each other,” “instill into men’s hearts the ennobling principles of charity and love, and to refrain from all unnecessary violence.” (The Dawn-Breakers, pp. 260, 553 and 663) Baha’i Faith, “Do good to every soul.” “Contend not with your neighbor, and be ye of them that do good.” (Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Baha, p. 287, Divine Philosophy, p. 132, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 185, Baha’i World Faith, p. 216 and Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, pp. 70, 77 and 276)
So than, you being a human being, created in the image of The Creator; ask yourself this important question? Now that you have been created, and then further instructed to mirror forth the actions, teachings and manners of The Creator to one another, (or to act more like we were actually created in His image); if you believe that an All-Powerful, Divine Being did, in-fact, actually call you forth into existence from non-existence; So ask yourself, what are you actually doing in this life to justify your creation and existence in this world, beyond taking care of yourself? How are you actually helping others? Think about this! How are you actually making a good, positive difference and impact in this world, He has created for us, and making things better for humanity? How are you becoming more like your Creator; or becoming more like that image of Him Who you should be mirroring forth and imitating: Christianity, 2 Corinthians: 3:18 “But we all, with open face beholding, as in a glass, the glory of The Lord, are changed (changing) into the same image, (becoming more like Him).” Philippians 2:13 “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” 2:12 “Wherefore, my beloved, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” For, John 4:24 “God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit.” Judaism: Genesis: 1:27 “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them.” Job: 32:8 “But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of The Almighty giveth them understanding.” Leviticus: 19:1 “And The LORD spake unto Moses, saying,” 19:2 “Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I The LORD your God am holy.” Islam: 9. “But He fashioned him (man) in due proportion, and breathed into him something of His Spirit. And He gave (him the faculties of) hearing and sight and feeling (and understanding);” For, 35. “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth, Light upon Light! and, Allah doth guide whom He will to His Light,” 46. “reflect (it within yourselves).” 53. “Soon will We show them Our Signs in the (furthest) regions (of the earth), and in their own souls,” 17. “a likeness to (Allah)” 22. “For such He has written Faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with a spirit from Himself.” “Death of the body is a benefaction to the spiritual. Man’s body, it is true, is formed of earth, but by discipline and contrition it may be made to reflect spiritual verities (of God, The Creator’s image); they matter in the place where God is.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surahs 24, 32, 34, 41, 43, 58 and Masnavi Vol 4) Zoroastrianism: Denkard. “The living body exists through the soul that supports it.” “The soul is enclothed in a body.” “God created us in His image: our qualities should take lesson from Him; how may I be Your own in my actions.” (ZOROASTER, Hymns of Atharvan pp. 27, 152 and 165) Hinduism: For, “I am the Spirit seated deep in every creature’s heart;” “Yea! in its bodily prison! Spirit pure, Spirit supreme; surveying, governing, Guarding, possessing; Lord and Master still.” “Holy souls see which strive thereto. Enlightened, they perceive That Spirit in themselves “For I am That whereof Brahma is the likeness!” (Hindu, Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr) chapter 10, 13, 14 and 15) Buddhism: “The lotus will grow sweetly fragrant, delighting the soul, so also among those who are like the wise student of the truly enlightened Buddha, shines brightly.” 3. “Knowing that this body is like a jar,” (holding our eternal soul captive) “Our physical body consisting of flesh and skin, etc., is nothing more than a tenement or an inn; it is no place of refuge.” (Buddhist, Dhammapada – Sayings of the Buddha 2 (tr. J. Richards) and The Sixth Patriarch) Sabeanism: “Be ye my witnesses on the great day of departure (from the body)” “When this the soul casteth off her bodily garment, she shall put on the dress of life and become a facsimile of the Great Life (God) in light.” “In the likeness of the Life (God).” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapters 17, 51 and 73) Babi Religion: “THE One True God may be compared unto the sun and the believer unto a mirror. No sooner is the mirror placed before the sun than it reflects its light.” “Indeed those whose souls have been created through the splendour of the light of thy Lord recognize the Truth and are numbered with such as faithfully obey the One True God.” “Verily, these are souls who take delight in the remembrance of God.” (The Bab, Selections from the Writings of the Bab, pp. 24, 103 and 145) Baha’i Faith, “Be the image and likeness of God. This is not easy; it necessitates the focalization of all heavenly virtues. It requires that we become recipients of all the perfections of God. Then we become His image and likeness.” For, “although it is necessary for man to strive for material needs and comforts, his real need is the acquisition of the bounties of God. If he is bereft of divine bounties, spiritual susceptibilities and heavenly glad tidings, the life of man in this world has not yielded any worthy fruit. While possessing physical life, he should lay hold of the life spiritual, and together with bodily comforts and happiness, he should enjoy divine pleasures and content. Then is man worthy of the title man; then will he be after the image and likeness of God, for the image of the Merciful consists of the attributes of the heavenly Kingdom. If no fruits of the Kingdom appear in the garden of his soul, man is not in the image and likeness of God, but if those fruits are forthcoming, he becomes the recipient of ideal bestowals and is enkindled with the fire of the love of God. If his morals become spiritual in character, his aspirations heavenly and his actions conformable to the will of God, man has attained the image and likeness of his Creator.” So we humans must actively strive to become more like our Creator and become like the image and likeness for which we were created. And so we must ask ourselves the question, just what does all of this entail for us in our lives, and in the actions and lives of mankind? (Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 248 and 335)
Well one of the things God does for mankind is He helps mankind, and does good things for humanity, and He loves and cares for His human children, and encourages their spiritual development. These are things we, as humans, must aspire for: Christianity: 1 Peter: 4:8 “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover (a) multitude of sins.” 4:9 “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” 4:10 “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Galatians: 6:10 “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men.” 5:14 “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Ephesians: 6:8 “Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of The Lord.” James: 4:11 “Speak not evil one of another,” 1 Timothy: 5:13 “withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not,” be 3:11 “not slanderers!” 1 Thessalonians: 5:14 “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” 5:15 “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.” 1 Timothy: 2:1 “I exhort therefore,” 2:2 “lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty,” 2:3 “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;” 2:4 “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Corinthians: For, 7:15 “God hath called us to peace.” Than, Luke: 6:37 “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:” 6:38 “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” For, 2 Timothy: 3:17 “The man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” For, Matthew: 5:13 “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” 6:23 “But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” For, 6:24 “no man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.” Titus: 2:11 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,” 2:12 “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” For, Matthew: 6:24 “ye cannot serve God and mammon, (money)!” Titus: 2:13 “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of The Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” 2:14 “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” 3:8 “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” 1 Peter: 1:22 “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit, (doing obedience to God).” For, John 5:30 “I can of mine own self do nothing….. I seek not mine own will, but the will of The Father which hath sent me.” (in a word, selflessly serve God’s servants). Ephesians 6:6 “Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.” 4:32 “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” 1 Timothy: 5:4 “If any – have children – let them learn – to shew piety – that is good and acceptable before God.” Galatians 5:22 For, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness (and) faith;” Ephesians 5:9 “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.” Ephesians 4:25 “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.” 1 Thessalonians: 2:3 “For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile;” 2:4 “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust (trustworthiness) with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.” 1 Peter 1:22 “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently (in purity).” Therefore, 1 Timothy 6:11 “follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience (and) meekness.” James 5:7 “Be patient therefore, brethren.” And, Matthew 18:4 “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” James 4:10 “Humble yourselves in the sight of The Lord, and He shall lift you up.” 1 Peter 3: 8 “Be ye all of one mind, having compassion (and mercy) one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:” 1 John 3:17 “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” John 13:34 “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” Matthew 22:37 “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Ephesians 4:32 “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Colossians 3:13 Be, “forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” Therefore, Acts 26:25 “…..speak forth the words of truth.” 2 Corinthians 13:8 “For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” Ephesians 4:25 “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another (one human family).” These things are good and profitable unto men.” 3:9 “But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.” (But) “observance of the law is profitable to mankind and the best means of maintaining the activities of man.” Therefore, 3:1 “be ready to every good work,” 3:2 “To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.” Therefore, John: 12:26 “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be.” James 1:25 “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty (freedom of choice), and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” But, Galatians 5:1 “stand fast therefore in the liberty where with Christ hath made us free,” Matthew 19:11 “but, all men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. 19:12 For he that is able to receive it, let him receive it (of his own free will).” Than, 1 Thessalonians 5:21 “prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” John 5:45 “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust; (for of our own free will, we are suppose to choose to believe and act on our very own, and not by the force and will of someone else, pushing their beliefs and desires on us; that is not freedom of choice).” So, Romans: 12:10 “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;” 12:11 “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving The Lord;” 12:12 “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” 12:13 “given to hospitality.” Than, 13:9 “Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” 13:10 “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Luke: 4:8 “Thou shalt worship The Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” 10:27 “Thou shalt love The Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” Matthew 7:12 “Therefore, whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law.” Luke 6:31 “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” 1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:” 2:17 “Honour all men, Love – brotherhood.” Hebrews 13:1 “Let brotherly love continue.” Mark 12:31 “…..Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself…..” 1 John 3:7 “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is (upright), righteous even as He is righteous.” Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Romans 12:10 “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in (upright) honour preferring one another;” For, Acts 17:24 “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth,” so 1 Peter 2:17 “Honour all men, Love the brotherhood, Fear God and, 3:8 “be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.” And remember, James 2:12 “so speak ye, and so do,” 2:10 “Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” Ephesians 4:25 “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour.” Titus 2:10 “not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity.” 1 Timothy 2: 2 “…..lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” Titus 1:15 “Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.” So, James 4:8 “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts (your conscience, your thoughts), ye double minded;” 5:20 “he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” 1:21 “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls,” Colossians: 1:5 “for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven.” And, 1 Corinthians: 10:31 “Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God, (worship God in all that you do, work as though you are worshiping Him).” Colossians 3:23 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men, (in all that we do, our labour should be as a form of worship unto Him).” 1 Corinthians: 12:25 “Care one for another, (protect and take care of one another).”
Judaism: Joshua: 24:15 “If it seem evil unto you to serve The LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve.” Proverbs: 4:26 Than, “ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established; (choose to worship The Creator of your own free will of your own decision and not through the force and coercion of others).” Joshua: 22:5 “Take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of The LORD charged you, to love The LORD your God, and to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commandments, and to cleave unto Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Job 11:15 “For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear:” Deuteronomy 27:10 “Therefore obey the voice of The LORD thy God, and do His commandments and His statutes.” Psalms: 143:10 “Teach me to do Thy will (selflessly); Than to, Zechariah 7:9 “Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassion (and kindness) every man to his brother:” 7:10 “Oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil (thoughts of evil) against his brother in your heart.” (be filled with kindness for your fellow man). 2 Chronicles: 6:41 “…..let Thy saints rejoice in goodness.” Proverbs: 8:6 “Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.” 8:7 “For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.” 8:8 “All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing forward or perverse in them.’ Than, Deuteronomy: 23:23 “That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform;” Numbers: 32:24 “do that which hath proceeded out of your mouth, (be trustworthy).” Zechariah 8:16 “These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; Psalms: 24:4 “hath (have) clean hands, and a pure heart,” and 5:8 “lead me, O LORD, in Thy righteousness.” Proverbs: 29:23 For, “a man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.” Ecclesiastes 7:8 For, “the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” Than, Exodus 22:31 “ye shall be holy (pious) men unto Me:” For, 24:24 “The LORD our God will we serve, and His voice will we obey.” Proverbs: 2:20 “That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.” 2:21 “For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.” So, 1 Kings: 7:3 “Prepare your hearts unto The LORD, and serve Him only.” 1 Chronicles: 28:9 “Know thou The God of thy father, and serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for The LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek Him, He will be found of thee; but if thou forsake Him, He will cast thee off for ever.” Psalms: 34:14 “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” 37:3 “Trust in The LORD, and do good.” 37:16 “A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.” For, Ecclesiastes: 3:12 “I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.” Psalms: 51:18 “Do good in thy good pleasure.” Again, 37:27 “Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.” 22:9 “He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.” Proverbs 3:27 “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.” 19:17 “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto The LORD; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.” 3:3 “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:” Deuteronomy 15:7 “If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which The LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:” 15:8 “But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.” 6:13 “Thou shalt fear The LORD thy God, and serve Him, and shalt swear by His name.” 10:19 “Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.” Leviticus 19:18 “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am The LORD.” 19:34 “But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; I am The LORD your God.” Exodus 20:12 “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which The LORD thy God giveth thee.” 20:13 “Thou shalt not kill.” 20:14 “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” 20:15 “Thou shalt not steal.” 20:16 “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” 20:17 “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.” Leviticus 19:11 “Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.” 19:12 “And ye shall not swear by My Name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the Name of thy God: I am The LORD.” 19:13 “Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired.” 19:14 “Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am The LORD.” 19:15 “Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.” Deuteronomy 23:23 “That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform;” Numbers 32:24 “do that which hath proceeded out of your mouth.” Proverbs: 24:28 “Deceive not with thy lips.” 19:16 “Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour;” Psalms: 101:5 “Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off, (I am The Lord)!” Proverbs: 19:17 “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.” 19:18 “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am The LORD.” Psalms 25:21 “Let integrity and up-rightness preserve me.” 1 Kings: 12:24 “Only fear The LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things He hath done for you.” And: The Talmud, Shabbat 31a. “What is hateful to you, do not to your fellow men. That is the entire Law, all the rest is commentary.” Numbers: 10:32 “do unto us, the same will we do unto thee.” Zechariah 7:9 “Thus speaketh The LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassion every man to his brother” 7:10 “And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.” Isaiah 26:7 “The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just.” Psalms 140:12 “I know (than), that The LORD will maintain the cause. He does this through our observance of His statutes.” This helps man to maintain order in this life and to progress human civilization. Proverbs 11:20 “Such as are upright in their way are His (The Lord’s) delight.” For, 15:26 “The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to The LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.” So, 16:3 “Commit thy works unto The LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established,” Ezekiel: 18:27 For, “when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.” 14:19 “they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.” Than, 2 Kings: 17:1 “all the people shall be in peace.” So, Psalms: 82:3 “Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy.” And so, Deuteronomy 11:13 “Hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,” in everything you do. Proverbs: 16:3 “Commit thy works unto The LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established;” do all thy labours as though worship unto The Lord.
Islam: 2. “O ye who believe! why say ye that which ye do not? Grievously odious is it in the sight of Allah (God) that ye say that which ye do not.” 44. “Do ye enjoin right conduct on the people, and forget (to practice it) yourselves, and yet ye study the Scripture? Will ye not understand?” 119. “O ye who believe! fear Allah and be with those who are true (in word and deed).” 186. “When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them); I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me; let them also, with a will, listen to My call, and believe in Me (of their own free will); that they may walk in the right way.” 256. “Let there be no compulsion in religion; Truth stands out clear from error.” 15. “Be thou Be upright as thou art commanded.” 43. “Be steadfast in prayer; practice regular charity; “forgiving, merciful and compassionate, be with those who are true (in word and deed),” wherefore, 15. “We have enjoined on man Kindness.” 9. “Those who believe and do deeds of righteousness hath Allah promised forgiveness and a great reward.” 188. “And do not eat up your property among yourselves for vanities, nor use it as bait for the judges.” 195. “And spend of your substance in the Cause of Allah (God), and make not your own hands contribute to your destruction, but do good; for Allah loveth those who do good.” 80. “The reward of Allah (in the Hereafter) is best for those who believe and work righteousness: but this none shall attain, save those who steadfastly persevere (in good),”’ That, 132. “Obey Allah and the Messenger.” 16. “If ye show obedience, Allah will grant you a goodly reward,” for, 125. “Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to Allah (selflessly), does good, and follows the way of Abraham the true in faith?” 43. “Be steadfast in prayer; practice regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship).” 15. “We have enjoined on man Kindness,” 263. “kind words and the covering of faults are better than charity.” 13. “(Kindness, It is:) freeing the bondman; Or the giving of food in a day of privation To the orphan with claims of relationship, Or to the indigent (down) in the dust. Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion.” Therefore, 2. “Help ye one another in righteousness and piety:” and 105. “Set thy face towards Religion with true piety.” 112. “Whoever submits his whole self to Allah and is a doer of good, he will get his reward with his Lord; on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” 22. “Whoever submits his whole self to Allah, and is a doer of good, has grasped indeed the most trustworthy hand-hold.” 44. “Do ye enjoin right conduct (trustworthiness) on the people, and forget (to practice it) yourselves?” 222. “Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean.” 277. “Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers and regular charity, will have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” 23. “Those who believe and work righteousness, and humble themselves before their Lord — they will be Companions of the Garden, to dwell therein for aye!” Letter 53. “Let your mercy and compassion rescue and help in the same way and to the same extent that you expect Allah to show mercy and forgiveness to you,” “you should be a source of comfort, love and respect.” So, Letter 15. “Let truth prevail and let our people realize justice, honesty and piety (trustworthiness shall prevail).” So, 10. “The believers are but a single Brotherhood: So make peace and reconciliation between your brothers: And fear Allah, that ye may receive Mercy.” “Develop mutual liking, friendship and love and help one another.” 92. “Verily, this Brotherhood of yours is a single Brotherhood, and I am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore serve Me (and no other).” 8. “We have enjoined on man kindness to parents:” 9. “And those who believe and work righteous deeds, them shall We admit to the company of the Righteous. 36. “Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him: and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess: for Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious.” 15. “We have enjoined on man Kindness to his parents: for in pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth.” So, 31. “Speak to My servants who have believed, that they may establish regular prayers, and spend (in charity) out of the Sustenance We have given them, secretly and openly, before the coming of a Day in which there will be neither mutual bargaining, nor befriending.” Letter 31. “Remember, before you is a long and arduous journey (life). The journey is not only very long, exhausting and onerous, but the route is mostly through dismal, dreary and deserted regions where you will be sadly in need of refreshing, renovating and enlivening aids and helps: you cannot dispense with such provisions (Allah’s statutes and laws) as to keep you going and help maintain you till the end of the journey.” God‘s true actual laws and statutes are one of the best means for maintaining peaceful order and coexistence within the world of mankind. If the statutes are not creating peaceful cohabitation within the human race and within the world of mankind, than there is something being misunderstood or abused within the writings and teachings; because God is the author of peace and unity, not the author of confusion, hostility, bloodshed and warfare! So, 112. “Enjoin good and forbid evil; and observe the limits set by Allah; (these do rejoice). So proclaim the glad tidings to the Believers.” 36. “Verily, Allah is my Lord and your Lord: Him therefore serve ye: this is a Way that is straight.” 22. “It would not be reasonable in me if I did not serve Him Who created me, and to Whom ye shall (all) be brought back.” 95. “And every one of them will come to Him singly on the Day of Judgment.” 96. “On those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, will (Allah/God) Most Gracious bestow Love.” 63. “And the servants of (Allah) Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, ‘Peace!“‘ 56. “O My servants who believe! truly, spacious is My Earth: therefore serve ye Me! 57. “Every soul shall have a taste of death: in the end to Us shall ye be brought back.” 58. “But those who believe and work deeds of righteousness — to them shall We give a Home in Heaven, — lofty mansions beneath which flow rivers, — to dwell therein for aye; — an excellent reward for those who do (good)!” 10. “Say: ‘O ye my servants who believe! Fear your Lord: good is (the reward) for those who do good in this world.”‘ 46. “Whoever works righteousness benefits his own soul; whoever works evil, it is against his own soul: nor is thy Lord ever unjust (in the least) to His servants.” 52. “And thus have We, by Our command, sent inspiration to thee: thou knowest not (before) what was Revelation, and what was Faith; but We have made the (Qur’án) a Light, wherewith We guide such of Our servants as We will; and verily thou dost guide (men) to the Straight Way.” 109. “Then is best, he that layeth his foundation on piety to Allah and His good pleasure.” 8. “They feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, the orphan, and the captive,” 108. “men who love to be purified; Allah loveth those who make themselves pure.” 30. “Verily thy Lord doth provide sustenance in abundance for whom He pleaseth, and He provideth in a just measure: for He doth know and regard all His servants, (everyone).” 32. “Nor come nigh to adultery: for it is a shameful (deed) and an evil, opening the road (to other evils).” 33. “Nor take life — which Allah has made sacred (do not kill)– except for just cause, let him not exceed bounds in this matter.” 34. “Come not nigh to the orphan’s property except to improve it, until he attains the age of full strength; and fulfill (every) engagement, for (every) engagement will be inquired into (on the Day of Reckoning).” 35. “Give full measure when ye measure, and weigh with a balance that is straight (accurate): that is the most fitting and the most advantageous in the final determination;” 36. “for every act of hearing, or of seeing, or of (feeling in) the heart will be inquired into (on the Day of Reckoning).” 37. “Nor walk on the earth with insolence: for thou canst not rend the earth asunder, nor reach the mountains in height.” So, 53. “say to My servants that they should (only) say those things that are best: for Satan doth sow dissensions among them: for Satan is to man an avowed enemy.” 38. “Of all such things the evil is hateful in the sight of thy Lord.” 93. “Not one of the beings in the heavens and the earth but must come to (Allah) Most Gracious as a servant.” 94. “He does take and account of them (all), and hath numbered them (all) exactly.” 134. “Those who spend (freely), whether in prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain anger, and pardon (all) men; Allah loves those who do good.” 17. “Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion.” 18. “Such are the Companions.” And so: Letter 31. “Do unto others as you wish others to do unto you.” “Whatever you like for yourself, like for others, and whatever you dislike to happen to you, spare others from such happenings.” “The Prophet said, ‘None of you will have faith till he wishes for his brother what he likes for himself.” “Allah’s Apostle said, 12.’O ye who believe! avoid suspicion as much (as possible), for suspicion in some cases is a sin: and spy not on each other, nor speak ill of each other behind their backs.” 1. “Woe to every (kind of) scandalmonger and backbiter,” and do not look for the others’ faults, and do not do spying on one another, and do not practice Najsh (deal falsely, cheat others), and do not be jealous of one another and Do Not Hate One Another, and do not desert (stop talking to) one another. And O, Allah’s worshipers, Be Brothers!” 10. For, “the believers are but a single Brotherhood; So make peace and reconciliation,” 15. “for in Allah’s sight are (all) His servants.” 13. “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (and love and care for one another, not that ye may hate and despise each other).” 19. “Mankind was but one nation, but differed (later).” Thus: 25. “The Sacred Mosque, – We have made (open) to (all) men (for all men are equal).” Letter 53. “You must know that a good and virtuous man is known and recognized by the good that is said about him and the praise which Allah has destined him to receive from others. Therefore, make your mind the source and fountain-head of good thoughts, good intentions and good deeds. This can only be attained by keeping a strict control on your desires and yearnings, however much they may try to incite and coerce you. Remember that the best way to do justice to your inner self and to keep it out of harm is to restrain it from vice and from things which the ‘self’ inordinately and irrationally desires.” And than again, we must learn to: 70. “leave alone those who take their religion to be mere play and amusement, and are deceived by the life of this world: 256. “Let there be no (forced) compulsion in religion!“ “But proclaim (to them) this (truth): that every soul delivers itself to ruin by its own acts; it will find for itself no protector or intercessor except Allah: if it offered every ransom (or reparation), none will be accepted: such is (the end of) those who deliver themselves to ruin by their own acts,” 61. “but Allah will deliver the righteous to their place of salvation; “ letter 30. “follow the path of virtue and attain salvation.” 11. “For those who believe and do righteous deeds, will be Gardens, Beneath which Rivers flow; that is the great Salvation;” and 119. “Allah will say: ‘This is a day on which the truthful will profit from their truth: theirs are Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath, their eternal home, Allah well-pleased with them, and they with Allah: that is the great Salvation, (heaven, the fulfillment of all desires).” “Leave everything to the Will of Allah. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth; everything renders worship unto Him.” Worship Allah in all that ye do, every act as an act of worship unto Him; and you will find that everything you do, speaking, working, caring for those in need, is an act of worship unto Allah. “Remember that nothing will ever make you independent of the Blessings of Allah and He has made it incumbent upon you to have complete control over your own self, that you, to the best of your ability, protect and guard the people.” “(Women) – you must guard and defend them and act as a shelter to protect them from impious and injurious surroundings and infamous sights, this kind of shelter will keep them well-protected from every harm.” “Then I want to caution you about the poor. Fear Allah about their conditions and your attitude towards them. They have no support, no resources and no opportunities. They are poor, they are destitute and many of them are cripples and unfit for work. Some of them come out begging and some (who maintain self-respect) do not beg, but their conditions speak of their distress, poverty, destitution and wants. For the sake of Allah, protect them and their rights. He has laid the responsibility of this upon your shoulders.” Than, “Helpless orphans arises, you should never let them starve. So long as you are there to guard and protect them they should not be ruined or lost.” Than “be good to emigrants and realize their rights and protect their honor and sacred things.” (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surahs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 25, 28. 29, 31, 36, 39, 41, 42, 46, 48, 49, 61, 76, 85, 90, 104 and Hadith, Bukhari Vol 1, Book 2, # 12 and Vol 2, book 23 # 475 and Vol 8, book 73 # 92 and Letters of Ali b. Abi Taalib and Letters from Nahjul Balaagh)
Zoroastrianism: “We sacrifice to Wisdom, the most upright, righteous, made by Mazda (God).” “Virtue is not (just) a matter of thoughts and words, it must find expression in acts,” “those (things) which shall bring salvation to us.” So, 83. “Seek ye for a store (full) of good deeds, O Zarathushtra, men and women! for a store of good deeds is full of salvation, (leads to our salvation and Mazda’s heavenly world), O Zarathustra!” Therefore, 2. “Live uprightly according to the Right.” “Conduct is a language that seldom lies. One’s faith is bound to be reflected in his conduct. If one’s conduct is to be right, he should have right faith. A man is as good as his faith.” “It is the practice of religion and not its mere profession that can save a man. How is it that those who prescribe the rules of purity do not themselves practice them?” Practice what you preach, do what your lips proclaim. “The religion that does not purify character hardly deserves to be called religion.” “Oil that extinguishes the lamp, is not oil it is water.” “Religion is mere pretension if no care is taken for the formation of character;” 11. “Whereby one may exercise one’s convictions at one’s free-will;” for, “Freedom of will is the first postulate of mortal life. There cannot be any (true) mortal life without freedom of the will;” Ahura’s word and teachings is not to be forced on the people they should choose to accept and study the Holy Word of their own free will. Than, Denkard: “Be it known that the usage of the good faith is to do good and virtuous deeds.” “Be it known that it is advised in the faith that men should have zeal for good deeds.” 19. “let thine exhilaration’s flow; bright and sparkling let them hold on their (steadfast) way,” 16. “to Obedience am I given, and to deaf disobedience, not; to the saint do I belong, and to the wicked, not; and so from this on till the ending shall be the spirits’ parting;” “which is good – for (our) salvation, together with a long continued offering of the entire self, (selflessly offered).” You see, 37. “when a man unasked, kindly and piously, gives, be it ever so little, of the riches he has treasured up, (Only good comes of it).” 16. So, “May Piety abide in the Dominion bright as the sun! May Good Thought give destiny to men according to their works!” 4. “And these we would declare in order that we may attain unto that speech which is uttered with (true) religious zeal, that we may be as prophets who smite with victory, the befriended of Ahura Mazda, and persons the most useful to Him, holy men (indeed) who think good thoughts, and speak good words, and do good deeds.” 5. “That he may approach us with the Good Mind, and that (our souls) may advance in good, let it thus come; yea, ‘how may my soul advance in good? let it thus advance.” 27. “O thou, my perishable body, do good deeds!” 6. “To him shall the best befall, who, as one that knows, speaks – Right’s truthful word.” 6. “We worship the truthfully (trustworthily) spoken word; we worship the truthfully spoken sayings: (trustworthy words, deeds and actions).” Thus, 18. “Purity is for man, next to life, the, greatest good; purity, O Zarathushtra, that is in the Religion of Mazda (is found within) him who cleanses his own self with good thoughts, words, and deeds.” 19. “Make thy own self pure, O righteous man! any one in the world here below can win purity for his own self, namely, when he cleanses his own self with good thoughts, words and deeds.” “Discipline means purity of thought, purity of words and purity of deeds.” “Mazda is the upholder of rectitude. The more virtuous a man is the nearer he comes to Mazda (God), the source of perpetual delight.” “For the reward of virtue and the forgiveness of sins, do (deeds of) righteousness.” 1. “A blessing is Righteousness (called) the Best.” 3. “Therefore, would we choose, O Ahura Mazda! and thou, O Righteousness the beauteous! that we should think, and speak, and do those thoughts, words and deeds, among actual good thoughts, and words, and actions, which are the best for both the worlds; (4) and together with these gifts (?) and actions which are thus the best, we would pray…… from the humble, from the potent and the weak.” For, “(He is) the greatest Lord, powerful and wise, creator, nourisher, protector, compassionate, virtuous, forgiver, pure, a good dispenser of justice and all powerful.” So, “We sacrifice unto Mercy, (compassion) and Charity.” 4. “From this Spirit have Liars fallen away, O Mazda, but not the Righteous. Whether one is lord of little or of much, he is to show love.” “A virtuous person does not shirk works of Spenta Manyu (charity, good works or deeds) even if he is poor. The vicious even if he is well off cannot give up greed. The pious man is always true to his own self, whatever may be his circumstances. It requires great magnanimity to be able to give, without expecting a return.” (But) “how can the poor-in-heart say take without expecting a return?” Denkard: “Expend the wealth of this world for the sake of God, and employ it on actions pertaining to Him, and trust always in the Almighty, for He will be with you in such wise that you will become thereby the best in the body and the soul (mind).” “The soul is for righteous principles, and wealth for helping the afflicted, and ingenuity for perseverance.” “The greatness of the Iranians (i.e. the Mazdayasnians) is owing to truthfulness (trustworthiness) in all matters.” 2. “Live uprightly according to the Right.” — (8) Exert yourself to store (pious) wealth (merit) for yourself in the next world, because only by the good which you do yourself, will you become a sharer in all the good deeds of the whole world.” “Maha Ratu Zarathustra enjoins love for the whole of mankind. One who does not love man, does not really love God. It should be realized that one soul resides in all. Thus one should be a friend to everyone. This social service, which is the concrete of the life of the individual, is not to be confined to any particular country but should extend throughout the world to the whole of humanity.” “Mazda is not the God of any particular tribe. The doors of Mazda (God) are not closed to foreigners. So soon as anyone of them becomes fit he is to be included in the fold.” The, “Love of God is calculated to remove the distinction between one nation and another.” This, “Brotherhood of man is the idea that appealed to Him (Mazda/God) most. And that is the only meaning of the Service of the soul of the world.” “For if God is the one Father of all men then all men are equal.” Thus: “No one should make a distinction between himself and another person. All men should be treated as equals. No one should claim for himself an exception.” So, all of mankind is created equal, but we are the ones who try to make ourselves exceptions to this rule. So, “Zarathushtra always wants us to remember that the consequences of right and wrong deeds are quite different.” Denkard: “Be it known that a man must do himself personally good deeds for his soul’s benefit. If a man does not do a deed required for his spiritual welfare, (his spiritual salvation and place in Mazda’s heavenly world) no other man can do that for him.” “Every man makes (his) account-book himself.” 4. “I desire with my voice the thoughts well thought, and the words well spoken, and the deeds well done,” Denkard: “Be it known that the man who takes delight in slander are men like unto the Demons and the Drujs;” “He (Ahura) will smite the most slanderous of slanders, He will afflict the most slanderous of slanders.” 1. “Strive after the good thoughts, words, and deeds.” “O Ahura (God), now is help ours, we will be ready to serve those that are of You.” “The fruit of every goodness is delight; the fruit of every harmful action is distress.” “Be it known that the final judgment of the soul bears a relation to its desires and capacities.” “Do religious works with humility, think good thoughts, speak good words, and do good deeds.” Than, “stand against oppression.” “None desires inequity to his own self. Thus one should not do to others, what he does not desire for himself.” “Do to others as you would that they should do to you.” “Do not do to others that which you would that they would not do to you.” “The basis of rectitude is equity (equal treatment for all). Do unto others what you would do unto yourself.” “That nature only is good when it shall not do unto another whatever is not good for it’s own self.” Than, “Spitama declared the law of Mazda to be (for) the betterment of the world by deeds.” “Improvement of the world should be one of the main items of duty (of the law).” “Mazda is the up holder of moral order of the universe.” So, 109. “May righteousness and goodness prevail!” 26. “O thou, my perishable body, speak good words with thy tongue!” 27. “O thou, my perishable body, do good deeds with thy hands!“ 4. “I desire with my voice the thoughts well thought, and the words well spoken, and the deeds well done,” 1. “Strive after the good thoughts, words, and deeds.” Therefore: “whatever I may happen to do, and what I may perform by my deeds, and what by perception I discern to be worthy, O Mazda, all these are for your gracious glory.” “We should not rest content merely with formal prayers, but it should be our aim to turn every act of ours into worship.” “When every act is done in the spirit of worship, it raises a man’s consciousness to the highest level, his whole life becomes a life of incessant prayer. He is always in the presence of Mazda.” But, “It is not enough that one’s passions are controlled.” “Evil thoughts tarnish the holiness, they kill the moral life.” “Self control is the foundation of moral life.” “Maha Ratu Zarathushtra prays here for the highest purity. There is no immunity until the heart has become so pure, that any evil impulse does not at all arise in it.” 6. “Come thou with Good Thought,” 11. “I would thereby preserve Right and Good Thought for evermore.” 16. “Then let him have Obedience coming with Good Thought unto every man whom thou desirest, O Mazda.” “And we worship the victorious Peace as the unprostrated and unmoved.” 5. “May Sraosha (Obedience) conquer disobedience within this house, and may peace triumph over discord here, and generous giving over avarice, reverence over contempt, speech with truthful words over lying utterance. May the Righteous Order gain the victory over the Demon of the Lie.” May 145. “the faithful come quickly to us! May they come to our help! They protect us when in distress with manifest assistance!” (ZOROASTER, Hymns of Atharvan pp. 155, 187, 240, 305, 306, 329, 330, 440, 458, 485, 487, 488, 542, 544, 547, 548, 549, 550, 580, 589, 634, 658, 714, 716, 717, 742, 778, 780, 816, 818 and 820) (Zoroaster, The Zend-Avesta, Avesta – Yasnas 3, 8, 10, 28, 29, 31, 35, 43, 44, 47, 50, 55, 60, 70 and Visperad, Khorda Avesta – Book of Common Prayer pt. 1, Avesta Fragments and Dadistan-1 Dinik pp. 94-95)
Hinduism: 226. “Let him, without tiring, always offer sacrifices and perform works of charity with faith;” “Service through work.” 9. “Here of free choice let each one serve Thee richly, resplendent day by day at eve and morning;” “All oblation is worthy of our choice.” 11. “Let him never, for the sake of subsistence, follow the ways of the world; let him live the pure, straightforward, honest life” “in all trustworthiness.” “Find full reward Of doing right in right! Let right deeds be Thy motive, not the fruit which comes from them.” “Let us do thee service, fain (gladly) to do men service.” 236. “When one is firmly established in speaking truth, the fruits of action become subservient to him,” do what you say you will do. 256. “But he who is dishonest with respect to speech, is dishonest (not trustworthy) in everything.” than, 8. “Guard them, Victorious God, from slander and from harm.” 229. “Let him on no account become angry or utter an un-truth,” 175. “Let him always delight in truthfulness and obedience to the sacred law, conduct worthy of an Aryan, and purity.” “We the righteous laws maintain, (the laws help mankind evolve spiritually and materially).” – “Makes worship by work,” to “Do good deeds:” Our ever advancing civilization and our spirituality and our well-being are maintained, in Hinduism, through Krishna’s teachings, laws and code of conduct, in-which work and following the laws can be considered acts of worship unto Brahma/God. “Who doeth all for Me; who findeth Me In all; adoreth always; loveth all Which I have made, and Me, for Love’s sole end.” So, 6. “Show (forth) love and kindness here below,” “protect all created beings, Thereon shall he live, he himself.” “Good is steadfastness, whereby a man Masters his beats of heart, his very breath Of life and the action of his senses; fixed In never-shaken faith and piety.” “Make thine acts Thy piety, casting all self (selflessly) aside.” Than, 3. “Whatever is given (in charity and actions) should be given with faith, not without faith,-with joy, with modesty, with fear and with kindness.” 40. Than be of “those endowed with Goodness;” 31. “study the Vedas, austerity, (in the pursuit of) knowledge, purity, the performance of meritorious acts and meditation on the Soul, (for these are) the marks of qualities of Goodness.” “Always to strive for wisdom; opened hand And governed appetites; and piety, And love of lonely study; humbleness, Uprightness, heed to injure naught which lives, Truthfulness, slowness unto wrath, a mind That lightly letteth go what others prize; And equanimity and charity Which spieth no man’s faults; and tenderness Towards all that suffer; a contented heart, Fluttered by no desires; a bearing mild, Modest, and grave, with manhood nobly mixed, With patience, fortitude, and purity; An unrevengeful spirit, never given To rate itself too high;- such be the signs, O Indian Prince! of him whose feet are set On that fair path which leads to heavenly birth (leads to heaven)!” Than, 171. “Let him, though suffering in consequence of his righteousness, never turn his heart to unrighteousness; for he will see the speedy overthrow of unrighteous, wicked men.” 8. “Let him be always industrious in privately reciting the Veda; let him be patient of hardships, friendly (towards all), of collected mind, ever liberal and never a receiver of gifts, and merciful and compassionate towards all living creatures.” 6. “Is then thy friendship with thy friends most mighty? Thy brotherhood with us.” 13. “When next we meet together; confirm our brotherhood.” Than, “be united, be in harmony, in affection, in peace, Radiant, with kindly thought, clothed in food and strength, United have I made your minds, your ordinances, your hearts.” So, “Fourfold are our human duties: first to study holy lore, Then to live as good householders, feed the hungry at our door, Then to pass our days in penance, last to fix our thoughts above, But the final goal of virtue, it is Truth and deathless Love!” On all alike. 32. “Let him act with justice in his own domain,” “Arise, become great, stand upright, be thou firm.” 1. “Learn that sacred law which is followed by men learned (in the Veda) and assented to in their hearts by the virtuous, who are ever exempt from hatred and inordinate affection.” 334. “For virtue is the highest duty.” “Give, Be merciful, let that triad be taught, Subduing, Giving, and Mercy.” Again, “find full reward Of doing right in right! Let right deeds be Thy motive, not the fruit which comes from them.” Thus, 232. “Having thus considered in his mind what results will arise from his deeds after death, let him always be good in thoughts, speech, and actions.” “This is the sum of all true righteousness: deal with others as thou wouldst thyself be dealt by. Do nothing to thy neighbour which thou wouldst not have him do to thee after.” Than, “Do all thou dost for Me! Renounce for Me! Sacrifice heart and mind and will to Me! Live in the faith of Me! In faith of Me All dangers thou shalt vanquish, by My grace.” Remember, 157, “single is each being born; single it dies; single it enjoys (the reward of it’s) virtue; single (it suffers the punishment of it’s) sin,” 1. “Indra, (Brahma, God) with all thy saving helps assist us, Lord of power and might!” 7. “Let Tvashtar, Brahmanaspati, Parjanya guard our heavenly word, the saving word!“ for, “seekers of Heaven: which comes- they say-As the “fruit of good deeds done;” So once more, 232. “Having thus considered in his mind what results will arise from his deeds after death, let him always be good in thoughts, speech and actions.” Therefore: “Do all thou dost for Me! Renounce for Me! Sacrifice heart and mind and will to Me! Live in the faith of Me! In faith of Me All dangers thou shalt vanquish, by My grace!” So again, 232. “Having thus considered in his mind what results will arise from his deeds after death, let him always be good in thoughts, speech, and actions.” “Glad in all good they live, Nigh to the peace;” “Live nigh to the peace of God,” and 123. “protect (the people), protect all created beings!” (Hindu, Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr) chapters 2, 5, 6, 11, 15, 18 and Hindu, Laws of Manu chapters 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12 and Vedas, Rig Veda – Books 4, 7 and 10, and Vedas, Yajur Veda – Kanda VVedas, Yajur Veda – Kanda 3, 4, 5, Sama Veda and Upanishads vol. 2, Brihadaranyaka-Upanishad Part 3, and Taittiriyaka-Upanishad and The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and Dharma Sutras, Gutama 10 and The Mahabharata)
Buddhism: “Self is the master of self; who else could be the master? With self well-controlled a person finds a master such as few can find.” “Let each person first direct oneself to what is right;” “Lay members should abstain from all unkindness, stealing, unchastity, lying, duplicity, slander, frivolous talk, covetousness, malice, currying favor, and false teachings.” “One is one’s own lord. One has one’s own course. Control therefore your own self,” Than, “One should cherish ideas of charity, good behavior, (good character) patience, zeal, thoughtfulness and wisdom. Even in the worldly life the practice of these virtues will bring rewards of happiness and success (and heaven).” “It is imperative that an enlightened disciple, in the exercise of charity, should act independent of phenomena. And why? Because, acting without regard to illusive forms of phenomena, he will realize in the exercise of charity a merit inestimable and immeasurable.” “If persons should come to them and ask for something, they should as far as their means allow, supply it ungrudgingly and thus make them happy. If they see people threatened with danger, they should try every means for rescuing them and restore them to a feeling of safety.” 13. “The wise man who takes pleasure in giving is thereby happy hereafter.” 17. “One should speak the truth. 15. “A trustworthy friend is the supreme relation,” 17. “One should not give way to anger. If asked for little one should give. One may go, by these three means, to the presence of celestials.” For, “People give according to their faith and as they are pleased.” “The wise, rejoice in giving and thereby become happy hereafter.” Than, 24. “The gift of the Truth beats all other gifts. The flavor of the Truth beats all other tastes. The joy of the Truth beats all other joys, and the cessation of desire conquers all suffering.” Than, 12. “As he instructs others He should himself act. Himself fully controlled, difficult indeed is to control oneself.” 4. “Like a fine flower, beautiful to look at but without scent, fine words are fruitless in a man who does not act in accordance with them.” 1. “Even if he is fond of quoting appropriate texts, the thoughtless man who does not put them into practice himself is like cowherd counting other people’s cows, not a partner in the Holy Life.” “In the practice of all good deeds, disciples should never indulge in indolence.” 1.“Even if the thoughtless can recite many of the scriptures, if they do not act accordingly, they are not living the holy life.” “Lead a life of righteousness, and not a life of wrong-doing. He who follows righteousness lives happily in this world and the next.” It tells us here, if you think about it, that paradise is for those who put into practice the words and maintain the holy works of The Creator. For, 18. “The man of conscience, always striving after purity, alert, reserved, pure of behaviour and discerning;” “Make a refuge unto yourself, Quickly strive and become wise. Purged of taint and free from stain, To heavenly state of the Noble will you attain.” For, “Wrong living as wrong, and right living as right, one practices Right Understanding and in making efforts to overcome wrong living, to arouse right living, one practices Right Effort and in overcoming wrong living with attentive mind, and dwelling with attentive mind in possession of right living, one practices Right Attentiveness. Hence, there are three things that accompany and follow upon right living, namely: right understanding, right effort, and right attentiveness.” “Now, Right Mindedness: 1. Thoughts free from lust, from ill-will, and from cruelty – this is called the ‘Mundane Right Mindedness,’ which yields worldly fruits and brings good results, (helps safeguard and maintain the world of mankind).” So, “Let us purify our minds always!” “When a man takes life, tells lies, takes what he is not entitled to in the world, resorts to other men’s wives and indulges in drinking wine and spirits – such a man is digging up his own roots here and now in this world. So understand this: unrestrained men are evil, don’t let greed and wrong doing subject you to lasting suffering.” Therefore, Udana-Varqa, 5:18 “Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.” “Practice kindness and compassion on all alike with no discrimination what-so-ever.” “Even in one’s speech and especially in one’s teachings one must practice kindness, for, no teaching that is unkind can be the teaching of the Buddha. Unkindness is the executioner of the life of wisdom.” Than, 26. “Devotedly should one revere Him.” In all we do we should revere Him devoutly.” Again, think on this: “Practice kindness, (mercy) and compassion on all alike, with no discrimination,” show kindness and compassion on all alike, on everyone, all people! “Persevere assiduously in the practice of boundless compassion, joyful serenity and perfect equanimity (perfect equality on all).” “Think compassionately of other beings,” “dwell with a heart free from ill-will; cherishing love and compassion toward all living beings, cleanse the heart from ill-will,” “cast away Ill-will; dwell with a heart free from ill-will; cherishing love and compassion toward all living beings, cleansing the heart from ill-will.” 25. “Let one live in love, (love all people); let one be adept in one’s duties; then joyfully one will see the end of sorrow.” “As the jasmine sheds its withered flowers, people should shed desire and hate.” “Speak not harshly to anyone, painful indeed is vindictive speech. Blows in exchange may bruise you. If you silence yourself as a broken gong (forgiving) You have already attained Nirvana. (Than) no contention will be found in you.” 14. “Not to do wrong, to do good, and to purify one’s mind, that is the teaching of the awakened ones. The awakened call patience the highest sacrifice; the awakened declare nirvana the highest good.” 17. “Abandon anger, give up pride, and overcome all fetters. Suffering does nor befall him who is without attachment to names and forms, and possesses nothing of his own.” 1. “Occasions of hatred are certainly never settled by hatred. They are settled by freedom from hatred. This is the eternal law.” “15. There is no happiness greater than peace.” “Persevere assiduously (diligently) in the practice of boundless kindness,” 18. “Hard is the life of a modest one Who ever seeks after purity, Who is strenuous, humble, Cleanly of life, and discerning.” “Make a refuge unto yourself, Quickly strive and become wise, “let us purify our minds always!,” “purged of taint and free from stain; To heavenly state of the Noble will you attain.” “Just as a rock of one solid mass remains unshaken by the wind, even so, neither forms, nor sounds, nor odors, nor tastes, nor contacts of any kind, neither the desired, nor the undesired, can cause such an one to waver. Steadfast is his mind, gained is deliverance.” 22. For, the “lax behaviour, broken observances and dubious chastity – these are of no great benefit. If it ought to be done, then do it; apply yourself to it strenuously (in obedience). A lax man of religion just spreads even more dust,” 7. “(selfless) is the greatest of people.” Than, 26. “It is by pious behaviour that a man is called a man of religion, and by casting out blemishes one is called one gone forth.” 12. “By oneself is wrong done; by oneself one suffers; by oneself is wrong left undone; by oneself is one purified. Purity and impurity come from oneself; no one can purify another.” “The purification of the evil out-flowings of the mind are at best slow and gradual, requiring both zeal and patience.” 17. “Abandon anger, (live in peace) give up pride, and overcome all fetters. Suffering does nor befall him who is without attachment to names and forms, and possesses nothing of his own.” “Practice kindness and compassion on all alike with no discrimination what-so-ever.” “Persevere assiduously in the practice of boundless compassion, (mercy), joyful serenity and perfect equanimity.” “He dwells with a heart free from ill-will; cherishing love and compassion toward all living beings, he cleanses his heart from ill-will.”(Buddhist, Dhammapada – Sayings of the Buddhas 1, 2 and 3 (tr. J. Richards) Buddha, the Word The Eightfold Path and Sixth Patriarch and The Diamond Sutra and Lankavatara Sutra and Surangama Sutra and Middle Discourses)
Sabeanism: “To you do I call and (you) do I teach, Men who have received the Sign, Hearken not to the talk of all peoples and generations; let not their stumblings cause you to stumble.” “The…tongue which is softer than fat and sharper than a sword.” (Can cause great harm when used inappropriately) “Evil will be removed. They will be freed from fetter and bond, from evil curses, from evil slander, from lying accusation, from the hand of the wicked.” “Be careful; make enquiry,” — into the word of God, of your own freewill. “My chosen, ye sought and ye found, moreover ye shall seek and ye shall find. Ye sought and found, my chosen ones, as the first (souls) sought and found;” not through coercion but by self investigation. So, “every man who giveth will be made to shine (doubly) On the day of deliverance.” “(Be giving), display kindness, show compassion” and mercy. Be giving of that which you have to those in need.” “To each according to the works of his hands It is awarded.” “Every man who toiled And was long-suffering shall come and take with both hands, But he who did not toil nor endure, Standeth empty in the House of Dues.” Those who follow the writings and do the deeds or works of The Creator in this life will see paradise and be comforted. “To each according to the works of his hands, it is awarded.” Than, “He will seek but will not find, And ask, but naught will be given him, Because he had in his hand and gave not;” those who do not the works of The Creator, will be found wanting and will not be beholding paradise as their heavenly home in the after life, but, “Every man who toiled and was long-suffering shall come and take with both hands,” “If right is different than wrong, then their retribution also must be different. They cannot lead to the same goal. The distinction between right and wrong is fundamental to man. Man lives under the power of supreme reality of moral distinctions and of their absolute significance. To invalidate the hypothesis would be to invalidate the life which is based upon it.” “The good behold and are refreshed:” “The good will see and will be found ready, (But) The wicked will be discomfited, chastised by Manda-d-Hiia (Savior God).” So, “be careful; make enquiry, display kindness, show compassion,” be true in (word and deed), do that which your lips proclaim. “For my heart hath testified to the First Life (Haiyi/God).” “Behold me, who have sought purification before Thee! Look on me, I am Thy servant and Thy child. Now I humble myself and my children to Thy name, for I have been true to Thy name, and speak (it) in my heart and talk (of it) in my mind,,” and live a holy life not just in words, but in actions. “I shall be pure in all my words (thoughts); and life,” and do no harm to others (do onto others as you would have them do to you!) “I strive with a pious and believing heart for the love of precious Truth (and) perform the works Of right-dealing (trustworthy) Man.” “Now I humble myself… to Thy name, for I have been true to thy name, and speak (it) in my heart and talk (of it) in my mind.” “Steadfast and vigorous souls shine in splendour in the great Place of Light and the Everlasting Abode.” “Let there be strength and constancy for all lovers of Thy name!” “Do not slumber and sleep, and forget not what your lord commanded you.” Obedience to the ordinances of God is a must for anybody living the holy life and maintains order in the world. “Ye are set up and raised up into the Place of the Good. 29. Good is the good for the good. 30. we have acted (according to) the goodness of the Great (Life). 30 Praised are ye four beings, sons of Perfection, who go to meet the good;” so “the names of righteous and believing people Will be established in the Place of Light,” paradise. “It is time to pray the ‘Devotions’ The great moment for humble worship.” “May they (mankind) be knit together in the communion of Life in which there is no separation.” “Bliss and peace there will be on the road which Adam attained,’ “My vigilance and praise,’ ‘Go in peace, chosen, pure and guiltless one in whom there is no spot.”’ “We will pray with Thee the ‘uthras’ prayer and ask of Thee, of the Great (Life, Haiyi or God), a petition for ourselves, for our friends, for our friends’ friends and for those who love the great Family of Life.” “Praise Thee, for amongst them all hatred, Envy and dissensions exist not.” “Diffuse Thy light over all who love.” For Thy sake do we love all that liveth, humanity is one in love. “May they be knit together in the communion of Life in which there is no separation.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapters 1, 24, 34, 35, 56, 71 74, 75, 76, 77, 89, 90, 92, 123, 118, 171, 410 and Instruction of Adam)
Babi Religion: “The path to guidance is one of love and compassion, not of force and coercion.” “Love, (is) the mainspring of every energy; tolerance towards each other, desire of understanding each other, knowing each other, helping each other, forgiving each other.” “You must neither defraud your neighbour nor allow him to defraud you.” “Regard ye not others save as ye regard your own selves, that no feeling of aversion may prevail amongst you. It behooveth you all to be one indivisible people.” “Thou art faithful to Thy promise,” do what you say you are going to do. “Bábísm may be defined as a creed of charity, and almost of common humanity. Brotherly love, kindness to children, courtesy combined with dignity, sociability, hospitality and freedom from bigotry;” “regard ye not others save as ye regard your own selves,” “it was not proper for him to give ear to the gossip of men eager to create conflict.” “It behooveth you all to be one indivisible people.” “I am bidden by Him to instill into men’s hearts the ennobling principles of charity and love, and to refrain from all unnecessary violence.” “The Day is approaching when God shall bring the faithful together. In truth no God is there other than Him.” “May the peace of God be with those who have been guided aright through the power of divine guidance. He is God, the Supreme Ruler, the Sovereign Truth, He Whose help is implored by all.” “O PEOPLES of the earth! Verily the resplendent Light of God hath appeared in your midst, invested with this unerring Book, that ye may be guided aright to the ways of peace and, by the leave of God, step out of the darkness into the light and onto this far-extended Path of Truth.” “By the righteousness of the true God, if ye remain steadfast upon this line which standeth upright between the two lines, ye shall, in very truth, quaff the living waters from the Fountain of this wondrous Revelation as proffered by the hand of His Remembrance…” “The days when idle worship was deemed sufficient are ended. The time is come when naught but the purest motive, supported by deeds of stainless purity, can ascend to the throne of the Most High and be acceptable unto Him.” “The time is come when naught but the purest motive, supported by deeds of stainless purity, can ascend to the throne of the Most High and be acceptable unto Him.” “It behoves each one of you to manifest the attributes of God, and to exemplify by your deeds and words the signs of His righteousness, His power and glory. The very members of your body must bear witness to the loftiness of your purpose, the integrity of your life, the reality of your faith, and the exalted character of your devotion.” “O LORD! Unto Thee I repair for refuge and toward all Thy signs I set my heart. O Lord! Whether traveling or at home, and in my occupation or in my work, I place my whole trust in Thee.” “Persevere steadfastly as thou art bidden and let not the faithless amongst men nor their utterances grieve thee.” “VERILY I am Thy servant, O my God, and Thy poor one and Thy suppliant and Thy wretched creature. I have arrived at Thy gate, seeking Thy shelter. I have found no contentment save in Thy love, no exultation except in Thy remembrance, no eagerness but in obedience to Thee, no joy save in Thy nearness, and no tranquillity except in reunion with Thee, notwithstanding that I am conscious that all created things are debarred from Thy sublime Essence and the entire creation is denied access to Thine inmost Being.” “For God hath ordained that all the good things which lie in the treasury of His knowledge shall be attained through obedience.” “All individuals were called upon to work for their own spiritual development, such development came not from any esoteric knowledge or experience, but from the purity with which they turned to God, the selflessness and dedication with which they served God’s Cause, and the extent to which they modeled their lives on the divinely given ethical imperatives.” “To each of them extend the utmost loving-kindness.” “If, however, ye observe piety in your Faith, God will surely nourish you from the treasuries of His heavenly grace.” “Observe piety in your Faith, observe piety and virtue…” So, “do good works, that this may serve as a lesson for those unto whom the Bayan is given, that they may take good heed.” And so, “He characterized as an emphasis on compassion, mercy, association with all peoples, trustworthiness towards all men, and the unification of mankind.” “Truth can in no wise be confounded with aught else except itself; would that ye might ponder His proof. Nor can error be confused with Truth, if ye do but reflect upon the testimony of God, the True One.” “Beware lest ye utter aught but the truth.” “Such must be the purity of your character and the degree of your renunciation, that the people of the earth may through you recognize and be drawn closer to the heavenly Father who is the Source of purity and grace. For none has seen the Father who is in heaven. You who are His spiritual children must by your deeds exemplify His virtues, and witness to His glory.” “Bábísm has no hierarchy, but instead aims to educate each individual believer to become a whole person, to be a fighter for freedom and the moral advancement of humanity.” “If all men were to observe the ordinances of God no sadness would befall that heavenly Tree.” The ordinances of God are the best for maintaining order and unity within the world of man. “O LORD! Unto Thee I repair for refuge and toward all Thy signs I set my heart. O Lord! Whether traveling or at home, and in my occupation or in my work, I place my whole trust in Thee.” “KNOW thou that in the Bayan purification is regarded as the most acceptable means for attaining nearness unto God and as the most meritorious of all deeds. Thus purge thou thine ear that thou mayest hear no mention besides God, and purge thine eye that it behold naught except God, and thy conscience that it perceive naught other than God, and thy tongue that it proclaim nothing but God, and thy hand to write naught but the words of God, and thy knowledge that it comprehend naught except God, and thy heart that it entertain no wish save God, and in like manner purge all thine acts and thy pursuits that thou mayest be nurtured in the paradise of pure love, and perchance mayest attain the presence of Him Whom God shall make manifest, adorned with a purity which He highly cherisheth, and be sanctified from whosoever hath turned away from Him and doth not support Him. Thus shalt thou manifest a purity that shall profit thee.” “If thou hast, upon hearing the divine verses and by virtue of thy spontaneous love for the True Word of God, responded in a spirit of utter humility and lowliness — a spirit which is one of the mightiest signs of true love and understanding — then such proofs have been and will ever be regarded as sound.” “The whole object of such righteousness is but recognition of God, thy Lord, and undoubted faith in the Words revealed by Him.” So, “they that truly believe in God and in His signs, and who in every Dispensation faithfully obey that which hath been revealed in the Book — such are indeed the ones whom God hath created from (for) the fruits of the Paradise of His good-pleasure, and who are of the blissful,” and “Paradise is attainment of His good-pleasure.” “O people of the earth! Whoso obeyeth the Remembrance of God and His Book hath in truth obeyed God and His chosen ones and he will, in the life to come, be reckoned in the presence of God among the inmates of the Paradise of His good-pleasure.” “It behoves each one of you to manifest the attributes of God, and to exemplify by your deeds and words the signs of His righteousness, His power and glory. The very members of your body must bear witness to the loftiness of your purpose, the integrity of your life, the reality of your faith, and the exalted character of your devotion.” “Thy purpose in performing thy deeds is that God may graciously accept them; and divine acceptance can in no wise be achieved except through the acceptance of Him Who is the Exponent of His Revelation.” “Ye should perform such deeds as would please God, your Lord, earning thereby the good-pleasure of Him Whom God shall make manifest.” “You who are His spiritual children must by your deeds exemplify His virtues, and witness to His glory.” (The Bab, Selections from the Writings of the Bab, pp. 11, 33, 36, 43, 59, 60, 66, 71, 80, 91, 92, 96, 97, 120, 127, 129, 133, 147, 149, 157, 160 174, 193 and The Dawn-Breakers, pp. 84, 91, 92, 93, 302, 553 and 600 and Peter Smith, The Babi & Baha’i Religions, pp. 54, 82, 154)
Baha’i Faith: “Each must see with his own eyes, hear with his own ears and investigate the truth himself in order that he may follow the truth instead of blind acquiescence and imitation of ancestral beliefs.” “Man is not intended to see through the eyes of another, hear through another’s ears nor comprehend with another’s brain.” “He must not be an imitator or blind follower of any soul. He must not rely implicitly upon the opinion of any man without investigation; nay, each soul must seek intelligently and independently, arriving at a real conclusion and bound only by that reality;” and not through force and coercion. 29. “O SON OF BEING! Ascribe not to any soul that which thou wouldst not have ascribed to thee, and say not that which thou doest not. This is My command unto thee, do thou observe it.” “When we speak let our speech be an outward evidence of the inner light, for we must speak the truth, otherwise we shall not act wisely.” “Cling ye to the hem of virtue, and hold fast to the cord of trustworthiness and piety. Concern yourselves with the things that benefit mankind, and not with your corrupt and selfish desires.” “O people of God! Adorn your temples with the adornment of trustworthiness and piety.” “Be ye trustworthy on earth, and withhold not from the poor the things given unto you by God through His grace.” “He, verily, shall recompense the charitable, and doubly repay them for what they have bestowed. No God is there but Him.” “Charity is pleasing and praiseworthy in the sight of God and is regarded as a prince among goodly deeds….. Blessed is he who preferreth his brother before himself.” “O son of man! If thine eyes be turned towards mercy, forsake the things that profit thee, and cleave unto that which will profit mankind. And if thine eyes be turned towards justice, choose thou for thy neighbor that which thou choosest for thyself.” “O SON OF BEING! Ascribe not to any soul that which thou wouldst not have ascribed to thee, and say not that which thou doest not.” “Wish not for others what ye wish not for yourselves; fear God, and be not of the prideful.” “Be generous in prosperity, and thankful in adversity. Be worthy of the trust of thy neighbor, and look upon him with a bright and friendly face. Be a treasure to the poor, an admonisher to the rich, an answerer to the cry of the needy, a preserver of the sanctity of thy pledge. Be fair in thy judgment, and guarded in thy speech. Be unjust to no man, and show all meekness to all men. Be as a lamp unto them that walk in darkness, a joy to the sorrowful, a sea for the thirsty, a haven for the distressed, an upholder and defender of the victim of oppression. Let integrity and uprightness distinguish all thine acts. Be a home for the stranger, a balm to the suffering, a tower of strength for the fugitive. Be eyes to the blind, and a guiding light unto the feet of the erring. Be an ornament to the countenance of truth, a crown to the brow of fidelity, a pillar of the temple of righteousness, a breath of life to the body of mankind, an ensign of the hosts of justice, a luminary above the horizon of virtue, a dew to the soil of the human heart, an ark on the ocean of knowledge, a sun in the heaven of bounty, a gem on the diadem of wisdom, a shining light in the firmament of thy generation, a fruit upon the tree of humility.” “Guidance hath ever been given by words, and now it is given by deeds. Every one must show forth deeds that are pure and holy, for words are the property of all alike, whereas such deeds as these belong only to Our loved ones. Strive then with heart and soul to distinguish yourselves by your deeds. In this wise We counsel you in this holy and resplendent tablet.” “Whosoever has a pure heart and renders good deeds is nearer to God.” “I, therefore, pray to God that you may be strengthened in good deeds.” “Whoso keepeth the commandments of God shall attain everlasting felicity.” “They whom God hath endued with insight will readily recognize that the precepts (the laws) laid down by God constitute the highest means for the maintenance of order in the world and the security of its peoples.” “Walk ye in the fear of God, and render not your works vain.”“The essence of faith is fewness of words and abundance of deeds; he whose words exceed his deeds, know verily his death is better than his life.” “O SON OF MY HANDMAID! Guidance hath ever been given by words, and now it is given by deeds. Every one must show forth deeds that are pure and holy, for words are the property of all alike, whereas such deeds as these belong only to Our loved ones. Strive then with heart and soul to distinguish yourselves by your deeds. In this wise We counsel you in this holy and resplendent tablet.” “O SON OF SPIRIT! Know thou of a truth: He that biddeth men be just and himself committeth iniquity is not of Me, even though he bear My name.” “Vouchsafe Thy strength, O Almighty One, unto Thy weak creatures, and quicken them who are as dead, that haply they may find Thee, and may be led unto the ocean of Thy guidance, and may remain steadfast in Thy Cause.” “Blessed are the steadfastly enduring, they that are patient under ills and hardships, who lament not over anything that befalleth them, and who tread the path of resignation….” “I beseech Thee by Thy power that hath encompassed all created things, and by Thy sovereignty that hath transcended the entire creation, and by Thy Word which was hidden in Thy wisdom and whereby Thou didst create Thy heaven and Thy earth, both to enable us to be steadfast in our love for Thee and in our obedience to Thy pleasure, and to fix our gaze upon Thy face, and celebrate Thy glory.” “God has not created men that they should destroy one another. All races, tribes, sects and classes share equally in the Bounty of their Heavenly Father.” “The only difference lies in the degree of faithfulness, of obedience to the laws of God. There are some who are as lighted torches, there are others who shine as stars in the sky of humanity. The lovers of mankind, these are the superior men, of whatever nation, creed, or colour they may be.” “As the East and the West are illumined by one sun, so all races, nations, and creeds shall be seen as the servants of the One God. The whole earth is one home, and all peoples, did they but know it, are bathed in the oneness of God’s mercy. God created all. He gives sustenance to all. He guides and trains all under the shadow of his bounty. We must follow the example God Himself gives us, and do away with all disputations and quarrels (and live in peace with one another).” “In the days of old an instinct for warfare was developed in the struggle with wild animals; this is no longer necessary; nay, rather, co-operation and mutual understanding are seen to produce the greatest welfare of mankind.” “Lord! Give me to drink from the chalice of selflessness; with its robe clothe me, and in its ocean immerse me. Make me as dust in the pathway of Thy loved ones, and grant that I may offer up my soul for the earth ennobled by the footsteps of Thy chosen ones in Thy path, O Lord of Glory in the Highest.” “Enkindle with all your might in every meeting the light of the love of God, gladden and cheer every heart with the utmost loving-kindness, show forth your love to the strangers just as you show forth to your relations.” “Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving-kindness for all who may cross your path.” “Be signs of guidance; lights of piety; severed from the world.” “May you, one and all, increase daily in spirituality, may you be strengthened in all goodness.” “It is Our wish and desire that every onewe are of you may become a source of all goodness unto men, and an example of uprightness to mankind.” “We enjoin on you – chastity, faithfulness, godliness, sincerity, and purity.” “Humility exalteth man to the heaven of glory and power, whilst pride abaseth him to the depths of wretchedness and degradation.” “O ye beloved of the Lord! The Kingdom of God is founded upon equity and justice, and also upon mercy, compassion, and kindness to every living soul.” (Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha in London, pp. 19, 38, Tablets of Abdu’l-Baha v1, p. 5, Paris Talks, pp. 112, 148, A Traveller’s Narrative, p. 48, Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Baha, p. 158 Prayers and Meditations by Baha’u’llah, p. 219, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 300, 457, The Persian Hidden Words, Bahá’í Faith, Tablets of Baha’u’llah, pp. 71, 156, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, pp. 129, 256, 278, 289, 315, 331, Bahá’í Faith, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, pp. 10, 29, 54, 93, 135, Divine Philosophy, p. 103, The Arabic Hidden Words, Baha’i World Faith p. 246, Foundations of World Unity, pp. 74, 76 and The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 72)
So clearly we are instructed to become more like our Creator, and become more loving, caring, kind, merciful and compassionate towards one another; and we are not to force our beliefs, desires and opinions on others, but allow people come to their own conclusions, of their own free will. We are to live our lives peacefully with one another and be truly loving brothers and sisters to one another, and stop all of this contention, conflict and warfare in the world. We are to live honest, upright, trustworthy, righteous, pious lives and not do to others that which we wouldn’t want or like done to us. We are to be concerned with the conditions and welfare of all mankind and care what happens to our fellow human brothers and sisters, from all of the religions; and we are supposed to help one another, and not just think only of ourselves, as is so rampant in this world of today. So in becoming more like the image of our Creator we should be helping to make this world a better place and be helping to uplift the condition of mankind in this world, and we should become a more like a loving human family caring what happens to one another, and helping one another, and so helping to make this world of ours a better place for all of us to live and exist on; not just for the ease and comfort of a chosen few as is so stifling in this world of today.
So we are to do what we can to help stop this process of human desensitization, to the needs and conditions of others human beings that has become so rampant in this world of today and do what we can to actually help the whole human world to become a better place for all of humanity to live on, and not to just a chosen few. This can come about by human beings changing the way many tend to think about other humans beings and people becoming more family oriented towards one another and realizing we are one human family in reality, and not many.
AND WITH THIS IN MIND:
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Thank you.
Sincerely.
Edward A. Jewell ~ CEO ~ Universal Concord.