GlocalNet

I’m excited because today Nikki and I leave for the Middle-East.  We’ll be visiting with some religious, business, and political leaders from that part of the world.  Nikki and I will both be speaking at an Islamic seminary and we are really excited about it.  I’ve been there before and absolutely love the people.  I can’t wait for Nikki to get to meet many of my friends.  She’ll be speaking on values of a Christian woman and I’ll be speaking on “Faith at it’s best.”  Then off to Istanbul, Turkey where I am a part of a U.N. initiative called the “Alliance of Civilizations.”  There will be about 300 people there and I’ve been told that President Obama will be addressing us – we’ll see. 

I love the flight – even though it’s long.  I have my books, papers, and lots of work to do on the flight – pray we get upgraded!!!!!  I want my Muslim friends to know several things:

First, there are many of us as Christians that love and respect them.  Often, our perceptions towards one another are slanted.  Media on both sides can be driven by money and populist positions ignoring legitimate realities.  The more I interact with Muslims globally, the more I realized much of what I thought was incorrect.  Are there differences?  You bet – but there’s so much more that brings us together than separates us.  I’m ready to focus on what brings us together. 

Second, we want to be friends and brothers in humanity.  I love that phrase “brothers in humanity.”  I first heard it from some Muslims I met.  We may not be brothers in faith – but we are part of the human race and that merits treating each other with respect. 

Third, we want peace and we want to get along with you.  I don’t want my son and daughter having to fight in wars.  I don’t think we are doing enough to get to know one another so that we can bring down the tension.  More than ultimatums we are desperate need of bridge builders and cross carriers. 

Fourth, we love Jesus with all our hearts, but that doesn’t mean we don’t respect you, your views, or your right to believe as you choose.  Some people have the idea that we should merge all faiths so that we could get along.  First, that doesn’t work – there are different groups in all religions that war among each other just as much as they war with those of different religions.  Second, I don’t want a faith I create.  Truth is not relative – and that is what I seek.  I want a faith from the heart of God, that’s bigger than me.  If I make it – I’m God and I’m the center of the universe – and I am not God.  I need someone bigger than my little world: One that captures my soul and spirit and flows in me; One that enables me to rise above the fallen man that I am and find peace and forgiveness; One that gives me the strength to overcome evil within, and around me with a vision of justice and mercy; One that fills me with courage to do right even when I am weak or fearful.  For me, that is what Jesus Christ has done.  A man should follow God based on a search for truth stemming from the merging of his mind and heart – not coercion or anything else – or it’s just a mere “religion” and not a passionate faith. 

I’ll blog as I can – which may or may not be possible.  When I get home I’ll blog as I can about everything that I can.