Wednesday, December 23, 2015

The Sowing Peace Initiative

Sowing peace is taking a new direction. I am now using literature to promote peace. Check out The Sowing Peace Home Page for more details.

My first book, "THE ALTERNATIVE," takes a look at the causes of war and suggests an alternative.

Monday, December 14, 2015

THE ALTERNATIVE, by George McNeish


Exciting news: My book, THE ALTERNATIVE, is now available. Go to https://www.createspace.com/5844624. to order from Create space or search on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/George-McNeish/e/B0199JG4FM/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1450144416&sr=8-1

Friday, July 17, 2015

Ignore Him and He’ll go away! Maybe?


Ignore Him and He’ll go away! Maybe?

Today’s society seems to be snubbing God.  Why is that? Many do not believe there is a God and the ones that do cannot agree on who  He is. A myriad of beliefs have sprung up and the manifold interpretations of God’s word are usually self serving. As a result there is no clear picture of the Divine Being and the distorted pictures of Him are met with disbelief.

The enemies of God do little to destroy His authority. Those who do the most damage are those who claim to love Him. Then they invent a being that most resembles themselves and teaches all the principles that they themselves agree with. Naturally they are the superior race. That is why God sent a messenger that looks just like they do. This self serving image they worship allows them to mistreat others with impunity. They are assured they belong to the race that God protects and it is their duty to punish all others. Short verses are taken out of context to prove their superiority. Luke 12:47 was often quoted by Christian clergy as they beat their slaves.  “And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.” If they had read the two verses before that they would easily have seen that it was they themselves who were the disobedient servant.  Verse 45 reads, “ But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;” verse 46, “The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.”

In the fourth Sura of the Qur’an we find the following. “They would fain that ye misbelieve as they misbelieve, that ye might be alike; take ye not patrons from among them until they too flee in God's way; but if they turn their backs, then seize them and kill them wheresoever ye find them, and take from them neither patron nor help,” Many read thus far and it is used by the enemies of Islam to show that the Prophet was a bloodthirsty tyrant. The worst enemies of Islam are those who claim to believe but commit acts of terrorism based on these words out of context.  At the time Muhammad was on the earth a he needed to be a military as well as spiritual leader in order to protect the people. He was teaching military strategy here and in effect was saying, “Don’t wait for your enemies to attack but seek them out and destroy them before they have a chance.” This was a very hard stance that was necessitated by the age in which it was revealed. However for those with a longer attention span Muhammad continued so His meaning would be clear.  “... . But if they retire from you and do not fight you, and offer you peace,- then God hath given you no way against them.” Thus it is clear that Muhammad gave permission to defend oneself against proclaimed enemies and taught sound military strategy for dealing with this. Yet the option for peace is always the preferred option.

Now the present day comes along and we see the separation of government and religion. If someone wants to pray to God in a school that is a big taboo. No mention of God is to be made in any institution funded by the government. God has taught love. He has taught us not to kill. He teaches us to accept others and to prefer them over ourselves. Why do we not want these principles taught in the schools?

The reality of it is that the religionists themselves have put up stumbling blocks by interpreting the Words of God to serve their own purposes. God teaches us that we should love all mankind. The religionist interprets that to mean only those who agree with his principles. True men are those who agree with the principles as they understand them and anyone who has another understanding must be shunned and hated.

God says “Thou shall not kill.” The religionists interpret that to mean we must go to war and eliminate all who do not agree with our own interpretation of God’s word.

We should prefer our neighbor over ourselves is a teaching that is meant for others who must prefer us before themselves. The religionists firmly believe in their own superiority and all others must bow down in awe before their infinite and perfect knowledge.

If God is dead it is these religionist who have distorted his world who have killed Him. Indeed God has died in the hearts of many. In the hearts were He yet lives we find nothing but love. We find those who would starve if it means another can eat. We find souls who would rather die than to take another life. Those who have God in their hearts will listen to the view points of others and investigate the Truth wherever it may come from. Did not Christ say, “I am the Truth?” If Christ is the Truth and we reject Truth, are we not rejecting Christ Himself?”

In the Tablet of Ahmad we read, “Be thou assured in thyself that verily, he who turns away from this Beauty hath also turned away from the Messengers of the past and showeth pride towards God from all eternity to all eternity.” All God’s messengers were the embodiment of Truth. When we reject Truth we reject them all.

Scientific discovery is the investigation of Truth. We come up with theories and then try to prove them. If a theory cannot be proved, or if it is proved as wrong, it is discarded. In the process new theories are developed. The scientific approach leads to a greater understanding of what is truth. Unfortunately many religionists do not want to use the scientific approach and insist that religious concepts must be accepted without proof no matter how illogical and ill conceived they may be.

Thus it is that the very foundation of human society is threatened. When we want to understand how something works and make the best use of it we will consult the manual supplied by the manufacturer. Our Creator has supplied us with manuals that show how human society should work. The mechanism has become worn and broken and ill advised armatures are trying to fix it without the manual. The body of mankind has been afflicted with greed and those in charge usually have a self serving goal. Laws are passed to protect the lawmakers. Factions are created as each attempts to seek an advantage for himself. Principles of religion are distorted to justify unjust acts. As society deteriorates, mankind has turned his back on God. The very mention of God is shunned, and for good reason. As the planet we live on becomes more and more interdependent we can no longer function as fighting factions. Religion has been a great divider of mankind. Now is the time that all of God’s sheep must be gathered into one fold. Religious ideologies are not conducive towards that goal. However we must make a distinction between ideologies and the Word of God. When these ideologies are presented as the Word of God, they do a great disservice to humanity. As long as greedy souls attempt to conquer and divide, society cannot find healing. The wolf scatters and destroys. The Good Shepherd gathers together. (See John 10)

It is now, when mankind has turned a cold shoulder to God that we need His instructions the most. However we need to use the scientific discovery model to determine what is Truth. False teachings and claims must be abandoned before they can to more harm. The true, common principles laid out in all religions must be investigated. Then we will see that great gathering promised in Luke Chapter ten.

'Abdu'l-Bahá laid out some principles when he talked in London, England in 1911. The third and fourth principle apply most to this discussion.

Thirdly: Bahá'u'lláh taught, that Religion is the chief foundation of Love and Unity and the cause of Oneness. If a religion become the cause of hatred and disharmony, it would be better that it should not exist. To be without such a religion is better than to be with it.

Fourthly: Religion and Science are inter-twined with each other and cannot be separated. These are the two wings with which humanity must fly.  One wing is not enough. Every religion which does not concern itself with Science is mere tradition, and that is not the essential. Therefore science, education and civilization are most important necessities for the full religious life.

  ('Abdu'l-Bahá, 'Abdu'l-Bahá in London, p. 28, 29)

 

We may think that God will go away if we ignore Him, but I am not sure I would want to live in a world devoid of God. What is needed now is True spiritual instruction and there is such courses being taught around the world. Look up the Baha’i Faith in your area to learn more.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Born to be a Sinner


Born to be a Sinner


 

Born to be a sinner
though a search so hard and long.
To find a Saviour to correct me
And to help me write this song.
I strive each day to be better
And less sinful than before,
But I’ll always be a sinner
I can be nothing more.

 

Each day I I am content in trying
To have a perfect day.

But I am content in trying
To have a perfect day.
I truly have no helper
Other than the Creator Who caused me to be
Though I may always be a sinner
I will strive for eternity.

 

Born to be a sinner
though a search so hard and long.
To find a Saviour to correct me
And to help me write this song.
I strive each day to be better
And less sinful than before,
But I’ll always be a sinner
I can be nothing more.

 

Not perfect just forgiven
I make efforts every day,
To honour my Forgiver
And continue on my way.
I’m striving for perfection
Though it will always elude.
The benefits in trying
While growing in fortitude. 

 

Born to be a sinner
though a search so hard and long.
To find a Saviour to correct me
And to help me write this song.
I strive each day to be better
And less sinful than before,
But I’ll always be a sinner
I can be nothing more.

 

The righteous are sure to remind me
What a horrible sinner I am.
That may cause me to be discouraged
If I didn’t understand
That Jesus came to save sinners.
We are forgiven by the grace of God.
I am glad to be a sinner
Though that may seem kind of odd.

 

Born to be a sinner
though a search so hard and long.
To find a Saviour to correct me
And to help me write this song.
I strive each day to be better
And less sinful than before,
But I’ll always be a sinner
I can be nothing more.

 

If ever I should become righteous
I would lose the grace of the Lord.
This impossible feat of ego
Is more than I can afford.
I will always be a sinner
And though that will cause me shame
I will remember my Forgiver
And glorify His Name.

 

Born to be a sinner
though a search so hard and long.
To find a Saviour to correct me
And to help me write this song.
I strive each day to be better
And less sinful than before,
But I’ll always be a sinner
I can be nothing more.

 

Friday, May 29, 2015

Labels


Labels

I hate labels. Labels limit, divide, marginalize and exclude. One labels himself  “Christian” and it means he is not a Hindu, Buddhist, Jew or Muslim. One is labeled “White” and it means he is not Black, Yellow, Red or Brown. One is labeled Canadian and it means he is not French, German or Spanish.  Labels are used to categorize. This one belongs with this group and therefore is excluded from all others.

Some wear their labels proudly feeling that their group is superior to all others. They are glad to separate themselves from the less fortunate, the ungodly and the less intelligent. When their superiority is challenged, wars break out. If all challengers are killed, surely their own superiority will be maintained.

I hate labels. Labels cause hatred, violence and wars. However there is one label that I wear. Not because it divides me from others, but because it unites me with the whole world. Not because it categorizes me as a minority, but because it identifies me with the largest majority possible. It identifies me with all humanity. Not because it makes me feel superior to others but because it makes me feel I am a part that is united to all. Not because it excludes me from all other groups but because it joins me to all other groups.

I hate labels because they are viewed as exclusive, but I wear one that is inclusive. I wear it reluctantly because many see labels as exclusive, so I must explain that the label I wear excludes no one.  

The label I wear does not divide the races of humanity but sees all as members of the human race. We are all part of the garden of humanity with its many coloured and beautiful flowers.

The label I wear does not identify me with one nationality but proudly proclaims that I am a world citizen. I love my sovereignty because it includes all and my love for all can tolerate no hatred for anyone. I may not like your habits or your deeds, but you, like me, where created by One God. Although we may not be perfect we can all strive to be better.  We can learn from each other and all become the best world citizens we can be.

The label I wear does not exclude me from any religion. In fact it recognizes that all religion comes from God. Muslim, Christian, Jew, Buddhist. Hindu or any other can join hands and strive to unite all into one fold. The day when there will be One Fold and One Shepherd has arrived and we are now being called by this healing message. The Divine Physician has arrived that can heal the world of every disorder.

Each one of us is unique. We each have characteristics that make us different from all others. These differences are not to be abhorred. They should be embraced. We are made to work together and as parts of a well tuned machine, we all have our own roles to play. The machine only works when we all work together. The orchestra only sounds great when all a playing from the same page. We are all part of the Divine Symphony that has the power of unite the world.

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Becoming Divinely Inspired


Becoming Divinely Inspired

I don’t have to see someone building a house to know that the house had a builder. I don’t have to know anything about a cell phone to know that it was designed and manufactured by someone or a company employing many. I therefore did not need to see this magnificent universe set up with infinite numbers of atoms, each one its own solar system with electrons circling a nucleus in perfect balance just as the planets circle around an infinite number of stars, to know that a very Wise and All-Powerful Force must have been responsible for creating such a wonderful piece of machinery. The intricate parts from the tiniest electrons to the largest galaxies all set in perfect balance prove the existence of a Superior Intelligence. We learn in school how the kinetic energy of a moving object must be in perfect balance with the gravitational force of a larger object to stay in orbit around it. Scientist have been able to keep satellites in orbit for years by making exacting calculations, but God puts larger satellites into orbit with such exacting standards that they remain for eternity. No one knows how long the Earth has completed its annual orbit around the Sun. Evidence has shown that there has been life on Earth for millions of years before mankind inhabited this planet. Gradually we have become aware of other stars and other planets, but this tiny electron circling the nucleus of the Sun is the only home we have known. This little speck of dust is where every great civilization has developed and grown. The evolution of politics and the advancement of humanity has all taken place on this negligible planet as it whirls and spins around a medium sized star. Thus creation becomes the ultimate proof of a Creator.

Friday, March 6, 2015

Global prosperity:


Global prosperity:

Many may believe that global prosperity is impossible, and with the current mindset it very likely is, but if we change the way we think, we can do it.

The problem is that the world has become very competitive. Competition in itself is not bad, but carried to excess, it leads to greed. Greed is the main obstacle in the way of prosperity for all.

Our competitive mindset leads us to believe that we can win and take more than our share. The problem with having winners is that this means we must also have losers. When one gains excess, another does without. We saw an extreme example of this in the first two centuries of USA history. This glorious nation carved out her destiny on the backs of slave labour. The competition went to the extreme level were the winners owned the losers and had the power to force them to do whatever the winners wanted done. Although this led to the strengthening of the slave class, the master class became weak and ignorant. As a result, the society overall was delayed in its development. This is proven by the fact that overall prosperity in the north, were slave labour was not used, was greater than in the slaveholding south.

Monday, February 9, 2015

Let's Think About Peace

It is with gratitude, honour, and thanks to George for asking me to be a guest blogger on London World Peace Forum.

When first asked to write and submit an article on our given topic, I wasn't sure what the best approach would be. I had not given "peace" much thought. Growing up it was a given factor, that someday the world would achieve this form of unity. I was facing some big questions:
  • Is the world becoming more peaceful? For who is it becoming more peaceful?
  • What things/forces are keeping us from achieving peace?
  • How do you approach peace, either at an inner or outer level or at the individual or world level?
  • What does peace look like? (and again, at what level)
  • Why do we want peace? Is peace a positive or negative force?
  • Is peace tangible or non-tangible ?
  • How do we achieve it?
  • What are the thought's of others on peace? The thoughts of past leaders and thinkers?
  • etc.

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

The fugitive Slave Chapel is now home. go to www.fscpp.ca the find out how it got there.