The Writing of my first novel

When I wrote “The Alternative” I felt as though I was being guided by the Divine. As I wrote each chapter it was more like I was reading a good novel. I did not know what my characters would do next and I only had a vague idea of the final outcome.

I did much research into the conditions of slavery and I wanted to paint a clear picture of what it would be like to be a slave during the first half of the 19^th century. One theme that reoccurred during research was the idea that many masters acted as their own stud when breeding slaves. I examined how this would affect the daughter of such a slave master. I had invented Mr. Lancer as a very evil man and I did not know how evil he was until near the end of the novel. His daughter had witnessed terrible behavior from her father, but it was later on that she, and I, discovered more heinous acts that he had performed before she was born. Surely this man was beyond redemption, but the plot took still more surprising turns. Could someone so evil ever have such a change of heart or was the goodness of a dying man simply an attempt to buy his way into Heaven? His family and his former slaves had to deal with such a dilemma. The readers are free to draw their own conclusions.

As I examined the conditions that led up to the USA civil war I was often reminded of the final note left by John Brown as he was being led to his execution. On  Dec 2, 1859, he wrote;

What is Love?

What is Love?

The word, “love,” is used in so many ways that it is difficult to know its true meaning. Many of the ways are selfish, but I would debate if selfish love is really love at all.

I once had it referred to as “fish love.” People who love fish love the way that fish tastes. Their passion is to eat fish, but they do not really care for the fish. In fact they want the fish to be killed, cleaned and fried so they can eat it.

Then there are those who love flowers so much that they want to decapitate them and bring the blooms into their houses so that they can watch them slowly die and wither away.

Animal lovers often want to limit the freedom of animals so they can be kept as pets or caged up in zoos to be gawked at by tourists who love to see animals trapped in a way that they can be observed without any threat to the observer.

Many times these selfish forms of love are transferred to human love. We choose someone to love and we love them as long as they do as we please and fulfill some need in our lives. If they can meet our basic needs such as food, beauty, companionship, etcetera, we are well satisfied, but when the purpose is fulfilled we no longer want anything to do with them and do not care if they live or if they die.

American Holocaust

Learning from the American Holocaust

When we mention “holocaust” we immediately think about Germany and World War Two. However there was another more severe and widespread holocaust that we are just starting to hear about.

Why does the German Holocaust get so much attention? Because Germany lost the war. Had they won we would be praising Hitler and the Nazi regime for their great effort of advancing the human species. Hitler’s idea was to speed up evolution by eliminating inferior races. Fortunately the rest of the world did not agree to his methods or even to the idea of an inferior race. The world war put a stop to ethnic cleansing.

If we now talk about the American holocaust it makes many people very uncomfortable. The terror of this holocaust lasted for more than 400 years. It is the ultimate story of bullying. A warring people invaded a relatively peaceful land and destroyed many ethnicities that had not advanced war strategies or weapons enough to defend themselves. The Americas at that time was the home of many nations. Although there was some conflict among them as they jostled for territory, they had no need to develop weapons past the point of bows, arrows and spears. These were mostly used to hunt for food but could be used for self defence when needed. The conquerors regarded these peaceful ones as savages when they put up a fight of self preservation and used that as an excuse to use their gunpowder and rifles to destroy  defenceless nations.

With complete victory over the rightful citizens, the Europeans began to fight among themselves. Now they were fighting on equal terms and sought an advantage. The original inhabitants of the land had a better knowledge of the territory and also used strategies unfamiliar to the Europeans. They had proved themselves in bravery and methods by the amount of resistance they gave the intruders using their simple weapons. The conquerors now used empty promises and outright lies to convince unsuspecting nations to join them in their effort to defeat competing European nations so they could lay solitary claim to this stolen land.

Meanwhile, the work of imposing European culture on a foreign land required much labour. An attempt was made to enslave the local people, but there were still friends and family that would help them to escape, so they turned to other nations to enslave and bring to America. The American nations had faced death to a point near extinction, but the African slaves had to endure a living hell. Murder was again used as a tool, but not to bring the race to extinction. Hellish ordeals were devised to force them into submission. A man would be selected and his four limbs would be bound to four horses. The horses would then be sent in different directions, tearing the body apart. This was done in front of other stolen bodies to show them what would happen if they did not do as their masters directed. Hard labour with insufficient food and rest took a toll of many lives, but not satisfied with that alone, these nations were subject to torture, rape and murder with no recourse. The law was on the side of the masters and any resistance was written into the law as a crime. They were regarded as possessions with no rights of their own and completely at the mercy of those who possessed them.

This holocaust we are not to talk about, because the decedents of the perpetrators are still living and in power. We do not want to embarrass the many European nations that played a part of this beastly terror. And what of the new nations of the Americas that were formed by these European renegades? They have become some of the most powerful in the world. How can we now tell them that the butchery and terrorism that they engaged in to earn their position was wrong? If they must correct for the wrongdoing of their ancestors, they may have to admit that exploitation in all forms is wrong, and if the rich cannot exploit the poor, the whole social system would be upset.

The eight richest people have as much wealth as half of the world’s poorest people. Thus, if we could find some equitable way to alleviate these eight people of this great burden by using half of what they own, almost four billion of the world’s poorest citizens could have twice as much. This is oversimplified and you know these rich ones are not going to hand over half or their riches without just cause. What we need is a new system that is not based on materialism, greed and exploitation. We must find new ways to evaluate ourselves without the need to put a monitory value on our net worth.

It was due to this view of our current situation that I wrote the fictional history, “THE ALTERNATIVE”. I regarded slavery as an extreme form of exploitation and showed how this system was not only hurting the slaves, but it was holding back the whole society. I didn’t base this on my own speculation, but studied the lives and writings of some of the wisest men and women of that time era. By suggesting an alternative to written history I was hopeful that errors in our current system could be corrected.

During slavery, much of the worlds brain power was kept in ignorance slowing down the rate of useful inventions. If the American elite had not engaged in this evil practice, technology could have developed sooner and better.

Today we see another form of exploitation were the rich try to maintain their wealth by keeping others poor. Since it is more difficult for a poor person to engage in higher education, the social elite widen the gap between themselves and the common workingman. Although the poor are given handouts to keep them alive, they are not given much opportunity for advancement.

Natural laws have a way of finding an equilibrium. Although man has a way of manipulating nature, humanity is not exempt from natural law. The system of the materialist puts power in money, but money is already losing its power. One hundred years ago two cents would buy a loaf of bread. Fifty years ago twenty cents had the same power. Now we need to search to find bread at $2.50 a loaf. The penny of one hundred years ago held more power than the dollar of today, but that is not the end, it is just a warning.

People are survivors and, if they cannot get by in one system, they will find another way to survive. When the freed slaves were struggling in an economic system that wanted to exclude them, they formed cooperatives and helped each other get by and succeed. In the same way, if those who control the money lock out those in poverty, they will develop a new way to survive and find new ways to measure success. Money has already taken a big hit and it will not take much more to render it of no value. Even when the gold standard was in effect, the gold only had such value as people assigned to it. Now, being replaced with paper, plastic and electronic bank legers, the value of money is at the whim of those who use it. If one segment of society has too much while another does not have enough, it will not take much for it to mean absolutely nothing. Suddenly the playing field will be given a new set of rules and those who produce what can be eaten will have the power. Money was only used as a standard of exchange to purchase our needs. If it no longer does that it will become useless and people will put value on things that are more tangible.

The Pathway to Peace.

The Pathway to Peace.

Learning to get along.

Many are convinced that wars and aggression are an intrinsic part of humanity. In our children we see such traits as flaws that must be corrected. When Johnny hits Suzie we tell him he needs to be nice to his sister and that hitting her is bad, but when our country wants to hit another country we feel it is our patriotic duty to aid in the battle. In this sense I use we as the collective conscience of the nation, but there are many exceptions, myself included.

I grew up in the 70’s when protest against war was prevalent and the most common slogan was, “Make love, not war.” Now I try to avoid the sexual connotations of that quote, but I still believe that peace is better than war and I believe that most people want peace. Unfortunately many buy into the propaganda that the way to peace is through destroying our enemies. If that is true we should have encouraged Johnny to kill Suzie so he could be done with her irritations and have peace. When it is our children we insist that they learn to get along with each other. Why can’t we do the same thing with our nations?

More from George McNeish, read “THE ALTERNATIVE.” Visit www.9li.ca.

My Book Page

Last

As every follower of Baha'u'llah knows well, humanity's ultimate well-being is dependent upon its differences being transcended and its unity firmly established. (Universal House of Justice, 2017 Riḍván message.)

My lot is life has not been as a team player. As a child, I was last to be picked if I was chosen at all. Whenever I tried to form my own team, I became a team of one. While others were known by the friends they associated with, I became known as a loner. Even yet I struggle to be an effective member of any team.

In 1970 I became acquainted with the ultimate team. World unity required that we all be on the same team. Now I know I have to be chosen, yet I am excitedly jumping up and down saying, “Pick me, Pick me!” One by one, the team is assembled and it must ultimately include all, yet I wait patiently for my turn. “Pick me, Pick me,” is repeated with less enthusiasm as I watch others being chosen for key positions. Yet I am bypassed again. I do have the comfort of knowing that I cannot be excluded, but it seems my lot in life is to be chosen last. I have a long wait ahead of me as each individual in the world is chosen for the team of the unified human race, but, alas, someone must be last and with my vast experience it might as well be me.

I can now look forward to being a member of this exciting team. Although I am sure to have a very minor role there is comfort in being picked last. I know that, when my time comes, full unity of the world will be realized.
I have been conditioned to being last. I can remember a time I had joined the cub group in our church when I was a young boy. One day we were asked to line up for our snacks. For some reason I competed harder than usual for a position near the beginning of the line. For the first time in my life I had made it close to the front. The cub leaders, wanting to teach us children a lesson, turned the line around quoting, “He who was first shall be last.” I believed I learned the lesson very well for I never again attempted to be first. Now, whenever I am in a line up and I find someone behind me, I simply let them go ahead. My position is to be last and I will hold that position with honour.

God’s great Messenger for today,  Bahá'u'lláh, has come to bring about the unification of the entire human race. All are lining up to join in this honourable endeavour. Each time I get near the action I look around and say, “You are more deserving that I, please go ahead of me.” I can usher and guide the ones God has chosen for this immense task, but I will not enter until all have gone in before me. Perhaps I will be too late and there will be nothing left for me when I get there, but someone always has to be last, so why not me? Perhaps I will find the stragglers, the lost sheep who cannot find their way, the blind, the cripple and those who fear the light. They must be guided and shown the way. They will all enter before I do.

Looking in from the outside I can feel the excitement. There is happiness and cheer in there. There is dining and dancing and it is obvious all are having a great time. There is excitement and anticipation on the faces of those in the long line to get in. All are assured they will be allowed entry. I take my place at the end of the line, but then I see another struggling to approach. I go back to help him and he gains the position ahead of me.

I was never much for competition. I have had no drive to be better than anyone else. Be assured, if you are a late arriver, you will find me at the back of the line. Feel free to go in ahead of me. I am patiently waiting my turn.

New look for 2017

New look for 2017

I have made some adjustments on my trailer and have reduced wind resistance as well as update info. Now with two books available worldwide on Amazon, I am promoting myself as an author instead of promoting just one book. I am available to speak to any group within travelling area from London, Ontario. I can try to get to other areas. If you would like me to come to your area, leave a comment and I'll see what I can do. I'm hoping to have at least one more book released this year. For details take a look at my author's page.

FInding Myself

Last Tuesday I completed a 217 km Bike ride that brought me from London, Ontario, through Stratford, Listowell and Fergus, to Guelph. I have been spending time with my father, mother and sister and helping my dad fix bicycles.

Although one purpose of the trip was to promote my recent book, "THE ALTERNATIVE," it was a journey of self discovery. It seems strange to spend almost a week on a bike in order to fine myself, but I have been making interesting discoveries. Visiting old friends along the way has helped as I find some things I craved where not necessary and more reasonable substitutes could be just as satisfying.

I left Stratford before 7 am on a Sunday Morning and took sparsely traveled roads to Listowell. I enjoyed the quiet and solitude very much after two days of spending time with noisy friends. It had been a great joy to see old friends, but parting was necessary and the quiet welcoming.

Pedaling a book at 64.

I am now traveling by bicycle to promote my book. You cane follow me on my travel blog at http://thealternativetowar.blogspot.ca/
or go to www.9li.ca

Great review in the London Yodeller

The Alternative, a revisionist account of the American Civil War.McNeish’s novel tells the story of Bobby Johnson who, being an only child on a Louisiana plantation, makes friends with his father’s slaves, particularly a bright-minded lad named Samson. Bobby will eventually fall in love with Ruthie Lancer, whose father is a brutal tyrant in the mould of Simon Legree. The novel has a little bit of Romeo and Juliet and a lot of Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

From the London Yodeller, article by Jason Rip

THE ALTERNATIVE, available at public libraries.

If you are in Canada, did you know you can borrow my book from any public library. It is available for inter library loan and they will get it for you.

If you are outside Canada, why not ask at your local library. Many times they will purchase books recommended by their patrons.

For those in London, I will be attending the Celebration of the Ridván Festival tomorrow, Sunday May 1, 2016.
at

Thames Valley District School Board

1250 Dundas Street, London, Ontario

Doors open at 2:30 p.m.

Program starts at 3:00 p.m.

 

If you stop by, I'll see you there.

Why read the alternative?

Why read the alternative?

Early sales of “THE ALTERNATIVE” has brought back positive reviews. This fictional history reads like a good novel. It starts out by analysing actual history and then puts a twist on it. It takes a look at slavery as it probably was. Although there is no proof the actual incidents happened, a look at the laws of the day show that they could have happened. Terrible crimes happen yet today. There is no reason to not think that similar and worse things would happen if there was no law to even punish the wrongdoer.

Everyone seems to be in agreement that all human beings should have some rights. It is also taken for granted that property has no rights. If someone buys an expensive vase, that vase has no rights. If the owner wishes to smash it, the vase has no right of appeal. However, if someone else smashes it, the owner may be able to claim compensation from the one that broke it. If someone should steal that precious vase, the owner will, no doubt, track down the thief and press charges if he is found.

The southern USA held slaves as property in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Slaves, being property, had no rights. Abolitionist wanted the law changed as they felt it was wrong to deny rights to any human being. The south agreed about the rights, but did not see their slaves as human beings. They were property in the form of very valuable livestock. They were work animals purchased to do a job. Just as a neighbour would return a horse that had bolted from its owners barn, slave owners expected their chattels would be returned to them if they should run from their plantations. Someone who would let a horse out of a neighbours field on purpose would be regarded as a thief. Therefore, abolitionists were viewed by slave owners as the worst kind of thief. They were stealing their owners’ most valuable possessions. Murder was not considered a worse crime that that which the abolitionist engaged in.

Thus there was a division. One side saw slaves as an abused and oppressed people. The other side saw them as property. There was no reconciliation of these differences of opinion and it would take a war to change the minds of the south.

It was not enough for the south to maintain their property rights only in the south. They wanted to maintain their rights to own slaves and take them with them wherever they wished without interference. Also, if one should run away, the slave owners wanted them back. If they were lured away, they wanted the guilty party charged and punished. Since they believed their slaves were content, they only reason they would run is because some abolitionist filled their animal minds with feelings of discontent. Imagine, telling these creatures they were human. The ones that spread such nonsense needed to be punished.

With the growing tension between north and south, civil war was inevitable. “THE ALTERNATIVE” takes a look at another possibility. Must we always go to war to work out our differences? Bobby and Samson, with the help of their wives, Ruthie and Krissy, start a plan to educate the south in a way that will change attitudes before war could result. It was a big job and they spent half a century working at it. Yet they feared, greatly feared that what they were doing was too little and too late. They were racing against time to prevent a terrible disaster.

We only have to look at actual history to learn about the devastating war that our heroes were trying to prevent. The Civil war was the most devastating war the US ever fought in. It took 200 years of accumulated losses in other wars before they exceeded the losses in the four years of the civil war.

“THE ALTERNATIVE” is designed to make one think, “is there an alternative to war?” It is the authors hope that we can have a future where we find better ways to solve our differences. We must repress the urge to beat up anyone that does not allow us to have our own way. Let’s talk it out and solve our differences without killing each other.

For information on how you can obtain a print or electronic copy of "THE ALTERNATIVE," CLICK HERE.

 

Insights from Frederick Douglass

Until it shall be safe to leave the lamb in the hold of the lion, the laborer in the power of the capitalist, the poor in the hands of the rich, it will not be safe to leave a newly emancipated people completely in the power of their former masters, especially when such masters have not ceased to be such from enlightened moral convictions but by irresistible force.

From: Life and Times of Frederick Douglass, p.464. ©1892

“What shall I do?” was the question that Frederick Douglass asked himself after the civil war had put an end to slavery. He was 48 years old and had escaped from slavery 27 years previous. The first three of those years he had worked as a labourer, but for the last 24 his profession was an abolitionist who had put all of his effort into ending slavery. Now that slavery had come to a sudden end, his goal was achieved, yet the joy of victory was saddened by uncertainty of his future. However, that uncertainty was short lived. He had earned a wage of $450 dollars a year as an abolitionist. Now he was being offered $50, $100, and even $200 for a single speaking engagement.

"THE ALTERNATIVE" is available worldwiide on kindle and in print.

For international book sales, "THE ALTERNATIVE" is available on amazon world wide. Details at http://www.alternative.9li.ca/order.html

Order world wide direct from the printer https://www.createspace.com/5844624

order from Amazon in USA, UK, Denmark, France

Or go to your favorite Amazon site and search for George McNeish.




 

The Alternative book reveiws

As people are reading "THE ALTERNATIVE," the reviews are coming in. You can go to My Amazon Book Page to order your copy.

What People are Saying

1
I want to congratulate you on your novel- The Alternative. I could not put it down when I started reading it. Congratulations, I thought it was marvelous, and the story came alive, and made the history of the Civil War more understandable for me, as it made me realize how the majority of Southerners thought as well as others.
I'm recommending it to my friends, and club members. Has the library got copies?
Regards,
Maureen
Note that the London Public Library has one copy. (george)

---

2
February is Black History Month.
Just finished a book, set in the 1840's about the ugly truth of the horrendous injustice that black slaves endure. The main characters, with a Romeo & Juliette like romance, turn around this ugly history to provide a purely fictional but beautiful heartwarming ending. The book is "The Alternative " by Canadian author George McNeish

---

3
Dear George,
It was a real pleasure meeting you today at the Kiwanis meeting.
When I got home I glanced in your book just to get a feel for it, and was immediately engrossed in the plot and the characters!
I love the topic and the personalities of the characters.
It's very, very interesting. I can't put it down!!

---

4
If you are looking for an intriguing, uplifting "read", please consider George McNeish's Alternative! Its ingenious plot is in search of discovering how respect for human nobility can transform slavery into a more productive economy. With its cast of lively, convincible and loveable characters, this book ranks among the most inviting books I've ever read. Through its pages Bobby, his wife Ruthie with her repentant father (Mr. Lancer), Samson with his spirited wife Krissy lead us through a credible account of slavery in the mid-nineteenth century, ever conjuring up unpredictable scenes in which the well-laid scheme of abolishing slavery evolves. Theirs is not a sudden "coup" that overthrows an entrenched status quo with glee and ephemeral congratulations, but a slow, measured transmutation of deeply ingrained beliefs that some human-appearing creations were definitively more like animals than themselves!! It is sobering to vicariously experience the cruelty perpetrated on humans in the name of religion and superiority. At the same time it's an inspiring "ride" through most the dialogue, imbued as it is with principles of humanity's higher nature clearly being implemented into daily life interactions and innumerable negotiations. A reader comes away with a sense of hope and vision that a saner, more harmonious world is not only possible but inevitable!!
In "Walking Together on a Path of Service" (Ruhi 7), the Institute exhorts us to to develop participants' "capacity for artistic expression through, music poetry, painting, drama or any of the various types of crafts ... as an essential element enhancing the spiritual development of participants." The Alternative embodies the term "a well written book" in 'Abdu'l-Baha's words below:

"It is natural for the heart and spirit to take pleasure and enjoyment in all things that show forth symmetry, harmony and perfection. For instance: a beautiful house, a well designed garden, a symmetrical line, a graceful action, a well written book, pleasing garments - in fact, all things that have in themselves grace or beauty are pleasing to the heart and spirit ..."

With gratitude and encouragement to George for a this commendable achievement!! Terry

---

5
Well i finished the book the day before the birthday party and i did not like the last page i guess it should say that if the Plantation owners had followed this plan it could have averted the war and it says there was no war. I thought the book was well written even after reading the background of where George got his information it was hard to remember this was fiction it was so real. I cannot remember names but have read about the two mixed race women from Bronx who were born i think South Carolina and seen them on tv and what they said about how they grew up in a home with their black mother and the white father lived in his big house with his white house what she described was very similar to what George talked about in this book. Very interesting highly recommend it.

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.

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

More info at www.alternative.9li.ca

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.

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.

 

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.

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.