Through out all my life I have had a strong interest in politics. That include an ever present temptation or desire to run for office, as we say. One thing has stop me from getting involved in active politics, it is that I’m convinced I don't have the right motivation. My interest in politics goes back to the times when, since age 14, I helped my dad in preparing propaganda materials for some of the candidates in our hometown. I’m sharing this just to say that even though my life have been permeated by politics since my childhood, I have never been able to master the art of politics, including church politics. One truth I'm learning is that politics can take us so far in solving our human problems.
A few days ago I listened to a podcast about the “Parents Circles” an organization that educates Palestinians and Israelis about alternative approaches to the political situation in their land. One of the main arguments of the speakers was that politicians are one of the greatest obstacle to peace in the Middle East. They offer a non political approach to the search for peace among the two nations. Interestingly enough they criticize the divestment approach taken by the Presbyterian Church (USA) and others. I must confess once more some of my ignorance on the in’s and out’s of the political realities behind this conflict.
I do believe that the solution to this and other ethnic and racial conflicts reside in the recognition of our common humanity and the dignity of every person. In the teachings of Jesus I find the foundation of my belief in the option of love above all other options to solve our human conflicts. Jesus unequivocally taught to love our neighbors. Jesus unequivocally taught to love our enemies. Nobody is to be excluded from our love. He spoke about a love that is all encompassing. The highest aspiration of a Christian, or any person, should be to live by a radical inclusive love. The love I have experience in the person of Jesus Chris
I invite and challenge you to listen the Speaking of Faith podcast titled: No more Taking Sides
Here is a summary of the podcast: "Robi Damelin lost her son David to a Palestinian sniper. Ali Abu Awwad lost his older brother Yousef to an Israeli soldier. But, instead of clinging to traditional ideologies and turning their pain into more violence, they've decided to understand the other side — Israeli and Palestinian — by sharing their pain and their humanity. They tell of a gathering network of survivors who share their grief, their stories of loved ones, and their ideas for lasting peace. They don't want to be right; they want to be honest."
To listen go here: http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/2010/no-more/ (copy and paste)
Carlos M