The Way: A Simple Message

a-path-from-nidministries(1)
“I had a good chance to meet a yogi who was so spiritual and happy all the time. I wondered how he managed his thinking and I learned a lot from him. I saw him and I thought, ‘This is the way.’ You believe in a God, but not in a religious way. We human beings like to give him names, whether that is Jesus or whatever else.
But my view is that God is ONE, whether it is Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, almost anything, and that he is everywhere. He (or she) has (no gender), colour, no religion, no race, nothing. It’s incredible how close he is to you and to everybody. You just call him (her/It) and he’s there. That’s it, simple.
And this is the reality we so often forget.”
 

Balbir Singh goes on…

“In the Western world, and especially here in F1, the people are more material, because there is a lot of money floating about. people who live in high society don’t want to go down. That is natural and understandable, but i always say that it doesn’t matter how rich someone is, as long as he doesn’t lose his human side and respect for other people as human beings. Sometimes when people get very high up the ladder of society, it isn’t easy to be like that, because they forget. Some rich people think they can buy everything, but the truth is there are a few things you can’t buy in life. You can’t buy a good, true friend. You can’t buy love. You can’t buy your health. That’s impossible. We live in a world that is based so much on material things, but whether you are a millionaire or you are poor, everyone knows we all end up the same way. People try to forget, no one likes thinking about it and some try and deny it, but everyone will ending up needing a place two metres down some day. Nobody can buy their way out of that final destination

http://www.godandformula1.wordpress.com

Wise words… and that’s my reason for sharing in this “spirit”

“So this is the reality of life and you have to take care of all these things. The most important thing is to stay a human being and respect people. The spiritual way is to open your heart and love Of course, that “love” doesn’t mean the narrow definition of love between a (the) man and the woman. It’s the love of brothers, the love of parents and friends. There is so much love in every human heat that if you are open you can love everybody. This is my motto. I open my heart and I love everyone. When people come to me, they know I will be welcoming. Sharing your love with another human being is a wonderful thing.”

from  Godspeed (Chapter Ten pg 167)

Well said, Balbir!
Published here with permission from the fascinating book Overdrive: Formula1 in the Zone by Clyde Brolin
published by Vatersay Books, London, UK 2010

Great sentiments loving everybody, Balbir. Something to aim at.

Thanks for sharing , Balbir… and I in turn am passing on your wisdom in this “little” book
You said you wanted to write a book… and I have taken that “liberty” on your behalf.

– champion Sri Lankan batsman (cricket and recently retired) Kumar Sangakkara
Well said!

from https://sportforpeace.wordpress.com/category/breaking-down-barriers-walls/page/2/

“Whilst we can (and should) celebrate our differences (unique), let not our varying beliefs divide us, but let the Spirit of our shared humanity be what defines and unites us all as common citizens of our planet.”

from http://www.craigsquotes.wordpress.com and http://www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com

“Instead of the limits of borders (of countries and of our minds) let us and our leaders expand our sense of possibility… and together let’s look at building bridges to distant horizons, far and great. Lord, help us all lift our eyes a little higher.”

picture from https://craigsrainbowbooks.wordpress.com/

http://www.totheendoftherainbow.wordpress.com

https://touchingtherainbows.wordpress.com/tag/books-by-craig-lock/

TOGETHER, one mind, one heart, one soul, one small step at a time, we can make some difference towards a better world, a brighter tomorrow

Share your love with the world!

“SHARE, ENCOURAGE and SPREAD, HOPE, LOVE and LIGHT

20

PPS

Best wishes from the First City to see the light each new day

light

“Conversations with God”: An “Interview” with Jesus on the State of the World Today

http://www.conversationswithgodweb.wordpress.com

AN “INTERVIEW” WITH JESUS ON THE STATE OF THE WORLD TODAY: “MY CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD”
From https://beyondthezonespirit.wordpress.com/conversations-with-god/
And www.sharefaith.wordpress.com

picture (great by my friend, Jenny) from http://www.awritersdreams.wordpress.com

AN “INTERVIEW” WITH JESUS ON THE STATE OF THE WORLD TODAY
“MY CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD” through Jesus
Key words (Tags): Jesus, Jesus Christ, teachings, “inspiration”, faith, new book, ‘The Real, The True Jesus’
Submitter’s Note:
The ‘reporter’ “did this interview with Jesus” yesterday and he doesn’t know whether he’s really crazy sharing this personal “interview” publically on the net (perhaps I’ll be locked away by funny little men in white coats), but am just doing it… “impulsively” (as always).

(Updated article from http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/an-interview-with-jesus-on-the-state-of-the-world-today-my-conversations-with-god)
“Be bold and unseen forces come to one’s aid.”

(Love that quote and perhaps the story of my ‘little life)
Craig is currently writing a new manuscript titled ‘The Real, The True Jesus: The One I Know and Love’
“Lucky” 13th Feb 2010
*
“MY CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD” through Jesus
Jesus, why is the world such a mess and how can the world be made a better place?
It always has been, but these are particularly uncertain days in history. Still the current state of the world saddens me greatly.. especially the great divisions between nations. My message (very simple) today is still as relevant as ever. Justice, respect for all people, hope, love and peace. And if more people could just follow my simple teachings of 2000 years ago the world would be transformed (by a new consciousness – collective). These teachings are practical solutions to the problems of the world … and they are as valid in my time on earth… today and always.
What can be done to bring unity between people, particularly between east and west, as there are so many religions (apparently conflicting), cultures and religious traditions?
A spirit of love is the well-spring of hope and brings people together… and this brings peace. Put God, the Father first, love your neighbour as yourself… and everything else, GOOD flows from that.
Is there one God and are YOU God, Jesus? There are many manifestations of God and I am but one manifestation. I have always had a very special relationship with my Father; but so can YOU, if you so choose.
I call myself “Son of Man”, in fact, more than “Son of God”, but everyone is a “child of God, the Father”. I just have and always will have a very special, intimate relationship with God, my Father.
There will be other messengers bringing God’s message after me, as our Father works through special people on earth (those who have a special sense of ‘mission and destiny’ and are available and totally committed to me). Then they are my hands and voice, a channel for my spirit to flow through.
*
What about Allah?
As I said, there is only ONE Infinite Spirit, One God. It’s just another term for the Creator of the Universe, which stems from different cultures, another tradition.
So are you saying all rivers lead to the ocean?
No, not all oceans are the same. Because each person’s path is different and you’ll have different experiences of God along the journey, depending on what you believe. So YOU choose what the concept of God (or “my Father”) means to you. And everyone’s experience of Heaven, the Kingdom of God will then be different… because of their unique journeys of life.
So are you the only way to God?

As in your words in John…

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14: 6 (NIV)
I am quite horrified by the way the church has applied much of what I taught over the past 2000 years, taken some statements out of context for their own ends (and even omitted many of my words). Power for its own sake is corrupting (and dangerous). I used (and use) parables to get my message across very simply, but so much of what I said is taken so literally.
I said no-one comes to the Father, except through ME. Other religions don’t offer a personal relationship with God, the Ultimate Source, and don’t utilise the concept of God as “a Father figure”. So only those who follow me will have a “Christ-consciousness” (and this is different to an “Allah consciousness” of the same ONE God).
I hope, I trust that my spirit comes alive through my words… giving hope eternally…and the only way I could do that was to die as I did!
“When (or perhaps rather if) you arrive in heaven, let hope, faith and love be the wings that carried you there.”
God bless you all.”
Jesus
13th Feb in the year 2010
“If I can throw a single ray of light across the darkened pathway of another;
if I can aid some soul to clearer sight of life and duty, and thus bless my brother;
if I can wipe from any human cheek a tear,
I shall not have lived my life in vain while here.
If I can guide some erring one to truth, inspire within his heart a sense of duty;
if I can plant within my soul of rosy youth a sense of right, a love of truth and beauty;
if I can teach one man that God and heaven are near,
I shall not then have lived in vain while here.
If from my mind I banish doubt and fear, and keep my life attuned to love and kindness;
if I can scatter light and hope and cheer, and help remove the curse of mental blindness;
if I can make more joy, more hope, less pain,
I shall not have lived and loved in vain.
If by life’s roadside I can plant a tree, beneath whose shade some wearied head may rest,
though I may never share its beauty, I shall yet be truly blest –
though no one knows my name, nor drops a flower upon my grave,
I shall not have lived in vain while here.”
– St Francis of Assisi
Today, don’t just try to make a living… try to make a difference
“If a man is called to be a street-sweeper,
he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted,
or Beethoven composed music,
or Shakespeare wrote poetry.
He should sweep streets so well,
that all the hosts of heaven will pause to say,
here lived a great street sweeper
who did his job well.
– Martin Luther King, Jr

About the submitter:
In his various writings, little by little, one mind, one heart, one soul at a time, Craig strives in some small way to break down and economic, social, cultural and religious barriers. Craig believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share in the form of our common humanity is way more important than what divides us.
He is currently “writing” ‘Jesus Meets Muhammad’.

www.craigsbooks.wordpress.com

“Whilst we can (and should) celebrate our differences (unique), let not our varying beliefs divide us, but let the Spirit of our shared humanity be what defines and unites us all as common citizens of our planet.””

“Instead of the limits of borders (of countries and of our minds) let us and our leaders expand our sense of possibility… and together let’s look at building bridges to distant horizons, far and great. Lord, help us all lift our eyes a little higher.”

from www.craigsquotes.wordpress..com and https://peacepursuit.wordpress.com/category/inspirational-quotes-2/page/6/

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at https://craigsblogs.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/craigs-list-of-blogs-updated-sept-2011/ and www.sharefaith.wordpress.com

From https://beyondthezonespirit.wordpress.com/conversations-with-god/

And www.sharefaith.wordpress.com

(Updated article from http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/an-interview-with-jesus-on-the-state-of-the-world-today-my-conversations-with-god

“Together, one mind, one heart, one life, one small step at a time, let’s link hands and march into a new tomorrow, a better and brighter future. TOGETHER we can do it”

linking hands

TOGETHER, one mind, one heart, one soul, one small step at a time, we can make some difference towards a better world, a brighter tomorrow
“SHARE, ENCOURAGE and SPREAD, HOPE, LOVE and LIGHT”

“I am Tamil, Sinhalese, Muslim and Burgher. I am a Buddhist, a Hindu, a follower of Islam and Christianity. I am today, and always, proudly Sri Lankan.”

rainbow-touch2-from-flickr-com

http://breakdownwalls.wordpress.com/2013/12/23/i-am-tamil-si/

touch1

from http://www.sportforpeace.wordpress.com

PPS

“Whilst we can (and should) cherish and celebrate our ‘unique’ differences, let not our different beliefs divide us, but let the Spirit of our shared humanity be what defines and unites us as common inhabitants of our planet.”
-c

from http://www.craigsquotes.wordpress.com

Share, encourage, uplift… and spread hope, love and light

Link

bridges

TOGETHER Let’s Build Bridges of Understanding

 

“Whilst we can (and should) cherish and celebrate our ‘unique’ differences, let not our different beliefs divide us, but let the Spirit of our shared humanity be what defines and unites us as common inhabitants of our planet.”.

– craig

“Together, one mind, one soul, one life, one small step at a time, let’s plant seeds of hope, then march together towards a better future…a far brighter tomorrow”

sarainbow (fromflick.com)

South African rainbow from http://www.flick.com

Sharing Some Information on Some Major Religions of the World

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Article Title: Sharing Some Information on Some Major Religions of the World
Submitter: Craig Lock
Category (key words): R
eligion, religions, religious tolerance, religious unity, faith, beliefs, spirituality, spiritual unity, unity of religion(s)

Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lockhttp://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://goo.gl/vTpjk

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at

www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com

www.sharefaith.wordpress.com

www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com

www.breakdownbarriers.wordpress.com

Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig )
Publishing Guidelines:
These writings (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print.

“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”

#

SHARING SOME INFORMATION ON SOME OF THE MAJOR RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD

INTRODUCTION: Craig is studying the teachings of different religions (to find ‘common ground’/principles) and as he learns from his research, is sharing these notes in an attempt to ‘enlighten’ (himself and perhaps others). Hope this piece may be of interest to you too.

HINDUISM

The Four Holy Truths: There is pain and suffering in the world – like birth, death, sickness, old age. Root cause of suffering is DESIRE. Karma is conscious action that has spiritual results. Karma consists of a persons acts and their ethical consequences + universal justice, a kind of natural moral law, rather than through a system of divine judgement. The struggle and suffering decreases as the individual acquires merit and wisdom during their life. Release from suffering. Nirvana is a complete detachment from desires and final nirvana is attained at death. Hindus renounce worldly desires. (Release = moksha)

The 8-fold path:
right
· views
· resolve
· speech
· behaviour
· occupation
· effort
· contemplation and
·
meditation.
People attain a state of perfection. Through self effort one can attain the state of
peace and eternal peace called Nirvana. Buddha ignored the worship of Gods, but did not deny their existence. What was important to Buddha was not the worship of Gods or of himself, but the following of his teachings. Nirvana is not a place like heaven, but a state of being. It’s eternal – the end of suffering – no desires and individual consciousness comes to an end. It’s more of a moral philosophy, an ethical way of life.
#
BAHAI

The nature of God is completely unknowable – he/she/it is transcendent to the point of total inaccessibility. Prophets are teachers – not saviours. God cannot incarnate himself and reveal himself to man. Therefore Jesus cannot be God. Jesus is seen as one of God’s manifestations sent to human beings to assist in our spiritual evolution. The raising of the body of Jesus was actually the coming to life of Christ’s teachings in the disciples, the restoration of their beliefs and conviction.

BAHAI work for world peace and believe in freedom of expression.

#
MORMONS:
Definition of the Trinity as 3 separate individuals, God the Father and Jesus Christ being physical persons united in purpose; also a belief that human beings, can, if they live the commandments of God to the full, attain the status of godhood in future aeons.

#*

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

The main purpose of Jesus coming to earth was to let it be known that he is supreme and exercises sovereignty over the universe. Salvation is only for those who believe in Jesus.
#
MUSLIMS (ISLAM)

Muslims regard the Koran as the speech of God to Mohammed, mediated by Gabriel, the Angel of Revelation. They believe that God himself, not Mohammed, is the author and therefore that the Koran is infallible. Collection of passages revealed in his prophetic life – 610-632. 114 chapters. Earliest teachings – one transcendent and personal God. Last Judgement and social and personal justice. God, he asserted, had sent prophets to other nations throughout history; but having failed to reform, these nations had been destroyed. Mohamed was the last prophet. Monotheistic. Well ordered, harmonious whole – everything has its proper place and limitations. God presides over and governs the universe, which with its orderly functioning, is the primary sign and proof of God and His unity. Mohammed’s miracle is the Koran, the like of which no human can produce. Last Judgement:

The “successful ones” will go to the Garden (heaven) and the “losers” (the evil) will go to hell; although God is merciful and will forgive those who deserve forgiveness. Besides the last judgment, which will be on individuals, the Koran recognizes another kind of divine judgement, which is meted out in history to nations, peoples and communities. Nations, like individuals, may be corrupted by wealth, power and pride, and, unless they reform, these nations are punished by being destroyed or subjugated by more virtuous nations. Islamic Beliefs: ONE God. Thus it’s a monotheistic religion. Muhammad proclaimed that Allah alone is God and that other idols were not to be worshipped. Muslims believe that the faith of Christianity has been corrupted and reject the Christian concept of the Trinity. They believe in angels, who are sinless. God’s messages were brought directly to Muhammad by Gabriel. God is believed to be too exalted to speak directly with men. Belief in God’s prohets: Adam, Noah, Abraham, etc. The Koran is believed to be the exact revelation of God to humanity. Koran is believed to have taken the place of all previous revelations of God’s will – only the Koran is considered binding. A trumpet sounds – the dead will be raised and judged for their deeds – going to paradise or hell. Only those who die as martyrs slain in the battle for Islam are considered to be granted immediate access to paradise.* (see Christianity below). Prosperous and evil nations will ultimately be destroyed by God. “Islam” means surrender or submission to the will of God. Muhammad was closest to God, so his example is to be followed. Muslims believe in and honour many of the prophets of the Old Testament. But they also say that the Bible must have been corrupted; because it points out the errant behaviour of these prophets, and since no prophet of God would ever err, the Bible must be wrong. Muslims have high respect for Jesus, but the view that Jesus is divine or the son of God is, to them, the highest blasphemy. The Koran says that God is not a man, therefore he cannot have a son. He would never stoop to enter our world. Story of Christ’s death reinforces their belief that the Bible has been corrupted over the years.

Basic tenets – the 5 pillars of Islam:
· Confession of
faith
· Ritual prayer
* Obligatory alms – ‘zakat’ to help those less fortune
· The holy fast of Ramadan: a time where there is no smoking, drinking, swearing, anger, sex – use month of fasting to draw closer to God and renew their spiritual strength.
· Pilgrimage to Mecca, the “Hajj”. Every Muslim who is not sick and can afford must complete. It is a time when all are deemed equal before God, regardless of social or financial position. As part of their purification process, participation heightens their social status.

Mohamed was a prophet, yet he never performed a miracle. He was not a mystic; he had no formal schooling, consequently Mohamed had no gift with words. In addition, he did not begin his mission till he was age 40. The impetus for the rise and raid spread of Islam was three-fold: Based upon the power of words, the efficacy of prayer and man’s kinship with God.
Mohamed observed the decline of
Christianity into warring sects (it’s the same today!). The archangel Gabriel appeared to him and said that he was to be the Messenger for God. Mohamed had invited the Jews and Christians to join him, for he was not building a new religion – Mohamed was calling all who believed in ONE GOD to join in a single faith….
but that vision never materialised, as the Jews and Christians did not want to pursue that path.

Mohamed’s legacy is that of persistence. Because after he had been preaching for ten years, he had nothing to show for it: but banishment, poverty and ridicule. Yet before another ten years had passed, he headed the rise of a new religion out of the Arabian desert, a faith spreading rapidly westwards, a flame which would not be extinguished.
Persistence changes the course of history

From ‘The Last Great Prophet’
Reviewed by Thomas Sugrue (as published in ‘Think and Grow Rich’ by Napoleon Hill)
#
CHRISTIANITY

Christianity and Islam are missionary religions. Both faiths believe they have a monopoly over the truth. Both want to share their version of truth with others and both compete in seeking converts. However, there is a fundamental doctrinal incompatibility between the major faiths of Islam and Christianity. Together with the Jews, they worship the God of Abraham. These three religions have many prophets in common and consequently have “shared values” that have shaped societies over the past two millenia.

Most “informed” Christians, however, do not believe the Koran is the un-intermediated word of God. Simply put, the faith of Christianity exists solely on the basis that Jesus Christ is the ‘son of God’*; whereas the faith of Islam exists purely on the basis that God dictated his laws to Mohammed and that the Koran contains God’s actual words.
* (And Christians may take this literally or “metaphorically”, symbolically, depending on their interpretation).

The concept of salvation (instant) coming purely through faith in Christ and not because of one’s life works is unique to Christianity (because there is no guarantee of salvation with Islam…unless one dies as a martyr). It’s the notion of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), which Islam and rationalists find to be the most implausible aspect of Christianity.

This debate of religions is really a battle of ideas, a ‘clash of ideologies and civilisations between east and west’. Catholic Cardinal Ratzinberger once said: “Islam simply does not have the separation of the political and religious spheres which Christianity had from the very beginning. The Koran… insists that the whole order of life be Islamic. One must understand that Islam is not simply a denomination that can be included in the free realm of a pluralistic society.” True Muslims cannot accept either the separation of powers or the freedom under the law which are the hallmarks of Western civilisation. *

* From an article in ‘The Independent’ by Dominic Lawson.

*
A few personal thoughts to end off..

Everybody’s truth is different, because our experiences, our environments, our cultures, our life paths are different. So every person’s faith is different (even the state of having NO faith). Finally, perhaps no religion can ever represent the Absolute Truth (because ‘Absolute Truth’ has a degree of subjectivity – at least I believe so!). Rather, religions can be different paths to the same Truth, with God, Infinite Spirit, the Grand Designer, the Essence of Life at the centre. (Like spokes leading to the hub, the Ultimate Source of Life). It’s up to YOU to CHOOSE your set of beliefs, those which fit best with YOUR truth, your being.

I am motivated to share these sets of beliefs, these “eternal truths” with others, so people may benefit and enhance their lives in a meaningful way…if they so CHOOSE. I hope that this information may be of interest to you… and that’s my reason for sharing.

With UNDERSTANDING comes TOLERANCE
and
with TOLERANCE comes UNDERSTANDING.

Shared by Craig Lock (“Information and Inspiration Distributer, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder… and a ‘passionate moderate’ for religious tolerance”)

“There is neither east nor west, tribe nor ethnicity, male or female, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist. Christian nor Jew. There is only a God-filled humanity.”

“Let each one of us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls.
Let us look at distant horizons together in a spirit of acceptance, helpfulness, co-operation and peace.
Let our leaders look at the future with a vision – to see things not as they are,
but what they could one day become.”
– craig

“Someday, after we have mastered the winds, the waves, the tide and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love. Then, for the second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.”
– Teilhard De Chardin

“”God’s greatest gift to us is allowing us to find, then choose to follow our own truths.”

“When people’s hearts are filled with love, the world is full of hope”

– craig

About the submitter:
In his various writings Craig strives in some small way to break down and economic, social, cultural and religious barriers. Craig believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share in the form of our common humanity is way more important than what divides us.
The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://goo.gl/vTpjk

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at

www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com

www.sharefaith.wordpress.com

www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com

www.breakdownbarriers.wordpress.com

www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com

www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com

http://religiousunity.wordpress.com

http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com + so many others I can’t keep track (obsessive or WHAT!)

“Whilst we can (and should) celebrate our differences, our unique cultures, let not our different beliefs set us apart as human beings, but rather let our shared humanity be what defines and unites us as common citizens of our planet.”

– me

This piece may be freely published, electronically or in print

PS

“Instead of the limits of borders (of countries and of our minds) let us and our leaders expand our sense of possibility… and together let’s look at building bridges to distant horizons, far and great. Lord, help us all lift our eyes a little higher.”

Together, one mind, one heart, one life, one small step at a time, let’s plant the seeds, the hope of a better and brighter future.

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What Do Muslims Believe about Jesus? (from ‘Basic Principles of Islam’)

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Article Title: What Do Muslims Believe about Jesus? (from ‘Basic Principles of Islam’)
Author: Mohammed F Thompson
Submitted (with permission) by: Craig Lock
Category (key words): religion, Islam, Jesus, faith, beliefs, peace, spiritual,
spiritual growth, spiritual unity, unity of religion (religions)
Web site:
www.voiceofislamtv.com

Submitter’s web sites: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007IX0MNWhttp://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://goo.gl/vTpjk

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at

www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com

www.sharefaith.wordpress.com

www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com

www.breakdownbarriers.wordpress.com

Other Articles by Craig are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig

“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”

WHAT DO MUSLIMS BELIEVE ABOUT JESUS? (from BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ISLAM)

Introduction:

Craig is studying the teachings of different religions (to find ‘common ground’/principles/ for his novel ‘A New Dawn: Let the Journey Begin’. And as he learns from his research, is sharing these notes in an attempt to ‘enlighten’ (himself and perhaps others) regarding ‘eternal and universal truths.’ And as I share these basic principles regarding the Islamic faith, I learn too. Hope this piece may be of interest to you.

*

The Miracle of the Holy Quran, the Spirit of Truth.

# Islam is a Complete Way of Life: A Muslim’s whole purpose in life is to worship Allah (God). The concept of Allah in Islam is that there is only one Allah for ALL of mankind. He is the Allah for Christians, the Jews, the Muslims, the Buddhists, the Hindus, the atheists and all human beings, whether they believe in Him or not.

# Islam rejects the idea of a chosen people

# Prayer is the foundation of Islam, which literally means “submission”

The nearest to Muslims are the Christians.
*
CHRIST IN ISLAM

Muslims believe in Jesus. The Muslim belief in Jesus Christ (pbuh) as a prophet of Allah is a fundamental article of faith in Islam. Muslims accept Jesus as one the most distinguished apostles of Allah. A Muslim believes that the greatness of Jesus (pbuh) arises from the fact that he was chosen by Allah and honoured with His word. Then he was entrusted with the revelations of Allah and commissioned to teach His message.

The Qu’ran Affirms the 2nd Coming of Jesus. It has been revealed in the Qu’ran that Jesus Christ (pbuh) will be returning to this world before the day of resurrection.

All Muslims believe, that Jesus (pbuh):

* Was one of the mightiest messengers of Allah.

* That he was the Messiah

* That he was conceived miraculously

* That he gave life to the dead with His (Allah’s) permission

* That he healed those born blind and the lepers by His (Allah’s) permission

In fact, no Muslim is a true Muslim, if he or she does not believe in prophet Jesus, his works, his teachings and his miracles.

* *

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MUSLIM AND CHRISTIAN BELIEF?

The oneness of Allah: In Islam the greatest sin is to associate partners with Allah. It is forbidden for a Muslim to adolize any person or thing, like movie stars, singers, saints or any created beings (living or dead). This is why a Muslim cannot accept either that Jesus (pbuh) could be the son of Allah, or the notion of trinity.

The rejection of trinity: “Christ Jesus, the son of Mary was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah.”

Jesus was NOT crucified. Holy Qur’an: An-Nisa (4) Ayah:157-158 157. That they said (in boast), “We killed Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah.” “But they killed him not, nor crucified him; but it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely they killed him not.” 158: But Allah raised him up to Himself. And Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.”

However, Jesus (pbuh) is NOT Allah. A Muslim is not considered a Muslim, if he does not believe in Jesus (pbuh); but we believe in him as a Prophet, not as a God or the only begotten son of Allah and so on. The acceptance of Jesus Christ by Muslims is a fundamental article of faith in Islam. Muslims accept Jesus as one of the most distinguished apostles of Allah.

Islam is the way of ‘Unity’. Any relationship with Allah is direct and personal, without the mediation of a priest or Imam (learned Islam scholar). Only Allah can forgive sins.

INFORMATION SOURCED (directly with permission) from a booklet BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ISLAM by Mohammed F Thompson

(Published by Voice of Islam. Copyright C 2005
website:
www.voiceofislamtv.com
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QUALITIES OF CHRIST IN THE QU’RAN

Sura 2.87 He is endowed with the Holy Spirit.

Surah 3:45 He is the Messiah, the Christ.

Surah 3.45-46 He is the Mediator.

Surah 3.49 He healed the sick and raised the dead.

Surah 4.158 He ascended to God.

Surah 4.171 He is a messenger of God (Allah), the Word.

Surah 5.49, 110, 111

In Surah 5.49, it says about Jesus:

‘Confirming that which came before him in the Torah, we sent him the Gospel.

He brought the gospel of guidance and light.

Surah 6.85 He is Righteous.

Surah 19.19. He is Pure and Holy.

When the angel announced to Mary the ‘gift of a holy son’ in Surah 19.19, it meant that he would be faultless, without sin.

Surah 43.61 He is coming before the hour of Judgment.

And in the Bible St Paul declares that it was actually Jesus who brought this gospel to the world.

As Paul writes in Romans 1.

16: ‘I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

and

17: For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written,

‘The just shall live by faith.”‘

website: www.voiceofislamtv.com

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ISLAMIC WEB SITES

Listed below are some useful web sites (for you to browse), if you are interested to know more about Islam and Muslims

www.sultan.org

www.islemtoday.com

www.islamway.com

www.islamonline.net

www.islamhouse.com

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I hope that this information may be of interest to you…and perhaps get you thinking about these “deep and serious subjects”… and that’s my reason for sharing.

Religion divides; whereas truth unites.”

“The way we live is far more important than what we believe.”

“Those of us who long for moderation will continue to hope for understanding of complex issues with reasoned dialogue and a spirit of understanding between different faiths.”

Humanity has far more in common than our differences, what separates us.

So isn’t WHAT UNITES US IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN WHAT DIVIDES US?

With UNDERSTANDING comes TOLERANCE and with TOLERANCE comes UNDERSTANDING.

Walk your OWN path to Highest Truth and be happy

Shared (with permission) by craig

Former Archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa Desmond Tutu once said these wise and inspiring words: “We have come to a time in the history of the world, where we need to rediscover the path to peace, and the path to peace can never be war. This pathway is lined with the concept of co-existence and co-inhabitance of the world.”

“A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation, long supressed, finds utterance.”
– Jahrulal Nehru, first Prime Minister of India

“It is time for people of good will from every faith, culture and nation to recognise that a terrible danger threatens humanity. We must set aside the partisan bickering between nations and join together to confront the danger that lies before us. Let us seek common ground between peoples around the globe… because what unites us is far more important than what divides us.”

“There is neither east nor west, tribe nor ethnicity, male or female, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist. Christian nor Jew. There is only a God-filled humanity.”

“Let each one of us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls. Let us look at distant horizons together in a spirit of acceptance, helpfulness, co-operation and peace. Let our leaders look at the future with a vision – to see things not as they are, but what they could one day become.”

Let us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls. Rather than borders, let us look at distant horizons together…in the common spirit of the value and dignity of a shared personhood – our common humanity as citizens of planet earth.”

– craig

“When people’s hearts are full of love, the world is filled with hope.”

“With passion and purpose in our individual lives we can touch others and in so doing illuminate the hearts and minds of humanity to make a better world (through helping raise the ‘collective consciousness’). Let us encourage our leaders towards an alternate vision for the world to embrace: one that banishes the fanatical ideology of intolerance and hatred to the darkness from which it emerged. Each one of us in our own little ways can offer (and most importantly, LIVE) this compelling new horizon: a bright future of justness and justice, tolerance, respect for other traditions and values. Especially a vision of hope and thoughts of peace fuelled by the eternal flame of love, which can light the darkest night… always “
– me

“God, The Essence of Life, the Ground of All Being, is leading us to the light. What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.”

“Nothing that I can do will change the structure of the universe. But maybe, by raising my voice I can help the greatest of all cause – goodwill among men and peace on earth.”

– Albert Einstein

“What we believe is not nearly as important as how we relate, interact with each other… and how we live. Only when we can say, ‘I am first and foremost a human being, and second a Jew, Muslim, Shi’ite, a Sunni, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, or a Sikh …’ will we progress and break down barriers between peoples, nations and cultures, east and west. Let not our beliefs , but our shared humanity (ALL of us) define who we really are.”

– craig

“Whilst we can (and should) celebrate our differences, our unique cultures, let not our different beliefs set us apart as human beings, but rather let the Spirit of our shared humanity be what defines and unites us as common citizens of our planet.”

About the submitter:

In his various writings, little by little, one mind, one soul, one life at a time, Craig strives to break down social, cultural, religious and economic barriers through sharing information and “planting, then watering uplifting ideas and seeds of hope”. He truly believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share as ‘human beans’ is way more important than what divides us.

Craig’s new manuscript, ‘A New Dawn’ is set in the Middle East: In it he attempts to find ‘common ground’/principles between different religions and cultures and to try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous, turbulent and uncertain world. A passionate story of inspiration: hope, faith, peace and especially love.

The various books that craig “felt inspired to write” (including A New Dawn’ ) are available at:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007IX0MNWhttp://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://goo.gl/vTpjk

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at

www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com

www.sharefaith.wordpress.com

www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com

www.breakdownbarriers.wordpress.com

“Together, one mind, one heart, one life at a time, today let’s plant the seeds, the hope of a better and brighter future (for tomorrow)”

“God is a mystery, the ‘mystery of life’, a Creative Presence, Who/That allows me to be who I really want to be and become.”

“God, the Essence of Life, is the great mystery in the vast unknown; yet He(??) is understandable.”

“God, The Essence of Life, the Ground of All Being, is leading us to the light.

These writings may be freely published with acknowledgment to the source (Mohammed F Thompson), thanks

What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.

“Instead of the limits of borders (of countries and of our minds) let us and our leaders expand our sense of possibility… and together let’s look at building bridges to distant horizons, far and great. Lord, help us all lift our eyes a little higher.”
– craig

 

May the Grace of our loving Creator care for and watch over you all … always

“Let us tear down the walls of our hearts in order to tear down the walls of concrete”

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berlin wall

“Let us tear down the walls of our hearts in order to tear down the walls of concrete”

– Fouad Twal (top Roman Catholic official in the Holy land and Palestinian citizen of Jordan)

I thought, ‘This is the way. You believe in a God, but not in a religious way. We human beings like to give him names, whether that is Jesus or whatever else. But my view is that God is ONE, whether it is Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, almost anything, and that he is everywhere. He (or she) has (no gender), colour, no religion, no race, nothing. It’s incredible how close he is to you and to everybody. You just call him (her/It) and he’s there. That’s it, simple. And this is the reality we so often forget.”

Quote

sky (colours)

This is one of my favourite thoughts and sums up my message, my “little” life…in trying in some small way to break down barriers between people.

“I had a good chance to meet a yogi who was so spiritual and happy all the time. I wondered how he managed his thinking and I learned a lot from him. I saw him and I thought, ‘This is the way. You believe in a God, but not in a religious way. We human beings like to give him names, whether that is Jesus or whatever else. But my view is that God is ONE, whether it is Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, almost anything, and that he is everywhere. He (or she) has (no gender), colour, no religion, no race, nothing. It’s incredible how close he is to you and to everybody. You just call him (her/It) and he’s there. That’s it, simple.

And this is the reality we so often forget.”

– Balbir Singh, former physio-therapist and confidante to Michael Schumacher (and student of psychology …with my little additional few words in brackets)

from a great book by Clyde Brolin ‘Overdrive: Formula One in the Zone’

www.overdrivef1.com and and God and Formula 1 http://www.amazon.com/GOD-AND-FORMULA-ONE-F1-ebook/dp/B005Z6BFX0

“For me, God is a Creative Presence (far greater and deeper than my own consciousness). A Presence that I can experience on earth and allows me to be all that I am able to become.”

– craig

The various books* that Craig “felt inspired to write” (including his various books on “the spiritual journey”) are available at:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://goo.gl/vTpjk

All proceeds go to needy and underprivileged children –

MINE!

 

“Whilst we can (and should) celebrate our differences, let not our varying beliefs divide us, but let the Spirit of our shared humanity define and unite us.”

Quote

rainbow (from photobuck)

“Whilst we can (and should) celebrate our differences, let not our varying beliefs divide us, but let the Spirit of our shared humanity define and unite us.”

-me