Religion in the Public Eye (We are all one)

I did a search for Paganism and Wicca in the news section of Yahoo, and came across quite a few articles.

 Im glad to see that diversity is winning out. but we still have a long way to go. there is still misunderstandings. and we will never havew unity as long as there are misunderstandings about people's spiritual beliefs.

 I think this world would be a tad-bit better if people would just walk their path in peace and not worry about what other people think.

I watched this video by Rev. Derrek Younger of one church - Universal and it really made me think.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8792531782441926900&q=Rev.+Derrek+YOunger&total=7&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=1

 http://oc-u.page.tl/

Some of the things he said really hit hard: "It's been my experience that if you cannot listen with an open mind to something that you disagree with then perhaps you should be questioning your certainty of reality. Because if something will lead you to question. What you are questioning then should be put to the ultimate question. to its validity; wheither it is right or wrong."

 and also; "When you are sharing a message with someone your message should never be to prove that you are right or that they are wrong. Your goal should simply be to help them understand what you believe and why. And then let that person make the decision for themself if you try to force it; you will only make them angry. But, in turn it should be a two-way conversation because this person should be allowed to express to you what they think and what they believe. If they are opposed to your views you should offer them the oppurtunity to tell you why. There is nothing wrong with a very friendly debate. It helps you to understand one another and thats the only way that unity can be acheived."

I'm starting to ramble on with my examples. I aplogize. My point is that people should try to be a bit open minded and non-judgeing.  Anyway, I've seen news articles about paganism and some are reflecting paganism/wicca in a positive light: such as this news article; http://www.connpost.com/ci_6493316?source=rss - Stop by this store, just for a spell

And others put their own negative bias on it such as this; http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070714/LIFE/707140303 

The reason why I believe people project other relgions in a negative light is because of misunderstandings and fear- fear that they might be wrong and the other person might be right. Uncomfortableness in their own beliefs. Most people have it programed into them that their beleifs are correct and all others are wrong.

 I obviously do not think this is correct. I think the reason for all of these beliefs and traditions are abound for a very simple reason. It is fact that no one has the same fingerprints, DNA, or that no body is going to have the same exact brain composition, thoughts and ideas. People are indivduals no one is going to think exactly the same. look at christianity..if someone doesnt agree then they slpit and make their own denomination.  I think the Universal-Divine has given all of these  different teachings. They are all teachings from the divine so that different people can find what calls to their spirit. they are all valid paths to find innerpeace and Nirvana/Gnosis/Salvation or whatever term you choose to call it.

I beleive if people would simply take a deep breath and stop being close minded and attempt to learn about other peoples beliefs then they would realize that they have quite a bit of stuff in common.

 Some good sites that attempt to talk about all religions truthfully and without bias is http://www.religioustolerance.org

I also find these video sermons enlightening:

http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=Rev.+Derrek+Younger

At the top of the list I recomend;

Well all of them actually.

But I recomend watching them in this order:

Unity and Diversity

Dogma = Division

Demystifying Paganism

Conversion

The Beast

 True Ressurection

Its okay to question

 I realize I've rambled on and I aplogize my brain is a bit scrambled right now..after I get my ideas and things a bit more settled I'll probably come back and Revise this.

Namaste~

and Bright Blessings!