Well, this is only the first part of a series of postings on "fighting terrorism" and the movement towards peace.
Geron wrote in his comment:
You mentioned posi-genesis can be applied to global issues as well. It is common in the media to hear the phrase "fighting terrorism" or "war on terror". I'm interested in how one would apply posi-genesis to this problem.
"Fighting terrorism" is an oxymoron. You cannot fight for peace, which is what that war is about. Many peace marchers had signs that said "Fight the war in Iraq". Hey, that's what the army was doing.
To be fair though, it is also about trying to feel secure, having a sense of security. But what is "security"? The dictionary says "free from concern", from the root "se-cure" or "without concern". Can we ever be without concerns? Can we ever be truly free from cares?
Baha'u'llah writes "The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established." And in a similar vein, but on a smaller scale, He says that the law of marriage was created as a "fortress for well-being and slavation".
How do these relate?
Well, the positive values that are missing on the larger scale, globally, are, first and foremost, unity, followed closely by such issues as respect, compassion, justice and peacefulness. there are many other virtues that can be added, but those few will suffice for now.
I, being a simple person, who likes analogies that I can grasp onto, need to put it all into the micro-scale: one on one. When I see these virtues listed, I am reminded of my marriage. This institution of marriage has proven to me, over the last few years, to be like the fortress mentioned in the Baha'i Writings. It is a protection for my family; but more than that, it has proved to be a haven for those in the community who need it.
Many times over the past few years, neighbourhood children have come running to our door when they needed a safe place.
In another quote, Baha'u'llah says that we should "consort with the followers of all religions", and again that we should "consort with all men", both "in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship".
So, what does it mean to consort? Prince Phillip is Queen Elizabeth's consort. It is not just a low-level liking, it is as intimate as the relationship between a man and wife. This is the level of love required to solve this issue, and bring about the unity necessary for "the well-being of mankind, its peace and security".
Let's take a look at the terrorists for just a moment. Why are they resorting to these tactics? Are they heartless and evil? Probably not. But I do think they are angry, just like the people who wish to "fight for peace". This is not to condone the evil actions they are doing, but to distinguish between the actions and the intent. The use of terror and murder to get ones way is never justified.
When we sense an injustice, we become angry. Anger is a natural response to a yearning for justice.
This may be the area to which we need to look for a solution.
Peace between nations is similar to peace in the family, which begins with a healthy relationship between the husband and wife.
To be continued when I am a bit more awake.
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