United Religions As blood continues to be spilled in the Middle East, the recently retired Israeli president met with Pope Francis at the Vatican City to outline a new UN-like organization called “United Religions.” Because conflict often stems from religious differences, Peres believes the world needs an intergovernmental organization to promote international peace. Peres, in his proposal, believes “the Argentina-born pontiff [is] the only world figure respected enough to bring an end to the wars raging in the Middle East and elsewhere in the world.” [1] Though Francis did not commit to the plan, this is the third high-profile meeting between the elder statesman and the pope in the last four months. “Peres praised Francis as the only world figure respected across national boundaries and different faiths. In an interview with the Catholic Magazine Famiglia Cristiana, Peres called on Francis to leverage his respect to create an interfaith organization to curb religious violence. ‘What we need is an organization of United Religions… as the best way to combat terrorists who kill in the name of faith,’ Peres said. ‘What we need is an unquestionable moral authority.’ ” [2] Ironically, history shows that designating a human being as an ‘unquestionable moral authority’ has often led to more violence. In the past, these spiritual leaders have sought to violently enforce religious laws in the name of unity, leading to even more bloodshed and fewer civil rights, including an individual’s right to worship according to one’s own conscience. Not surprisingly, somber warnings are given in the last book of the Bible about a coming effort that will seek to enforce world peace under the banner of a spiritual movement united with world political powers. Of course, it is one thing for diverse religions to come together to discuss the protection of religious liberty in our world, but quite another when the state and church combine their efforts to exercise so-called moral authority. Muscle and force are not the trademarks of God’s character, nor how He desires to govern His people. It is Satan who relies on intolerance and threats to foment hate and intimidation, prompting contained violence and destruction. Lasting peace comes from true justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation. While we certainly should speak out against inhumane terrorist acts by any organization, the violent means described in Revelation 13 show us that a beast-power will someday use those very same tactics to enforce worship in the name of peace—and billions will submit to it. Will you? “If anyone has an ear, let him hear. He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints” (Revelation 13:9, 10). --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 15:12:52 +0000
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