TEXAS FAITH: What are you reading this summer? And why?

WHAT ARE YOU READING THIS SUMMER AND WHY?

Our Constitution amazes me, and I literally worship its wisdom about human rights and the rights of individuals. I want to read and learn about the inspiration behind the debates, revisions and the process behind finalization of these words: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

URL - http://pluralismcenter.blogspot.com/2012/06/texas-faith-what-are-you-reading-this.html

. . . . . . . 

For a number of reasons, summer is known as a time of reading. That could be because of so many summer books coming out. It could be that we all have more time to read on vacation. Or it could be that summer is less stressful.

Texas Faith is a weekly column at Dallas Morning News managed by Editors William McKenzie and Wayne Slater, and the material is contributed by several panelists including Mike Ghouse, for all responses visit:http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2012/06/texas-faith-what-are-you-readi.html#

Your answers will help inform our readers about your cast of mind -- and the topics that you consider important.

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas

Abraham Lincoln's autobiography is one of the books I will be reading this summer. His statement, "with malice towards none" has been one of my anchors since my college interfaith discussions. I have given many forms to it in my writings, including with prejudice towards none.

I am committed to read about America and Americans as a guide in making, Americans Together, Building a cohesive America. When complete, the documentary will reflect most aspects of Americans, and their trials and tribulations, hopes and aspirations and their persistent pursuit of happiness. Whether you are a Native American, immigrant or a great grand immigrant, you would be able to relate to it.

Our Constitution amazes me, and I literally worship its wisdom about human rights and the rights of individuals. I want to read and learn about the inspiration behind the debates, revisions and the process behind finalization of these words: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

As a pluralist Muslim, I take a quiz at Beliefnet every year, and have consistently found that I am 100% Unitarian Universalist, 97% Quaker, 88% Buddhist, 85% Reformed Jew, 85% Neo Pagan, 79% Baha'i, 80% Muslim, 68% Hindu and 28% Catholic among others. My low score about the Catholic faith bothers me, and I am committed to read books on Catholicism. I want to improve my understanding to at least 50%. All recommendations are welcome.

MikeGhouse is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is a professional speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, civic affairs, Islam, India, Israel, peace and justice. Mike is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News and regularly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. The blog www.TheGhousediary.com is updated daily. 

Ridiculous Rabbis, Imams and clergy from your tradition

I come across ridiculous opinions (Fatwas) of Rabbis and Imams, like an Imam declaring Tomato to be a Christian. Don't laugh, your tradition in no exception whether it is Buddhist, Hindu, Baha’i or Christian, all  have their share of ridiculousness.

URL: http://pluralismcenter.blogspot.com/2012/06/ridiculous-rabbis-imams-and-clergy-from.html 


Hold your breath, these men (rarely women) are a few and far between. A “few” Muslims make it a business to highlight the “perceived weaknesses” of Jews, and the “few” Jews and a "few Hindus" make it their business to malign the “perceived weaknesses” of Islam. Same goes with a “few” Bahai, Sikhs, Wicca,  Buddhists, Christians and others.

My point; don’t laugh at any one before laughing at yourselves. It is human to err, and not Muslim, Jew or Christian to err, no one can thump his chest and say, “we don’t do it in our religion” - baloney it is!

As time permits, I will put through all the idiosyncrasies… over a period of time. The idea is let’s highlight 99.99% goodness of others rather than get bogged down with the few.

Rabbis in Israel are pressurizing the government and issuing fatwas to have separation of men and women in the places of worship. They even spat on a girl for not covering the hair.

In Kerala, one of the big female movie stars walked into a Hindu temple and the whole priesthood gave a fatwa that the temple has to be washed completely three times, because a woman cannot enter that temple.

The Baha’is refused to perform a wedding, because the girl could not get permission from his mother, who had disowned her… hold it, someone in your faith has done it too. You integrity demands you to laugh at your own first.

Disgusting statements are coming out of the mouths of a "few" men and women; Hitler thought Jews don't deserve a life and went on about the Holocaust, and shame on you, if you justify Hitler. The rulers of Japan, China, Bosnia, Israel, Palestine, Burma, Rwanda and other nations have all called the others "as roaches or rats" that need to be exterminated. Jesus was absolutely right when said, " no one can cast the first stone".  Next time when you hear some one put down one or the other, ask them to Google.

A “few” clergy men desperately want to prove that they have special privileges with God, and direct line - and declare that Tsunamis, 9/11, Katrina and other disasters are God’s punishment.  Check it out; your clergy has said the ridiculous things as well, if not find it out.

What can you do about it?

If an Imam, Rabbi, Pundit, Pastor, Shaman, Gyani or a Clergy makes a statement that causes you to think negatively about another group of people*, have the balls to tell him to look at himself first (loaded with malice), before he or she has the gall to tell others not to have what he has. You will find these in the internet forums as well - guys hatefully telling others not to hate,  It just won't cut it.  

The role of right Imams, Rabbis, Pundits, Pastors, Shamans, Gyanis or Clergy is to work to mitigate conflicts and ill-will and nurture goodwill, so all of God's creation can live with least fear and most secure. That is what each one of their masters did. You have a right to stop them from spewing the non-sense. If not, let me know, I will be happy to come and do that for the sake of humanity.

The fringe element among Muslims have made some really humorous declarations - among them; is it was wrong for a woman to cut cucumber, or peel a banana, that a woman's independence amounts to her becoming lesbian...the gangsters in Somalia had banned Samosa (triangular egg roll) as it appears like a cross… now the tomato thing below.

I would appreciate if you could share some of the idiotic things from your traditions, your clergy man... so we all can laugh at ourselves.

Salafist group warns tomatoes are “Christian”

Posted by: Angie Nassar    share
Tuesday, June 12. 2012

(Photo via Facebook.com)

This makes perfect sense... because it makes no sense.
A Salafist group called the Popular Egyptian Islamic Association has come under fire after sending out a warning on Facebook urging its followers not to eat tomatoes because the vegetable (or fruit) is a Christian food.
The group posted a photo on its page of a tomato - which appears to reveal the shape of a cross after being cut in half – along with the message: “Eating tomatoes is forbidden because they are Christian. [The tomato] praises the cross instead of Allah and says that Allah is three (a reference to the Trinity).

[God help us]. I implore you to spread this photo because there is a sister from Palestine who saw the prophet of Allah [Mohammad] in a vision and he was crying, warning his nation against eating them [tomatoes]. If you don’t spread this [message], know that it is the devil who stopped you.”
Yeah... no.
Predictably, Facebook users expressed outrage over the post, which prompted the group to clarify its stance on the controversy with the update, “We didn’t say you can’t eat tomatoes. We said don’t cut it in [such a way that reveals] the cross shape.”
I see what you did there. Crazy religious nutjobs are still crazy.
I wonder if the Muslim Brotherhood’s presidential candidate, Mohammad Morsi, is happy about getting an endorsement from this group?


*(individuals are fine, it is personal specific bad experience, but cannot blame the group - if you legitimize that, then what others say about you would be equally true)
----MikeGhouse is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is a professional speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, civic affairs, Islam, India, Israel, peace and justice. Mike is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News and regularly atHuffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. The blog www.TheGhousediary.com is updated daily. 

Dallas Morning News - Texas Faith - Ghouse Articles in 2010

A total of 13 contribution towards Texas faith were made, although, I have written in readers columns before, but officially, I started on 9/14^th with Dallas Morning News.

Texas Faith: Which religion stories merited more and better coverage?

 Published on 12/21/10 at Dallas Morning news

A great initiative was taken by the Foundation for Pluralism to mitigate conflicts by demystifying the myths about Qur'aan, which were aggressively pushed by the right wingers to pit one American against the other.

Pastor Robert Jeffress (of First Baptist Church of Dallas) called Qur'aan an evil book written by a false prophet. He did not tell the truth nor did he take up the challenge to identify what is evil in Qur'aan. The media failed to ask him the specifics; his words were carried on the airwaves like the gospel truth. http://pluralismcenter.blogspot.com/2012/06/texas-faith-which-religion-stories.html

Texas Faith: Why not worry about your theology?

 Published on 12/14/10 at Dallas Morning news

America does it!

People of faith, particularly "conservatives," continue to worry about maintaining theological continuity and integrity, but they really don't have a choice and cannot "control" perceived "deviants" by frightening them with excommunication or persecution. America is the land of the free and it does bring freedom to one from the clutches of one's own beliefs, however religious associations in America are tempered with free choice. http://pluralismcenter.blogspot.com/2012/06/texas-faith-why-not-worry-about-your.html

TEXAS FAITH: How should chaplains deal with Don't Ask, Don't Tell repeal?

Published on 12/07/10 at Dallas Morning news

Let us resist the temptation to become the moral police of our nation. We have led the world in innovation, science, technology, medicine and just about every aspect of life and it is time we consider moving from restrictive religious convictions to universalizing our God who loves his creation. It's a new paradigm in broadening our moral compass. http://pluralismcenter.blogspot.com/2012/06/texas-faith-how-should-chaplains-deal.html

TEXAS FAITH: Was Oklahoma out of line with Sharia amendment?

Published on 11/16/10 at Dallas Morning news

The Oklahoma referendum on Sharia is simply gratuitous and one of the best examples of politicians duping the public.

Getting the public to be riled up against something that ain't there is the ploy the politicians have been using. Many a times they succeed and the responsibility falls on our shoulders to wake the public up to such abuses. http://pluralismcenter.blogspot.com/2012/06/texas-faith-was-oklahoma-out-of-line.html

TEXAS FAITH: How do you view God?

Published on 11/09/10 at Dallas Morning news

Has God created us in his image or have we created God in our own image? This new paradigm is gaining currency and it is worth looking into. There are nearly seven billion of us and each one of has his or her own idea of God on a personal level. We have given gender to that elusive creator and we have come to believe he is one, many or none. http://pluralismcenter.blogspot.com/2012/06/texas-faith-how-do-you-view-god.html

TEXAS FAITH: Why does fear sell on the campaign trail?

Published on 11/02/10 at Dallas Morning news

Fear has been ingrained into our psyche from the moment we had a chance to life. Darwin proclaimed the universal truth, "Survival of the fittest," though his reference was to survival of the species; it is indeed applicable in political, social, religious, cultural and other contexts.  http://pluralismcenter.blogspot.com/2012/06/texas-faith-why-does-fear-sell-on.html

TEXAS FAITH: Does firing Juan Williams improve our understanding of religious diversity?

Published on 10/26/10 at Dallas Morning news

No, we are not better off forbidding any view however ill-expressed in an honest discussion of America's view of Islam. Neither God nor religion should be free from any critical study including Islam and Quraan. Yes, I am a Muslim, and like most Muslims I will defend that freedom to the core. http://pluralismcenter.blogspot.com/2012/06/texas-faith-does-firing-juan-williams.html

TEXAS FAITH: Should Christians (and other non-Hindus) beware of yoga?

 Published on 10/19/10 at Dallas Morning news

Mohler seems to be threatened by the popularity of yoga, a beautiful practice to bring composure to oneself. He is obsessed with the idea that yoga is a bait to lure his congregation away into "a spiritual practice that threatens to transform their own spiritual lives into a `post-Christian, spiritually polyglot' reality", and then he asks, "Should any Christian willingly risk that?" How mistaken can one be? Yoga is not a mutually exclusive practice, nor is it a religion; it is indeed a catalyst in achieving the union of mind and body that is central to all spirituality. http://pluralismcenter.blogspot.com/2012/06/texas-faith-should-christians-and-other.html

TEXAS FAITH: Why do our faiths shape some political views, but not others?

Published on 10/12/10 at Dallas Morning news

A causal relationship exists between what one hears from the pulpit and his/her disposition towards the issues reflected in the survey. Causal relationships exist when one variable causes a change in another variable.  http://pluralismcenter.blogspot.com/2012/06/texas-faith-why-do-our-faiths-shape.html

TEXAS FAITH: Why is there such a lack of religious knowledge?

Published on 10/05/10 at Dallas Morning news

The shallowness of religious knowledge can be attributed to the immediate gratification syndrome, which can lead one to be satisfied with quick fixes and shy away from seeking deeper knowledge about religion. Many people are content with simple answers to questions like "Mom where did we come from?" "What is the bottom line?" "Am I saved?" They are happy with the instant meals. http://pluralismcenter.blogspot.com/2012/06/texas-faith-why-is-there-such-lack-of.html

TEXAS FAITH: Why do we pray for Christopher Hitchens?

Published on 9/28/10 at Dallas Morning news

Our altruistic nature nudges us to wish well for others, and thus we pray for Christopher Hitchens for a speedy recovery. Prayers and wishes are the words to express one's desire to include everyone to be a part of the universal energy that we long for regardless of our race, ethnicity, sex, belief or ability. We are simply wishing him well in our own way that we know of, and I am sure he has the capacity to receive the good on its face value. http://pluralismcenter.blogspot.com/2012/06/texas-faith-why-do-we-pray-for.html

TEXAS FAITH: Should faithful focus on charity or justice?

Published on 9/21/10 at Dallas Morning news

Charity or justice reminds me of the chicken or egg example.

Charity comes alive in response to social and economic injustices that happen in a given society. If the societies operate on the principles of justice in every aspect of life, then charity may remain a dormant element. However, there is something beyond all this that operates within all of us. http://pluralismcenter.blogspot.com/2012/06/texas-faith-should-faithful-focus-on.html

Texas Faith: What religion stories should the media focus on?

Published on 9/14/10 at Dallas Morning News

My first piece at Dallas Morning News - Bill McKenzie introduces, Sam Hodges had intiatied.

"The business of the journalist is to destroy the truth; to lie outright; to pervert; to vilify; to fawn at the feet of mammon, and to sell the country for his daily bread." Ever since John Swinton, of the New York Times uttered those words in the last century, discussions among media barons have continued about the nature of their business. http://pluralismcenter.blogspot.com/2012/06/texas-faith-what-religion-stories.html

Texas Faith: Which religion stories merited more and better coverage?

 Published on 12/21/10 at Dallas Morning news

Each December, the Religion Newswriters Association asks members to choose the top 10 religion stories of the year. We decided to flip that around and ask you our esteemed Texas Faith panelists which religion stories, trends, developments did NOT get the media attention they deserved in 2010.

Here's what they said:

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas  

A great initiative was taken by the Foundation for Pluralism to mitigate conflicts by demystifying the myths about Qur'aan, which were aggressively pushed by the right wingers to pit one American against the other.

Pastor Robert Jeffress (of First Baptist Church of Dallas) called Qur'aan an evil book written by a false prophet. He did not tell the truth nor did he take up the challenge to identify what is evil in Qur'aan. The media failed to ask him the specifics; his words were carried on the airwaves like the gospel truth.

The purpose of the Foundation for Pluralism conference was to understand the issues and find ways to remove such fears and phobias in an open forum and restore the cohesiveness of our society and work towards building a safe and secure America.

Pastor Jeffress declined to attend the conference. This story should have been on the front pages and evening news and it was not.

Are the neglected subjects in the media a function of the media's relentless focus on competitiveness and profits, and, at this moment, survival?

Indeed, the media are at a critical juncture of having to choose between fulfilling their societal responsibility and succumbing to the political compulsions of our times.

Please visit Dallas Morning News to read all the responses: http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/12/texas-faith-what-religion-stor.html

MikeGhouse is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is a professional speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, civic affairs, Islam, India, Israel, peace and justice. Mike is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News and regularly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. The blog www.TheGhousediary.com is updated daily.

Texas Faith: Why not worry about your theology?

 Published on 12/14/10 at Dallas Morning news

In summing up the findings of Putnam and Campbell, Rod reaches this two-fold conclusion:

"The good news is that we Americans of different faith traditions get along remarkably well, not by casting aside religion, but by learning how to be tolerant even as we remain religiously engaged.

"The bad news is that achieving religious comity has come at the price of religious particularity and theological competence. That is, we may still consider ourselves devoted to our faith, but increasingly, we don't know what our professed faith teaches, and we don't appreciate why that sort of thing is important in the first place."

Rod goes on to write:

"It seems the more we know about believers in other faiths, the better we feel about those faiths. Isn't that progress?

"The problem - and it's a big one - is theological. If you believe that religion is nothing more than a statement of what an individual or a community thinks or feels about God, this is not such a big deal. If, however, you believe that religion is primarily a statement about what God thinks of us - that is, if religion proclaims binding moral and metaphysical truths that are necessary to live by - then a great deal depends on maintaining theological continuity and integrity."

So, for this week, I'd like to hear your thoughts about this question:

Why shouldn't people of faith worry about maintaining theological continuity and integrity, if indeed religion proclaims binding moral and metaphysical truths that are necessary to live by?

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas  

America does it!

People of faith, particularly "conservatives," continue to worry about maintaining theological continuity and integrity, but they really don't have a choice and cannot "control" perceived "deviants" by frightening them with excommunication or persecution. America is the land of the free and it does bring freedom to one from the clutches of one's own beliefs, however religious associations in America are tempered with free choice.

The men and women who came to America in the face of religious persecution in Europe formed their own communities and found the freedom to practice what they believed was their inalienable right. As more diverse communities grew, they developed an acceptance of the other out of a sheer need to co-exist and a desire to reject the idea of persecution they had endured. Although fanaticism was a part of the growth in persecuting Jews, Catholics, Mormons and Wicca, the idea of co-existence was also growing stronger.

One of the values immigrants cherish most is the freedom this land evokes, cajoles and activates in them. There is nothing like it anywhere on Earth. Immigrants are not what you think them to be; Mexicans, Indians, Chinese, Asians, Arabs or Africans but every one of us including you and me. Indeed the Native Americans have fiercely guarded and demonstrated their freedom as well.

Despite the binding moral and metaphysical truths espoused by the conservatives as truths to live by, the American gene of freedom has gotten them as much as everyone. They are worried about the dilution of their faith, but have gradually moved on from the familiar to unfamiliar, an inch at a time establishing new equilibriums.

They have reluctantly accepted pre-marital sexual relations; resisted abortion and have remained silent about men and women living together without the wedding vows, and now they are battling with the homosexuality issues and one day they will cross that threshold and accept new equilibriums.

The first living and practicing women rabbis, pastors or imams in the Abrahamic traditions particularly, and priests in other traditions in general, are here in the United States. That was an unthinkable thing some fifty years ago.

Our sense of morality is continuously enlarging and embracing diversity of thought as the legitimate other.Freedom of religion is the binding value of America and the American gene of freedom thrives and permeates in every one's DNA, and we will remain loyal to freedom over dogma.

Please visit Dallas Morning News to read all the responses: http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/12/texas-faith-why-not-worry-abou.html

MikeGhouse is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is a professional speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, civic affairs, Islam, India, Israel, peace and justice. Mike is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News and regularly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. The blog www.TheGhousediary.com is updated daily.

TEXAS FAITH: How should chaplains deal with Don't Ask, Don't Tell repeal?

 Published on 12/07/10 at Dallas Morning news

The possible repeal of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy has had Washington in a stir. The Pentagon released a report last week that showed that 70 percent of service members thought the repeal would have a negligible impact on their work.

Many military chaplains echoed that view. Only three of 145 chaplains who took part in a focus group said they would quit or retire.

But, as this Washington Post report indicates, some chaplains saw a repeal of the military's policy towards gays and lesbians as condoning a practice they consider sinful. The article quotes the Rev. Douglas Lee, a retired Presbyterian Army chaplain, as saying:

"There's a strong possibility that a chaplain wouldn't be allowed to proclaim what their own faith believes, and not give people the information they need to be a good Christian or a good Muslim or what have you."

So, with this situation in mind, here's this week's question:

How should army chaplains handle a situation that contradicts their religious convictions, whether it's about gays in the military or some other issue? They, after all, are called to minister to people of all faiths. 

In answering this, I hope you all can reflect upon your own experiences or approaches in counseling people whose values you do not share.

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas  

Let us resist the temptation to become the moral police of our nation. We have led the world in innovation, science, technology, medicine and just about every aspect of life and it is time we consider moving from restrictive religious convictions to universalizing our God who loves his creation. It's a new paradigm in broadening our moral compass.

Some of the restrictive moral convictions are a product of insular religious or cultural traditions. Indeed, they were practices with narrower applications.

Let's follow the path of Jesus by embracing the whole of humanity and lead the world in respecting the "otherness" of others and setting the model of co-existence for nations like Ghana, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan to emulate us and not vice-versa.

Once upon a time, white man made nearly all of our military brass but that is not the case today. Our military is served by both men and women and by people of different races, faiths, ethnicities and nationalities.

We have come a long way since the declaration of our independence to believe and live up to the full meaning of the words "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." It took us nearly 150 years for our men to feel secure enough to treat women as equals to vote. It took us 50 years to honor our World War II hero Jesse Brown, a black man. Three years ago, we finally came to grips with our smallness in denying a Wiccan symbol in the Arlington Cemetery. We still have a long ways to go in fully accepting that all men (and women) are created equal. Together as Americans we have to be inclusive in serving and be served equally.

When an individual opts to serve our country to defend our freedom, we must honor that individual to the highest degree and treat him or her with dignity. We should never forget that they are defending every American and not just an exclusive club. Those of us who serve them ought not to forget to reciprocate them with equal enthusiasm and unrestrictive honor.

The Army Chaplains are employees of the nation to serve the men and women who defend our nation, and they ought to serve every defender of our nation regardless of their sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, faith, language or appearance.

Please visit Dallas Morning News to read all the responses: http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/12/texas-faith-how-should-chaplai.html

MikeGhouse is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is a professional speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, civic affairs, Islam, India, Israel, peace and justice. Mike is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News and regularly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. The blog www.TheGhousediary.com is updated daily.

TEXAS FAITH: Was Oklahoma out of line with Sharia amendment?

 Published on 11/16/10 at Dallas Morning news

According to the Associated Press, the measure's sponsor, Rep. Rex Duncan, said the amendment was not an attack on Muslims but an effort to prevent activist judges from relying on international law or Islamic law in deciding cases.

But Muneer Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Oklahoma and filer of the lawsuit before Miles-LaGrange, said the measure transforms the state constitution into "an enduring condemnation" of Islam.

About 20,000 to 30,000 Muslims live in the state, according to the AP. Is Oklahoma out of line with such an amendment or is the federal judge erring by delaying, for now, its implementation? And, briefly, why?

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas

The Oklahoma referendum on Sharia is simply gratuitous and one of the best examples of politicians duping the public.

Getting the public to be riled up against something that ain't there is the ploy the politicians have been using. Many a times they succeed and the responsibility falls on our shoulders to wake the public up to such abuses.

The reason the Oklahoma law is gratuitous is because Muslims in America value the laws of our nation. They strongly feel that the American laws serve the very justice they seek, and they do not seek or ask for sharia law in America. Even if a few ask for it, statistically they are insignificant.

Please visit Dallas Morning News to read all the responses: http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/11/texas-faith-was-oklahoma-out-o.html

MikeGhouse is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is a professional speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, civic affairs, Islam, India, Israel, peace and justice. Mike is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News and regularly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. The blog www.TheGhousediary.com is updated daily.

TEXAS FAITH: How do you view God?

Published on 11/09/10 at Dallas Morning news

In their new book, America's Four Gods, Baylor professors Paul Froese and Christopher Bader claim that America's cultural diversity goes back to our competing views of God. There is the engaged, judging Authoritative God; the loving, supportive Benevolent God; the observant but not punishing Critical God; and the stand-apart Distant God.

In essence, we are at war over who God is, which leads to this week's question:.How do you view God?

Do you fit into one of those four categories? A blend of them?  Something quite different than these categories? Or do you not see God at all?

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas

Has God created us in his image or have we created God in our own image? This new paradigm is gaining currency and it is worth looking into.

There are nearly seven billion of us and each one of has his or her own idea of God on a personal level. We have given gender to that elusive creator and we have come to believe he is one, many or none.

The new paradigm incorporates different perceptions of that creator, and we are limited by our references in terms of our senses and imagination. Having journeyed through atheism and agnosticism to Islamic pluralism, I have come to believe that God is not an entity, nor is it a being, and as such I have hard time collapsing God in to a word, an image or even to describe it conclusively.

I am closer to the idea of a stand-apart distant God and here is my reason. No matter which theory we subscribe to -- evolution, creation or the big bang theory -- the fact is that we exist and are real. When it all began two major things came out of it: Matter and Life.

Matter was programmed to find its own balance and every piece of matter in the universe has its own built-in balance. Whether it is Jupiter, Mars, Earth or the Moon, each one is hung precisely and runs its course on a pre-designed program.

When the question of life arises, we were not put on a trajectory nor were we placed on a pre-determined course. Instead we were given the free will to find our own balance. Our model is the Universe where each item respects other items' space and existence, and if we can replicate that model, we will be in peace and balance.

God is energy to me, a distant stand-apart God is my perception and we have the responsibility to attain that balance, and it comes from internalizing the social norms of an equilibrimic society. God is about finding balance for oneself and what surrounds one; life and environment.

Please visit Dallas Morning News to read all the responses: http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/11/texas-faith-how-do-you-view-go.html

MikeGhouse is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is a professional speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, civic affairs, Islam, India, Israel, peace and justice. Mike is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News and regularly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. The blog www.TheGhousediary.com is updated daily.