Though there were more experiences and seminars attended throughout the week, that was the Parliament of World Religions. Just like the opening ceremony, the exhibition ended with a closing ceremony.
Nintin Ajmera, stood up and spoke stating, “we are coming together celebrating humanity, positions and viewpoints. That this doesn’t end today but it’s about what we carry back.”
Bob Boisture, from
the Fetzer Institute, then spoke, stating, “What a joyful honor it is to be
here. The US Foundation inclusive spiritual community. For the last 10 years
have brought 70 of us to build a spiritual foundation for a world. For
transformation of self and society. First is finding and deepening a common
ground, second is honoring and celebrating that we have a spiritual common
ground we need to support each other and go deeper on our spiritual paths and
be deeper with each other. Celebrating and embracing the shared sacred story
that’s within us all. Experience of the sacred is beyond words and concepts. All
live within sacred stories and shared stories.”
Rev. Stephen Avino then went up and spoke saying, “Beautiful thing about the parliament is the people you meet. We are in a bubble; we have to get outside the bubble to actually make change. Make some real changes within this world. We are in a bubble. Don’t let evil take over this world again, fascists are here to divide us, and we need to stand up and say no. We are someone and can make a difference and change the world. It is time.”
David Rosen then
came up and spoke, “The motive behind us being here is we are religious
officiated, there is more to our existence than the material. If we search for
spiritual meaning, then it must lead to action. Turn from evil, do good, seek
peace and pursuit. Teach our community that if they’re authentic to their
spiritual connection, influence them in that direction. Each and everyone can
contribute to transform our world. This is our responsibility.”
Charles McNeill stood up and spoke, “Concerning forests is a major concern. Amazon is strongly influencing weather patterns all around the world. Deforestation is at a major tipping point. Courageous leaders who are protecting the Amazon. Must recognize the rights of the indigenous people who take care of the forest. Face serious attacks from people who want to destroy it. UN, with the Parliament of World Religions, created IRI (Interfaith Rainforest Initiative). Joint action through IRI powerful and uplifting coalitions to protect forests. Fight against climate change and save the rainforest.”
Venerable Shin de
Yuan spoke, stating, “In May of 1966, established the Buddhist compassion
association. This organization started with 30 people who saved 50 cents a day
to help the poor. The climate clock is counting down caused by greed. Time is
running out, what shall we do? Promote vegetarianism, protecting the earth by
promoting vegetarianism. Purifying minds to a peaceful world by vegetarianism.”
Then, a program called Roots came up to the stage. Roots is run by a Rabbi and a Palestinian. The Rabbi stated, “We come from the holy land, but it is anything but holy. We live in two separate worlds with Palestinians. For 33 years, we have lived in the holy land but never have had a conversation with a Palestinian. I know that there are two peoples in the land and two stories. Roots is a Joint Israeli Palestinian educational center, to help discover the human on the other side. After you listen to the other side listening to the other side’s stories. We are finding a way to fit two people into one land; each must overcome exclusivity. Through our grass roots people to people finding equality through each people that we call home.” They received a reward for this program.
Samani Jin Pragya
(international lecturer on Jainism) spoke saying, “Same blood, same breath. Be
bold together, we came together and believe together each other.”
Megan Radavich of Zonta then spoke, “Truth is that we have far more in common than differences. Women’s rights are human rights. Everyone is able to see their full potential. Women don’t live in fear of violence. However, this is far from reality. We see new challenges for gender equality. Despite these challenges, Zonta remains committed. Fight violence against woman and gender inequality. End violence against women.”
Christine Goggins then came up and spoke, “16 years ago, I lost my best friend to gun violence. Deeply question how to use her voice and Justice for peace. Gun violence is a public health crisis that needs the utmost attention. No one is immune to gun violence. We have lost our way and devalued life. Chicago is plagued by gun violence. People are dying every day to feel safe and protected. Take the blame away from the individual and blame the system as a whole that leads to violence.”
Shane Claiborne, who is a part of the Red Letter Christians, spoke saying “Christians have been better at worshiping Jesus than following Jesus. It's time for our spiritual, theological renewal. Christians are the biggest gun owners in the world, and Jesus says blessed are the peacemakers. We need to be a people of faith that are extremists for love.”
The Truth of the Matter:
This is just a snippet of the 2-hour closing ceremony. Other people came up and spoke about their agenda, and even just these snippets tell the story about what this whole Parliament was about. You have main leaders from every religion and even representatives from the UN talking to each other and coming together to create an interfaith collective.
Now, as I always do,
I bring the Bible within each of my posts; the book of Revelation talks about a
one-world religion within the end times. Specifically, Revelation 17:1-18 describes
the characteristics of the one religion in the end times. Where multiple people
will come together and worship from every language.
So, you have this passage from the Bible, and you have a parliament where this interfaith collective and global-ness of coming together as one is happening. Where meetings are taking place and even a ceremony where leaders from almost every religion come up and speak to the masses. You have this interfaith movement that wants people to come together, stating, “We believe the same,” and wanting to change this perspective in what everyone believes is fine, and we all will achieve the same goal one way or another. Which, in my mind, lays down the foundation for this one world religion as described within the end times. Where people come together to worship and speak their message from each distinctive religious background. This is seeing this prophecy come to light and even to life. But there is hope.
Think of it this way: you are at the base of a mountain, getting ready to climb it, and a guide at the visitor’s center says, “There are many paths you can take to achieve your goal of getting to the top of this mountain, there's even a gondola you can take to even get you up there.” But there is a Forest Ranger, who is waiting outside, who says, “None of those ways will get you up there, the gondola is broken down, multiple hiking paths have had mudslides, and it's dangerous to go up there, three of the paths are closed and the map you have there is out of date. But this path, right here, though it doesn’t look like it, will take you directly up to the mountain.” Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No man can come to the Father except through me.” Meaning that there is only one way to heaven and that is through Jesus Christ. That path that doesn’t look like it is the right way. Matthew 17:13-14 states, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
Don't follow the global-ness and oneness. Enter down the narrow road and you will find life.
