Learning about the history and ideals of a Middle Eastern religion such as Islam or Judaism can lead to a better understanding of its faithful. And through greater understanding and tolerance, it becomes possible to dissolve prejudice and hate.
While it is true that some of the most vicious of wars may have stemmed from religion, advocate groups have worked to end the conflict not by taking up arms. Rather, they provide means of increasing the understanding of these differences while at the same time realizing the similarities between each religion.
To this end, the Foundation for Interreligious and Intercultural Research and Dialogue (FIIRD) has focused on education as a means of fostering understanding of each monotheistic Middle Eastern religion. FIIRD developed a program with this goal at the University of Geneva and then published a collection of books - a compiled edition of the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament and the Holy Qur'an. With these three books compiled together, readers may notices how each sacred text holds ties to the others.
Meanwhile, the University of Texas Press has dedicated their publishing rights to disseminating information on free topics to further cultural knowledge. The Middle East, they say, has a significantly large hold in the U.S. International Policy as well as its economy. As such, it is hard to ignore them as an undeniable factor in international culture. Thus, these publications seek to inform readers of different aspects of the Middle East, giving them access to a way of understanding.
While religions such as Islam, Christianity and Judaism have their differences, it must be noted that they have similarities which may surprise those who finally learn about them. Each monotheistic Middle Eastern religion advocates and encourages the same core values. Fundamental values such as honoring life, doing no harm to persons, the want to do good and the belief in one God are held sacred in all of them, no matter how each approach differs.
The age of ending conflicts by sword and violence has long since passed. Today, many only wish for peace and understanding. But merely wishing will not make it happen, but rather, action must be taken to make it happen.
Violence begets violence. In the same way, peace begets peace. To start paving the way to a brighter future, educated conversation is necessary to create understanding. With the many organizations and programs now open to everyone, anyone can step forward and begin walking the road to a peaceful future.
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The Levant Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to increase education in Middle Eastern culture. Focusing primary on further studies in Middle Eastern religion, the foundation is open to any queries at TheLevantFoundation.com or call 713-222-6900.
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