Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Texas Faith: Is separation of church and state an idea to keep religious people out of the public arena?



The separation of church and state has been a catalyst in guaranteeing freedom to every religious group. This can be better understood through stark contrasts between pluralistic nations and the nations where one religion dominates the others. We enjoy religious freedom, precisely because of our diversity; an antidote to extremism. You practice your faith and I will do mine.- Mike Ghouse

Twelve Texas Faith Panelists share their thoughts on separation of church and state

TEXAS FAITH: Is separation of church and state an idea to keep religious people out of the public arena?

By Wayne Slater/Reporter
11:18 am on September 25, 2012 | Permalink

In a conference call with Christian conservatives, Gov. Rick Perry dismissed the separation of church and state as an idea advanced to drive “people of faith from the public arena.” The governor went on to say Satan is using it to keep Christians from actively engaging in public policy. “The idea that we should be sent to the sidelines I would suggest to you is very driven by those who are not truthful, Satan runs across the world with his doubt and with his untruths and what have you, and one of the untruths out there is driven – is that people of faith should not be involved in the public arena.”

The governor’s take on theology and American history got mixed reviews – at best – from our Texas Faith panel of pastors, teachers, theologians, lay leaders and religious experts. The recent conference call was an effort to motivate conservative Christians to vote their values in November. Perry used language familiar to social conservatives – “spiritual warfare” and “Christian soldiers” and a growing tide of “secularism and atheism” – in warning of those making “efforts to remove any trace of religion from American life.”

The premise of the governor’s comments is that separation of church and state is sometimes invoked simply to discourage people (read it: people whose ideas you don’t like) from getting involved in politics and public policy. Is that true? And, perhaps more to the point, how do we make sure that doesn’t happen? In our political debate this election season, what’s the proper balance between warning against theocracy and encouraging faith in the public square? The Texas Faith panel had some ideas.

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas

The separation of church and state has been a catalyst in guaranteeing freedom to every religious group. Indeed, it is an incentive to participate in the political process to ensure that one’s rights are protected, and prevent domination by any group from dictating its terms to others.

If an attempt is made to infringe on the rights of others, we all need to stand up for them, just as we did with the Catholic Church about contraceptives. Most certainly, protection of our rights depend on protecting the rights of others; a hallmark of enduring civilizations.

This can be better understood through stark contrasts between pluralistic nations and the nations where one religion dominates the others.

In Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, Pakistan and other countries, the majority through their deafening silence, continues to deny the basic religious rights to its minorities. The merciless upper hand of one religion over the other(s) has undeniably screwed up justice; the source of anguish, unrest and consequent instability and pain for all.

Compare that to the United States, where the religious rights of all are protected (relatively). On any given street in Dallas, you will find places of worship of multiple denominations functioning together, that was not the case in the United States generations ago, and we have come a long way, thanks to the separation.

We enjoy religious freedom, precisely because of our diversity; an antidote to extremism. You practice your faith and I will do mine.

Governor Perry is perhaps using phrases like “spiritual warfare” and “Christian soldiers” to whip up support for his declining political power, and probably may not succeed in his motives, as the Evangelicals know that the freedom to practice their faith is not trampled. Religion has been used, abused and misused by politicians throughout the history of mankind for political gains, Perry is no exception.

We are a land of the free and need to keep it that way. The separation of church and state is a catalyst that has assured safer and securer communities in the United States, and we don’t want to regress from that.

Texas faith is a weekly column, where panelists from different traditions respond to the issues of the day - for all the responses, please visit Dallas Morning News at  http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/2012/09/texas-faith-is-separation-of-church-and-state-an-effort-to-keep-religious-people-out-of-the-public-arena.html/

Mike Ghouse 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 affairsIslamIndiaIsrael, peace and justice. Mike is a frequent guest onSean 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 blogwww.TheGhousediary.com is updated daily

Monday, September 24, 2012

Interfaith peace chapel and pluralism prayers


" Dallas, Texas – On September 21, Peace Pilot will light up the Texas Night with a large scale video projection across the exterior and interior walls of the Interfaith Peace Chapel in Dallas, Texas, in an open, community-based celebration of International Peace Day."

This press release will continue after my note below;
More pictures will be added 
If you are in Dallas, make the time to visit this beautiful interfaith chapel at 5910 Cedar Springs Road in Dallas, its peaceful in there... years ago, I felt the same at the Baha'i lotus temple in New Delhi.
About the peace chapel on their website, http://interfaithpeacechapel.org/

"
The Interfaith Peace Chapel is a modern masterpiece designed by award-winning and world-renowned architect Philip Johnson. It is a brilliant, inspirational design of "sculpture as architecture." Seating up to 175 people, the chapel provides ideal space for intimate worship services, commitment ceremonies and memorial services.
This sacred space makes a bold and highly visible statement to the world about our commitment to the vision God has placed upon our hearts. We believe wholeheartedly that God will transform millions of lives through this building!"

A year ago in Dallas Morning News, I wrote about the Peace Chapel
http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/08/texas-faith-religion-and-art.html
My role was to greet and share the pluralism prayers.

1. Essence of greetings


A. Acknowledging the stranger
B. Inviting the other to connect with you
C. Possible friendship

When you say Namaste to someone, you are essentially saying, let the good in you connect with the good in me. When the Abrahamic faiths call Salaam, Shalom and peace to you, they are initiating a relationship with peace. May you be drenched in peace, soaked in peace and together we will talk, think and act peace. It is conditioning each other for creating good acts and talks. (elaborated in the speech)

2. Greetings - Request to remain silent, or repeat after me quietly or in Chorus

American - Aho piva (Cheyenne)
Baha'i - Allah-u-Abha
Buddhist - Buddha Namo
Christian - Peace to you
Hindu - Namaste
Jain - Jai Jinendra
Jewish - Shalom
Muslim - Salaam
Sikh - Satsri Akaal
Wicca - Blessed be
Zoroastrian - Hamazor Hama Asho bed

I hope within the next decade we all will grow up to be comfortable in greeting each other with any one of the greetings as synonyms.

3. Prayer

  • Dear creator. Please accept our gratitude in every name we call upon you; Mahio, manito, Yahweh, Elohim, Ishwar, Buddha, Wahe Guru, Ahura Mazda, Mother Earth, Allah and Jesus Christ.
  • Thank you lord for enriching our nation with your creation represented by different races, nationalities, ethnicities, orientations,  languages, cultures, ideals and religions.
  • Dear God, together we see you as one, none and many and see you as male, female and genderless, we take you as a being as well as nonbeing, some us have a name for you and for some you are nameless, but together we believe we are one universe, one people and one humanity.
  • Dear causer of the Universe, in your name we want to create a cohesive and peaceful America with care, kindness and dignity to every one of the 312 million of us as well as 7 billion of us in the world.
  • Dear God, guide us to talk, act and believe that we are one humanity and one nation under you.
  • Dear God, as we undertake the mission of building cohesive societies, where no one has to live in apprehension of the other, we are painfully aware of the ignorance, fear, mistrust and ill-will that divides us, help us open our hearts and minds towards receiving each other.
  • Dear God, guide us to become conflict mitigaters and good will nurturers.
  • Dear God, Protect our men and women in uniforms committed to our safety and well being.
  • Dear God, help us think, speak and act peace every moment of the day.
  • Dear God, guide us to value and practice the principles of liberty and justice for all of your creation, just as you treat us.
  • Dear God, give us your infinite wisdom and give us the courage to do the right thing, every moment of the day.
  • Help us learn to respect the otherness of other in each one of us, and accept the god given uniqueness in each one do us.
  • In your precious name we bow
Press release continued:
For more information about Peace Pilot contact:
www.peacepilot.org
Trayc Claybrook @  trayc@peacepilot.org                     

Peace Pilot Presents International Peace Day 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dallas, Texas – On September 21, Peace Pilot will light up the Texas Night with a large scale video projection across the exterior and interior walls of the Interfaith Peace Chapel in Dallas, Texas, in an open, community-based celebration of International Peace Day. 
Peace Pilot is a monumental video art installation by Dallas artist Trayc Claybrook, comprised of four high definition videos, which depict a hero’s journey towards peace. The Interfaith Peace Chapel is an architectural gem by renowned architect Phillip Johnson, which for one night will serve as a massive movie screen for the Peace Pilot video projections.
Doors open at 6:00 PM, followed by an introduction to the guest speakers at 7:00 PM, and the official lighting of the video installation at 7:30 PM, as well as a screening of the videos inside the chapel. There will be a Q & A session at 8:00pm for the speakers and filmmaker.
Peace Pilot is currently raising funds to support the September 21 event, through the crowd-sourcing website Indiegogo (indiegogo.com/peace-pilot), and welcomes tax-deductible donations.
Peace Pilot began as Trayc Claybrook’s response to a call by Jeremy Gilley of the international organization Peace One Day, who urged people across the globe to create events in recognition of International Peace Day 2012. Claybrook visited the Interfaith Peace Chapel, and was struck by the beauty and grace of the structure.  She sparked the idea of projecting her recently finished videos about peace on the exterior and interior walls of the building.
We would be very honored for you to attend and participate in this meditation with us. We’re also asking for your help to promote the event through social media. Information about the film maker and project along with a clip of the film can be found at www.peacepilot.org. 


Peace Pilot” Premier
Friday, September 21 - International Day of Peace
Interfaith Peace Chapel
5910 Cedar Springs Dallas, Texas 75235

TIMELINE:
6:00 p.m. Gathering/Refreshments
7:00 p.m. Program
8:15 p.m. Reception
9:00 p.m. Event Conclusion
This is a free event, open to everyone

Thank you for being light in the world and for your love and support of this exciting project. Do not hesitate to call on me if you have questions or if you need clarification on anything. We look forward to seeing you there!
Sincerely,


  

Mike Ghouse 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 affairsIslamIndiaIsrael, peace and justice. Mike is a frequent guest onSean 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 blogwww.TheGhousediary.com is updated daily.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Volatile Middle East - solutions by Mike Ghouse


Killing of Ambassador Stevens, Film on Muhammad and the attacks on our Embassy in Benghazi and Cairo messes up the average person. Indeed, there is a pluralistic solution available to the situation, it is much better than the show-off who can do most harm to each other. The solution is low cost, and is sustainable.

If there were a foreign policy or religious crises, Mike Ghouse is called in to offer pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. Part of the solution was taped in our Dallas offices by Bud Gillette of CBS News and shared it on the evening News, and due to President’s speech last night on Hannity, Mike’s offer to present a long term solution to the crises did not happen, and however, he intends to present some of the solutions in a paper, most likely to be published in Huffington Post, meanwhile he is available to offer solutions.

It started on 9/11/2001 when Mike was called in by Radio station AM1150 to take charge and make sense. For the next eight hours Mike got the community, civic and business leaders to get on the radio and bring some coherence to the chaotic situation of the day - at the end of the day, people were driven to donate blood, hold interfaith prayerss and raise funds for the victims.

Now Mike will write a full report at Huffington post, meanwhile, he will offer valuable solutions on Radio and TV networks about the value of freedom of expression, the film on Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), our foreign policy, bullying, war or long term solutions for the safety and security of America.
Quraan, Islam and Muslims defend the right of individuals; the acts of the rogues clearly violate the guidelines laid out by God, Prophet Muhammad and Islam. Muslims throughout the world have condemned this disgusting behavior of these men who killed our Ambassador and four of our officers serving us, and have scaled our embassy in Cairo.

The bully in us wants to bomb and annihilate the whole country of Libya and Egypt. We probably can do that, but remember two outcomes from it. Our violence generates more violence and will make us more vulnerable wherever we go. That is not the kind of life we want live. We are a free people and must preserve our freedom through wisdom, or the destruction of others will destroy us and our economy as we are living it now. The bully among those radicals has similar sentiments about us. How do we come out of it? Jesus and Muhammad both have taught us how to handle this.

As a society we can view these incidents from two different perspectives, and consider two different solutions. Blaming Islam is the useless thing to do. Islam did not authorize them do what they have done; they have done it on their own. Each one of the 312 Million Americans follows the same criminal laws; 99% of us obey them, where 1% doesn’t. We don’t blame our laws for those that don’t abide by them; we blame the bad guys and incarcerate them.
The bad guys went crazy upon the trailer of the film Mohammad. Did Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) authorize what they did? Did Quraan authorize what they did? Absolutely not, on the contrary Quraan is absolutely clear - if someone insults you, don’t carry on the conversations with them and adds, if you insult others, they will insult you.

The criminals are always good in blaming someone else - in this case Islam. We should not be gullible enough to buy their argument and start barking at religion instead of the criminals.

Freedom of speech and expression is the most sacred value of civilizations, and at no cost we need to compromise on them. What the dumb men did not realize is that they are actually promoting the movie by their violence. Had they chosen to follow the guidance of Quraan, to walk away from it, none of this would have happened.

The evil things we do are not Christian, Jewish, Islamic or Hindu in nature, they are our acts, and each one of us who violates the sanctity of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness of others need to be rounded up, instead of killing and getting killed and living in fear that is the responsible thing to do.
- - - - -
Mike Ghouse 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 showon 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 blogwww.TheGhousediary.com is updated daily. Talk/Text (214) 325-1916

Monday, September 10, 2012

9/11 Memorial in Dallas - Unity Day USA


YOUR INVITATION TO
               VIII ANNUAL UNITY DAY EVENT


It is a purposeful event to bring people of different faiths, races, ethnicities and other uniquenesses together to feel the oneness of our nation and to feel indivisible.

to be together as Americans
to express our gratitude to our Firemen, Police and Armed Forces
to honor seven individuals who have contributed to the well being of the DFW
to honor two communities for their work towards building a cohesive America
to emphasize and appreciate diversity represented by America.
to cherish the other American as American and nothing but American
to rededicate our pledge to the peace, prosperity and security of America

Please join us with your family and friends to be together as Americans. Your presence is a valuable expression of unity. Along with our elected officials, civic, religious and business leaders, you help fulfill our common values and aspirations. Your presence fortifies our commitment to a pluralistic America.

Event: 8th Annual Unity Day USA
Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Time: 11:30 AM -1:30 PM
Where: Unity of Dallas,
Address: 6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX 75230

The Marine Guards will start off the ceremony followed by the Sikh Community Members singing our national Anthem followed by recognizing seven individuals who are making a difference in building a cohesive America. Two communities have been playing an exemplary role in sharing their work and action that brings Americans together. The civic leaders including state Representatives, Mayors, council persons, Fire and Police Chiefs will join us followed by 13 leaders representing Atheism to Zoroastrianism to share the wisdom or scriptures from their traditions. There will be light lunch in the Sikh Tradition.

Awards: Seven Individuals for building bridges in Dallas/Fort Worth communities
Communities: Two outstanding communities this year for their service
Organizations: Participating organizations are you in?
RSVP to: ConfirmAttendance@gmail.com (there is no charge for the event)

We will gather as Americans and rededicate our pledge to the peace, prosperity and security of our nation.

As Americans, and as American Muslims, we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. All our faiths reinforce the creed of "One Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all”.
On this Unity Day USA, we, the people of the United States of America of every faith, race and ethnicity, will gather to express our commitment to co-existence, safety, prosperity and the well being of our nation.


Thank you.
Mike Ghouse
(214) 325-1916 text/talk
www.AmericaTogetherFoundation.com
www.FoundationforPluralism.com
www.UnitydayUSA.com