Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Originally Published in 'The County Weekly News', July 23rd edition.

Originally Published in The County Weekly News, July 23rd edition.

Dear Editor,

In response to “Leaving religion out of Canada Day", in the July 9, 2009 Letters.

Freedom of religion should be just that, freedom to express and celebrate your religion. It’s one of the great things about being a part of the mosaic that makes CANADA, CANADA: freedom to be who you are and accepting others for who they are.
If someone wishes to hand out Buddha gift bags next year they can. Considering that the bookstore in Picton has a window display of Buddhist books, Buddha statues are available at other stores, and I haven't heard anyone complaining about it, I don’t think you’ll have to worry about any letters to the editor if you do.
You can even give out little Buddha Loves You rings, if you like. I’m always happy to hear that anyone loves me, and I love learning and hearing about other people’s faiths.
I’m Catholic, but I appreciate Buddhism, since, like Christianity, it is about love, acceptance and understanding. Finding happiness within. “Peace comes from within do not seek it without.” – Buddha. Or perhaps Jesus would be better here, “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” Or Buddha’s “Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” And if your faith does bring you peace and joy, why not share it and encourage others to do the same?
So much can be learned by not just allowing but encouraging one another to speak, and listening to what is being said, instead of trying to silence anyone who doesn't tell us what we want to hear. When we recognize what is common and celebrate what is different. Isn’t that what CANADA is suppose to be all about?

Colin Frizzell
Cressy

3 comments:

  1. I so agree.. I think we have gone a bit too far beating religion out of our culture as if it is something shameful. Religion isn't shameful. Fighting over religion is. I would like to see my son exposed to more religious options, not be given the idea that religion is offensive and should be avoided. I fear that is what we do in the interest of being "politically correct".

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  3. It’s crazy. I’m almost afraid to say ‘Bless you’ when people sneeze. Last week I was in town at one of the second hand stores. This particular one is operated by Community Care for Seniors. All the proceeds go to helping seniors in the area. They don’t charge for any Bibles or religious material that come in. The clerk told me that a few weeks ago some people came in and collected them all and as they were walking out the door said, “We’re going to burn these.”
    It's scary. People shouldn’t burn books, for any reason other than a last resort when they’re freezing to death. Even then, think real hard.
    Religion aside, The Bible is still the number one bestseller of all time and contains some of the most beautiful writing ever put on paper. Religious writings in general, from all different religions, are some of the most beautiful, inspiring and daring. I love the stories and quotes from the Saints. The depth of the love is . . .humbling.
    But it’s hard to talk to people about it because many shut down when anything religious in mentioned. I reckon I’m taking a risk by talking about it on my blog but . . . so be it. If it touched and inspired me I’d be a right selfish sod to not pass it along.
    There’s a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding out there.

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