violence on the news

Once again, there is violence on the news. Palestinians shot katyusha- style rackets at the Israeli town of 120 thousands, Israeli retaliate and kill 60 Palestinians, including the civilians.

First of all, I don't side with either, both sides are like retarded kid-brothers that fight continuously. I don't want to hear about their never ending tribal-religious fights.

Secondly, it is all civilians doing the fighting as far as I am concerned, not a professional military under a central command.

As long as the mothers of middle east raise their children to solve problems by fighting, and their sons are willing to sacrifice their siblings, nothing will change, and somehow I don't feel sorry for either.

I come form the Poland that was oppressed and drained dry by Russia and communists, my mother was active in opposition movement "Solidarność", but she never conveyed to me a lesson that if I blow myself, or blow up whole lot of Russian civilians with a racket, or a bomb, then somehow I become a martyr and solve all my country's problems, that is not how we solve problems, that is how primitive tribes solved their problems in seventh century.

There is a time to fight, in all-out wars such as when Hitler attacked most of the Europe, or Japan attacked USA, but then it is clear why you fight and what is to be lost and gained.

Sayed Pervez Kambaksh

Reading this outrageous case, solidifies my opinion that all political
leaders and the laws governing people should be separated from the
religion. I can understand poverty, starvation, Malaria, HIV and other
epidemics that decimate the World, I can understand the ethnic wars
over territories of land, yet it makes me sick that even today there
are countries where the court of law is XII century (I am giving them
a credit of the doubt by not placing them in seventh century).

http://lelly-mondobongo.blogspot.com/search/label/Sayed%20Pervez%20Kambaksh

Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali

I have been reading the book "Infidel" until now (2 AM), my feelings
are welling up as she describes her life, the war in Somalia and her
escape from the marriage to Holland. It is too late right now to write
more, but I will come back to the subject soon.

Islamica

Today, I have been reading the Magazine "Islamica" to learn the the
enlightened voices of muslims that otherwise may be muffled by the
images of war in the blood-thirsty mass media.

The magazine started with the article stating pretty much the same as
the latter part of the previous sentence, plus the fact that there are
very few muslim who are able, or willing, to communicate to the
western world the more beautiful aspects of their culture. I though,
the page was objective, even if somewhat academic and pointless.

The following were the news snippets that I thought were right on,
good starting.

Next came the article about corruption involving muslim in Trinidad
and Tobago, It was interesting, I thought, even if the sources
opposing the corruption were unnamed "prominent muslims" which I grew
to expect - this idea goes back to the first article.

The funny picture caricature of VP Dick Chaney (I presume) defying the
global warming, that was an interesting choice since most of the
muslim world is oblivious to the ecological issues in North Africa,
Arab peninsula, Indonesia, or elsewhere. In fact the symbol of
progress in arab world - Dubai - is a totally ecological-defying
creation. I hope that was precisely the point, by laughing at others
we can understand that we are wrong ourselves.

Then came a couple of articles which are pure anti-USA propaganda. My
stomach cramped, I have seen so much of that in my life in my 18 years
I have lived in the socialist Poland influenced by Russian communism.
Even until very recently, I had some Polish relatives calling America
rotten names, straight of the communist repertoire. Propaganda that
brings hatred and not a thinnest thread of possibility for the
reconciliation, or cooperation.

I am really sorry and disappointed, dear "Islamica", I will try to
finish the magazine and find valuable and good points about your
culture, but I am not sure if you are doing yourselves a favor by
adding the oil to the fire.

Philosophies: war and religion

War has always been a contradiction in my life. As a former U.S. Marine, I would not hesitate to fight, or even die, for my country’s principles. Yet, as a spiritual person, the resolution is not so simple.

I was raised in a Judeo-Christian culture shaped by Roman Catholicism and later exposed to Buddhism in Asia and Hinduism while working at a yoga temple. I’ve studied Poland’s long history of conflict with the Ottoman Empire and the present struggles against fanatical terrorist groups. Every tradition sheds a different and often contradictory light on war.

Let’s break it down.

Christianity: The Ideal of Nonviolence

Christianity, at its core, rejects war. If one genuinely follows Jesus’ teachings, there is no justification for violence. He preached non-judgment, refused to defend himself, and willingly accepted death. If everyone followed this philosophy, the world would be full of love and free from violence.

Yet, no Christian nation truly follows this doctrine. The Crusades remain one of history’s most shameful contradictions—wars waged in the name of peace. Many Christians still believe their way of life is the only righteous way to live.

Judaism: Justice and Survival

In Judaism, war is permitted when it aligns with justice and survival. The Torah teaches the importance of upholding God’s law, defending one’s people, and punishing enemies when necessary. This tribal wisdom served well 4,000 years ago and still holds relevance today. “Us vs. Them” conflicts (e.g., U.S. vs. Al-Qaeda) fit neatly within this framework. However, the danger is clear: if you are on the other side (e.g., Palestinians), then justice becomes subjective.

Islam: A Struggle for Righteousness

When interpreted correctly, Islam emphasizes justice, discipline, and submission to God. It has not been as diluted over time as Christianity, but it too suffers from rigidity—if you are not Muslim, you are considered wrong.

A fascinating irony: both Jews and Muslims believe in the same God, share the same lineage from Abraham, and recognize many of the same prophets. Yet, they view each other as enemies. Logically, at least one of them must be wrong—perhaps both.

If I follow any of these traditions, I would choose Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam. Open-minded, deeply spiritual, and full of love for God and people, it offers a path that transcends dogma. As Rumi, the Sufi poet, wrote:

"It’s not always a blind man who falls into a pit. Sometimes, it’s one who can see.
A holy one does sometimes fall,
but by that tribulation, he or she ascends,
escapes many illusions, escapes conventional religion,
escapes being so bound to phenomena."

Hinduism: A Vast Web of Beliefs

Hinduism is expansive and full of wisdom, but in the grand scheme of history, it has failed to provide unity. Religious persecutions—both of Buddhists and Muslims—have shaped its past. While it offers profound insight into personal growth, its structure has not prevented internal strife.

Buddhism: A Philosophy, Not a Religion

Buddhism is unique because it does not function as a traditional “religion.” It teaches that all things in life are relative; thus, there is no absolute right or wrong. Its focus on mindfulness, compassion, and karma makes it highly adaptable.

Yet even Buddhism does not entirely reject war. A mindful warrior may still go to battle, but only if all other solutions have failed. This makes it perhaps the most pragmatic view—violence is a last resort, not an inevitability.

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Conclusion: What is the Answer?

If I have learned anything from these traditions, no single belief system holds the absolute truth. Religion shapes perspective, but perspective is not truth.

So what do I believe?
I believe in respecting all spiritual people equally—not judging their traditions but learning from them. If there is a divine truth, it must be more significant than one tribe, one book, or one set of rules.

In the end, scripture does not answer the question of war. It is responded to in the heart of the individual.