Since the beginning of human existence, we have tried various forms of governments and religions, and formed organizations to meet the needs of society. Monarchy, Democracy, and Dictatorship are among the many forms of government in existence. Yet their people are unhappy, either because of the economy, terrorism, or war. What about the world’s religions? Catholicism, Buddhism, and Taoism are just a tip of the iceberg. Of the ones I mentioned, statistics show that their supporters are dwindling. People are now following their own way of life or the “Worship God in your own way” religion. Why is that? Is it because of their leader’s disposition? Or is it something more?
In my life time I have observed these problems and wondered as a child what is going on. Why can’t we seem to live in harmony? Wars are fought between nations who claim to serve the Almighty, while others commit crimes in the name of their deity. There also exists corporate greed and those who worship the almighty dollar tied to a nation’s economic woes. I see those who organize to eliminate the latter have good ideas before being elected into office. However, unforeseen occurrence follows them, snuffing out the life of a prominent figure many believed would change our world for the better. Those after them may have similar interests or a totally different agenda altogether.
So why, for over 6000 years, mankind is still being plagued by war, terrorism, pestilence, and death? I ask the ones I interviewed to explain their answer if they could.
Christina Alfaro
“There could be various reason why these terrible things and/or events are happening–I don’t know. What I do know is everyone around the world is culturally different, and world peace is probably highly unlikely to come. Without being similar, this is going to sadly continue.”
Darci Stuhlman
“War, terrorism, pestilence, and death will not cease until the causes of major conflicts are eliminated. We cannot expect peace until we become tolerant of others and, as a society, are willing to become compassionate towards others. Pestilence is an unavoidable evil. All we can do is prepare for it.”
Alfonso Caballero
“The ignorance of mankind is extensive. We aren’t capable of solving conflicts any other way. When groups of us come together in confrontation, we revert to our animal instincts-violence.”
Brian Gadd
“It all goes back to the saying “The grass is always greener on the other side.” The reason we have war is because we want the other guy’s “grass” (in a sense).”
The real answer is found in God’s word the Bible at Psalms 146 Verses 3-5: “Do not put your trust in nobles, nor the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs. His spirit goes out; he goes back to his ground; in that day his thoughts do perish. Happy is the one who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in Jehovah his God.”
This is JG the Traveler AKA: Othello Gooden Jr., ending the Winter Quarter with this issue’s On the Spot.