Halos of the Peace Culture
To get to know and understand the other, share values, engage in the adventure of reaching universality with them Dialogue, tolerance, empathy, to love and respect one another
Isn't this what the Divine Will wants?Isn't this how the peace process begins?
Such an attitude at individual level brings harmony and balance, whereby the soul reaches tranquillity and calmness.That person will be respected, loved, will become a person to be consulted with, radiate light in all directions.Halos will form around such a person; well-being, happiness will be experienced; the consciousness of eternity will be reinforced.
Halos will widen, communicate with similar halos.Together they spread the messages of love.A common struggle against evil, intolerance, brutality, ignorance will begin.Perhaps it is for the sake ofthe halos of dialogue and peace that we continue our existence
Halos are structures of culture.They are a body of values formed by knowledge, consciousness, love, faith and conscience The faith dimension is the paste, texture of these structures of culture.Faith systems that have adopted the understanding of not violating the rights of other people, of help, giving alms, and the understanding of 'If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also' adopt the peace culture.
Halos of the peace culture reach an influential position and become stronger if they come together institutionalised and establish dialogue.First, they correct misunderstandings.This way, the grounds for hostility are eliminated.Giving messages to the public, masses mitigate the emphasis on "the other".
The leader at the centre of the halo goes and embraces the other.Messages of peace spread.When leaders embrace, masses turn towards thought.Their own leader has embraced the leader of the mass they used to regard as an enemy.Some things are happening.They themselves should now embrace their neighbour who is "the other".
This is how the process of dialogue between cultures or religions begins.
Institutionalisation is solemnity, it means becoming influential.The atmosphere of interreligious dialogue was new for Turkey.There might have been reservations.But why should those sure of themselves and of their faith be reserved
Religious leaders sure of themselves had gone and talked to Christian leaders before.Their talk had made significant contributions to the universal peace process.
When the world has already 'become a global village', when the means of communication can now reach the remotest spots of the earth, you must establish dialogue whether you want it or not.While democratic regimes are becoming universal you cannot run away from the effect of the propaganda of thought and faith.Both Islam and Christianity are religions of communication.Each Muslim is liable with the mission of communicating their own religion.Without dialogue you cannot fulfill your mission to communicate.
The above understanding has led us to the establishment of the Intercultural Dialogue Platform.
[Prof. Dr. Niyazi Oktem, President of the IDP]
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