The Need for Respect

I had the amazing opportunity to visit Istanbul, Turkey during Christmas Break. While visiting one of the many breathtaking mosques, I noticed 3 ladies (also visitors) who did not cover their heads. I do not follow the Islamic
religion, but I was a bit offended. Mosques are not public places, visitors do not have to be allowed inside. In fact, the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem is closed to visitors because there were so many instances of disrespect of their holy place. Is it really so much to ask to put a scarf or hood on for the 20 minutes that you are inside? That 20 minutes makes a huge difference to the people that actually use the mosque to worship.

But of course, I am religious and can relate to people who hold things spiritually sacred. If you can't imagine why any plot of land would be worth more than another then just picture that you have a brand new, clean carpet and then a neighbor comes over and walks on it with shoes on. Its just carpet, what's the big deal? Why is it any more special than the old tile you have in the rest of your home?

Mosques, churches, temples and homes are not just buildings. They are places where respect is required by those who hold these places sacred and dear. So much of the evil going on in our world today comes from a lack of respect. Racism and reverse racism are two issues that we have heard a lot about lately. The bottom line is be nice to each other. Nothing gets done when whites blame blacks and blacks blame whites. The same goes for gay rights and gender identity. Just because I may not agree with a certain lifestyle doesn't mean I shouldn't be nice and respect those who choose that life.

I am not saying that we should have an "anything goes" attitude or restrict what we say because it might offend someone. Respect works both ways. Too many people get offended at the smallest things. There is an entire play making fun of the Mormon religion, but has the church attempted to sue the producers? No. They have instead encouraged people to look into what our real beliefs are. If I choose to pray before a sports game, those that don't believe in God should not be offended; just as I won't be offended if you do not pray. We live in a supposedly tolerant society, let's act like it. It is possible to share a differing opinion while still being sensitive to other beliefs.

Politics, Religion, Race, and Culture should not divide us as people, they should instead cause creativity and further our continual quest for truth. All it takes is a little respect.