‘One Book For Peace‘ is an initiative by the Inter-religious Council in Bosnia-Herzegovina created by journalist Mirnes Kovač, two theologians and the agency, Y&R’s New Moments in Belgrade. It parallels verses taken from the Bible and the Quran to show that on themes such as One God, Peace, Justice, Love, Family, Relationships and Neighbors, Sanctity of life, Compassion, Forgiveness, Helping Others and Hope, both Holy Books say strikingly similar things.
It is no secret that the Quran and the Bible have many common themes, and that both books contain references to over 50 of the same people and events. However we cannot overlook the fact that they also differ significantly on many important points.
In a video made to promote One Book For Peace, the narrator says, “There is so much more that unites us than sets us apart”, and he speaks about bringing the 2 religions closer as well as bringing the teachings of the Quran and the Bible together.
“The ONE is a unique challenge and an invitation for us to rise together as “the one” against the pestilence that threatens the only future we have in which we will either all live together peacefully or we will fail together. We see this ONE exactly as that Light of peace and calamity that belongs to everyone,” says the author, Mirnes Kovač.
But is ‘ONE peace’ or ‘world peace’ really possible? And as Christians, should we be striving for it? Unfortunately, because of the fallen state of man, this ideal is not achievable. Our own human efforts may seem noble for a time, but are in reality, futile. It is only when Jesus comes back for His Bride that there will be everlasting peace on the ‘new earth’ where, “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4).
Until that Day, our responsibility as Christians is not to strive in our own efforts for any humanistic endeavors for peace, but to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with all men, that they may repent and find “peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1), until the day of Christ’s return when we will, “…meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
Article compiled by Louise Carter
Image: Flickr/CC – BrotherMagneto
