In a world rife with conflict, where at least 23 wars are currently ongoing and the future of nations like Taiwan hangs in the balance, the role of religion in fostering peace has never been more pertinent. A recent event at the Church of Scientology Kaohsiung in Taiwan brought this to the forefront, emphasizing the transformative power of inner peace in promoting global harmony.
The Church of Scientology Kaohsiung recently hosted a multifaith forum, bringing together 42 religious leaders to discuss the theme: "How religion brings inner peace and therefore world peace." This gathering was not just a symbolic gesture but a profound statement on the potential of collective faith to address and mitigate global conflicts.
Taiwan, a beacon of democracy and religious freedom, currently faces significant challenges, including the looming military pressure from China. In such trying times, the coming together of religious leaders from diverse faiths, including Buddhists, Taoists, the Taiwan Tienti Church, the Catholic Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Unification Family Association, among others, sends a powerful message of unity and hope.
The forum began with a blessing ceremony, after which the religious leaders shared their insights on the central theme. The consensus was clear: inner peace, cultivated through religious and spiritual practices, can ripple outwards, influencing communities, nations, and ultimately, the world.
L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, has written extensively about the potential of rationality and spirituality to address global issues. In his book *Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health*, he posits that reason alone can resolve the world's problems. Further, in his 1976 article "Religious Influence in Society," Hubbard delves into the role of religion in shaping societal values, emphasizing that a society devoid of spiritual pursuits is vulnerable and fragile.
The president of the Taiwan Taoism Association, in his address to the gathering, echoed Hubbard's sentiments, emphasizing the pivotal role of religion in shaping the future of nations and the world at large. He stated, "We must use the power of our religion to change the world."
The Church of Scientology Taiwan, an Ideal Scientology Organization, has been at the forefront of promoting religious freedom and community service. Their efforts have been recognized by the Taiwan Ministry of the Interior, which has presented the Church with several annual Meritorious Religious Group Awards.
The multifaith forum at the Church of Scientology Kaohsiung serves as a testament to the power of collective faith in fostering peace. In a world where divisions often seem insurmountable, such gatherings remind us of the shared human values that bind us together. The path to global peace, it seems, begins with inner tranquility.