Shabait.com (Asmara)
15 September 2007
editorial
Asmara — Eritreans are one of the first people who accepted the Christian and Islamic faiths. They accepted Christianity as early as the 3rd century and Islam was introduced while the Prophet Mohammed was still alive. In most parts of the world religious beliefs were usually introduced and enforced along with invasions or the people were lured into their respective beliefs through incentives. The Eritrean people were neither forced nor persuaded through incentives into their beliefs but had accepted them for their content and value. As the Eritrean people understand that the basic philosophy behind all religions is to create social harmony, they have been able to cultivate an exemplary culture of respecting one another's choices.
Eritreans had lived under such lofty religious understanding and as a result enjoyed a rich spiritual contentment for over 14 centuries. In launching a united liberation struggle and sacrificing their lives, the Eritrean people have added a proud chapter to their unique history and as a result have been blessed with an ingrained culture of unity and respect of one another's beliefs. Anyone who wishes to understand Eritreans' spiritual enlightment need not go far but look at how they celebrate their religious holidays. In Eritrea the religious holidays of one faith are celebrated not only by the followers of that faith but are rather celebrated by everyone in the country, regardless of religious affiliation.
It is not possible then for a society in such a higher plane of spiritual understanding to make room for fundamentalism or even the newly emerging politically oriented faiths. Although some might try to tarnish Eritrea's image by making different baseless accusations, there is no one who can claim to possess higher spiritual and moral values so as to point fingers at Eritrea. Because Eritrean religious understanding is several steps ahead of those who seek to manipulate religion for political ends and then try to cover up their intentions by engaging in childish analyses.
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