Time and again we see leaders and members of religions incite aggression, fanaticism, hate, and xenophobia - even inspire and legitimate violent and bloody conflicts.
Hans KungRead
All historical experience demonstrates the following: Our earth cannot be changed unless in the not too distant future an alteration in the consciousness of individuals is achieved.
Interpretation
Real change in the world requires a shift in individual consciousness.
This quote emphasizes that the transformation of our planet is fundamentally linked to the awakening of human consciousness. It suggests that collective progress is not just about actions and policies, but also deeply rooted in how individuals perceive and understand their roles in the world, urging a personal and societal evolution in thinking to create meaningful change.
In practice
During a speech about climate change, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of personal responsibility.
Time and again we see leaders and members of religions incite aggression, fanaticism, hate, and xenophobia - even inspire and legitimate violent and bloody conflicts.
But I have to add - and this answers your other question - this catholicity in time and in space is only meaningful for me if there is, at the same time, a concentration on the Gospel.
However, if the religions in essence merely repeat statements from the United Nations Human Rights Declaration, such a Declaration becomes superfluous; an ethic is more than rights.
We are conscious that religions cannot solve the economic, political and social problems of this earth.
At the same time we are aware that our various religions and ethical traditions often offer very different bases for what is helpful and what is unhelpful for men and women, what is right and what is wrong, what is good and what is evil.
In the last resort, a love of God without love of humanity is no love at all.
You don't need to invade a place or install a new government to help bring about a positive change.
We are not going to achieve a new world order without paying for it in blood as well as in words and money.
When it comes to dealing with the world's climate and energy challenges, I have a simple rule: change America, change the world.
I have heard it said that winter, too, will pass, that spring is a sign that summer is due at last. See, all we have to do is hang on.
The solution may be for a lot of the world's problems is to turn around and take a forward step. You can't just keep trying to make a flawed system work.
When there's a disappointment, I don't know if it's the end of the story. It may just be the beginning of a great adventure.
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