"Cyrus was distinguished no less as statesman than as a soldier. His statesmanship was particularly evident in his treatment of newly conquered peoples. By pursuing a policy of generosity instead of repression, and by favoring local religions, he was able to make his new subjects into enthusiastic supporters. A good example of this policy is his treatment of the Jews in Babylon. The Bible records that a remnant of the Jewish population returned to the Promised Land from Babylon, following an edict from Cyrus to rebuild the Temple, fully reproduced in the Book of Ezra. As a result of Cyrus' policies, the Jews honored him as a dignified and righteous king. He is the only Gentile to be designated as a messiah (divinely-appointed king) in the Tanakh. Koresh (Hebrew for Cyrus) is a common name for streets in Israel and is a relatively common Israeli family name."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyrus
Now, if this king who lived approximately 2500 years ago could get it right, why can't we nowadays? I'm asking this question. Can anyone explain to me, why it is that when a country is conquered, it's people and their religious beliefs must be humiliated and thrown into submission instead of given the same rights and liberties as the invading force?
Koroush certainly was ahead of his time.
Originally posted by stockenSo in other words, sell your beliefs, lose your religion, dismiss everything
"Cyrus was distinguished no less as statesman than as a soldier. His statesmanship was particularly evident in his treatment of newly conquered peoples. By pursuing a policy of generosity instead of repression, and by favoring local religions, he was able to make his new subjects into enthusiastic supporters. A good example of this policy is his treatment of ...[text shortened]... me rights and liberties as the invading force?
Koroush certainly was ahead of his time.
your faith taught you, and become a hypocrite joining your enemy's religion
so that they welcome you in open arms.
Sell God words for acres.
I am not saying conquer and humiliate. Live in peace, don't force your
religion upon them but teach them its qualities. Only then, they would be
your own people.
Originally posted by PeachyKoroush didn't force his beliefs on others. That was what I meant by him being way ahead of his time. He conquered their countries, but then left the leaders in place if their people wanted to. He didn't oppress people and he actually wrote the first charter of human rights. Women and men equals. Religion, race, culture, sex - all considered equal in the eyes of the state. I think that made him a great king, and the very reason there was peace in that part of the world for over 200 years. Until Alexander the pittiful decided to invade.
I am not saying conquer and humiliate. Live in peace, don't force your
religion upon them but teach them its qualities. Only then, they would be
your own people.
Originally posted by Peachydon't force your religion upon them but teach them its qualities
So in other words, sell your beliefs, lose your religion, dismiss everything
your faith taught you, and become a hypocrite joining your enemy's religion
so that they welcome you in open arms.
Sell God words for acres.
I am not saying conquer and humiliate. Live in peace, don't force your
religion upon them but teach them its qualities. Only then, they would be
your own people.
And let them teach you theirs.
Originally posted by PeachyAh, its qualities like in christianity, the inquisitions, the witch hunts,
So in other words, sell your beliefs, lose your religion, dismiss everything
your faith taught you, and become a hypocrite joining your enemy's religion
so that they welcome you in open arms.
Sell God words for acres.
I am not saying conquer and humiliate. Live in peace, don't force your
religion upon them but teach them its qualities. Only then, they would be
your own people.
and the crusades. Yes indeed, teach them your qualities.