Equality

Scriptures of all faiths proclaim the equality of all people: rich and poor, black and white, men and women, from the East and from the West. Yet this lofty ideal is rarely matched in practice. Operating from our limited cultural perspectives, we are prone to treat people who seem alien or different with discrimination and prejudice. Even in democratic societies that proclaim equality as a central principle, racial and cultural prejudices are still widespread.

What is the basis of equality? First, the Abrahamic faiths ground equality in our common origin in God the creator and in our common parentage from Adam and Eve. Next, there are ethical and legal provisions to treat all people equally. Third is recognition that all people regardless of their race or class are equally capable of achieving enlightenment and self-realization. In Father Moon’s view, however, none of these are sufficient for the attainment of true equality. True equality must be grounded in divine love and its practice by living for the sake of others. His ultimate prescription for bridging the gulf between races and cultures: interracial and intercultural marriage, where all prejudices are burned up in the fire of love.