How do you practice your religion?

You are told that you are not to resist evil, but to turn the other cheek.

The world assumes that evil must be resisted by every means available.

You are told to love your enemies and bless those who curse you.

The world assumes that friends are to be loved and enemies hated.

You are told that the sun rises on the just and the unjust alike.

This world considers this undiscriminating—it would like to see clouds over evil people and is offended when they go unpunished.

You are told that outcasts and harlots enter the Kingdom of God before many who are perfunctorily righteous.

Again unfair, the world thinks—respectable people should head the procession.

You are told that the Gate to Salvation is narrow.

The world would prefer it to be broad.

You are told to be as carefree as birds and flowers.

The world counsels prudence.

You are told that it is more difficult for the rich to enter the Kingdom than for a camel to pass through a needle's eye.

The world admires wealth.

You are told that happy people are those who are meek—who weep—who are merciful and pure in heart.

The world assumes that it is the rich, the powerful and the well-born who are happy.

—Huston Smith