What Does the Following Mean for our “Civilization” and Those Who are its “Leaders?”

by Tom Arnold, ©2026

(Oct. 26, 2026) — Judging from today’s widespread hate speech, intolerance, and violence, I’m guessing that the answer could be very little or nothing.  Think about it.

I shouldn’t have to tell you how to interpret, or the hidden meaning of, the following facts, not that I’m some kind of expert or gifted person.  I am not.  Most of us, myself certainly included, are just fairly ordinary individuals.  In our 1st Amendment-protected way here in America, we are free to think and, when appropriate, free to endeavor to make a positive difference.  That’s what this “exercise” of mine is designed to do.

So, I ask you to consider the below information in light of what seems to be going on in our country and in other places around the world. Shouldn’t the implications of these things be something that we think about, that we try to analyze and understand, and that about which we should strive to reach a “meeting of the minds?” Hopefully, before it is too late.

I call to your attention that there exists a unique location on earth where there is one of the most religious and politically significant (although at times contested) pieces of land.  Undoubtedly, there are similar places elsewhere, but this particular sacred location is the one which always comes to my mind.  The location is THE TEMPLE MOUNT in Jerusalem.  It is composed of three different, but apparently somehow co-existing, pieces of ground for religions which on the surface seem to be somewhat at odds with each other.  These are:  THE WESTERN WALL OF JUDAISM; THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE OF CHRISTIANITY;  and THE AL-AQSA MOSQUE DOME OF THE ROCK OF ISLAM.  Notably, all have prophets, gods, and religious writings which are not altogether different from each other or which are destined to cause others to become enemies.

With all due respect to warring countries of the world and their leaders, whether they represent these specific religions or others, HOW DOES THIS WORK?  How is PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE being achieved?  It looks as if it can be done, doesn’t it?  What besides differences of opinion is standing in the way?  Do so-called civilized societies really want to carry out killing each other or committing genocide?  I am aware, of course, that such things have been happening in mankind pretty much since the beginning of time, but does that justify Man’s inhumanity to man?  Is it a consequence of where the so-called buck stops at the top? Is it not uncommon to find unqualified, self-obsessed and for all practical purposes amoral or evil “leaders?”  

I choose to honor and abide by civility and God’s 6th Commandment.