Religious Silk

Silk roads, sand and sea began the connection of the world within a world. On cultural levels it was a beautiful thing to share with one another the different ways of life. Financially and economically it spread wealth to those trading states, which of course always leads to the want of more wealth and power and therefore greed. I guess one must sacrifice to get what they want, the question is what are we willing to sacrifice? The goods exchanged on the silk roads were more for the wealthy and not the basic necessities for the common person who was still providing for him self and his immediate family. We see here the beginnings of what money can buy. The good news is it was not at the level it is today, but it was just a matter of time. Commoners were still able to have land to till and grow their own food or food for the small community in which all was shared.

No matter how balanced the time frame was, times change, people change and the all-ruling government changes too. A separation of peasants and the upper class became so divided. Fortunately for the peasants they were the majority of the population and were more easily able to rebel. Although they were not successful, over time they get their point across.

Buddhism was strong in China, but it seems peace never truly wins. Although Buddhism has survived it hasn't been a ruling mechanism. And, although Jesus is compared to the Buddha on many levels, Christianity as a religion is far more harsh than, I believe, Jesus would have conducted.

As Islam rose and dominated most of the world's population at the time (which is a frightening thought nowadays), Christianity held tight in Europe. Christianity, however, didn't have the quick spread of converting people as Islam had. In fact there is a quote saying, Islam "came closer than any ever came to uniting all mankind under its ideals," (p.210). What stopped them from advancing? Was it Christianity that held them off? If so, it is a bigger picture type of thing? Is Jesus truly the Savior for all? Or, is Islam making a violent comeback? Or, will the Jews finally claim their promise land and show the world they are the chosen people?

No matter, the world will keep on turning and changing. As centuries pass so will upheavals and violence and then maybe peace will have its time. When it comes to religion it seems it constantly morphs into the next best idea, so who can predict what will happen. One thing we can count on is the greed and selfishness of people. As long as there is wealth and power to be gained, there will be someone to walk in the shoes and ride the silk roads for someones wants.