The tone was set with a viewing of the video “Respect the religious beliefs of others,” a public service announcement that illustrates one of 21 precepts of The Way to Happiness, a nonreligious moral code based wholly on common sense. More than 100 million copies of The Way to Happiness booklet have been passed hand-to-hand since 1981 when L. Ron Hubbard crafted it to fill the moral vacuum in what he described as “an increasingly materialistic society.”
One of the guests discussed a project to create an atmosphere of dialogue and understanding in Israel and his “All Country Peace Café” where people of all faiths can meet and talk over their differences. He shared his insight into grassroots actions among Jews and Muslims to promote peace.
Ms. Sabine Weber, Public Affairs Director of the Church of Scientology Berlin who hosted the open house spoke of the more than 2 million Hebrew and Arabic copies of The Way to Happiness that have been distributed in the Middle East, most of them in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Strip—that the booklets provide a moral guideline that transcends religious and ethnic boundaries. Ms. Weber pointed out the very virtues highlighted in the booklet as promoting happiness, such as kindness, tolerance and compassion, are essential to resolve the decades-long violence in that region and anywhere else where conflicts rage.
The presentation ended with the airing of another The Way to Happiness public service announcement—“Try To Treat Others As You Would Want Them To Treat You”— positive direction for people of all faiths who wish to live in harmony.
Those attending spanned the religious compass, and all agreed that working together is the key. As one guest summarized it, “It is people, not government, that will bring about positive change and peace.”
For more information on the Church of Scientology Berlin, visit their website at www.scientology-berlin.org. For more information on The Way to Happiness visit The Way to Happiness website at www.twth.org.
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The Scientology religion was founded by author and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard. The first Church of Scientology was formed in the United States in 1954 and has today expanded to more than 10,000 Churches, Missions and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 167 nations.
Happiness and strength endure only in the absence of hate. To hate alone is the road to disaster. To love is the road to strength. To love in spite of all is the secret of greatness. And may very well be the greatest secret in this universe.~~
