What do the recent events in Egypt and Black History Month have in common? Other than both being the theme of our last Peace Feast, the main commonality, I believe, is the use of cultural power over political power.

No one would deny that transnational terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and its affiliates or Taliban-related fighters in Afghanistan and Pakistan are sworn enemies of the U.S. What I would like to highlight here is that "Islam" equals Sharia law, and Sharia law equals a system inherently bent on world domination.

Ahmed is Muslim. I am Christian. And we are friends. In fact, since we met about 10 months ago, Ahmed has become one of my dearest friends on the planet. A native of Afghanistan, Ahmed became my pal last April in India. Ahmed had come to Delhi to improve his English skills and to pursue a Masters degree in Political Science, and he was already enrolled in the language school when I arrived on the scene.

I was at a Muslim-Christian Dialogue at Eastern Mennonite University when the announcement was made: Egypt has toppled President Hosni Mubarak. What can we learn? 

During the Second World War, not a single Bulgarian Jew died in a concentration camp, largely because of the compassionate bravery of Metropolitan Kyril.

I am fascinated by the phenomenon of religion, how it developed over the millennia in various parts of the world; and how followers of the two largest religions – Islam and Christianity – can dig into the treasures of their traditions and invest those resources to build a more peaceful and righteous world.

Imam Ashafa and Pastor James each led rival, warring militias in Nigeria - each intent on protecting their people from the abuses and encroachment of the other. In 1995, a mutual friend brought Imam Ashafa and Pastor James together and told them that they could end much of the violence if they would just get to know one another. So they gave it a shot.

In an attempt to honor the contribution Dr. King has made to the cause of peace, I intend to craft a blog entry each day of this work week highlighting some person or group who is heroically promoting peace in the way of Jesus. Today, I will focus the spotlight on Dr. King himself. 

Peace Catalyst recognized a variety of peacemaking religious leaders Thursday night, during the second annual Peacemakers Summit, hosted by Peace Catalyst. Catered by a local Pakistani restaurant, the event was a celebration of peacemakers faithfully serving their respective communities as artists, academics and community leaders.