Our Code*

CHAPTER FIVE

To live each day as if I were to meet my maker at sundown.
To be absolutely honest in all things with all people, especially myself.
To be unceasing in my search for truth. To be so straightforward, so simply truthful, that my slightest word will carry weight.
To strive to be absolutely unselfish in thought and action, for in the universal scheme of things selfishness has no place.
To be unswervingly loyal to high principle. To adhere to the right, even if it means the loss of friends.
To remember always that, as between right and wrong, there can be no compromise, but that as between my desires and those of others, compromise is a fine thing.
To try to see good in everyone no matter how unprepossessing.
To remember that all people everywhere are brothers and sisters and that irrespective of color, race, or creed, they deserve to be treated as such.
To remember that race "superiority" is largely an accident of birth and geography with no real basis of fact.
 
To aim at being able to say, with truth, I like all people.
To be humble, compassionate, kind, understanding, generous, earnest, forgiving, pure in heart, judging no one, and hungering for righteousness.
To give myself to the limit of my strength and ability to the service of others.
To shun all forms of pettiness, gossip, thoughts of revenge, and boastfulness.
To look for opportunities to do favors for those who do not like me.
To speak only good of a person or to speak not at all.
To keep the right perspective in life by realizing that all material things are of value only as they build lasting spiritual values. Faith, hope, and love are all that are lasting.
To spend some time each day in strengthening my spiritual muscles by probing my soul in search of its unsuspected capacities, its reservoirs of strength and inspiration, and in listening for God's message.
To have absolute faith in the goodness and justice of God.

To have the spiritual certainty that for the faithful follower of God everything is eternally all right.

This is my code, and the time to live it is now.
* adapted from "My Code As A Christian" by W A. Rolland and contributed by Dr. Edward G. Schott.

Larry Sands MacDonald
USA 53082-0011

July 20 , 1987

His Majesty
Sheik Khalifa bin Hamad al -Thani
The Ruler of the State of Qatar
Permanent Mission of Qatar to the U.N.
747 Third Ave., 22nd Floor
New York, NY 10017

Dear Sheik Khalifa bin Hamad al - Thani:

In doing an important research project I respectfully request your assistance.

It is my hope that you will reply and that you will grant me permission to publish your answer. I will see to it that everyone who does reply will receive a complimentary copy of the results.

Enclosed is statement entitled "My code as a Christian" which was written by W. A. Rolland. Also enclosed is an identical copy of the statement with the word "Christian" left off and the words "Human Being" added. On the third copy I would request that you insert a comparable word in the heading that applies to you and the religion or country that you represent. Then make changes in the text where you would differ substantially from Mr. Rolland.

My purpose is to look for similarities in all beliefs with the hope of drawing us all closer together. I thought this statement by W. A. Rolland would be a good place to start.

Also enclosed is a list of the religious and political leaders to whom I have sent identical letters today. If possible I would appreciate receiving a reply from you within ninety days. Please include a statement of your permission to publish your response.

Thank you for your help on this important research project.

Respectfully,

signature.jpg (4516 bytes)

Larry S. MacDonald

 

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Mr. Larry Sands MacDonald
Milwaukee, WI 53082-0011

Dear Mr. MacDonald,

Your letter of July 20, 1987 addressed to his Highness the Ruler of the State of Qatar was received at this Mission. We commend your research project aiming at identifying a common ground of moral values among the religions of the world.

We find the text attached to your letter adequate in outlining the moral values of Islam. We have inserted the appropriate word in the heading and found no need to effect any changes in the text. The said document is returned to you herewith. Permission to publish our response is hereby given.

Sincerely,

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Nassir Al-Nasser
Charge d'Affaires a.i.

 

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