Letter: Human rights and dignity

I awoke this morning to dismal reading on the front page of The Jakarta Post: “Hard-line groups target Christianity with sharia law”, (June 28).

My thoughts went to a poem written some years ago.  I have written nothing original below, just the voice of reason.  The real issue will always be human rights and human dignity.  Without human rights and human dignity, there is no law of God. 

Perhaps this timeless poem by Richard Harris (1930–2002), adapted freely, may speak to everyone. I hope reasonable people will read it and understand:

There are too many people speaking in my name in Bekasi,pledging their blood to flood out my ballot box with deeds of their own.

Who put you there?
Who told you that that was your place?

You carry me secretly naked in your heart and clothe me publicly in armor,
crying “God is on our side,” yet I openly cry.
Who is on mine?
Who?
Tell me, who?

The antiquated sword,
rusty in its scabbard of time now rises—
you gave it cause in my name,
bringing shame to my message of brotherhood, love and peace.

Your city is partitioned,
but in contrition,
it is the partition,
in your hearts that you must abolish.

There is no issue stronger than the tissue of love,
no need as holy as the palm outstretched in the run of
generosity,
no monstrosity greater than the acre you inflict.
Who gave you the right to increase your fold
and decrease the pastures of other flocks?
Who gave you the right?
Who gave it to you?
Who?
And in whose name do you fight?

Yes I am in heaven,
but I am also here,
hear me.
I am in you,
feel me.
I am of you,
be me.
I am with you,
see me.
I am for you,
need me.
I am in all mankind;
only through kindness will you reach me.
...

Phillip Turnbull
BSD City, Banten