According to a recent Gallup poll, approximately 90% of the American public
believe in God and attend church, mosque or temple, if not regularly, at least
on some occasions. If you are one of those who do not, hopefully, someday you
may affiliate yourself with a community of believers who meet on a regular basis
to encourage and be of service to one another.
This web site represents the Gentle Survivalist newsletter, established in 1991.
The purpose of any newsletter is to serve as a forum for readers who have a particular
special interest. There are thousands of different special interest newsletters, name
your interest, and there is probably a newsletter to serve your need to communicate and
receive support.
TGS means no disrespect to our non believing brothers and sisters by saying that
we publish for those who believe in the Great Creator. Our readers include Moslems,
Buddhists, Amish, Mormons, Protestants, Catholics, Sufi, Ba’Hai, Native Americans and
others. The Editor believes in Christ and is not ashamed to declare that He is the Son
of God. Among Gentle Survivalists who do not fully believe in His divinity, there is
only respect, no argument. This is a rare thing among such a diverse group, but Gentle
Survivalists are a rare breed. We not only allow others their faith, but it doesn’t
irritate or annoy us when the other makes a pronouncement of faith. Each of us believes
that faith is an integral part of a developing soul that should not be attacked.
Our Jewish friends look forward to the coming of the Messiah, our Islamic friends
look forward to the coming of the great Imam, and our Native friends look forward to the
return of the Elder Brother, Healer and God of the Winds. In these matters we look forward
in faith, not argument.
The particular special interests that bind us together are first: the knowledge that
we are all brothers and sisters of a Great Father who has given us a wonderful world to
love and protect and secondly: that the many great trials and suffering we have survived
only serve to awaken us more fully to the realization that we are all one and have much
truth about divinity to share with one another.
Having spent most of my formative years with Native Americans, I learned to let
others believe whatever they choose to believe and love all people as my relatives. In
the Native teachings I have received, there are two paths: One for those who believe in
God and the Great Creator and one for those who do not. We all differ in our traditions
of worship, ceremonies and creation stories or doctrine, but there is no need among
believers for divisive argument. It is good thing to learn what others believe and not
be afraid to ask questions. We take what the Spirit of Truth tells us to take and quietly
discard the rest without offense, harsh words or anger. Those who deny the
Christian-Judeo-Islamic view of God, or the Native American teachings of the Great Spirit
and Creator are free to do so, but should not be offended that TGS, as a special interest
newsletter has no room for disbelief on the basic concept that we are all brothers and
sisters of divine origin.
The Hopi Elders say the time is so short that there is really no time for significant
change because it takes a long time to change and walk the true path. With the help of a
Hopi interpreter, Art Bell interviewed two elders, a Grandmother and Grandfather, for the
first time in broadcast history and it has been transcribed for all to read at www.artbell.com
It details prophecies of the last days and Christ’s return. My adopted Taos and Hopi Grandfathers
and Grandmothers also taught me many wonderful things.
I have been taught that the powers of darkness are constantly at work, trying to tear down
anyone that attempts to do good or testify of the truth. I do not look down that path, as it
leads nowhere. I refuse to be politically or religiously correct . . . by that I mean, holding
my tongue or pen if it might displease someone or some segment of society, for this I believe,
is the beginning of fascism. To remain free, Americans must not be afraid to speak out.
The intended purpose of The Gentle Survivalist is to encourage survivors of traumatic events,
accidents, oppression, difficulty, handicaps, persecution and pain within the framework of faith.
These Gentle Folks refuse to bow to discouragement and oppression, always seeking and finding God’s
light to sustain them in their darkest hours.
We do not discriminate against our brothers and sisters who do not believe, on the contrary,
we pray that someday they might embrace faith, but we will not alter our focus to incorporate disbelief.
Newsletters are, by definition, special interest. If you have an interest in developing a relationship
with a loving Heavenly Father, you might enjoy our site. We not only tolerate other points of
God-centered belief, but are not ashamed to say what we believe. In fact, we encourage it.
We don’t expect others to automatically accept all we say, but encourage everyone to study,
fast, pray and meditate to receive the assurance of the Spirit of Truth. If our belief seems
to exclude you, we beg your forgiveness and are sorry for giving offense. Sorry far more,
however, is the Father who loved the world enough to give us all our own free agency with
which we might reject Him. In peace,
Laura Martin-Buhler- Editor
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