Finding the Cure for Today’s Social Ills 167

land of America is yours. Although two hundred years ago it was not
yours, you have come from other parts of the world and claimed it as
your land. Actually it is God’s land, and therefore it belongs to everyone,
since everyone is a child of God. But the vast majority of people have no
conception of God. Practically speaking, everyone is godless. Therefore
they should be educated to love God. In America, your government has
a slogan: ‘‘In God we trust.”’ Is that correct?

Lieutenant Mozee: Yes.

Srila Prabhupada: But where is the education about God? To trust is
very good, but simple trust will not endure unless it is backed up with
scientific knowledge of God. One may know that he has a father, but
unless he knows who his father is, his knowledge is imperfect. And that
education in the science of God is lacking.

Lieutenant Mozee: Do you feel that it’s lacking only here in the United
States?

Srila Prabhupada: No. Everywhere. The age we live in is called Kali-
yuga, the age of forgetting God. It is an age of misunderstanding and
quarrel, and the people’s hearts are filled with dirty things. But God is so
powerful that if we chant His holy name we become purified, just as my
disciples have become purified of their bad habits. Our movement is
based on this principle of chanting the holy name of God. We give every-
one the opportunity, without any distinction. They can come to our tem-
ple, chant the Hare Krsna mantra, take a little prasdda* as refreshment,
and gradually become purified. So if the governmental authorities give us
some facilities, then we can hold mass savikirtana. Then, without a doubt,
the whole society will change.

Lieutenant Mozee: If I understand you correctly, sir, you are saying that
we should emphasize a return to religious principles.

Srila Prabhupada: Certainly. Without religious principles what is the
difference between a dog and a man? Man can understand religion, but a
dog cannot. That is the difference. So if human society remains on the
level of dogs and cats, how can you expect a peaceful society? If you
bring a dozen dogs and put them together in a room, will it be possible to
keep them peaceful? Similarly, if human society is filled with men whose
mentality is on the level of dogs, how can you expect peace?
Lieutenant Mozee: If some of my questions sound disrespectful, it is
only because I do not completely understand your religious beliefs. I
mean no disrespect whatsoever.

*Food first offered to the Supreme Lord.
