Thereis in bothreligions a traditional practice ofsalutation which can bridge relations and produce an “indescribable friendship and love amongindividuals.” Muslim andChristian alike makethe salutation of peace. In Biblical times, this greeting is a salutation of goodwill among members of the community of believers of Jesus Christ (MPBUH).In the Gospel of Matthew,it is related that when Jesus Christ (MPBUH)senthis 12 apostles to preach the word of Godto thelost sheep ofIsrael, he gave them thefollowing instructions, among other things, thus: “When yougointo a house, say “peace be with you!”9° In the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (MPBUH), “The worthiest person with God and the Prophet is one whosalutesfirst.” Says he: “The meanest among people is he who shows meanestin salutation.” The Prophet (MPBUH)of Islam was quoted to have said of this admirable tradition, thus: I swear to God on whose hand mylife is, that you cannot go to heaven and enjoy eternal happiness unless you have faith, and you cannot have faith unless you love each other. Should I not guide you towards sometask as a result of the performance of which love and friendship are produced among you? They answered: Yes, O Prophet ofGod. He added:So, salute each other openly. Islam and Christianity preach too the virtues of cleanliness, honesty, good neighborliness andsimilar values. SOCIAL REALITIES Doesthis social order and environmentobtain in the country? Dothese social features of both Islam and Christianity form betterparts of oursocial structure? The Filipinos pride themselvesas the only Christian country in Asia, but the country’s social system, in mostparts, is anything but Christian. Neither Muslim. Everywhere we see people whocall themselves Christian but they do not exemplify the teachings oftheirreligion. In the forms of horse-racing and cockfighting, gambling is a dominant national pastime and,to a large degree, a wayoflife among rural folks. Casino and high-stake games of chance where established by governments in thecities to lure big-spending foreign gamblersto the country andlocals for the profit. To regulate the operations of gambling establishments in the country, the governmentcreated the Philippine Games and AmusementBoard andthe Philippine Racing Commission and supported various gamingassociations. °° Matthew 10:11-14 27