I am wondering (ritual, morals, Tanakh, beliefs, spiritual)

[ChristineES]

Although I am a Christian, I like to read the writings of other religions and I like to read about the beliefs of other religions. I actually find some truths in what they say, as they are similar to what I already believe. What I am wondering is if anyone else does this? Do you read other religions writings? Why or why not? If so, do you find similarities between your faith and others or do you find totally incompatible with what you believe?
I would like this conversation to remain civil which is why it is not in the debate section. I am really very interested in what anyone has to say (if anyone does, that is).

[Halcyon]

Originally Posted by ChristineES

Although I am a Christian, I like to read the writings of other religions and I like to read about the beliefs of other religions. I actually find some truths in what they say, as they are similar to what I already believe. What I am wondering is if anyone else does this? Do you read other religions writings? Why or why not? If so, do you find similarities between your faith and others or do you find totally incompatible with what you believe?
I would like this conversation to remain civil which is why it is not in the debate section. I am really very interested in what anyone has to say (if anyone does, that is).

I read about as many different faiths and forms of spirituality as possible, although reading the source texts themselves can get a little tedious in my opinion, i much prefer reading people's interpretations and understandings.

I find most religions have common ground, especially on the important things like morals, but even on the broader aspects of deity (if they have one).
Where they tend to differenciate is in the specifics, like they say "the devil is in the details", this is where people start to argue about, what i consider, really very minor and petty matters that cause rifts and splits within religious communities and go on to label some as heretics or cults.

[Guitar's Cry]

Originally Posted by Halcyon

I read about as many different faiths and forms of spirituality as possible, although reading the source texts themselves can get a little tedious in my opinion, i much prefer reading people's interpretations and understandings.

I agree with this. It's important to look at other people's points-of-view. We all seem to be in this existence thing together, using different lenses and frames to make sense of it all.

By attempting to understand another's symbolism, we compare and contrast it to our own and gain a better understanding of our relationship with the outside world.

It's only dark in the cave because we have nothing to compare it to!

[Inky]

I want to start reading more religious texts, starting with the Tanakh. I may be having a trade with a friend of mine where I borrow his Tanakh and he borrows my New Testament. Go edification. : )

[The_Evelyonian]

I'm a Christian and I enjoy reading other religious texts. I started reading them because I wanted to know what the other religions believed in and i figured reading their source texts was a good way to find out.

[Aqualung]

I have to - I go to a religious school. I enjoy reading about other religions, though. It's one of my passions. It's really cool to see where they agree and where they contradict what I believe to be true. I have never read anything that was completely contradictory, but I have also never read anything that matched up squarely. Some have come close, though, and some have been pretty far away.

[may]

i think everone should look into different religions then they can see the truth very clearly .