Why should diversity of religion exist?

[Spirit of Light]

For sure, I'm under vows to that effect. It's okay to have cursory looks at stuff, like we all do here on RF just by reading, but to go into into any great degree would be disloyal to your own teachings. For me it's very simple. But if others want to do multi-study, that's up to them. I also think it's sort of subtle and hopeful proselytising, suggesting you read something, hoping some idea will stick with you. A Father Brown of Sri Lanka back in the 30s iput it this way ... "our work with Hindus may not convert them to Catholicism, but neither will they remain good Hindus." It's the idea of placing a doubt.

Yes, I agree with you

 

[Vinayaka]

Ok, then it is not a problem for you, And I do not say it is wrong to walk into a church or mosque or temple but to listen to the sermon or take part in their prayer would not be the right effort in my understanding. But of course, you do as you feel is right for you

The Catholic priest is obliged by his community to refuse communion to anyone IF HE KNOWS they're not Catholic. When non-Hindus come on tour to the temple I go to, and I'm the host, it's a very very low key hosting. We oblige because they ask to come, but we make it quick. I don't offer them the sacraments we hand out.

 

[loverofhumanity]

Yes, as I said, to be friends with people from different religions or practices is no problem, but if we start to practice even just a little from their religion into what we ourselves have started to follow or cultivate, that is when the problem can occur. But friendship are ok

I agree. The practices are between the individual and his conscience. But that doesn’t mean we can’t associate with each other.

 

[Vinayaka]

Yes, as I said, to be friends with people from different religions or practices is no problem, but if we start to practice even just a little from their religion into what we ourselves have started to follow or cultivate, that is when the problem can occur. But friendship are ok

I'm friends with all kinds of people of different faiths. It's not a difficult thing to do. The only time the friendship ends is if they start proselytising at me. That destroys the friendship pretty quick. It's like shaking a stranger's hand, and the first thing they say to you is "I'm smarter then you are."

 

[Spirit of Light]

The Catholic priest is obliged by his community to refuse communion to anyone IF HE KNOWS they're not Catholic. When non-Hindus come on tour to the temple I go to, and I'm the host, it's a very very low key hosting. We oblige because they ask to come, but we make it quick.

As a cultivator of Falun Gong, I may speak to who i wish to speak with, But to read other spiritual texts except for the teaching in Falun Gong can even make it impossible for me to advance in wisdom from the teaching.
But When speaking or even here in RF, i have to be really careful not to take any teaching from others, and make it a part of my cultivation. Because it would make me a none follower of Li Hongzhi (the master in Falun Gong)

 

[Vinayaka]

As a cultivator of Falun Gong, I may speak to who i wish to speak with, But to read other spiritual texts except for the teaching in Falun Gong can even make it impossible for me to advance in wisdom from the teaching.
But When speaking or even here in RF, i have to be really careful not to take any teaching from others, and make it a part of my cultivation. Because it would make me a none follower of Li Hongzhi (the master in Falun Gong)

My questions to others are usually just to get a better understanding of where they're coming from, not because I'm interested. 'Know your audience."

 

[Spirit of Light]

My questions to others are usually just to ge t a better understanding of where they're coming from, not because I'm interested. 'Know your audience."

This is where I am at too now. Yes, I am still interested in spiritual lifestyle in general, But taking what others do in their practice lightly, because it is not from the same teaching that I cultivate.
Keeping it to only one teaching make it easier to not get astray

 

[Vinayaka]

This is where I am at too now. Yes, I am still interested in spiritual lifestyle in general, But taking what others do in their practice lightly, because it is not from the same teaching that I cultivate.
Keeping it to only one teaching make it easier to not get astray

I'm happy for you.

 

[Spirit of Light]

I'm happy for you.

And I am happy for you You take your spiritual practice seriously and that I find very good

 

[Bird123]

Although religion is meant to create love and unity it represents probably the largest group of ‘us and thems’ on the planet.

Some religions instead compete with one another for the number 1 spot and some leaders teach their followers that any other religion but theirs is satanic thus creating prejudices and hate between religions. There have even been wars so deep has the prejudice and hatred become.

But does it have to be like this?

Outwardly the different religions have different customs and traditions but inwardly they all strive for a higher purpose.

What would be the harm if we prayed and meditated and visited each other’s places of worship? In my travels I’ve visited Hindu Temples, Christian Churches, Muslim Mosques, Jewish Synagogues and Buddhist Pagodas and I found they all believe in truth and goodness.

So why don’t the religionists visit and worship together and establish friendship and fellowship because they all teach love and unity?

My wife and I who are of a different Faith have been visiting our local Catholic Church and we have made so many friends. They are so welcoming and loving. I believe if each religion extends true friendship to the other religions the time will come when diversity of religion will cease and we will be as one family.

What do you think?

I have found no religion that actually Understands God. On the other hand, I think bits of the puzzle are in all of them.

Religion is a catalyst that brings out so many of mankind's problems to the surface so they can be dealt with.

God gave everyone a different view to guaranty mankind a larger view than any one person could have.

Diversity is very very important to have on the path to the real truth.

Many many lessons will be learned in the interaction with those unlike ourselves.

People can choose to place EGO above all else, The need to rule and control others along with having to be Right whether one is or not can cause many problems that have to be worked out.

Given enough learning and lives, there will end up being only one Truth. It was staring everyone in the face all along. Until then, we must continue on our journey to perfection, our journey to Understanding.

It seem universal that everyone hates Drama, yet more learning is acquired around Drama than at almost any other time.

Well, that's what I see. It's very clear.

 

[stvdv]

Some religions instead compete with one another for the number 1 spot and some leaders teach their followers that any other religion but theirs is satanic thus creating prejudices and hate between religion

But does it have to be like this?

Humans have conscience. They can connect to Love or not

If majority connects to Love there is Peace

What do you think?

Awareness is the key. Knowledge sets free

 

[Heyo]

My understanding is that religion was always intended to foster friendship and love between people and that if it is a cause of wars and hatred then it would be better to be without it.

I think it was more about order and unity - within the society. Friendship and love were secondary. (Judged by the time the scriptures spend on those virtues.)
But we can't know that for sure. Most religions don't state their goal, they just are. With a clearly stated goal they could evaluate their success towards the objective and ask themselves if their methods are still up-to-date.

 

[Evangelicalhumanist]

Diversity of religion should exist for the sole reason
that preventing diversity would require oppression.

Wrong! Diversity of religion exists because the humans that make them up are diverse.

 

[Revoltingest]

Wrong! Diversity of religion exists because the humans that make them up are diverse.

I didn't say why it exists....only why it should exist,
or more specifically, why it shouldn't be prohibited
from existing.

 

[CG Didymus]

Yep.

I don't buy into Jewish liberalism. If something is true, you adhere to it through belief that it'll pull through, no matter what.

So how are Orthodox Jews taught to treat people of other religions? 'Cause as you well know, other religions teach that even though Judaism is a true religion, it has supposedly been left behind with new messages from God that Jews refuse to believe in.

 

[CG Didymus]

Abdul'baha offered this;

"When you meet those whose opinions differ from your own, do not turn away your face from them. All are seeking truth, and there are many roads leading thereto. Truth has many aspects, but it remains always and forever one. Do not allow difference of opinion, or diversity of thought to separate you from your fellow-men, or to be the cause of dispute, hatred and strife in your hearts. Rather, search diligently for the truth and make all men your friends." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 53

The problem. Some have differing religious "opinions" and are "seeking" the truth. Then, there are those that think they "know" the Truth and are no longer seeking the truth. So can Baha'is live by the things said in this quote, since they are in a religions that teaches that they are "The Truth" and are not seeking a different path? And, do Baha'is really believe that people in the other religions have a legitimate path to God? Like for instance a Fundy Christian?

 

[TransmutingSoul]

The problem. Some have differing religious "opinions" and are "seeking" the truth. Then, there are those that think they "know" the Truth and are no longer seeking the truth. So can Baha'is live by the things said in this quote, since they are in a religions that teaches that they are "The Truth" and are not seeking a different path? And, do Baha'is really believe that people in the other religions have a legitimate path to God? Like for instance a Fundy Christian?

Of course others have a legitimate path to God, the Source of all religions is One.

All Baha'i have come from those sources and still embrace them.

HOW? It takes a well considered logical change in one's Frame of Reference. The key is our Oneness and that there is One God. When that is considered and embraced, then the connections are found.

Regards Tony

 

[CG Didymus]

In my view one of the main barriers is intolerance and sometimes hostility and shunning of other religionists because of a belief that they are satanic and also that only their religion is the true one.

Yes, that fits Fundy Christians.

It’s not about merging but accepting our common humanity.

To be friends with people from all walk of life is, of course, fine, But to take part in each others practice could lead us astray because even the teachings look the same, they have been cultivated by the founder or prophet, and they have not followed the same cultivation practice. So they will be teaching differently. and at a different levels of wisdom.

I go to church with Christians. Not a problem.

Yes, but do you go to a Fundy Christian Church? They will be teaching you "the truth" That you are deceived and that Jesus is the only way. That's why earlier I said that those types of beliefs are the problem. And the Orthodox or Conservative sides of religions are not going to want to mingle with people they believe are following a false religion. And, if you go to their service, they will be teaching you how they are right and your wrong.

What you're saying is that the oneness of humanity is more important than religious doctrines that separate us. Sure, then get rid of those doctrines.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Although religion is meant to create love and unity it represents probably the largest group of ‘us and thems’ on the planet.

Some religions instead compete with one another for the number 1 spot and some leaders teach their followers that any other religion but theirs is satanic thus creating prejudices and hate between religions. There have even been wars so deep has the prejudice and hatred become.

But does it have to be like this?

Outwardly the different religions have different customs and traditions but inwardly they all strive for a higher purpose.

What would be the harm if we prayed and meditated and visited each other’s places of worship? In my travels I’ve visited Hindu Temples, Christian Churches, Muslim Mosques, Jewish Synagogues and Buddhist Pagodas and I found they all believe in truth and goodness.

So why don’t the religionists visit and worship together and establish friendship and fellowship because they all teach love and unity?

My wife and I who are of a different Faith have been visiting our local Catholic Church and we have made so many friends. They are so welcoming and loving. I believe if each religion extends true friendship to the other religions the time will come when diversity of religion will cease and we will be as one family.

What do you think?

I go to a Unitarian Universalist church. We come together because of our differences rather than differences because of our similarities. The only thing we have in common is service, familial relations, support groups, spiritual groups, and the like. We have groups that talk about different religions in a more educational sense. We sometimes hear a verse or two from the Quran or a help book or another inspirational book the minister happens to have in our groups. We have political views, outreach, and service to the community, hot kitchen, smiles, and literally welcoming hugs to strangers. That's how I stayed there because of this.

We went to a Interfaith fellowship at a Buddhist temple I got my precepts almost ten years ago. Unfortunately, the abbot was so busy and language barriers that it was hard to develop a relationship with her. If I spoke the same language, I'd probably have a teacher today.

The reason we don't fight isn't because of our similarities. It's literally because of our differences. Our church was founded on christianity and it broke away from christianity (protestant) because of the teachings of hell. Later down the years Unitarians became more open to other religions and at the same time saying "you are here and I am there. We don't cross lines just learn from each other."

Religious get upset when people overstep their boundaries. So, being together in worship in an interfaith group is very sensitive. Yes. We have a sense of "some" of us look for a higher purpose and "some" of us look for interconnection and "some" of us look for something else entirely, but as a whole no one wears each other's robes. No one takes each other's religious names. No one prays at each other's sacred space. No one use each other's beads.

When you start doing these things, it becomes disrespect ad THAT is where the issues happen.

I bet most people would agree with you Loving. We are all human. Each person has their different definitions of respect; and, when that is not understood religious will smile, shake your hand, and everything but here even though they smile, they will still have some grievance.

Not because of differences but because of our history and ways the majority treat us. So, we are heavily heavily into respect for each other's territory. It's honestly not a fight against each other (outside of christianity, muslim, etc) it's really respecting where you are and where they are.

Long story short, though, it has more to do with respect and history rather than people "not wanting" to be one or unity.

In the US, unity via our history and religion means:

1. Generalization (lack of a better word): making everyone white/majority/hearing/straight/so have you.

2. Colonization: Under the label of "missionary trips" to make everyone christian. Unity in christ.

3. Slavery: submission to our personal values (example a pagan) for the sake of the whole (christian)

Unity is a horrible word to use, really. The context is "we are all different but the same core."

Life just is not like that. Once we get out of that "same core" mentality, then YES, you would be right. We all want harmony etc. But as long as there is a "Same core"....

There is always an invisible separation.

I'm not sure if the religious you talk to would say you're Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, or so have you. That's the difference. If they don't call you these things, there is an invisible line that "same core" just does not eliviate.

But that's why we have wars. It's not because of our differences.

It's because we want to make everyone "like us".

It's fine you like Black and I like White but if our common bond is grey, that's belittling two distinct colors. Don't make it grey. Keep it black and white.

-
Anyway. That's what I have to say. I get what you're saying. The "common thread" is what's throwing it off.

Wars happen because we want people to think like us. It isn't a christian thing. I'd say it's abrahamic. Bahai. Christian. Muslim. JW. and others alike.

Im not sure your question would be answered because of it.

 

[CG Didymus]

Of course others have a legitimate path to God, the Source of all religions is One.

All Baha'i have come from those sources and still embrace them.

Of course they don't. All I have to do is turn to the Fundy Christians again. They can't believe what they used to believe and be a Baha'i. And some ancient religions had human and animal sacrifices and temple prostitutes. Like the religion of the Aztecs, I don't believe you'd think it is okay for them to still believe it was alright to cut peoples hearts out as a sacrifice to their God? Some religious beliefs were wrong and should have been done away with. And, like I said earlier, even Baha'is say to get rid of superstitious beliefs.