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.
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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.