Why should diversity of religion exist?

[Harel13]

You mean like Abrahamic religions? To question is blasphemy!

No it's not (well, speaking for Judaism. Can't vouch for the others...).

 

[TransmutingSoul]

Most people do not want to be leaders. And the few people who do want to be leaders are exactly the people who should not be given that responsibility. Unfortunately, humanity has not solved this problem, yet, and so the wrong people continue to become our leaders, and continue to lead us into strife and contention that we would not otherwise be inclined to engage in. And this remains the case in every category of human endeavor, including religiosity.

It does not now, not in the Baha'i election process.

Regards Tony

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Yes I agree that unity in uniformity is not the way but as you say unity in diversity is the way to go because we accept each other that we are different and learn from it.

Close. Baha'i express it rays of the same sun, colors of the same garden.

To some of us it's not like that. It's the opposite.

It's not good or bad. It's just white isn't black and black isn't white. There is no grey.

 

[amorphous_constellation]

God is truth, God gave us the way of truth.

I will believe instead that we have been shown a way toward the truth, but not directly into the place from which it emanates, because the 'math' of it gets too thick for humans to tolerate. This is the 'light' of god, that no man can stand. Religion I think, is where each society takes its last stand in the ascent of the holy mountain, pitching tents against the inexplicable wind of truth. And a plurality of religions shows us that 'truth' or 'god' is actually in a massive debate with itself. I could muse about it more, but I believe that you should believe whatever it is you believe, as truth is an aesthetic, and what you wrote was pretty well written. It's not my goal to question anyone's religion if they are really working on it, because that is good. Truth is in the rainbow bridge to heaven - no one color dominates a rainbow. Furthermore, which man can really master it before it dissipates?

 

[Aupmanyav]

It does not now, not in the Baha'i election process.

PureX is not talking about Bahai elections but about prophets / sons / messengers / manifestations / Mahdis who have lead people on wrong paths.

Close. Baha'i express it rays of the same sun, colors of the same garden.

They express it to belittle others and foist their beliefs on others about a mid-19th Century religious preacher who regurgitated old things and knew nothing about science.

 

[A Vestigial Mote]

But does it have to be like this?
...
What do you think?

I understand and have always admired the sentiment that this OP comes packaged with. Honestly.

I even try to espouse myself to it on occasion. Asking myself "Why can't we humans just all work together? Can't we all just accept one another?"

And then I step outside and talk to some folks... and I hear how casual their prejudice or bigotry, and sense they'd be the type to take hard-line offense to my trying to steer them clear of it, because they are completely oblivious to it. And then I wonder if I come across like that to anyone else, and have to admit to myself that I probably do at times! And then I realize how wrong I was to think we can all simply accept one another.

 

[nPeace]

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 know of no true source that reveals "religion is meant to create love and unity"
From Genesis...
Religion originated in the garden of Eden, after Adam and Eve sinned, and it is a form of worship different to the worship of the creator.
Hence religion originated with the Devil, not God.
The Devil''s lies were further spread through many forms of worship, after God confused the languages at Babel, and men carried their religion far and wide, eventually developing into different forms.

Religion
Meaning - a form of worship.
Worship of the true God is not a form, but the only right and true way to worship God - acceptable to him.

This explains the reason why religion is divided, and never will unite.
Some will get along, since there are from the same source, but they will always be conflict between the true way, and the false - all the various forms of worship.

 

[nPeace]

And what are those barriers? One of them has to be that some religions think theirs is the only one that has the truth. Do they? I think a lot of people these days are questioning that and going beyond thinking that their religion is the only one right.

Unfortunately, as I remember, God told Jews not to associate with their neighbors or to intermarry. And, I always bring up that God had Elijah kill all the prophets of another religion. Why? Because they believed in a "false God." I'm glad "prophets" of other religions aren't doing that to the "prophets" of other religions.

So today is different. Today, kind of like what the Baha'is are saying, get rid of those religious beliefs that separate people and cause animosity between them. But, are those beliefs that easy to dispose of?

I was discussing this with someone recently'
Recall that God delivered Israel from Egypt, and made a covenant with them. They became his people, and were given his laws and regulations. He was their king.
However, long story short, the rebellious bunch didn't quite understand and appreciate the privilege they had, and constantly rebelled and complained. Eventually they asked for a human king, which they got, but because of the promise God made to Abraham, this was God's people, ruled by the kings who "sat on God's throne", and who were obligated to carry out the laws of the land. Failure to do so, was subject to the mandates laid down for breaking the laws... which oftentimes was death - cleansing the land, and serving as a deterrent.
That system came to an end, hen the covenant was broken, by the people, of course, and the one who had the legal right to the throne had arrived - the Messiah.
So Jesus could say to the Jewish nation...
 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the killer of the prophets and stoner of those sent to her - how often I wanted to gather your children together the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings! But you did not want it. Look! Your house is abandoned to you. For I say to you, you will by no means see me from now until you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in Jehovah’s name!’” (Matthew 23:37-39)

However, as heir (Psalms 110:1-3), Jesus did not delegated his apostles to be judges on earth. So while they could remove wrongdoers from the congregation, they did not have authority to execute those wrongdoers.
As king however, when Jesus receives the kingship in heaven, as is mentioned in the book of Revelation, as judge, along with his faithful apostles and those making up the 144,000 kings and judges, then, they will execute all law breakers. (Revelation 11:15; 12:10)

So really, it's not that the law changed (although the Mosaic law did contain some thing that ended because the were given only until the Messiah. For example,, sacrificing an animal for atonement was no longer necessary after Christ sacrifice... and there are many more besides this.), but rather, there is a period of time when the kingdom is not ruling. See the prophecy in Daniel - the designated king had not yet come to power, about the tree that was cut down, and banded for a period of time.
(Revelation 21:5-8)

 

[nPeace]

What is the difference between some who says to one's face, "I hate God.", and someone who says the same thing, behind one's back?
The only difference, it seems evident, is that one is a hypocrite.

Jesus showed the seriousness of this, when he spoke to, and of, the religious people, while on earth.
(Matthew 15:8, 9) 8 ‘This people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far removed from me. 9 It is in vain that they keep worshiping me, for they teach commands of men as doctrines.’”

(Matthew 15:12-14) 12 Then the disciples came and said to him: “Do you know that the Pharisees were stumbled at hearing what you said?” 13 In reply he said: “Every plant that my heavenly Father did not plant will be uprooted. 14 Let them be. Blind guides is what they are. If, then, a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

Jesus was not interested in friendships with people who demonstrated they were not more concerned with truth, than they were with their religious system and doctrines.

(Matthew 7:21-23) 21 “Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of the heavens, but only the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. 22 Many will say to me in that day: ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them: ‘I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness!’

It was his father's name, that was important to Jesus, and one who was not interested in doing the father's will, were not people he wanted company with.
"My Father is glorified in this, that you keep bearing much fruit and prove yourselves my disciples." he said. (John 15:8 See verses 1-10)

 

[Nakosis]

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?

Religion generally requires a acceptance of a dogmatic truth. As long as this "truth" is not threatened betwixt folks it's all good.

However sometimes threatening claims of "truth" is a necessity.

 

[PureX]

It does not now, not in the Baha'i election process.

Regards Tony

It doesn't usually happen in 12 step groups, either. But although there are models like these that could be employed to resolve this ongoing human dilemma, humanity has not yet managed to employ them on a large enough scale for it to make a difference.

 

[Tumah]

Although religion is meant to create love and unity

Source?

 

[metis]

What is the difference between some who says to one face, "I hat God.", and someone who says the same thing, behind one's back?
The only difference, it seems evident, is that one is a hypocrite.

Jesus showed the seriousness of this, when he spoke to, and of, the religious people, while on earth.
(Matthew 15:8, 9) 8 ‘This people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far removed from me. 9 It is in vain that they keep worshiping me, for they teach commands of men as doctrines.’”

(Matthew 15:12-14) 12 Then the disciples came and said to him: “Do you know that the Pharisees were stumbled at hearing what you said?” 13 In reply he said: “Every plant that my heavenly Father did not plant will be uprooted. 14 Let them be. Blind guides is what they are. If, then, a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

Jesus was not interested in friendships with people who demonstrated they were not more concerned with truth, than they were with their religious system and doctrines.

(Matthew 7:21-23) 21 “Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of the heavens, but only the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. 22 Many will say to me in that day: ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them: ‘I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness!’

It was his father's name, that was important to Jesus, and one who was not interested in doing the father's will, were not people he wanted company with.
"My Father is glorified in this, that you keep bearing much fruit and prove yourselves my disciples." he said. (John 15:8 See verses 1-10)

Jesus said that there are only Two Commandments that we are to follow. All other teachings must reflect them as elaborations and/or applications in that day and age in eretz Israel.

 

[CG Didymus]

Which ancient religion did you have in mind? I haven't come across any adherents of ancient religions promoting human sacrifice recently. Have you?

And what have we done with religions that had those types of beliefs? We've gotten rid of them. And they aren't all that ancient. The Aztecs were just a few hundred years ago. And, I don't know, but animal sacrifices to gods might still be going on. And then there's religions that use hallucinogenic drugs and cast spells and curses on people and I'm sure some form of "Temple" prostitution still goes on. No, not all religious practices are positive. And again, Baha'i support getting rid of superstitious beliefs don't they?​

Many fundamentalist Christians are good, honest hard working folk.

And some blow up Abortion Clinics and murder the doctors that work there. Plus, they promote what Baha'is would call "divisive" beliefs. You okay with that? Or, should those beliefs be done away with and beliefs that promote peace and unity between all religions be adopted instead?

You just need to love people. Many fundamentalist Christians are unable or unwilling to have a meaningful interfaith dialogue. Some are so we should be careful to avoid making assumptions and being prejudiced ourselves.

Have Baha'is shown love, acceptance, and true friendship with people from the other religions here on the forum? It don't look like it. Loverofhumanity and you have made the best efforts at trying to show some respect and courtesy with people from other religions. But, please don't pretend that Baha'is have got it right. They don't.

 

[CG Didymus]

Treat them well. Here's a quote from today's daily Talmud page ("Daf Yomi"):
"One must always [take steps to] increase peace with one’s brethren and with one’s relatives, and with all people, even with a non-Jew in the marketplace...they said about Rabban Yoḥanan ben Zakkai that no one ever preceded him in issuing a greeting, not even a non-Jew in the marketplace, as Rabban Yoḥanan would always greet him first..."

Being nice to someone has nothing to do with what I think about their religion.

Right on. And no Jew has ever tried to befriend me in order to get me to go to a Bible study with them. Baha'is and Christians do that constantly. So when it comes to making friends with people in the other religions, I'm glad Jews are doing it to be a friend and not because they hope to make a convert.

 

[CG Didymus]

I go to a church on Sunday that has fundamental Christians praying with a Baha'i couple, it is the same God

Do they come to Baha'i meeting with you? If they do, do you sit with them and pray Baha'i prayers with them? And now the big question.... Is it the same God? No, they believe in The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit as all being God. Do you ever get in a discussion about that with them? Oh, and then there is the evil spirit being Satan. Yeah, tell them that the devil is not real while you're telling them that Jesus is the perfect reflection of God but is not God himself.

 

[CG Didymus]

How, for the heck of it, am I concerned about what God Abraham worshiped? I am in India and I am a Hindu, and a strong atheist too.

Yes, but you always have something wise to say.

 

[Vinayaka]

And, I don't know, but animal sacrifices to gods might still be going on.

Village Hinduism, especially Shaktism, has areas where its common. Common in Nepal too. On the decline though.

 

[CG Didymus]

I agree that God is unknowable and that we can learn so much from each other as I don’t believe any of us holds the complete truth.

i really like this quote from Rumi which says it all.....the different religions are the pieces

The truth was a mirror in the hands of God. It fell, and broke into pieces. Everybody took a piece of it, and they looked at it and thought they had the truth.”

― Mawlana Jalal-al-Din Rumi

That kind of supports what I'm saying... that there is a very good chance people made up their own ideas and beliefs about God. Here, they all had a piece of a broken mirror and looked at it and concluded what they saw was the truth.

But, here's a good a place as any to mention that I do see people from different backgrounds coming together... but it leaves religion out of it. At the athletic club, my friends and I get together and play sports, mostly tennis. There are Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Indian, Iranian, Lebanese, Saudi, Mexican, Colombian, Guatemalan and all the Americans whose ancestors from European countries. No one talks about religions. They only one that I know which religion he belongs to is a Sikh... and that is because his beard and he wears a turban. But he doesn't talk about his religion. He doesn't try and convert anybody. Religion is way, way in the background, so much that nobody knows or cares what religions they are... if any.

And that's the other thing. People are leaving the religions of their parents behind. Why? Could it be that it is no longer relevant to modern times? That the old beliefs don't fit with what modern science is saying? Isn't that very much what Baha'is are telling people about their old religious beliefs?

Then comes the young people. Young people are uniting. They are looking beyond the differences. And they have found something that brings them together... rap and hip hop. Black, Brown and White, all getting along just fine. They drink a little. Smoke a little. They have special handshakes and their own way of talking. They're getting down with the music. As far as I can tell... zero religion.

So can people unite and come together? Yes, but sometimes it means leaving the old religions behind. Now the question for Baha'is, does that mean leaving even the new religions behind? 'Cause these kids don't seem to want too many moral rules.

 

[CG Didymus]

I don’t think that we can stereo type any group because I have been to church many times and only receive love and kindness. They know we are a different religion and so have never preached to us.

we had dinner with the Bishop last night and have good friendships so what you are speaking about is not happening here.

Maybe the more fanatical believers get over enthusiastic which can make them proselytise but I’m not coming across them here.

Like I said, if Baha'i stay with Liberal Christians, they will be fine. It is probably the Baha'i that will have stronger doctrinal views then them.