dfnj
Well-Known Member
Do you think we should try and build bridges between the religions or keep aloof from one another? Isn’t it time the religions of the world came together to eliminate the hatreds that have caused bitter wars between them and find common ground to get along with one another?
What does your religion teach you about other religions? What if anything is mentioned in your Holy Books regarding other Faiths?
I do not like religions that have a "chosen" people. I think this is the antithesis of having a God of unconditional love. What is a belief in God if it is not a belief under all the hatred is love. And underneath the individual is a oneness with everyone else and all of existence. And so one must strongly conclude what we do to one another we do to ourselves.
But we have also seen there are always enough ambiguity and interpretation in the Bibles of the most popular religions for people to justify genocide even though I personally cannot fathom how such a conclusions of hatred can ever be met. But it is important we concentrate and focus on the positive because as a collective mind what we focus on has consequences. Energy follows thought is the expression. Here is list showing how every major religion has some form of the golden rule:
Buddhism
Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.
The Buddha, Udana-Varga 5.18
Christianity
In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.
Jesus, Matthew 7:12
Confucianism
One word which sums up the basis of all good conduct … loving-kindness.
Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.
Confucius Analects 15.23
Hinduism
This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you.
Mahabharata 5:1517
Islam
Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself. The Prophet Muhammad, Hadith
Book 001, Number 0072:
It is arrested on the authority of Anas b. Malik that the Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) observed: one amongst you believes (truly) till one likes for his brother or for his neighbour that which he loves for himself.
Jainism
One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated.
Mahavira, Sutrakritanga
Judaism
What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour. This is the whole
Torah; all the rest is commentary. Go and learn it.
Hillel, Talmud, Shabbath 31a
Native Spirituality
We are as much alive as we keep the earth alive.
Chief Dan George
Sikhism
I am a stranger to no one; and no one is a stranger to me. Indeed, I am a friend to all.
Guru Granth Sahib, p. 1299
Taoism
Regard your neighbour’s gain as your own gain and your neighbour’s loss as your own loss.
Lao Tzu, T’ai Shang Kan Ying P’ien, 213-218
Unitarianism
We affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
Unitarian principle
Zoroastrianism
Do not do unto others whatever is injurious to yourself.
Shayast-na-Shayast 13.29
Baha’i Faith
Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be laid upon you,
and desire not for anyone the things you would not desire for yourself.
Baha’u’llah, Gleanings
Although atheists and nihilists do not have any religious texts, my atheist and nihilists friends assure me religion is not necessary in order to be a moral person or to value having morals. I'm not the biggest fan of nihilism. And I find most atheists to lack humility when it comes to the premises of their own dogmas. However, let's hope my friends are right about the inherent goodness of people who do not value the World or people as being sacred.
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