So much is done in the name of religion. We pray and attend services. Morality and faith are learned. Lest we forget: Acts of kindness as well as violence occur in the name of whichever Deity we worship. Not all that we do as part of our religion is done with the holiest of intentions. It is a good thing that there are many paths to enlightenment and redemption. What saddens me are the arguments. People still insist that there can be only one way to find God. Maybe and maybe not. What matters is what can be learned from mainstream religion as a whole.
This is not a post espousing one set of beliefs over another. There is room enough on the Earth for all of us to live and learn together. Each religion has its own related holy book. The details may differ but the overall themes remain the same. As I have said before we can learn from each other if we try. We can also learn from the varying perspectives that different religions offer their adherents.
Many themes are universal. Goodness over evil. Hope versus despair. Generosity rather than selfishness. The myths behind the stories vary yet their morals are what tie them all together. Each religion offers its own unique take on history. How we got here and what we are to do as humans is explained. The explanation you receive may depend upon which priest you ask. The fact that we are here and must live in harmony is a theme found throughout all great belief systems.
There is no reason to feel threatened by those whom might worship differently than you. All of us wish to become more faithful and live by the tenants of our particular religious dictates. We need to understand that though the minutiae differs the intent is the same. Look upon your religious brethren as you look upon those around you. We are all but pilgrims on a long journey in search of the truth.
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