Should Religions Divide or Unite?

[Leon]

The sad part of history, is that many wars have taken place because of Religion, at some point or another everyone has felt God is on their side, and their war is just. My question is this, should Religions divide or unite? and how would you go about uniting different Religions?

[gruntal]

"It is suggested" the creation of religion was one of the biggest mistakes and humans corrupted the teachings; turning a message of peace and enlightenment to one of hate and fear. That of course begs the question of how and why things get created in the first place by one whom should have known better that it would fail. I can't get into that for now. We do have to realize everything is dynamic and ever changing. What was the truth and the way at some point in time may be a pit we fall into at another time and place.

Alas that very concept goes against the very precept of religion.

There are always some who are the vanguard. Many of the others can only follow for safety and security. There is nothing wrong with that. Indeed I feel torn when preaching freedom of thought and act but at the risk of promoting chaos to those not ready for it. There will be no religion when the human race is ready for it. In the meantime we need to work with it- even if we know better - as a tool for getting people to at least act civilized. I know that sounds arrogant. Who appointed us to be the judge or guardian? But people gravitate to religion usually for the best of reasons. Knocking their faith to them sounds like rejecting everything good and decent the Cosmos has to offer. Do you want to come off as the "evil one" ?!

But then what is the point of doing the lot of this if it isn't to find a better way of doing and thinking? Some will throw rocks at you for suggesting this and some will be curious what you possess they do not. It can become contagious. Even religious leaders can become infected. At some level war seems inevitable. Change will not be pleasant. I still stubbornly think religion though is not the enemy.

[mojomojo]

I would not say, many wars have been caused by religion, but many wars have been caused by man, hiding under the umbrella of religion.
If man, actually practised his religion, there would be no wars.
I see nothing to be gained, uniting everyone under one religion, and that, each should be left to his own and respected for that.
History keeps repeating itself because man never learns, and to this day, no reason to break that cycle seems apparent.

[donq]

Hi Leon,

Last week I took my mum to the hospital for her monthly cancer treatment. That day there were so many patients (it was a public hospital) and there was no wheelchair left for my mum. After I helped her walk to her doctor's room and waited her queue there, I went to find a wheelchair again. After waiting for almost one hour finally I got one from the patient who was leaving the hospital. While I was pushing it to my mum I met a little girl (with a crutch) who broke her leg and her mum was looking for a wheelchair for her. I had to painfully ignore them because I had to go back to my mum. I told myself (might be my excuse) if only it were only me, I believed I could give them my wheelchair. But should my mum had to wait for another hour? And what if she missed her queue? That would be so terrible.
I felt the war inside me. The war between worldly right and spiritual right. I chose to do the right worldly thing even it was so wrong for spirituality. I did that and had to live with it. How could I unite them? Should I?
Just today, my mum found a snake in our home and called me for help. Again, after I found it I had to (painfully) kill it. Did I have another choice? My mum is 80, got cancer, broke her leg, and hardly can walk. The point is a snake will bite you even no matter you mean to harm it or not (if you accidentally step on it). Two decades ago I found a snake in my old house, I tried so hard to keep it alive while putting it in a plastic bag and drive to free it somewhere near the trees. Even so, I still felt so bad. What if it was a poisonous snake and bit someone who lived nearby that trees?
It seems there's no only one right answer. Right for this one might be wrong for that one.
I wonder why we have to know/learn what is not before we'll know what is? Is this the only way of learning? One day, after all human learn that the religion should not be divide, then, maybe, just maybe, we well learn how to accept and untie them?   
     
      

[sparklekaz]

I do not believe that religion should divide people, but believing something doesn't make it true does it. Sadly, religion has historically divided. And even in this so called age of religious tolerance, it's clear that it still does. I can only say which many have said before me. I don't believe the Jesus,or Mohammed, envisioned the spiritual path as being one that would be so divisive. They both held at the core of their beliefs that man is equal. That we should all strive, to speak the truth. That we should live our lives in the service of others. To love and treat all with compassion. A sound foundation to build our lives upon. Religion is a written record - of what once was, a word of mouth - and - following by example spiritual belief. Words, can be changed, subverted and open to a myriad of interpretations. It's interesting that out of all the spiritual beliefs, Buddhism is the most peaceful and tolerant faith. They believe that God is within, not without. Maybe we can all learn something from them.

Monty...When I was younger and got into trouble from my mum for doing something wrong, or doing something and it went wrong. I'd say, "but I didn't mean to do that" or "I was only trying to help". She'd always say "The road to hell is paved with good intentions". I'm sure many have heard this expression. But I think it illustrates, how sometimes trying to do something good, can turn out bad. No one has a crystal ball, and if we worried all the time about the million and one possible outcomes that could occur from one simple act. We would never do anything. I think if someones intentions are good, even if they turn out to be misguided, we do the right thing at the time, in terms of our own personal understanding. And have to trust, that if for others it can be a negative effect, its the universe providing them for the right environment and circumstances for growth. Just my thoughts on this.

Love and light
Kaz

[aceofcups]

The LETTERS can Kill... the SPIRIT gives life..

The dogmatic interpretations of ANY one religion, that thinks they have only true interpretation of truth is very sad.   Religions were Spiritually inspired by Spiritual Awakened Beings at different times and stages  --  for different groups of people throughout history.  These teaching were put into written form by the interpreting priestly caste of that particular religion.. including being altered at times to promulgate what they believed.

And teaching which were about Love, compassion and the ultimate Unity of Humanity has given way to ego driven thoughts and beliefs of Hate, Wars, Superstitions, and Separation.

The words from religions can and are interpreted differently depending on the level of consciousness of person exploring them.

The SPIRIT.. is a living Presence, not given by any one person or set of teachings...it survives beyond all words, letters and forms.



just my opinions
peace

[sparklekaz]

Ace, I really loved it when you said "The SPIRIT.. is a living Presence, not given by any one person or set of teachings...it survives beyond all words, letters and forms." Just beautiful.

Love and light
Kaz