If one person has a sense of superiority over another because of their race, we call it racism and it is seen as the evil that it is. Unfortunately, we tolerate exactly that sense of superiority among almost all of the world's major religions. We don't even have a term like racism to describe this sense of religious superiority. We should call it "religionism."
Why can't we tear down the walls between the scripture based religions and base our relationship to the Devine on personal experience rather than holy books?
2006-07-31 06:41:38 · 12 answers · asked by Elmer R 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Absolutely. I think a lot of folks don't even realize that what they are spewing is hate. Plain and simple.
I don't see any religion as better than another -- just better for me. And that's the point after all.
2006-07-31 06:51:25 · answer #1 · answered by maeves_child 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
>>>If one person has a sense of superiority over another because of their race, we call it racism and it is seen as the evil that it is. Unfortunately, we tolerate exactly that sense of superiority among almost all of the world's major religions<<<
You're comparing apples to acorns here.
A person's race cannot change.
But a person's religious beliefs can.
I believe that my religion (Roman Catholicism) contains the fullness of religious truth. I believe that no other religion contains this -- although other religions definitely contain SOME elements of religious truth.
So, in my mind, does this mean that I regard Roman Catholicism to be "better" than other religions?
You bet I do!
Is this comparable to racism? No, it's not -- because even if being black (which I am) is inferior to being white (which it's not), there's nothing that can be done to change it.
But a Buddhist or a Jew or a Protestant or an atheist can change to Catholicism, once they come to see that despite the positive aspects of their former religion, the Catholic religion is simply the best way to get to God.
Besides, I believe that Catholicism is superior to every other religion out there -- why else would I follow it? -- but that does NOT mean that I think Catholic PEOPLE are inherently superior to people who practice other religions or no religion at all.
This is true enough as it is, but it's made even more true by the fact that a non-Catholic person can become Catholic anytime he/she wants -- which makes it incomparable to racism, since our ethnicity is not something we can change.
2006-07-31 13:50:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religionism is tolerated because the people with half a brain don't care about it. They think it doesn't have any impact on their lives, but , as you can see by the state of world affairs today, religionism has a huge impact, it's responsible for the death of millions, it's just that here in the States we have decided that these religions have the right to exist, a big mistake, but, it is a part of the constitution, as a result, Religionism has hijacked politics, science and every other form of reality. Twisting it , perverting it. Most people who don't care about religion don't realize how dangerous it is and most religious people don't see it either. It's a sick twisted subject unique to the human condition and quite possibly could lead to the extinction of man altogether, unless those of us who know better start disseminating information and stand up for reality and critical thinking.
2006-07-31 13:55:55 · answer #3 · answered by Ray H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The thing about religion is that it is very personal. It shouldn't be an "us against them" kind of thing. However, most religions deal with absolute truths, if you believe a certain faith, you are not given the room to compromise on reality. Absolute truths are not convenient or relative. In a sense your comments could be considered "religionist" because you are not respectful of the absolute truths of other religions. A lot of major religions have absolute truths, including (but not limited to) Christianity, Judaism, Islam. They will never agree on a dogma because it goes against the foundation of their own faith.
Some people also believe that the forming of a "world religion" that is all-inclusive and tolerant is one of the signs of the end times, and that the head of this church will be the anti-Christ. But you decide for yourself.
2006-07-31 13:52:05 · answer #4 · answered by Sara B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Problem being freedom. I agree with you, but legally the KKK (a christian organization) is allowed to march in cities and yell racial slurs. I fell superior to Christians and any religious person because I can think for myself. Religion divides and causes tension, but I am for freedom. Yet I feel religion hurts society so much, that it should be removed. Then man could work together, etc.
2006-07-31 13:50:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
So what do you call it when a person who drives a jaguar thinks they're better than someone that drives a Kia? We haven't any proof that there is a 'right' religion. People will always think their religion is the right one
2006-07-31 13:47:25 · answer #6 · answered by ok 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Commandment #1 would constitute instant "religionism" by the standards we use for racism. No way to get around that.
Thanks for the thought provoking post!
2006-07-31 13:45:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good point. It should be illegal to practice religionism...
2006-07-31 13:45:01 · answer #8 · answered by ceprn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a good point, but don't forget us, the unbelievers.
2006-07-31 14:02:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have an interesting point!!I'll think about it.
2006-07-31 13:45:15 · answer #10 · answered by Myaloo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋