Finding Common Ground?

Question

Despite their differing philosophies, religions have a similar message and similar advice for humanity. There are incredible people in every religion and they have totally transformed their inner state. These individuals are truly compassionate and wise so this implies that all these different traditions have the potential to produce an inner transformation.

Isn't this enough to at least give each other a little respect?

Answer 1

Absolutely. It doesn't take much to find some common ground. Even the differences are things we can learn from and respect.

Answer 2

Even though I wholeheartedly agree with you, but I think such respect will be a long time in coming. You have certain religions who preach that they are the only one, then look at the other end of the spectrum and you have people who share the atheist, satanic, and agnostic point of view, then add another group of people who are not monotheistic and you have a brewing pot of ill-trust and misconceptions.

Answer 3

Respect? Sure. I give everybody respect, at least until they prove themselves unworthy of respect.

Acknowlegement of being correct? Not a chance.
John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

There's no compromise there.
Luke 11:23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

Answer 4

all people should be given respect, all people should be treated with love and compassion, but not all actions and behaviors should be tolerated. tolerance and love/ respect are two very different things. I realize that oyu are not asking about tolerance but I include this for other readers as the definition in todays media seems to be quite skewed.
I can treat a thief, murderer, liar, homosexual, adulterer, etc with respect and compassion but I will never tolerate the stealing, murdering, lying, homosexual behavior, adulterous behavior, etc. there must be a line drawn and a balance carefully tread

Answer 5

It is true that even great teachers of god in some cases do not beleive in god.

Knowledge of god... is more of what that is about. I figure eventually you fill up with enough of it.. you respect what needs it in your eyes.. Humanity is well even in its darkest pools worthy of respect just because of who or what systems in which we are involved.

Though I think the fundamental lack of respect in the world is caused by blame and simply not being responsible for ones self. For some reason we want to be adults but still behave as children. The true adult mind knows there is not responsibility of will that is outside ones self. Its not supposed to be a scary thing. Its a vary humble and empowering thing to say that I am responsible for myself and what I do effects others.

Like god I will be good to those parts of me that i meet outside myself.

Answer 6

I agree with you. Those who study religious pluralism in the hopes of finding ways to reach the state of tolerance and respect you envision have pointed out that all religions have two things in common: prayer and mysticism --perhaps there is hope of meeting somewhere on these two points of common ground.

Answer 7

People deserve respect, regardless of their religious beliefs. But the differences between our religions are too important to compromise.

We can respect each other as people, share our beliefs, and take "no" for an answer!

Answer 8

In my opinion, no one has ever said this better than Thich Nhat Hanh. If everyone would learn to follow his advice....

"Aware of suffering created by attachment to views and wrong perceptions, I am determined to avoid being narrow-minded and bound to present views. I will learn and practice non-attachment from views in order to be open to others’ insights and experiences. I am aware that the knowledge I presently possess is not changeless, absolute truth. Truth is found in life and I will observe life within and around me in every moment, ready to learn throughout my life".

Answer 9

I am one of those people who believe that when we all get to heaven , the first thing God is going to say is "you were wrong". we are mere mortals trying to interpret the word of God...I expect all of us to get something wrong, so why talk bad about other religions....they are just as mortal as I am

Answer 10

your right about respect and dignity.
but thats as far as it goes
(Ephesians 4:4-6) 4 One body there is, and one spirit, even as YOU were called in the one hope to which YOU were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all [persons], who is over all and through all and in all.