Christianity is split into numerous sub-creeds. Islam is simularly split, and budhism etc..
There is a story in the Upanishads of the blind men who examined an elephant and severally reported it as "a snake", "a tree", "a wall" etc, dependant on the part that they touched...
2006-08-21 22:39:21 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
I remember that story and I think this is true that most of us see do not see truth as much as we should. It is also true that no religious or ideology is free from its internal controversies and divisions. This perhaps is due to a live debate going on within. Internal divisions for a system are dangerous but they can have positive effect upon the over all function - not an ideal concept though.
If we think in terms of development of collective human thought, then we realise that all philosophies, religions and science are achievements of human mind. And as achievements they are most certainly valuable to humanity. There are many religions in the world and all are different sometime very contrasting to each other. To me they are various aspects of single human thought - to reach for the best in human capacity in understanding. The same is true with philosophies.
2006-08-21 23:28:42 · answer #1 · answered by Shahid 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a debate that has been going on since the birth of man 6000 years ago...I mean 7000,000 years ago (depending on if you are blinded by religion or science). Historically Hinduism is the oldest known religion with no known origin, and Islam the youngest. It would take more than all of our lifetimes to study the philosophies of Hinduism/Buddhism -- not the stories, the actual religion. Right now we are like those blind men examining the elephant (figuratively) trying to answer this question.
As a side line: Religions that are divided into different sects is done so deliberately for control, power and greed. It does not reflect the philosophy of the religion but the absolute war-like nature of man.
2006-08-22 06:24:13 · answer #2 · answered by Spaced 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe they are not completely the same, there are small differences. Christianity teaches love, Buddhism teaches reconciliation with a kind of vanity that would lead to nirvana. Some other crave for purity in any way, which include their superiority over other religions. If all the religions/philosophies were equal, there would be no more wars and disputes.
2006-08-22 06:01:00 · answer #3 · answered by cmilja m 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One word-Truth. It is out there. We must find it. Everything can not be True. Can an apple be both an apple and an orange? When we seek for the Truth with all our hearts, we will find it. In Plato's cave story-Men were trapped in a cave, people thought that what they were looking at (shadows on the cave wall caused by a fire that was behind them.) was the Truth (Reality). When one of them got released, they went outside and found the Reality (Truth). When they found it, they wanted to do all they could to bring their friends to see the Truth (outside).
We can find the Truth. If you truly search for it, you will find it. Good luck.
2006-08-22 06:59:06 · answer #4 · answered by David J 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they are all ultimately worthless. I prefer the Buddhist approach that says the teachings are just a finger pointing at the moon. It is the moon that is real not the finger. So I suppose in that sense then Buddhism is the most useful teaching!
2006-08-23 11:36:17 · answer #5 · answered by Mick H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if they lead a person into unity with God and man, teaching love, forgiveness, mercy, loyalty, justice and abstainment from judgement. There is only one way for this path. Jesus Christ. It can only be achieved through the power of The Holy Spirit.
2006-08-22 05:49:48 · answer #6 · answered by waycyber 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All religions are equal and incorrect. They give a man`s verson of God, sin,karma,rebirth, heaven,hell, good,evil and so on. God only knows the truth and that truth is not revealed to any.
2006-08-22 05:48:43 · answer #7 · answered by J.SWAMY I ఇ జ స్వామి 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
all have equal worth, every thing we learn about different religion and philosophies are crucial to knowing the world better, even if a none believer listens with scientism, it helps with understanding..
2006-08-22 05:50:43 · answer #8 · answered by dianafpacker 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course they are to those who follow them. Who are the rest of us to say if one is more worthy than the other.
Live and let live - as long as you are not harming anyone else.
2006-08-22 05:45:41 · answer #9 · answered by Sally J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To anyone with an open mind, yes.
2006-08-22 05:46:04 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋