If it were possible for mankind to ACCEPT one anothers differences-would the first one be religious or ethnic?

Question

It seems so simple to me, but then being born the son of a navy man-and learning early that when one moves from place to place one must adjust to their new surroundings-begin the process of making new friends-and learning to accept the differences associated with consideration (being considerate and respectful of differences as they relate to geographical areas)-I learned young that not everyone is going to like or accept you (me). Which meant that I had to try harder to make a positive impression to gain my want for recognition-however I also learned that some become frustrated at their attempte to be accepted and retaliate by methods of negative conformity-that by doing actions out of the ordinary that this sometimes helped to establish the recognition WE ALL WANT. So ask yourself how long the muslims have tried to establish recognition in this world for their association and especially in the Americas and Europe-and you begin to see the pattern of frustration-leading to negativity!

In no way does this mean I condon the actions of those that would pruport to press POWER of their religious views-but that is a two-sided sword. Only ACCEPTANCE will save this world from OURSELVES as God has decided to stay neutral!

Answer 1

Ethnic differences are easier to accept. We have no control over our ethnicity and in many cases our ethnicity does not affect our lives in any measurable way. Our religion however is a choice that we have made for our life. It is who we are in a sense. And if we deeply believe in that religion then we try to persuade others of the rightness of our decision. (And most religions tell us that we should "spread the word". For myself, I am Muslim. That was a choice that I have made for myself, I converted as an adult. And because I believe in Islam I want to tell others about it too. )
Because we are out there spreading the message of our religion we provoke debate, other opinions and points of view are put forth and tempers flare because others do not perceive our beliefs as we do. This is why it is such a hot topic.

Answer 2

Given the question in your subject header, I think ethnic differences would be accepted prior to religious differences. It is far easier to eventually see that even if our skin color is different and the shape of our eyes is different, we all bleed the same color when cut.

Religious differences are more problematic because the believer believes their spiritual choice is the correct one. Given history, we can see how religious differences have been fought over let alone fought over to the death.

Personally, I don't see how this will change. Blind faith leads to permanent blindness. This leads to the devaluing of someone who doesn't think like you. Enter war.

As the world gets smaller and smaller due to the advances in technology, it is my hope that we will all eventually look past our religious differences and simply see each other as fellow human beings living within the community of earth. If we are unable to, our future is grim.

Answer 3

Ethnicity would be accepted before religious beliefs.

Answer 4

I would have to say neither. I would like to think it would be humanistic.