Why can't religions get along with one another?

Question

The Wiccans first belief (my apologies if I misquote this) is to not cause harm to others.

The Biblical teachings of Jesus in the New Testament show to turn the other cheek.

Muslims believe in peace.

And I believe the same is true about the Hindu and Buddist faiths.

So if those of us who are religious follow these principles, why can't we stop the bickering, the hatred, and the antagonism?

Does it really matter if someone else from one of the other religious camps did something wrong that was offensive?

What will it take for people to learn peace?

Why can't we stop blaming what another religion or another person did in the past?

Answer 1

Every religious person believes that their religion is the only true religion. If they did not believe that, then they would not follow it. It offends them to hear other people say that THEIRS is the only true religion. They want to prove them wrong. They also are afraid that they can be proven wrong, which is why they have to defend their religion so strongly. How can they give in, even a little bit, without having to concede some of the "rightness" that they try so hard to claim?

Answer 2

The answer to this problem is that most religions hold as their basic premise the philosophy of altruism.

To explain briefly, they believe that the good of the group is more important than the individual. The basic premise is that other people are more important than oneself, and to help others and sacrifice oneself is the highest virtue.

If the good of the group is accepted as being of the highest value, then it follows logically that the right of the individual can be sacrificed for the good of the group.

This philosophy then allows for the justification of the attrocities you see happening. The worst part about altruism is that people accept it as being the good, and therefore you have confusion such as that displayed by the person who originally posted.

So, what is the solution to this? Respect for individual rights above everything else.

The right of the individual is the most important thing. This means that I will not infringe on the individual freedom of any other person, nor will I allow anyone to infringe on my individual rights.

Man should be free to act so long as his actions do not impose on the individual rights and freedoms of another. This means that in business, relationships, and any other human interaction, both parties must enter the relationship voluntarily, for their own mutual benefit.

If individual rights were the number 1 priority, then there would be no violence as you see now. The only justification they have for causing harm is that they disregard the right of the individual, so long as in their view, they are doing what's right for their group.

That is the problem with group/religion mentality. If they want, a religious group can justify (wrongly, but they convince themselves) that what they are doing is right according to their religion, since it doesn't matter that a few individuals are hurt or killed, so long as the group benefits.

So, if you really want to get along, you have to put yourself first. Yes, that's right, be selfish. But, you have to allow others to do the same. If we all work for our own well-being, then we will have to work together, voluntarily, in order to improve our own existence.

If you really want to understand this, please, read Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. It will challenge what you think now, but it will also help erase that cloud of doubt that permeates your current thinking.

Hope that helps a bit.

Jason

Answer 3

It is the human themselves creating all the misunderstanding. In actual fact , Christianity and Islam are praying the same ,Almighty God. But as for Islam, they pray directly to the God 5 times a day, knowing that the only sin God will never
forgive is multiple faith (praying other Idols as well) and in the Quran, 112 AL IKHLAS 1-4 God commands there is only one God, almighty Allah. God has no son. Whereas Christianity , they are so convinced that Jesus is the son of God, some even
say Jesus is the God. Why should a christian confess his sin to the priest instead to the God? Can you see the differences now,
Tell me how could these two religions put their heads together?
Even worst if a person come to believe in human God, don't you think Buddha is human? if you and me behave and treat people good we can be God , too?

Answer 4

You probably believe in the law, but I bet you still have traffic tickets, or exceed the speed limit on a daily basis.

Unfortunately, the desire for human peace, in whatever form, rarely trumps the basic desire to satisfy hunger, achieve a minimum level of comfort, insure security, compete with one another, or react to a threat with a fight-or-flight reaction.

It happens at even the simplest level of a speed limit, where the only motive to violate a philosophy is to cut five minutes out of a commute. We're a long way from the big stuff.

Answer 5

You are right that we should always attempt to live at peace with everyone...and above all show love in all instances. That means turning the other cheek in many cases! At the same time, I as a Christian cannot compromise the integrity of what God's word says (as many would like for me to do it seems in an effort to bridge the gap between people of different religions). For we are not saved by "principles"...we are only saved by the sacrifice of Christ.

Answer 6

Inherent human nature. No one likes the thought of their beliefs being wrong. How a person deals with it depends on the person and not necessarily their religion. Most people get along fine, but it's the hostile and antagonistic ones we hear about the most.

Answer 7

All of the religious sects believe that their "god" is the one and only. However, everyone's "god" is different. They believe their religion is the only one recognized by their "god". They are the only ones going to heaven. They feel the need to convert others to that belief. I think, if they convert others, they are strengthening their position and once all others are convinced of this, they will feel that their belief is correct. How many "gods" can there be? I personally, am not convinced.

Answer 8

I don't know about religions, I have a personal relationship.
And speaking of Jesus, He also says to "have no other gods before me" and to "go ye therefor and teach all nations " but I think that anyone who uses violence does not represent Christ he gives people a choose, we just give them the opportunity.
God Bless

Answer 9

Good question! That was the way it was supposed to be.
Unfortunately, religion has lost its initial objective which was to bring people home to God. Now it has become a
political, power grabbing, money making sort of conglomerate. That's why they are against each other,
canceling out the competition. Fortunately, there are still
some who are faithful to God no matter what religion.

Answer 10

Different religions have different Supreme Beings they worship as their creator. They practice the dictates of their particular religion. So although they should live in harmony because most believe that we should love our brother man, they still criticize because "their god is bigger than your god" mentality lives on. Also the Muslim faith believes certain other religions and races are pigs and monkeys and they swear to never be friends with them. With that kind of thinking there will be no peace. Peace will come when Jesus returns.