Why can't all the world religions sit down and work out their differences?

Question

I mean, they are all adults so surley they can work it out?

Answer 1

Because they do not have a consistent and reliable framework of thought. Because they do not have the proper standard by which to measure their beliefs, attitudes and behavior. They are going by their own opinions. And because this is so, they constantly meet with frustration, failing miserably in attempts to solve their problems.

Add to the mix their arrogance, egos and pride. You are talking about people who go around in full religious regalia: special hats, robes and collars - all designed to let you know in an instant that they are "religious." Their names are followed by high-sounding titles longer than Rapunzel's hair. How can they work out their differences when they are so busy dressing to impress? How can they work out their differences when they do not realize that they are part and parcel of the problem?

It's like five different contractors trying to build a house. They all differ on what constitutes an inch, a foot, a yard and so on. They claim to have used a measuring rod, yet if they had really done so, there would be no differences. But they are not using the measuring rod. They are using their own opinions, insisting that those opinions are right. They have no touchstone. But they are adults, aren't they?

Hannah J Paul

Answer 2

Adult in age, perhaps -- not intellectually.

It'll never happen. Inherent in every religious sect is the assumption that they have some particular "truth" which nobody else has. It's this particular, unique "truth" they claim to know that sets them apart from other sects within the same general religion, and from other religions. Without it, there would be no reason to hold to one particular sect -- any of them would be as good as any other. It is the differences that define them, that give them a reason for existing in the first place.

That same unique "truth" is also the cause of division. In order to claim your sect has some "truth" that none of the others do, inherently you have to claim your idea is *right* and all competing ideas are *wrong.* When being right means gaining the reward of everlasting joy in paradise, and being wrong means eternal punishment in hell...there CANNOT be reconciliation among groups which all hold their own way to salvation as the one and only correct one. Conflict, even to the point of war, is unavoidable.

It always amuses me to hear some christians, for example, cite the 2.1 billion christians (approximately) in the world as "all the same faith." Nothing could be further from the truth. The spectrum of belief and dogma among those 2.1 billion is nearly as big as between catholicism and buddhism. They share a few beliefs in common, but disagree so mightily on (what they consider) important details that they felt it important enough to have their own complete organization, literature, rituals, teachings, etc. different from all the others.
There isn't even unity among christians -- most of them would gladly see all the other christian sects disappear (peacefully or violently) in favor of their own sect. How can you expect the *really* different religions to agree on anything?

The only solution is the abolition of all superstitious, mythical, non-factual religion. Then us humans will at least mainly argue about political differences, not religious ones.

Peace.

Answer 3

Waaaaaaay too big of a job.

There is dissension among Christians in one church, let alone trying to get all world religions agree on one thing.

Plus, the fact that all world religions do not maintain the same belief system.

It would be nice if even the mainline Protestant denominations got together, but that won't happen either. I guess we have different denominations cuz we're all different people which is a good thing.

Otherwise, the world would be pretty boring.

Have a great day.

Answer 4

Randy...I wish this could be as well. One problem I see is that many world belief systems are broken themselves into factions.

Christian Denominations - maybe unless you are a Christian and have worked in a church you do not realize the amount of differences in the denominational doctrines. Many mainline churches are now looking at working together more and coming together more on what we do have in common. Still the very liberal Christians (that be me) and the very fanatic fundamentalist...will never come together in peace.

Islam - Basically the same, so many regional and worldwide sects, all with different beliefs and standards.

Jewish - Again, many different "types" of Jews.

Hindi - Many varied sects

Buddhism - Again, different sects and divisions

Earth Beliefs - Native American, Wicca, etc.

So, we can hope and pray that at least at some point we can reach a point where we can come together at the very least in peace.
WWW

Answer 5

The fact that they are all adults have nothing to do with it. The fanatics have no intention of working out any differences, they use their religion as a shield to hide their fear and insecurity.you cannot deal with people like that, whatever religion they belong to they twist the message of that religion to their own purposes. A lot of it comes down to the paranoid desire to control others and destroy those who cannot be controlled. I actually believe that the majority of religious people just want to get on and live their lives in peace, in fact isn't that what most of us want? religious or not. Unfortunately we allow the fanatics of this world too much prominence and the innocent continue to suffer because of it.

Answer 6

One word: elitist. People feel they need to be unique, have something other people don't. Unfortunately, this yearning sometimes overexerts itself, and becomes elitist beliefs, one person or group believing they are the "chosen children of god", and that everyone that does not think as they do are irrevocably wrong and will recieve an eternal punishment for not agreeing with thier mindset. Pathetic, to say the least, especially since most religions have the same basis. ;)

Answer 7

Because certain faiths--particularly the Abrahamic faiths--insist that they and they alone are the only ones right in the world. Therefore all the others must be wrong and must be shown the error of their ways. Or blown up, whichever comes first.

When it comes to religion, few people behave like adults.

Answer 8

God has planned it that way! We must have the friction and be rubbed raw for perfection to be accomplished. We will shine like gold when He is done with us. So...we may as well enjoy the ride. And wait on Him to put us through the refiners fire so we can come (Job 23:10) "forth as pure gold".
Luk 12:51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
Luk 12:52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.
Luk 12:53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

Answer 9

They can't work out their differences because their beliefs have no rational basis. If I had a disagreement about a certain fact, I could work it out by discussing the evidence and working out what solution best fits the available information. But if your belief is based on 'faith' then there's nothing to discuss.

Answer 10

1. They are not adults.
2. War is more fun.
3. Their differences will be worked out when one destroys all others because each believes it is right.