What is something you admire in a religion different from yours?

Question

For example: I'm not Catholic, but I'm very impressed by the people that practice lent. I remember one of my friends in school gave up candy for 40 days - I thought that was a pretty amazing feat of self-discipline for her faith.

- we actually were 12 at the time - I'm in my mid 20's now, and it's something I still remember.

Answer 1

I know some of my fellow atheists will slam me for this, but...

I admire the infinite and never-ending faith that some believers do. I've always said that I am an atheist who would *like* to believe, but I gave up hope a long time ago.

Answer 2

Especially now, I am more impressed with the PEACEFUL followers of Islam who live in a non-Islamic state. It must be very difficult for them to see people hijack their religion and twist it into something it was never meant to be.And then to see those who know nothing about the religion demonize ALL who practice it just because of a few religion hijackers and their terrorist actions.
To be Muslim now in America and the UK and not succumb to societies polarizing pull to either appologize for being Muslim or become an extremist is something to be admired I think.
Actually this could also apply to any religion who gets put on the hot seat for the beliefs and/or actions of certain adherants which are misinterpreted as being representative of the whole. It happens to Catholics, Jews, Mormons, and probably a lot of other faiths.

Answer 3

There are so many great responses to this question such as those given by Tonya, Granny, Rac, Abel, and even G Sus (although it hurt), but as I agree with Rac mostly, my heartfelt admiration goes to the Amish.

The nation wept when the fair ones of the Amish people were murdered in cold blood a few months back, yet Christ-like love for their enemies was manifest in true form. Who among us could do what the Amish had done in face of losing their children because of a mad man's Satanic vengeance?

Jesus had said to love our enemies and forgive those that persecute. This commandment of God was shown vividly by the Amish. I say keep the dear Amish in our prayers.

Answer 4

I enjoy the discipline of the muslims praying 5 times a day, the buddist meditate, the amish truly live as they should. The list could go on. I am a follower of Christ Jesus, I don't get into religions and all that they are devices that divide.

Answer 5

Thank you, but fasting is someting we Catholics start doing at a very early age, so it's no biggie after awhile.

What I like best about:

Islam - to be open to the will of God and to do it with a full and loving heart is supposed to be their biggie. Be great if it were so in practice.

Buddhism - their inner peace that comes after much seraching and questioning and practice. Only to be seen in the most devout, sadly.

Hinduism - their joy in all of life, even the icky parts.

Judaism - the family orientation, the closeness.

Taoism - the steadfast refusal to accept anything less than the best in themselves.

Shintoism - their sense of history and place in the world.

Confucianism - their knowledge of human nature is unsurpassed.

Animism - their connection to all of life is profoundly beautiful.

Wicca - should be like animism, but sadly has degenerated to being mostly about smugness over eco-sensitivity and their search for personal power over others. But with many their hearts are still in the right place.

Totemism - the strong sense of self-worth it generates in an individual.

Christian Orthodoxy - the pageantry of their faith.

Latter-Day Saints - their careful preparations to allow themselves to survive bad times. Their strong sense of family. Their healthful behavior vis a vis diet.

Jehovah's Witnesses - the pre-eminent example of what Jesus REALLY meant when He called His followers "sheep".

Main-line Protestants - Their staunch refusal to listen to anyone but themselves shows a degree of self-esteem that stops barely short of hubris....sometimes it stops short, anyway.

Hope this helped.

Answer 6

lol actually I really agree with you here, if I could pick out certain bits I think I could make a super religion, I rather like a HUGE amount of what the Jewish religion does and covers, they are very very family based and I would love to be able to do that candle / singing thing where the mother blesses all at the table..............I also like how the Jewish religion is very tradition based and it seems that a huge amount of the ceremonies are performed by the mother at home.

Answer 7

I actually admire the LDS focus on their families. (that almost hurt)

FYI - Lutherans, Episcopalians, Anglicans and many others observe lent. I am not of a liturgical background observed lent for the fist time this year ~ it was an amazing experience!

Answer 8

No candy for 40 days & you think that's a feat? how old are you? 12?? hahahaha

What about the religions who eat nothing but bread & water or NOTHING at all as their "fasting" practices? THAT is self-discipline! Not going without candy for 40 days.

Personally, i admire the christians ability to ignore reality & blindly focus all of their beliefs on a 2000 year old book. It takes a lot of self-discipline to be THAT ignorant.

Answer 9

I admire that they practice a religion.. any religion. As long as you have a belief.. stand by it. At the same time, be open to others.

Answer 10

Core of all religions, which is love and care for human beings.

The light within which is there in all beings known by diffrent words in different religions.

The coolness of bliss which dawns known by diffrent words in different religions.

The comic sound.