Why do religions nowdays try to do this multi-faith thing?

Question

Like you now get services where islamists, christians, buddhists and others all come together.

Surely if your God is the greatest he will be rather annoyed with you for mixing with people of other faiths in a religious setting?

I'm not trying to spread dissension i'm just wondering??

Doesn't it say something like though....


"you shall serve no other god but me"

Answer 1

It may be that people are trying to show respect and tolerance for others and their belief system. This is a good thing, of course, for we should all respect the faiths that others hold. Each has a right to believe what he wishes and even God does not take that away.

Still, one can be so careful in showing respect for another's faith system that one ends up disrespecting the very God one claims to worship.

If God is unconcerned how he is worshiped, then I agree that it does not matter what religious groups do - be it amongst themselves or with each other. However, if God has standards and requirements; if he expects fidelity from his worshipers, surely we ought to be concerned about what pleases him and what displeases him!

To illustrate: two groups mentioned above profess a certain degree of respect for Jesus of Nazareth. They hold him to be a great prophet of God. Notice what this great prophet stated on one occasion. It is found at Matthew 5:21-24:

"You heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You must not murder; but whoever commits a murder will be accountable to the court of justice.’ However, I say to you that everyone who continues wrathful with his brother will be accountable to the court of justice; but whoever addresses his brother with an unspeakable word of contempt will be accountable to the Supreme Court; whereas whoever says, ‘You despicable fool!’ will be liable to the fiery Gehenna. If, then, you are bringing your gift to the altar and you there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go away; first make your peace with your brother, and then, when you have come back, offer up your gift.”

Here the prophet references a formal act of worship – a gift at the altar. Notice, however, how something seemingly small can affect this formal act of worship to one’s God: something a [spiritual] brother has against me. The prophet instructs me to attend to the matter and THEN offer my gift at the altar.

If, now, my act of worship can be adversely affected by the fact that my spiritual brother has something against me, how much more so can my worship be affected by an act of interfaith with someone who does not even constitute my brother!

In the final analysis, we are the creation – not the creator. It is the Creator who determines what worship is acceptable to Him and not we ourselves. It is fine to show respect to other religious groups. But we ought to positively make sure how God feels about interfaith. Is it of no concern to him or does it constitute gross disrespect? We ought to make sure. Our very lives are on the line.

Hannah J Paul

Answer 2

No I think its a good thing. Its a group of people who have their own beliefs but are sensible enough to accept the fact that there is a chance they are wrong, and as such people should make their own choices about what to believe and show them aspects of their own religions, in order to sow seeds of doubt in peoples minds. If people begin to doubt their religion and turn to something else, then good for them because they have found something more valuable. If people are able to quench this doubt then equally good because in reaffirms their beliefs, whatever they are.

Besides most religions preach peace and I doubt God minds, if he exists.

Answer 3

I can understand islam, christianity and Judaism coming together...... none of the others though !!!!
You are right every religion is distinct and different from the other in atleast one way..... one should not compromise a basic fact just to show tolerance. Especially if the diffreence is in a basic principle

Answer 4

I am going to assume that your question is serious.

I can only answer for myself. I participate regularly in many types of religious services and I also speak worldwide on religious reconciliation. I do it because it is important to me to follow what God has revealed in all the scriptures. And that is that we must care fore, learn about and learn to live with our brothers and sisters in this world. It is better to save one human life, and, if by participating sincerely with my religious brothers and sisters of other faiths, that happens, then it is worth it.

When I participate with Jewish, Christian, Pagan, Hindu, Buddhist, Zoroastrian, Native American or other people, I do it in the knowledge that Allah (swt) told us in the Qur'an that He created people of different nations and races so that we might know one another, not so that we should fight with one another. So I consider it my duty as a devout Muslim to learn and know them as well. And it also says in the Qur'an that we believe in all the scriptures sent down before it, so to learn about and understand these other scriptures is also a duty of every devout Muslim.

Many people are affected by these interfaith reconciliations and, insha'allah (God willing) they will lead to understanding and peace between peoples.

Peace and Blessings,

Imam Salim

Answer 5

Which is better, for people to kill each other because they have a different point of view of God, or is it better if people get together to promote interfaith harmony and tolerance?

And as for the record, Muslim Jews and Christians share the same God.

Answer 6

What is your view of religion? Does your view eliminate everyone except one group? Can you accept that others have differing views? Don't close your mind --allow God to work in you--'Be not weary in well doing for in due season yea shall reap, if ye faint not." God is available to all who call on him.

Answer 7

who was not created of god
who is not a child of the father?
thus were many prophets sent
each was in thier own time sent a messenger from the father

Answer 8

your joking right?

name me a place in a muslim country which has turned into a multifaith place.

Actually, i am sure there is seeing as the media describe it as the religion of tolerance :-)

Answer 9

maybe to justify their existence but to me heaven is were I go to escape from this hell on earth ...so it seems ..so....all religions, faiths , creeds, etc, all worship.. same god...... just have different methods of preaching so to everyone their own ...me believe in god ... Earth is my church ...not man of many faiths

Answer 10

i would prefer if the whole world done this then no more fighting over stupid beliefs and they can keep theyre religions to themselves instead of causing others to become involved in wars because they decide they want to believe in a stupid book