Can religious pluralism exist within what you believe?

Question

I personally believe there is an ultimate reality we all tap into.
Most people attempt to explain it through various Gods or totems.

Every theist does this-all of us.

No one knows who's right, and to be honest, I doubt anyone sees this reality as it truly is.

But I don't think that matters.

I think the way we see it is usually a good way for us to understand it better, as long as we are careful not to project too much onto it-so much that it covers the real truth.

If you study various religions without bias, you'll realize they all have similar morals.

Yes lines of sacred texts can be taken out of context, and these texts are often misunderstood by those who don't understand the cultural symbolism within them.

If you scrape the top layer off any religion, you see similarities, like the Golden Rule, and honoring your parents, loving your neighbor, etc.

Perhaps these truths make it through because they are what is really important.

What do you guys think?

How many of you believe this is true, and how many of you could be fine with yours and others faiths and live in harmony keeping this in mind?

I don't think this hurts anyones faith. I think most of us are humble enough to realize we can't understand God, or the ultimate reality completely anyway.

Ignoramus: I don't go to church or play Christian. If you interpreted something I said that way, well, what can I do. If you're confused about something I say you can always email me.

Answer 1

This is very wise, humble, and harmonious thinking. Good job.

Answer 2

Great question. If by "religious pluralism" you mean living in pluralistic society where any religious beliefs are allowed so long as they don't interfere with other people who don't wish to be included, then yes. My religion is very up-front about the fact that it isn't for everybody, so a pluralistic society is precisely what we'd like. We really don't care what others believe, so long as they don't try to push it on us or into the law.

If however you are proposing that we all follow a "universal" religion, then I say no. My religion is not ecumenical, and has fundamental disagreements with some of those things you listed. There are many reasons why people don't all go to the Unitarian churches.

Answer 3

Religious pluralism cannot mesh with my beliefs. Here's why.

The Catholic Church teaches that a man must be baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity to be saved. Therefore religions which teach otherwise are not teaching what is true.

That's just one example of contradictions with other religions. There are many others.

But it basically comes down to Truth. What is it, and who is teaching it? It can't be all of the different religions. Just because they share some common principles does mean they are teaching the same fundamental truths. That's only evidence of our common human nature and moral nature, nothing more.

Answer 4

I agree.

Whatever you believe or religion you follow, it's not down to scripture, practices or teachings really, is it? Because in the end we all just follow what our hearts tell us is 'right'.

Sure, we may justify it with a book or 'evidence'. But those things ultimately aren't why we believe. For example, it isn't the Bible that makes a Christian. It's what 'God', 'Jesus' or their psyche make them accept as truth. In other words Faith. As with all 'beliefs'.

And if we believe different things couldn't that be because that's what 'God' knows suits us best? Because if God talks to us I do not believe (S)He does so through prophets or books but through our hearts.

And since each of us is different, what we need and so what we hear will be different. Maybe.
.

Answer 5

I agree with you totally! There ARE certain truths that run consistently within each and every belief!

It is not everyone elses reality that concerns me....it's my own!
I happen to believe that our reality all comes from our perceptions..view....how we look at things..

And hey, dont let ignorant people threaten your serenity or push your buttons! Remember, Ignorance is bliss and Knows No Boundaries! lol just refuse to fuel the fire

Blessed Be!

Answer 6

So is God an impersonal force? It must be that way if it is something to tap into. Christianity is the only "religion" that offers communion with God. Not only that but this communion is not something that we reach or strive for. He came to us. Yes, all religions have their rules for morality but is that really what we are looking for? Do you want to live in cold legalistic ritual or wistful longing with no foundation the rest of your life?
Learning from Jesus will bring rest to your soul. Not only that, but most importantly He secures it.

Answer 7

Either Christianity has real power behind it, or it is just phoney. Why pretend to worship God by playing church or make believe, when nothing is really happening for you? If God really exists, then make it your main purpose in life to know him, in the WAY he wants you to know him. Worship him in the WAY he wants you to worship him. To say we can not know which religion is correct is to say that God does not speak to us at all.

God does speak, we just have a way of not listening.

Answer 8

Religious pluralism is pretty much the basis of what I believe: that each of us can find our own way to God.

Answer 9

Complex question filled with the possibility of many answers.

Answer 10

Great question. I for the most part, agree.