Do all religions have something important to teach you?

Question

For instance, we all could learn mercy from Jesus, peace from Buddha, Strength from Thor, desire from Shiva, thought from Prometheus, emotional control from Yamaya... And if we can learn these things and benefit ourselves, shouldn't we?

Answer 1

Of course they do. They don't all say exactly the same thing, but they tend to all point in the same general direction, and it helps to get as many different perspectives as possible. Helps you to make up your own mind about things.

I also believe that everyone should have at least a basic understanding of the major world religions. A little basic religious literacy can go a long way to helping us better understand each other, and to better get along.

That having been said, there are a few religious people who preach hate and intolerance. You've seen it right here -- you posted a nice, loving question, and got a few intolerant posts. Let's not let those few turn us off of religion in general, and let's try to not judge an entire religion based on one intolerant member.

Answer 2

There are other gods besides Thor? You insignificant little human, I will crush you!

Seriously, people who are believers of one religion and have no interest in reading about others are missing great stories and teachings. Learning about God from another point of view may just teach you something.

Answer 3

I think the most important message of all religion is that we have a spiritual connection and a oneness to something bigger than ourselves. Isn't this also what science tries so hard to prove that we are not alone. Religion gives us the faith to believe we are not alone with no scientific proof needed.

Answer 4

I've always thought so...

but I think what a lot of people don't seem to get is that, we also have a lot to learn from ourselves too, in a non-religious sense.

very interesting point though =].

Blessed be.

Answer 5

After we remove the "organization" from all organized religions, we are left with more or less the same teachings. Believe in God and be a good person and you will go to heaven. Don't believe in God and be a bad person and you will go to hell.

Answer 6

Wowie, look at the hate evoked by your question!

It's a good question, and of course the answer is "Yes."

God is too big to be contained in one religion.

Answer 7

they do. most religions simply preach peace and love and all that crap and be nice to others, etc.

the problem is where people take it too seriously and turn of thier brains and chose not to think for themselves and become too engrossed in it.

Answer 8

Mercy from Jesus? "Believe in me, or there'll be weeping and gnashing of teeth in the outer darkness"? I've studied the Bible thoroughly, and it seems to me that the idea that Jesus was "merciful" is total apostasy.

I take your general point, though. I think every person who fancies himself "religious" ought to make a thorough study of comparative religion.

"stay away and read Gods word and turn to him."

"Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. The rest lead to eternal hell."

Typical. Translation: "Don't run the risk of exposing yourself to anything that might upset your prejudices." Maintaining one's dogmatic Christianity requires careful insulation.

And now let the thumbs down parade begin, in demonstration of my thesis.

Answer 9

Truely. But the truth is that we have something to learn from every PERSON, not just the groups that people gather themselves in.

Answer 10

Yes I agree.