Every religion in this world has a distinct symbol that identifies it from other religions around the world. For example, the common symbol for Christianity is a cross. In addition, the symbol representing Judaism is the Star of David. These symbols allow us to easily identify what religion is being referred to by them. I feel that most people are able to distinguish different religions from one another based on these various symbols. However, sadly, I feel that most people don't know a lot about a religion. All they know about are these certain symbols and the knowledge they have about their own religion.
I am not implying that people should be able to list off every single detail about every religion, but I feel like people should know more about a religion than the symbols that they possess. There is a huge "co-exist" movement going on today, which says that people of different religions need to accept one another. I believe in this movement wholeheartedly; however, I think that it is extremely difficult to truly accept people from a religion that you don't know a lot about. It is almost like these people aren't really accepting each other, because of their lack of knowledge about one another. If everyone would put a little bit more time and effort into learning about different religions, it would be easier for different religions to truly accept one another.
I totally agree! Your point is particularly relevant in today's world where we have increased global communication and public acknowledgment that religion affects so many current events.
ReplyDeleteMany people don't understand the difference between acceptance and appreciation - I have found that many people who identify as being 'strongly religious' don't want to learn about other faiths because they don't agree with their philosophies. Respecting other religions doesn't mean one has to agree with its teachings, and I don't think that enough people keep that in mind. Learning about other religions is the first step toward understanding and being able to reach a middle ground, there's no need to compromise your own beliefs to respect that others may have different views! If more people understood that then I think there would be much less religious discrimination and stereotyping.
It's sad that some people choose not (or don't have the opportunity) to learn about other beliefs. There's so much to gain from learning about other religions because it's so often tied in with the history and culture of a people. You make an excellent point!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, when I talked about my Mormon missionary experience, I did go to many of their services and attend their own type of 'bible school' because I thought it would be interesting. Even though I didn't want to convert, I still saw it as a great opportunity to understand their religion and interact with them. I know more about the Mormon religion than any other because I was with them for 3 months!
Great point. I think sometimes people are scared of what they don't know. But you're right as well when you say it is extremely difficult to accept others from a different religion when you have no relevant information about that religion. If people where able to put more time and effort into learning about other cultures, we as people would learn to understand eachother better like you said. Very insightful point. Well done!
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of coexsitence that you bring up in this blog. I think that it is really important for people of different religions to coexist peacefully and if people know more about each other this can increase the tolerance level. Good job
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