Every religion has its own set of beliefs with a unique philosophy that gives reason to those beliefs. Equally, every religion has a different source from which it corroborates its teachings.
In spite of different philosophies and origins, every religion uses reason as a common ground. Be it in propagation of religious ideas or moral values, reason is paramount. However, people may not feel satisfied with others’ reasons as much as they feel so with the reasons which support their particular religion. As a result, the differences are bound to remain.
“All religions, cultures and beliefs
deserve the same amount
of respect, evenif they
are different from our own.”
Having said that, we need not only to respect others’ reasons but also –and more importantly each other’s differences. Respecting differences is the prerequisite for a peaceful coexistence in any pluralistic society of the world. However, it does not end with pluralistic societies alone. Respecting others’ differences helps us develop broad-mindedness and a sense of compassion towards others.
As per religious beliefs, God created this world. Yet He set the differences between all the religions, although there are commonalities as well. The differences are not there so that we should fight each other. They are there because God wants us to understand each other as humans first, and to recognize each other beyond the differences of religion, creed and colour. That is why in every religion, God says that no human is better than the other.
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There could be differences in piety but God has regulated that right to Himself alone. Our duty is to treat everyone as we would like to be treated by them. We have to realize that the persons who say that only those people who follow them can have a better world in the hereafter are the ones who have interpreted the religion according to their will. They are the ones who don’t respect the differences with others.
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God has given us brains and in every religious text He often commands us that we should “observe”, “notice”, “see”, “understand” and “think” for ourselves. God has used these terms in order to tell us that wherever we feel confused or misled, we should use our brains so that we can make a just decision. One of the universal attributes of the righteous is that regardless of their differences with other people, they bring us closer to them.
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