An important distinction
There is a profound difference between advocating religious pluralism/freedom and saying that all religions are equally valid. I believe America should not force anyone to adhere to any religious belief, but rather should allow folks to practice their respective religions at their prerogative (unless of course there's a major conflict of practice--like if John Doe's religion allows him to kill me on Thursdays). Yet I can also hold the view that, while all men were created equal, not all religions are.
I hear quite frequently that "Christianity and Islam are just two different ways to get to the same God." Perhaps, but why don't you ask those religions? Christ makes clear that He is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Islam is also exclusive. Any basic study of the two faiths will show that Christians and Muslims do not worship the same God.
By the way, if that's true, and we're all just on different roads to the same destination, why is there so much fighting and persecution?
Developing...
I hear quite frequently that "Christianity and Islam are just two different ways to get to the same God." Perhaps, but why don't you ask those religions? Christ makes clear that He is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Islam is also exclusive. Any basic study of the two faiths will show that Christians and Muslims do not worship the same God.
By the way, if that's true, and we're all just on different roads to the same destination, why is there so much fighting and persecution?
Developing...
posted by Seth at 12:19 AM
3 Comments:
I don't know if you have looked much at the Baha'i Faith. From what I understand their core teaching is that all of the world's major religions are equally acceptable. Each of them is one way that God chose to reveal himself to the world. While each contain truth, it is the Baha'i faith that is the real deal.
But even a cursory examination of the major world religions would discount that notion.
Well, what if you've chosen the wrong religion? Every time you go to church you're just making God madder and madder.
The best bet is to follow no religion and treat all human beings with respect and honor - something that's clearly impossible if you think they're worshipping a diety who isn't as good as yours.
Loyal, we don't make God "madder and madder." Nothing we do or don't do can affect God's love for us--even if we don't believe in Him.
Everyone's got a religion, whether or not they call it religion. "No religion" is still a religion.
What makes your idea of treating all humans with respect and honor the "best bet"? Isn't that "forcing your morality on me"? Who are you to tell me what's best? You obviously believe that my belief system is inferior to yours, otherwise you wouldn't criticize it. On what basis do you claim that anyone should follow what you call "the best bet"?
Loyal, unfortunately you don't have a correct understanding of Christianity or its God. Perhaps you've been burned by a Christian, or maybe someone claiming to be one was a hypocrite--which happens a lot, I'll admit. Christians are specifically called to reach out to non-Christians. Do you know what Jesus says are the two greatest commandments that his followers are to adhere to? "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself."
Just because I disagree with you--on anything--should have no affect on whether I treat you with respect and honor. Granted, we Christians don't always do what we should do. But the core of Christianity is still true, whether it's adhered to or not.
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