Why can't all religions just get along with eachother?

[Peace]

So here we are into the new millennium, and we still have just as much if not more tension between all the various religions.

You would think that people would have just learned to respect each others believes by now, but tis not so apparently.

Instead of discussing the differences between the various religions, why can't we all focus on the similarities, and try to strike some common ground among all the major religions?

What are your thoughts?

[Essence]

I agree at times it doesn't seem like we are making any progress in this area, but I truly believe that in order to do away with darkness you have to shine light into the dark. Unfortunately when you shine light into the darkness you are suddenly able to see what has been hiding there, and when you expose those things that have been hiding, it is no longer possible to ignore them and they have to be dealt with.
Possible we are in the stage of dealing with what has been hiding in the dark for all too long?

Love, Light and Blessings,

Essence

[G. Scott]

Essense poses a good question: ... 'are in the stage of dealing with what has been hiding in the dark for all too long?'

What then has been it the dark and what has caused the darkness. Religion has long been used as a means to divide and control people. Religion on a personal level should mean, probably, that connection between the individual and the Divine. However, at the societial level, religion means conformity to an organized set of dogmas, rituals and various forms of orthodoxy. These serve to cut the individual seeker off from direct contact with the Divine. This then leaves them an automoton that performs rituals and believes his/her actions somhow appease a vengeful god. It dosn't have to be that way as at their core, most of the worlds faiths contain truth and provide a path. But then the human gatekeepers appeared demanding a toll of some sort prior to allowing the seeker to gain entrance.

Ignorance is a wonderful tool to keep people in control. Look at the dumbing down of society and the hedonistic mindset that is forced on society by media of all forms and I think the bigger question is, are we witnessing the end of organized religion all together and if so, what is replacing it?

[Belgarath]

It's being replaced by a me-centric version of humanism. So many people only worry about themselves and what's going on in their lives in this moment instead of focusing on the world's people as one. That's why they can go on with their daily tasks and ignore issues affecting other parts of the world. Until they feel the pinch of standing in line to get bread, they will not think of others who have to live like this.

[sicnarf]

I think the primary reason is that each religion thinks it is the true religion. With that type of mentality (and arrogance) it makes it really difficult for any religion or people to get along. For the most part, I have great admiration and respect for the religions around the world. There is one religion that I do have a problem with and it is because if you try to leave it, you can be executed.

[lauralane]

Peace I have been asking myself that very question for years now and still don't have a full answer. You really would think after all this time we would become closer and learn to respect others beliefs.

[Peace]

Many people just seem way too selfish, and only concerned with themselves and nothing else!

Is that what we really want from the world?

I mean, I really wish people tried to be more considerate and helpful to each other, instead of just trying to further their own ends.

[ShortOfTime]

Originally Posted by sicnarf

I think the primary reason is that each religion thinks it is the true religion. With that type of mentality (and arrogance) it makes it really difficult for any religion or people to get along. For the most part, I have great admiration and respect for the religions around the world. There is one religion that I do have a problem with and it is because if you try to leave it, you can be executed.

Exactly-this is the whole reason. Not only does each religion teach that it is the only true religion, and the only way to salvation, but it teaches that others are wrong and that holds a lot of connotations. If you believe that someone is wrong in their thinking and you are not then if gives a superiority complex.

Too, some religions even teach that others are to be suppressed. I don't think religion will ever resolve their problems.

[excelsior]

Hi Peace, they could if they stop thinking that only they have the 'right' way to God. They could if they can believe that all religions have truth and beauty in them and that all religions have skeletons in the closet and things to hide along with errors and flaws. But, no religion has that humility, especially the religions that were born in the Middle East. Each claims that it is perfect, and this annoys others who know it is not perfect. And therefore the clash. The best way out is to have no religion, but to believe in a Supreme Loving Power, and of course, in the Oneness of the Universe.

[ShortOfTime]

Even that can lead to issues because people will try to 'out do' others in an effort to gain more approval from the supreme creator. I think that this is a fundamental flaw of human nature and I am not sure how we can get past it.