What do you think about other religions?

[loverofhumanity]

This is directed to the respected members of all religions. There are differences between religions but Interfaith tries to look for what we have in common. Should we allow our differences to divide us or should we put aside our differences and work for the betterment of the world?

By religion I do not mean denomination or sect. I mean a different religion or philosophy such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam etc.

As a member of your faith, do you accept other religions are true or only your religion?

Does your religion promote fellowship between members of other faiths or not.

Do you ever read or study other religions within your religion.

Do you think religions can unite and accept each other. For example Jews accept Christ and Christians accept Muhammad. If not why not?

 

[Aštra’el]

I find them all incredibly fascinating.

 

[Sirona]

Interfaith for the sake of interfaith is good. Interfaith for the sake of pushing an agenda is ... not so good.

 

[nPeace]

This is directed to the respected members of all religions. There are differences between religions but Interfaith tries to look for what we have in common. Should we allow our differences to divide us or should we put aside our differences and work for the betterment of the world?

By religion I do not mean denomination or sect. I mean a different religion or philosophy such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam etc.

Am I allowed, as one of Jehovah's Witnesses who identify as Christian?

As a member of your faith, do you accept other religions are true or only your religion?

Jehovah's Witnesses believe the Bible to be true, and thus that serves as a "measuring rod", since we believe it's God's word - the final say on God's view... and they wish to follow God's view, not their own opinion... or anyone else's.

Other religions equal other ways / forms of worship.
The Bible says God accepts only one form of worship - one faith. John 4:23-24; James 1:27; Ephesians 4:4-5

Does your religion promote fellowship between members of other faiths or not.

Jehovah's Witnesses understand the Bible says God does not accept interfaith. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Revelation 18:4

Do you ever read or study other religions within your religion.

Jehovah's Witnesses are from all backgrounds, cultures, and ways of life, so they are familiar will all religions.

We have publications that discuss religious beliefs of all people, especially since we try to share the good news of peace with all people.
We studied, for example, "Mankind's Search for God", a publication considering the beliefs of various religions - Hindus, Shinto, Buddhism... to name a few.

Do you think religions can unite and accept each other. For example Jews accept Christ and Christians accept Muhammad. If not why not?

Religion cannot unite, for the simple reason, that the source of all religion is not the true God - the God of order, and peace, but rather, the God of confusion - Satan the Devil.

This is the reason there are so many different religions all teaching different doctrines... even in the same "community".

Religion is a form of worship.
When God created the first human pair, there was only one acceptable way of worship to God.
The different forms of worship came about as men moved away from pure worship, and formed their own ways of worship. See the book of Genesis, along with Genesis 11.

Like a tree with many branches, religion spread over the whole earth, along with people.
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that they practice the pure worship as outlined by God, through his word, so that they do not practice a form of worship - religion.

The Devil is a liar, and spreads lies through religion - Revelation 12:9; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-1
This is his trump card, so to speak, to mislead masses away from God.

 

[Twilight Hue]

Different religions certainly display how people interpret reality.

 

[RabbiO]

Do you think religions can unite and accept each other. For example Jews accept Christ and Christians accept Muhammad. If not why not?

I know you’re Baha’i, but you can’t really have asked this question.

 

[stvdv]

This is directed to the respected members of all religions. There are differences between religions but Interfaith tries to look for what we have in common

I also rather look at what we have in common

Should we allow our differences to divide us or should we put aside our differences and work for the betterment of the world?

I rather not allow differences to divide

By religion I do not mean denomination or sect. I mean a different religion or philosophy such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam etc

Mine: Sanathana Dharma (Sanskrit; in English something like Eternal Dharma, Dharma is not easy to put in an English word, it's like the apropriate action...it does differentiate, kids Dharma differs from parents' Dharma etc.)

As a member of your faith, do you accept other religions are true or only your religion?

All Religions are pointers to the Truth. (Truth, and God too, are beyond the mind. So, I won't say my Religion is true nor other Religions are true)

Does your religion promote fellowship between members of other faiths or not.

My Master explained why it's useful to study also with othet religious people, so yes to uour question

Do you ever read or study other religions within your religion

Coincidentally I studied Titus and Revelations yesterday while being at a Church, so again yes.

Do you think religions can unite and accept each other

Religions...I won't hold my breath. Some individuals, I think yes

For example Jews accept Christ and Christians accept Muhammad

Well, there you ask something

If not why not?

Spiritual arrogance is the major obstacle

And by its definition (arrogance), they are unlikely to give in

 

[nPeace]

Do you think religions can unite and accept each other. For example Jews accept Christ and Christians accept Muhammad. If not why not?

Oops. I read that as "Do you think religion can unite and accept each other"... as in all religion.

Religion does unite in many packets. For example, they tolerate each other's different doctrines, since they all have one thing in common. Not knowing the truth, and in many cases, not knowing what to accept as the source that would lead to such truth.

For example, most Hindu writing contain admissions to being uncertain of what they believe, and in search of truth.
This cause many of similar faiths, to search further.

Allow me to share one such experience.
Sakae, who lives in central Japan, went from one Buddhist sect to another for 25 years to find the truth. She was never satisfied. As she rose to responsible positions in each organization, she always saw things that stumbled her, such as commercialism, immorality, and exploitation. She even traveled to India to search out the roots of Buddhism in the historic spots where Buddha lived and taught. She was greatly disappointed to find very little interest in Buddhism in that Hindu country. Then in her conversations with Jehovah’s Witnesses, she was told that not all religions are from God but are from his enemy, Satan the Devil. - 1 Corinthians 10:20.

This shocked Sakae, but it caused her to think and investigate. She read the book What Has Religion Done for Mankind? and other Bible publications. She began to see that whereas Buddhism, as practiced in Japan, went through many changes over the years, the Bible has remained unchanged for thousands of years. Eventually her investigation paid off. She found the truth she had been seeking. Her joy was like the joy of the man in Jesus’ parable who found a treasure hidden in a field: “For the joy he has he goes and sells what things he has and buys that field.” - Matthew 13:44.

If I was uncertain of my faith, or the truth, I too, would tolerate all religious beliefs... because I simply don't know, and I would be thinking that anyone of them could be right... or all of them.
That simply does not fit reality though, so I would simply be misleading myself (or have been misled)... and others.

 

[Viker]

As a member of your faith, do you accept other religions are true or only your religion?

I don't view these things in terms like true or false. Only what is desired and correct for another.

Does your religion promote fellowship between members of other faiths or not.

It doesn't promote nor discourage. If individuals want to reach out to others, that is fine.

Do you ever read or study other religions within your religion.

Quite often. I've always found religion fascinating.

Do you think religions can unite and accept each other. For example Jews accept Christ and Christians accept Muhammad. If not why not?

They can and many will. People can accept each other without fully accepting core tenets and iconography from other religions. Sort of live and let live.

 

[Vinayaka]

Other than a very basic cursory understanding, I see no point into delving into the beliefs of other faiths, as it could easily be like taking a confusion pill. For me, it's about people and behavior, not about belief. I admire all ethical people, regardless of their religion. Focusing on a person's religion seems to be a narrow view of the whole person. There is so much else to see. I can't ever imagine my first question of another to be 'What religion are you?"

In Hinduism, thee has been a very long history of people interfering with us, trying to convert, attempted genocide, telling us we got it wrong. So because of that, I reciprocate by minding my own business, and wishing others would follow that lead. Hopefully those attitudes are changing.

 

[Quintessence]

Should we allow our differences to divide us or should we put aside our differences and work for the betterment of the world?

I find the notion of "betterment of the world" to be a prime example of human hubris. Humans are but one species among tens of thousands on this planet, and frankly our notions of "betterment of the world" so far have led to a sixth mass extinction event. So no, I don't think humans should work towards "betterment of the world." Nor do I think that differences and division are a bad thing that need to be set aside. The biodiversity our species is so keen on annihilating emerges through differences and division.

As a member of your faith, do you accept other religions are true or only your religion?

The question doesn't make sense to me. Religion is one's way of life that addresses existential questions of meaning and relationship through story and ritual. It doesn't make sense to cast that is being true or false, it simply is. One can speak of being true to oneself and one's way of life I suppose. If one is practicing a religion that is in keeping with the virtues and character one wants to cultivate I guess that's "true" to oneself and keeping in-character.

Does your religion promote fellowship between members of other faiths or not.

Very much so. While I refer to Druidry as my religion, in the context of the Order I belong to it isn't always viewed that way. Reason being is that Druidry as taught by the Order can be layered on top of other religious traditions. There are members who are Pagans like myself, but also members who are any number of other religions. So the Order operates a bit like Unitarian Universalism, but for people who are really keen on nature and arts.

Do you ever read or study other religions within your religion.

Depends on what one means by "other religions" given Druidry is inherently syncretic as practiced by the Order. It suffices to say the Order heavily encourages following the Awen (currents of inspiration) wherever it may lead. Reading and studying widely is expected if not encouraged. Personally, I lean more into studying sciences than conventionally-designated religions.

Do you think religions can unite and accept each other. For example Jews accept Christ and Christians accept Muhammad. If not why not?

No. There will always be forms of diversity that are inherently incompatible with one another, as oil and water. I also do not view this as a problem. Identity and diversity is born of differences. Without that, you get a bunch of grey mush of everything being the same. No thanks.

 

[Muffled]

I believe I should have had the option of none of the above.

 

[Muffled]

I find them all incredibly fascinating.

I believe at times I have found statements of gurus to be a waste of time.

 

[Muffled]

I know you’re Baha’i, but you can’t really have asked this question.

Supposedly the Anti-Christ will bring about one religion.

 

[JustGeorge]

First off, I didn't take the poll, because it said "all major religions". I find this exclusionary, as the wording leaves out all my friends in smaller religions like Sikhism, Wicca, JWs, Asatru, and the Baha'is(just to name a few). I don't like to downplay minorities.

This is directed to the respected members of all religions. There are differences between religions but Interfaith tries to look for what we have in common. Should we allow our differences to divide us or should we put aside our differences and work for the betterment of the world?

I don't think this is dependent on religion. Two people can be of the same worldview and have largely different opinions. And, what is betterment of the world? What specifically are we targeting?

By religion I do not mean denomination or sect. I mean a different religion or philosophy such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam etc.

As a member of your faith, do you accept other religions are true or only your religion?

I see religion as a way of seeing things; a way of making sense of the world. One person's view may seem meaningless, ridiculous, or pointless, while it may be what is keeping another going.

I think many religions(both those with many and few members) are the myriad of ways Divinity presents itself.

Does your religion promote fellowship between members of other faiths or not.

Yes.

Do you ever read or study other religions within your religion.

I study pretty broadly. I enjoy understanding how other people see things.

Do you think religions can unite and accept each other. For example Jews accept Christ and Christians accept Muhammad. If not why not?

First off, I will say I disapprove of any kind of religious intolerance. There is no reason anyone should be harming, belittling, or trying to squash out any religious path. This is inexcusable.

However, I don't think religions should all 'drop' beliefs in order to become one big unidentifiable mass. Jews do not need Christ. Christians do not need Mohammed. Polytheists do not need to focus on the 'One'. Buddhists do not need theism.

There are many rich cultures, stories, practices, and beliefs that belong to each tradition. To try to push them all into a big group in the name of 'unity' is disturbing to me. We can accept and even love each other without trying to become each other.

 

[pearl]

Live and let live. As long as no harm is wished on another.

 

[lukethethird]

As a member of your faith, do you accept other religions are true or only your religion?

My country is predominantly Christian and we demonize nations that are predominantly Muslim to no end, and some we bomb and invade and try to Christianise them.

Does your religion promote fellowship between members of other faiths or not.

Do you ever read or study other religions within your religion.

Do you think religions can unite and accept each other. For example Jews accept Christ and Christians accept Muhammad. If not why not?

Right now we are cooperating with Jews in Israel in order to push Muslims off their land so that Jews can settle there.

 

[LuisDantas]

I'm not answering the poll. Neither answer really applies to me, even leaving aside that my conception of "major religion" is probably very different from the original poster's.

By religion I do not mean denomination or sect. I mean a different religion or philosophy such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam etc.

As a member of your faith, do you accept other religions are true or only your religion?

Neither. There are many valid, constructive and true religions, but also many utterly false and destructive ones.

Even proper religions can be mispracticed. It is really necessary to gauge whether Adharma and Avidya arise on a case-by-case basis.

Does your religion promote fellowship between members of other faiths or not.

I would hope so. Although I have come to realize that establishing what we reject is perhaps as important as reaching out. Sometimes there is no other way of being understood.

Do you ever read or study other religions within your religion.

Do you mean "outside"? Yes, I have a degree of interest in creeds and religions generally.

Do you think religions can unite and accept each other. For example Jews accept Christ and Christians accept Muhammad. If not why not?

Most can, particularly if they are valid in their own terms.

But sometimes there is just no point, particularly in the Abrahamics, which impose serious complications on that front.

I'm not sure of what would constitute acceptance of Jesus in Judaism. As others made abundantly clear, Christianity is utterly incompatible with Judaism.

Muhammad, by way of the Qur'an, says outright that Judaism and Christianity have lost their ways and must give way to Islam. And _also_ that no later doctrine will be in any way better than Islam. So there is no point in attempting to find common ground with other Abrahamics, let alone non-Abrahamics. Islam refuses to even acknowledge that paganism and disbelief are not one and the same thing, nor that either can be valid.

 

[sun rise]

Again: Blind Men and the Elephant. Or in another image: there are many "paths" to "climb the mountain".

 

[viole]

This is directed to the respected members of all religions. There are differences between religions but Interfaith tries to look for what we have in common. Should we allow our differences to divide us or should we put aside our differences and work for the betterment of the world?

By religion I do not mean denomination or sect. I mean a different religion or philosophy such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam etc.

As a member of your faith, do you accept other religions are true or only your religion?

Does your religion promote fellowship between members of other faiths or not.

Do you ever read or study other religions within your religion.

Do you think religions can unite and accept each other. For example Jews accept Christ and Christians accept Muhammad. If not why not?

I think that all religions deserve the exact equal amount of respect.

Ciao

- viole