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Looking back throughout the history of the world, many fights between societies can be narrowed down to fights about religion. Hitler killed millions of innocent people simply because they were Jewish. Pakistan was created because Hindus and Muslims couldn't get along. Today they are still fighting over land and their fights have escalated to such heights that there was a fear of a nuclear war between the two countries. Most recently, a battle has evolved between Muslims and Jews once again over religious land. Religion is the root of most problems between societies.
There are many forms of prejudices around the world but religious prejudice is number one, perhaps even more so than color. One of the first things people ask one another when they first meet is what religion they are. In some families, it is shunned upon if you marry out of your religion, and certain religions are just not even to be considered in marriage. One may not even accept someone as a friend because of his or her religion. Religion is probably the biggest form of differences between people. Even within the same religion we have different categories of religious practices. What would the world be like without religion?
To say the world would be a better place without religion would be an understatement. Without religion, we would only be compared in terms of race, gender and perhaps ethnic background. More so than our personalities or cultural backgrounds, it is our religious beliefs that keep us apart. Why? Because they are often our strongest, most firm beliefs. Also, many religions have contradicting rules to live by, which just adds to the tension between religions.
Religion is the thing that can keep people, who otherwise would be almost identical in all aspects of life, apart. Muslims and Hindus are a great example of this. At one point Hindus and Muslims lived together in India. They worked together, shared some views on how families should be raised and treated, and had some similar cultural beliefs. The only difference was their religion. One religion prayed to Allah and followed his rules while the other prayed to Krishna or Ram. This one difference created a rift between the two societies. A rift that grew so big that separation was the only answer. This rift has just kept getting bigger and bigger throughout the years. Every once in a while, one group will murder hundreds of innocent people of the other religion to prove some point still unknown. Many Hindus forbid their children to marry Muslims in particular, and vice versa. Would these two groups hate each other at all if religion didn't exist? They would get along great with each other if religion weren't keeping them apart.
What is religion? Religion is a book. A book supposedly filled with Gods words telling us how to live in order to be worth in Gods eyes, worthy to be with God in the after life. What proof is there that God said these words? Religion is essentially man made. We, people, believe that God said these words hundreds of years ago, but it is very possible that hundreds of years ago, some guy wrote down a bunch of rules he felt the world should follow. Some more guys followed in his footsteps and created their own books. Hundreds of years later we are now following the rules written in those books, thinking we are following the words of God. Assuming one God said the words in the different religious books, why has he or she got different, sometimes contradictory (depending on what book you read) rules in them? Also, why would God create different religions? Even if there was more than one God in the world, why would they make such contradictory views in different religions knowing that their people would fight because of it? What real purpose does religion serve to God? The more you analyze the connection between religion and God, the more you wonder the legitimacy of religion being from God.
Where is the connection between religion and God? Who said that in order to believe in God, you must follow a religion? One can just as easily say "I believe in a God" or "I believe in a higher power" as they would "I'm Catholic" or "I’m Hindu". Why must we define the God we believe in by the religion we follow?
Look throughout our history. How many lives would have been saved if religion had not existed? The Holocaust would not have happened. Muslims and Hindus would be united; as would India and Pakistan. Jewish and Muslim people would be one and living peacefully right now. Natives would be accepted more readily and would, perhaps, have been better treated. Prejudice would still exist in the world, but there would be one less thing to be prejudice about. People can find differences and contrasts amongst people within their religion, and they do. However, differences between religions would cease to exist. One couldn't hate another because they believe in Allah instead of Christ, or vice versa. No one would try to convert you into believing what he or she believes, because we would all believe in one thing – a higher power.
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Religion doesn't kill people; people kill people. Eric Evangelista | Jul 6th, 2002
It is often the case that when one fails miserably at a particular enterprise, one tries to pin the blame on someone else, or worse yet, an inanimate object, like blaming the snow for making you fall during a ski lesson. But scapegoating does not only apply to the daily bustlings of everyday life, they can apply to the larger doings; those doings that ultimately affect others. And religion is no exception.
If religion had not existed, Shalini argues, the holocaust would not have happened. Yet Shalini then goes on to say that other prejudices would not go away. But that's okay, just as long as we have one less thing to be prejudiced about. Is religion the real culprit here? Imagine a world of no religion, but with ample prejudice to replace it. Instead of a holocaust agains jews, how about we replace it with a holocaust against the colour of your skin? Is that better? Shalini's point is moot. Of course we wouldn't have a holocaust, the holocaust against Jews, but hindsight always masquarades as wisdom.
Shalini then goes on to say that instead of many religions, we should just have "one higher power with no particular rues to follow OTHER than those that we, ourselves, decide to follow because of our own free will and not religious obligations." Free will and religious obligation are not mutually exclusive. Ask any religious fanatic if they choose their religious values freely. Many will say they do, many won't. Freedom is relative, and the type Shalini tries to inspire is at best imperialistic.
Personally, I would rather fight over questions of existence, being and morals than over the colour of my skin, or sexual orientation, or whether I'm living on subsistence wages or making too much money for society's good.
I agree - Religion is not agressor here Jason Harley | Jul 12th, 2002
Well certainly you are right, some people do kill over religion and they are fanatical to the core, usually very ignorant and afraid of someone else's beliefs.
There are people who have walked the earth who have been religious and given so much to the world. Mother Meera in India, Sai Baba? Saint Francis de Assisi, Ching Hai?
These people are not so much of a certain religion as of a certain evolved soul that gives to the world instead of trying to only receive and defend one's religious land or beliefs from outsiders. They are religious in their persistence in loving other people, rather than religious in following another.
I think there is great strength in a routine if its positive and giving to the world. What do you think?
-Jason
Religion is used as a convenient excuse Jordan Thursby | Jul 16th, 2002
Yes, Religion may have been seen to leed to many conflicts and problems but in the end religion is simply a convenient excuse for people who do not respect the beliefs upon which the religion is truly founded.
For instance although the crusades were never truly in the spirit of christianity and ended up simply supporting the idea of papal authority in the crusades against the cathars.
In the end religion serves to provide a worthwhile connection to God and although it can be used so can all things which is why blaming religion only ignores more pressing social concerns.
Adam Dexter | Jul 25th, 2002
God did not create man in his image, man created God in man's image.
Religion is the best, and the worst thing to ever happen to mankind. Yeah, it was good back in the day, but now we need to focus on important and real life issues. I mean, it's awesome that people want to lead a spiritual life and hold faith in something, but you dont have to rip apart nations and implicate genocide because of fanaticism.
You put God in front of me and I will shake his hand and go to church every sunday, and apologise for not believing.
Until that time, that science (otherwise known as "How things really happen") proves the existance of an ultimate power or creator, I will believe in the power of humanity, the power to create and the power of fate.
Religion can be the Borders of Our Fear Catarina Abreu | Sep 30th, 2002
Hitler didn't only kill the Jews. He also killed gypsies, homosexuals, blacks, mentally disabled and basically anybody who went against him or his idealisms. It seems that it comes second nature to people to put the blame on others because they can't face up to the responsabilities themselves. They blame it on someone else and wash their hands clean of the problems they created, leaving the accused to clean up their mess for them. In my opinion, the Jews were a perfect scapegoat for Hitler and he used that to drive an entire nation to madness.
Religion is an instrument of our fear. Humans fear the unknown and religion in many ways also does this.
How many religions do we see that condemn anybody else outside their comfort zone? Being brought up Christian, I see the many faults that people of my religion have. For example, you will find those (as in other religions) who will condemn you for simply not going for every single rule. Your soul is damned and that's the way it'll be. Sadly, there are those that think that by simply believing in your religion, you're soul is saved-not matter what evil or harm you have done in your life. People interpret religion. Religion doesn't make the man, man makes the religion. Man is flawed and as a result, so is its creations and the idealisms they put forth.
Religion can be the Borders of Our Fear Catarina Abreu | Sep 30th, 2002
Hitler didn't only kill the Jews. He also killed gypsies, homosexuals, blacks, mentally disabled and basically anybody who went against him or his idealisms. It seems that it comes second nature to people to put the blame on others because they can't face up to the responsabilities themselves. They blame it on someone else and wash their hands clean of the problems they created, leaving the accused to clean up their mess for them. In my opinion, the Jews were a perfect scapegoat for Hitler and he used that to drive an entire nation to madness.
Religion is an instrument of our fear. Humans fear the unknown and religion in many ways also does this.
How many religions do we see that condemn anybody else outside their comfort zone? Being brought up Christian, I see the many faults that people of my religion have. For example, you will find those (as in other religions) who will condemn you for simply not going for every single rule. Your soul is damned and that's the way it'll be. Sadly, there are those that think that by simply believing in your religion, you're soul is saved-not matter what evil or harm you have done in your life. People interpret religion. Religion doesn't make the man, man makes the religion. Man is flawed and as a result, so is its creations and the idealisms they put forth.
Religions are JUST aids, NOT the end. Ed Viswanathan | Dec 26th, 2002
Religions are just AIDS. They are to help man to tackle his day to day problems. They are to help man to CONTROL MIND. Sorry to state that World history is colored RED with the blood of millions of honest, loving, caring people who killed themselves in the name of the personal God. If Shalini is advocating ONE WORLD RELIGION, many will be ready to join. Before that every one including Shalini should study history of religions. People should know how religions came into existence.
Hinduism is a way of life, a culture with HUNDREDS OF RELIGIONS in it. It is not an organized religion
like Islam & Christianity.
Comparing Hinduism with organized religions like Islam & Christianity is exactly like comparing apples and oranges!
There are two great Cultures in the world today. One is HINDUISM [www.amiahindu.com].Another is JUDAISM All eastern religions like Buddhism, Sikhism, to some extent Jainism, & Zoroastrianism came from Hinduism. All western religions like Christianity, Islam [Sunni & Shiate], Bhahaism etc came from Judaism.
Let us study the history of religions.
1--- Man was once a nomad.
2--- Finally man settled on river banks of the world.
3--- When Man settled on the river banks, the first profession he undertook was agriculture.
4--- When he started to cultivate, man faced many obstacles.
5--- Man could not comprehend the natural powers such as Sun, rains, thunder, lightning, sea etc
6--- Things he could not understand, he feared and started worshiping them.
7--- That is the reason why one can see both ancient Hindus and ancient Jews worshiping many gods.
8---Hindus worshiped 33 gods in the Rig Veda. Jews on their part worshiped many gods such as Canaanite [Baal], Egyptian, Greek, Roman gods.
9--- Out of many gods, finally man came out worshiping ONE and ONLY God. Hindus worship ONE & ONLY God Brahman which expresses itself in trillions of forms. Jews worship ONE & ONLY God JEHOVAH.
10--- This is the true story of the CULTURES of the world.
11---Look at Jesus Christ. As per CHRISTIANITY Jesus is GOD and SON of GOD.
12--JUDAISM, mother religion of Christianity, DOES NOT consider Jesus as GOD or SON OF GOD.
13---ISLAM, the sister religion of Christianity, DOES NOT consider Jesus as GOD or SON OF GOD.
See the confusion...That is why I am ready for ONE WORLD RELIGION, even though I am the author of one of the best sellers in Hinduism AM I A HINDU? [www.amaiahindu.com]
Religions are just PATHS, not the FINAL GOAL Ed Viswanathan | Dec 26th, 2002
Religions are JUST aids, NOT the end.
Religions are just AIDS. They are to help man to tackle his day to day problems. They are to help man to CONTROL MIND. Sorry to state that World history is colored RED with the blood of millions of honest, loving, caring people who killed themselves in the name of the personal God. If Shalini is advocating ONE WORLD RELIGION, many will be ready to join. Before that every one including Shalini should study history of religions. People should know how religions came into existence.
Hinduism is a way of life, a culture with HUNDREDS OF RELIGIONS in it. It is not an organized religion
like Islam & Christianity.
Comparing Hinduism with organized religions like Islam & Christianity is exactly like comparing apples and oranges!
There are two great Cultures in the world today. One is HINDUISM [www.amiahindu.com].Another is JUDAISM All eastern religions like Buddhism, Sikhism, to some extent Jainism, & Zoroastrianism came from Hinduism. All western religions like Christianity, Islam [Sunni & Shiate], Bhahaism etc came from Judaism.
Let us study the history of religions.
1--- Man was once a nomad.
2--- Finally man settled on river banks of the world.
3--- When Man settled on the river banks, the first profession he undertook was agriculture.
4--- When he started to cultivate, man faced many obstacles.
5--- Man could not comprehend the natural powers such as Sun, rains, thunder, lightning, sea etc
6--- Things he could not understand, he feared and started worshiping them.
7--- That is the reason why one can see both ancient Hindus and ancient Jews worshiping many gods.
8---Hindus worshiped 33 gods in the Rig Veda. Jews on their part worshiped many gods such as Canaanite [Baal], Egyptian, Greek, Roman gods.
9--- Out of many gods, finally man came out worshiping ONE and ONLY God. Hindus worship ONE & ONLY God Brahman which expresses itself in trillions of forms. Jews worship ONE & ONLY God JEHOVAH.
10--- This is the true story of the CULTURES of the world.
11---Look at Jesus Christ. As per CHRISTIANITY Jesus is GOD and SON of GOD.
12--JUDAISM, mother religion of Christianity, DOES NOT consider Jesus as GOD or SON OF GOD.
13---ISLAM, the sister religion of Christianity, DOES NOT consider Jesus as GOD or SON OF GOD.
See the confusion among THREE RELIGIONS, precisely ISLAM, CHRISTIANITY and JUDAISM.. Third world war will erupt because of the friction among Moslems, Christians and Jews.
That is why I am ready for ONE WORLD RELIGION, even though I am the author of one of the best sellers in Hinduism AM I A HINDU? [www.amaiahindu.com]
amiahindu.com
Religions are just PATHS, not the FINAL GOAL Ed Viswanathan | Dec 26th, 2002
Religions are JUST aids, NOT the end.
Religions are just AIDS. They are to help man to tackle his day to day problems. They are to help man to CONTROL MIND. Sorry to state that World history is colored RED with the blood of millions of honest, loving, caring people who killed themselves in the name of the personal God. If Shalini is advocating ONE WORLD RELIGION, many will be ready to join. Before that every one including Shalini should study history of religions. People should know how religions came into existence.
Hinduism is a way of life, a culture with HUNDREDS OF RELIGIONS in it. It is not an organized religion
like Islam & Christianity.
Comparing Hinduism with organized religions like Islam & Christianity is exactly like comparing apples and oranges!
There are two great Cultures in the world today. One is HINDUISM [www.amiahindu.com].Another is JUDAISM All eastern religions like Buddhism, Sikhism, to some extent Jainism, & Zoroastrianism came from Hinduism. All western religions like Christianity, Islam [Sunni & Shiate], Bhahaism etc came from Judaism.
Let us study the history of religions.
1--- Man was once a nomad.
2--- Finally man settled on river banks of the world.
3--- When Man settled on the river banks, the first profession he undertook was agriculture.
4--- When he started to cultivate, man faced many obstacles.
5--- Man could not comprehend the natural powers such as Sun, rains, thunder, lightning, sea etc
6--- Things he could not understand, he feared and started worshiping them.
7--- That is the reason why one can see both ancient Hindus and ancient Jews worshiping many gods.
8---Hindus worshiped 33 gods in the Rig Veda. Jews on their part worshiped many gods such as Canaanite [Baal], Egyptian, Greek, Roman gods.
9--- Out of many gods, finally man came out worshiping ONE and ONLY God. Hindus worship ONE & ONLY God Brahman which expresses itself in trillions of forms. Jews worship ONE & ONLY God JEHOVAH.
10--- This is the true story of the CULTURES of the world.
11---Look at Jesus Christ. As per CHRISTIANITY Jesus is GOD and SON of GOD.
12--JUDAISM, mother religion of Christianity, DOES NOT consider Jesus as GOD or SON OF GOD.
13---ISLAM, the sister religion of Christianity, DOES NOT consider Jesus as GOD or SON OF GOD.
See the confusion among THREE RELIGIONS, precisely ISLAM, CHRISTIANITY and JUDAISM.. Third world war will erupt because of the friction among Moslems, Christians and Jews.
That is why I am ready for ONE WORLD RELIGION, even though I am the author of one of the best sellers in Hinduism AM I A HINDU? [www.amaiahindu.com]
amiahindu.com
Tasnim | Jan 5th, 2003
to be honest..most of the stuff u rote are not true..so next time ask some 1 2 read ur article before u do n e thing..
Conclusion: bman | Sep 23rd, 2003
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts,
and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them."
-Romans 1:18-32
Hindu Propaganda! Shah Khanam | Nov 14th, 2003
Why Hindus r so determined that Pakistan & India should have been together? Hindus and Muslims are two Very separate religions they think that cows is their mother & we eat them, so how come they think that PAkistan & India should be together?
This humanity lesson should be taught to Bal Thakray & Shiv Sena who have killed thousands of Muslims in their own India.
Sorry i didn't mean to offend anyone but this is a FACT..
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