Millions of individuals claim to be affiliated with some religious faith. If you took a survey, the majority of people you ask might say they are Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish, etc. However, it is unfortunate that many of us are claiming religion but not practicing it. In the spirit of our faiths, we are still finding ways to persecute and oppose religions that are different from our own. We sometimes do it with subtle disregard and at other times with blatant disrespect. So much so that when the FBI investigates hate crimes, they are finding that religious motivation is second in line to race issues.
Civil disturbances and war around the world have occurred in Bosnia, India, the Sudan, the Philippines and Kosovo as a result of religious intolerance. In an address to the troops in Italy in 1999, President Clinton spoke about Kosovo’s descent into genocide, “It all starts with the inability to recognize the inherent dignity and equality of someone who is different from us.”
Reda Issac Sami, a Christian and an American Egyptian, says she cannot remember being personally persecuted for being a Christian when she lived in Egypt, but said she does remember when Muslim Egyptians raided churches, because the American government had provided aide to Iraq. “The people who did it knew the government wouldn’t do anything about it,” she said. “Religious intolerance is more acceptable in Egypt than it is in the United States.”
“A study of the world’s religions will lead to an understanding of religious diversity. This understanding can lead to inter-religious dialogue. Dialogue may lead to peace among religions. Peace among religions would lead to peace among nations,” according to religioustolerance.org.
The thing that keeps us from dialogue and understanding is fear. We’re uncomfortable with that which we don’t understand. We must force ourselves to be exposed to other faith groups’ beliefs and practices. We need to be educated to the point where we’re able to respect the differences we see in others, whether religious or otherwise.
According to the Dalai Lama, when it comes to accepting our religious differences, we can develop unbiased compassion through communication and education. “Whether one believes in religion or not, and whether on believes in rebirth or not, there isn’t anyone who doesn’t appreciate kindness and compassion,” he said.
In Clyde Cronkite’s book on the Criminal Justice Administration, he notes “America is often referred to as a melting pot.” He believes a salad bowl metaphor provides a more realistic image of what we thrive for in the United States. “A salad allows a diversity of ingredients to be mixed but maintains the originality of each ingredient.”
“Having tolerance toward another religion does not require you to endorse that faith’s beliefs. It simply indicates your respect for its right to exist and for its members to be free from discrimination,” said religioustolernace.org.
There have been incidents that showed people breaking down religious barriers and emphasizing community. One such event took place after 9/11 when the Church Council of Greater Seattle provided volunteer security for an Islamic school in a non-Muslim neighborhood in Seattle.
As a community, we have to imitate incidents such as these in an effort to recognize, appreciate and celebrate the uniqueness of differences in others. We should do this not just because we are called to, but because we never know the kind of packaging our blessings will come in.
Carnell Newbill, a Chicago music producer, feels that making a conscious effort to study other religions has given him a global appreciation for different faiths.
“I’ve met Latin women who read water. I’ve been to sweat lodges to pray with the Cree Indians. I’ve studied religion based on nature and I’ve studied Buddhism and Voodoo. If God is the tree, then other religions can be thought of as the branches,” said Newbill.
David Allen, a Bolingbrook real estate broker and a Mormon, said his Christian family was disappointed when he joined the Mormon faith.
“My mother tried to be supportive. Her friends, on the other hand, were vehemently opposed to my joining. They accused me of devil worship. I believe people should have the right to let their hearts lead them to the religion of their choice. God is big enough for everybody,” said Allen.
A few years ago, I invited two Mormon friends to my church. I was embarrassed by the handful of church members who were openly rude our guests. I contemplated this thought: If we are called to be ‘fishers of men,’ can we win their hearts at the same time our own hearts echo indifference toward mankind?
Kelley Manges, Staff Writer
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