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For many years, Americans have been introduced to diverse religious beliefs and cultures. This has been made possible through the convergence of virtually every part of the world on American soil, and particularly since the U.S emerged as a global leader in economics, diplomacy and world politics.
The US constitution by design celebrates religious tolerance and freedom. A type of freedom which many religious practioners in various parts of the world have only imagined to be a mirage. With the emergence of International terrorism, Americans seemed to have rethought their stance on how much they can tolerate the enemies of democracy and freedom. Freedom that their ancestors struggled so hard and for so long to establish, and in many cases paying the ultimate price for the sake of posterity.
The attack on the World Trade Center on that fateful morning of September 11, 2001 sent a shock wave through the nerves of the American public. The resentment and bitterness towards Islam resonated throughout the US, reaching even the most remote of American outposts. Americans compared the attack to Pearl Harbor and many young people began preparing for an enduring war against enemies of freedom. Just months in office, President George W. Bush was caught in a diplomatic and literal war to bring Al-Quaeda to justice, leading to the invasion of Afghanistan and most recently Iraq. Al-Qaeda remains a threat to the American people both at home and overseas and while it is imperative to stamp out international terrorism on the human soil, it is also pertinent for people all over the world to endeavor to understand some fundamental elements and even the similarities in various global religions. Americans seem to have lack-lustre attitude towards other religions but an understanding of other religions would probably enlighten us on why people pursue causes that others deem evil.
Militancy for some muslims is a way of life. Osama Bin Laden's Al- Qaeda network is a typical example. While the majority of the world may call them terrorists, they regard themselves as soldiers of God. To Al-Qaeda, the unbelievers in Islam are infidels and by declaring a Jihad (Holy War) against the west and their allies, the infidels are humiliated.
Looking at World religions from a global perspective, it is striking to note that despite the differences, there remains conspicious similarities among said religions. At this juncture, let us look at major World religions, similarities and the implication of culture in the practice of religion.
One can define religion in the context of his or her own needs, understanding, insight, experiences and culture. However, there is a general notion that religion is an individuals's particular wordview, a general understanding of the world and the individuals place in the universe. Religion is an idea of using different dimensions to actualize who one thinks he or she is deep within themselves. Knowing one's true nature and giving meaning to that nature is what a person can come to relate to. Religion is a way of life that presents a true scenario for the real self, helping one become who he or she truly is in relation to the human society and reality.
Religion has been part of every culture throughout the world because religion gives content to culture and culture gives form to religion. Religion has been a central phenomenon in human cultures in which stories, myths, rituals, symbols, artistic and literary expressions, intellectual models, ethical prescriptions and interpretation of the sacred have created, sustained, reformed communities and entire cultures, giving those cultures visions of meaning and purpose on the individual, communal, cultural and universal levels.
Cultures have at the same time given religions an existential social framework in which the religious ideas, practices and paradigms are embodied. In other words, culture is the language that religions must use in order to formulate and communicate their content. As mentioned earlier, there are fundamental relationships and contrasts between world religions but in this writing, greater emphsis will be laid on Islam, Christianity and Judaism.
Unlike Christianity, there is very little sacramentalism in Islam. The Christian by and large finds the focus of his or her religious life in the sacraments, however widely and diversely they may be interpreted. There is nothing in Islam corresponding to this aspect of the Christian ritual dimention. Judaism doesn't ascribe to sacramentalism.
Muslims do not believe in the trinity of God, rather they believe in exclusive monotheism - there is no God but God. Christians are monotheistic but at the same time believe in the existence of the trinity-God the father, God the son and God the Holy Spirit. Judaism, like Islam believe in the existence of one spreme being. Judaism doesn't ascribe to the Christian belief that Jesus Christ is the savior. Islam recognizes Jesus (Isah) as a Holy prophet like Mohammed and Moses and all the past Holy prophets.
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Writer Profile
Pedus
I was born in Nigeria and was educated in Nigeria, USA and Australia. I am the founder and president of Christina-Mae Recruitment Consortium Australia and the author of the book "When Things Go Wrong: Concepts of Change". I am also the co-founder of Child Aid Survival and Development International (CASDI). As a freelance journalist, I have contributed to a number of professional journals and newspapers, as well as worked in a number of e-journalism projects. I have traveled extensively and currently call Australia and the USA home with extensive involvement in African Human Rights issues.
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Comments
I AGREE WITH YOUR SUBMISSION, EWEAMA OLOLADE ADEBIMPE | Aug 20th, 2003
FRANKLY SPEAKING, THE ISSUE OF RELIGION IS A SENSITIVE AND VOLATILE ONE. WE STILL NEED TO TEACH THE WHOLE WORLD TO EMBRACE RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE. AS LONG AS SOME RELIGIONS CONTINUE TO CLAIM SUPERIRITY OVER OTHERS, THERE IS BOUND TO BE CONFLICTS.GOD DID NOT CREATE US FOR DESTRUCTION. BUT SOME FEEL BY DESTROYING OTHER RELIGIOUS GROUPS,THEY ARE SERVING GOD TRULLY.BUT THEN,GOD IS THE JUDGE.
Religion Jayaspery Padayache | Sep 5th, 2003
How we see ourslves as spirituall beings is usually driven by the dogmatic science of religion.Man has shaped and reshaped religion to serve his own self serving purposes without looking at the collective soul structure
we as human beings are connected to.
Like the human anotomy,with different parts of the body connected to One Skeletal System ,so is the purpose of us having different religions, that connects us to one Powerful Force.We need to learn from one another,there will be conflicting opinions but...it all comes down in retrospect to Spirituality and the sense of connecting to what one would term as The Higher Being.
No matter the text and sciptures and comparision as such,this is based on geographic,language and tolerance of the times it was written.We are here and now,in a new Century.
If we hold ourselves hostage to what was written centuries ago, we also deprive ourselves in evolving into and onwards to what's new and progressive for our soul development and understanding ourselves better as persons and human beings.
So why the bickering and badgering ? let's for once admit it's about power and wealth,it's about taking control and having the egoistic pride of saying 'WE ARE THE MOST POWERFUL".
In the end,like in the beginning,We are all born alone,We die alone...so lets use this one and only chance we have on Earth to SHARE with Goodness and Love in our hearts.
On Religion Damilare T.A Onajole | Nov 20th, 2003
My words are: Religion in practice; for the ordinarymind. Religion in appreciation; for the great minds.
Religion is good for mankind. because of its ability to enforce morals. On the other side, it limits the thoughts of man. the things eweama has said can be counted as sin in the aforesaid religions. they tend to hold on to things of the hold. People should develope as the days roll by. they should learn from one another. they should appreciate religion and not necessary practising all!
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