Chapter 17: Non-Christian Religions and Christianity
All religions mix cultures past and present, insights of the founders, elements of original religious beliefs, additions, and deletions over time. They mix wisdom, spiritual experiences, other experiences, random events, and ego.
Followers of Jesus can find bits of wisdom and helpful insights in studying other religions if they approach with an alert and open mind.
Almost always, religions are not inherently good or bad, though the practice of their followers can be helpful or hurtful.
In making friends from various religions, they have inspired me in many ways. My Bahai friends inspired me with their focus on peace, justice, and commitment that puts faith first before material things. One of those friends followed the practice of letting go of all possessions once every seven to ten years. Increasingly people are choosing a different faith than that of their birth families. This can help them find wholeness as a person.
Each religion provides its own blessings for the world, along with its own ways at times of causing harm. The history of Christianity bleeds with the blood of tens of millions who suffered hardship and death because of the actions of members of the faith. Therefore, it behooves us to look for the best in other religions along with awareness for their negatives.
In a world in which diversity is the rule for all stable systems, be thankful for the blessings provided by the diversity of religions.
All religions mix cultures past and present, insights of the founders, elements of original religious beliefs, additions, and deletions over time. They mix wisdom, spiritual experiences, other experiences, random events, and ego.
Followers of Jesus can find bits of wisdom and helpful insights in studying other religions if they approach with an alert and open mind.
Almost always, religions are not inherently good or bad, though the practice of their followers can be helpful or hurtful.
In making friends from various religions, they have inspired me in many ways. My Bahai friends inspired me with their focus on peace, justice, and commitment that puts faith first before material things. One of those friends followed the practice of letting go of all possessions once every seven to ten years. Increasingly people are choosing a different faith than that of their birth families. This can help them find wholeness as a person.
Each religion provides its own blessings for the world, along with its own ways at times of causing harm. The history of Christianity bleeds with the blood of tens of millions who suffered hardship and death because of the actions of members of the faith. Therefore, it behooves us to look for the best in other religions along with awareness for their negatives.
In a world in which diversity is the rule for all stable systems, be thankful for the blessings provided by the diversity of religions.
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