Instead of allowing these divisions to persist, we must embrace a broader, more inclusive perspective that recognizes the inherent value and dignity of all human beings.
As a World Religions instructor, I would say that people who want to control others find religious institutions very handy for doing that. People who want to help others find religious institutions handy for that.
Like philosophies and political ideologies, religions are human constructs that are easily used and abused.
The best counter to this is also true of other areas of human endeavor ~ education. The more people know about religions, their own and others, the better they are able to live in a pluralistic world
Thank you, Stephanie, for sharing this insightful perspective on religion from an educator's point of view. I appreciate your balanced view on how religious institutions can be used for both positive and negative purposes. Your emphasis on education as a key factor in fostering understanding in a pluralistic world is particularly valuable. As subsequent religious leaders played major roles in polarization, which ultimately led to wars or several other kinds of conflicts, we need to step back and, if those hate speeches are influencing us, then we need to find our own way.
"By embracing humanity itself as our true 'religion', we can create a shared ethical framework that transcends individual belief systems and focuses on our common human experiences, needs, and aspirations." Such a beautiful philosophy of life. I'm with you Gurdeep.
Thank you, Gurdeep, for sharing these thoughts, which I agree with very much. We need leaders who collaborate, rather than play us vs them. I think we need to foster this kind of community development in all systems of our society right now, from kindergarten to universities to religions and political parties. Hope for this is kept alive by all of our small (or not so small) actions, including all of your outreaches. All the best!
Thank you for your thoughtful response, Gerald. Your insights on fostering unity and transcending religious boundaries resonate deeply. It's inspiring to see how you advocate for a more inclusive and compassionate world view. Your call for leaders who prioritize collaboration over division is particularly timely and important. I wholeheartedly agree that nurturing community development across all societal systems is crucial.
I really connect with what you're saying here. One of my deepest desires is to see this unity you speak of, to see the end of the religious politics and the rise of human consciousness embracing our uniqueness globally. I absolutely love the video of you dancing with First Nations peoples...it's a perfect representation of my heart.
Thank you for sharing your heartfelt thoughts, Rebekah! Your comment beautifully captures the hope for a more inclusive and harmonious global community. Thank you for sharing your perspective and adding to this important conversation about unity and human consciousness.
I was brought up Anglican, 'til my mum got tired of dragging us kicking and complaining to church every Sunday morning. Came to the conclusion by time I 30 that belief in a higher power wasn't for me and never looked back. I agree, however, that those who choose to believe, need to re think what exactly faith is in a broad sense, not just from their specific tenet.
I remember going to a therapist once and he like myself was a Christian. I am almost sad that I call myself that because of the way it has been used. Anyway, he said that all religions have something for all people to recognize and bring us great joy if we are open to it. I agreed with him and embraced this with my children. They were introduced at school to a religion course that allowed them to dig into other religions and it was a beautiful course. In turn this really helped them during university when they were making new friends. Friends from all religions and cultures in which we all embrace. It pains me that there has been an increase in such hatred instead of love.
Thank you, Shelley, for sharing this beautiful and insightful response. Your experience highlights the importance of openness, understanding, and embracing diversity in our increasingly interconnected world. Your children's ability to make friends from diverse backgrounds during university is a testament to the positive impact of early exposure to different cultures and religions. This kind of openness and acceptance is exactly what our world needs more of. Thank you for sharing your perspective. It's a powerful reminder of how education, openness, and love can bridge divides and bring people together across different faiths and cultures.
I deeply resonate with your wise articulations, Gurdeep. Thank you 🙏The return to wonder and awe is essential. It humbles us. I'm talking about the realm beyond religion that we all live in. Religion is merely a finger pointing at the sky. One day we wake up to find that becoming another finger is not what we were meant to discover. It's about remembering you are the sky...
Thank you, Gurdeep! I enjoy reading all your articles! You certainly are tackling some very big fish in this article! I applaud your courage & wisdom. Would this new religion based on humanity have Jesus and God as it’s focus? If yes, I’m interested in learning more! I love that you have First Nations Tribe singing, dancing & playing instruments along with your dancing in your video! It is so important to hear the Indigenous people speak and teach us the correct ways to life. God bless you & everyone!
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Sarina! I'm glad you enjoy my articles and appreciate your kind words about this one. I'm thrilled you enjoyed the video featuring First Nations performances. Indeed, Indigenous wisdom has much to teach us about living in harmony with each other and our environment. Thank you for your blessing, and may we all continue to learn from one another and work towards a more inclusive and understanding world.
An extremely eloquent article in very relevant times. Thanks for this and please continue to spread your perspective on joy and understanding of one another.
Such an essential message!! The more we recognize our similarities, the less likely we are to divide into artificial and often destructive factions!
Thanks for your thoughts, Susan! Your comment resonates deeply with our shared human experience.
As a World Religions instructor, I would say that people who want to control others find religious institutions very handy for doing that. People who want to help others find religious institutions handy for that.
Like philosophies and political ideologies, religions are human constructs that are easily used and abused.
The best counter to this is also true of other areas of human endeavor ~ education. The more people know about religions, their own and others, the better they are able to live in a pluralistic world
Thank you, Stephanie, for sharing this insightful perspective on religion from an educator's point of view. I appreciate your balanced view on how religious institutions can be used for both positive and negative purposes. Your emphasis on education as a key factor in fostering understanding in a pluralistic world is particularly valuable. As subsequent religious leaders played major roles in polarization, which ultimately led to wars or several other kinds of conflicts, we need to step back and, if those hate speeches are influencing us, then we need to find our own way.
So well articulated! Thank you 🙏❤️
Thanks for the feedback, Wendy!
I especially love that video! It makes me happy and gives me hope.
I am happy you liked the video!
"By embracing humanity itself as our true 'religion', we can create a shared ethical framework that transcends individual belief systems and focuses on our common human experiences, needs, and aspirations." Such a beautiful philosophy of life. I'm with you Gurdeep.
Thank you for your valuable feedback, Mr. Thomson.
always a pleasure Mr.P.
Thank you, Gurdeep, for sharing these thoughts, which I agree with very much. We need leaders who collaborate, rather than play us vs them. I think we need to foster this kind of community development in all systems of our society right now, from kindergarten to universities to religions and political parties. Hope for this is kept alive by all of our small (or not so small) actions, including all of your outreaches. All the best!
Thank you for your thoughtful response, Gerald. Your insights on fostering unity and transcending religious boundaries resonate deeply. It's inspiring to see how you advocate for a more inclusive and compassionate world view. Your call for leaders who prioritize collaboration over division is particularly timely and important. I wholeheartedly agree that nurturing community development across all societal systems is crucial.
I really connect with what you're saying here. One of my deepest desires is to see this unity you speak of, to see the end of the religious politics and the rise of human consciousness embracing our uniqueness globally. I absolutely love the video of you dancing with First Nations peoples...it's a perfect representation of my heart.
Thank you for sharing your heartfelt thoughts, Rebekah! Your comment beautifully captures the hope for a more inclusive and harmonious global community. Thank you for sharing your perspective and adding to this important conversation about unity and human consciousness.
I was brought up Anglican, 'til my mum got tired of dragging us kicking and complaining to church every Sunday morning. Came to the conclusion by time I 30 that belief in a higher power wasn't for me and never looked back. I agree, however, that those who choose to believe, need to re think what exactly faith is in a broad sense, not just from their specific tenet.
Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing your lived experiences and thoughts! I appreciate it very much.
100%. According to the writings from the Baha’i Faith, “The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens.”
100%. We are 1 human family. According to the Baha’i Faith writings, “the earth is but 1 country and mankind its citizens. “
Thanks for sharing your beautiful thoughts, Celia!
I remember going to a therapist once and he like myself was a Christian. I am almost sad that I call myself that because of the way it has been used. Anyway, he said that all religions have something for all people to recognize and bring us great joy if we are open to it. I agreed with him and embraced this with my children. They were introduced at school to a religion course that allowed them to dig into other religions and it was a beautiful course. In turn this really helped them during university when they were making new friends. Friends from all religions and cultures in which we all embrace. It pains me that there has been an increase in such hatred instead of love.
Thank you, Shelley, for sharing this beautiful and insightful response. Your experience highlights the importance of openness, understanding, and embracing diversity in our increasingly interconnected world. Your children's ability to make friends from diverse backgrounds during university is a testament to the positive impact of early exposure to different cultures and religions. This kind of openness and acceptance is exactly what our world needs more of. Thank you for sharing your perspective. It's a powerful reminder of how education, openness, and love can bridge divides and bring people together across different faiths and cultures.
Beautifully articulated.
Humanity.
Empathy.
One love.
Thank you, Chrisann, for sharing your thoughts! How amazing!
I deeply resonate with your wise articulations, Gurdeep. Thank you 🙏The return to wonder and awe is essential. It humbles us. I'm talking about the realm beyond religion that we all live in. Religion is merely a finger pointing at the sky. One day we wake up to find that becoming another finger is not what we were meant to discover. It's about remembering you are the sky...
How beautifully you described it, Renee, with this great reminder that "you are the sky".
Excellent Gurdeep ! Your comments are so wise. Thank you .
Thanks, Steacy, for sharing your thoughts!
Thank you, Gurdeep! I enjoy reading all your articles! You certainly are tackling some very big fish in this article! I applaud your courage & wisdom. Would this new religion based on humanity have Jesus and God as it’s focus? If yes, I’m interested in learning more! I love that you have First Nations Tribe singing, dancing & playing instruments along with your dancing in your video! It is so important to hear the Indigenous people speak and teach us the correct ways to life. God bless you & everyone!
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Sarina! I'm glad you enjoy my articles and appreciate your kind words about this one. I'm thrilled you enjoyed the video featuring First Nations performances. Indeed, Indigenous wisdom has much to teach us about living in harmony with each other and our environment. Thank you for your blessing, and may we all continue to learn from one another and work towards a more inclusive and understanding world.
An extremely eloquent article in very relevant times. Thanks for this and please continue to spread your perspective on joy and understanding of one another.