OnlineBookClub.org

In this book Haatim had a blog called Hidden Lens where he wrote "about various religions of the world and how they interacted with each other in positive ways." His friend Kelly mentions his post "about how all religions stemmed from the same prism and how if people could understand that it would fix so many things."

1) Do you agree that religions interact with each other in positive ways? Why or why not?
2) Do you agree that all religions stem from the same prism?
3) Do you think that many things could be fixed if people believed that religions stemmed from the same prism?

I hesitate to comment on this as it can be so divisive. I believe what I believe, but that doesn't mean we can't disagree in a friendly manner. I'm still willing to put my differences aside and be friends. Not everyone is like that, however.

With that disclaimer, I believe that the Bible teaches that Jesus is the only way to Heaven. So I would have to disagree with that statement.

kandscreeley wrote:I hesitate to comment on this as it can be so divisive. I believe what I believe, but that doesn't mean we can't disagree in a friendly manner. I'm still willing to put my differences aside and be friends. Not everyone is like that, however.

For that reason I hesitated to even start this thread, but religion is in the book, so I wanted to ask anyway.

I believe everyone can have their beliefs and as long as we don't disrespect each others' beliefs we can still be friends and discuss this like mature people.

Thanks for being brave and responding.

Christina O Phillips wrote:

kandscreeley wrote:I hesitate to comment on this as it can be so divisive. I believe what I believe, but that doesn't mean we can't disagree in a friendly manner. I'm still willing to put my differences aside and be friends. Not everyone is like that, however.

For that reason I hesitated to even start this thread, but religion is in the book, so I wanted to ask anyway.

I believe everyone can have their beliefs and as long as we don't disrespect each others' beliefs we can still be friends and discuss this like mature people.

Thanks for being brave and responding.

Exactly! I'm not going to hate you because you don't believe the way I do. I think we can still have a respectful discussion. However, don't expect me to change my views, and I won't expect you to change yours. Let's just be adults about this whole thing!

I agree with everything that's been said here so far. I have solid religious beliefs, but I am not going to get up in arms because someone disagrees with me. I can be friends with someone whose religion differs from my own.

I believe that most religions stem from one another. There's just different variations of basically the same thing. I think if people focused on the similarities instead of the differences, the world would be a more positive place.

Religion has been a debate even before saga. It may serve as a nexus between individuals who belong to the same sect. At the same time, it creates conflict between people from different beliefs.

Donnavila Marie01 wrote:Religion has been a debate even before saga. It may serve as a nexus between individuals who belong to the same sect. At the same time, it creates conflict between people from different beliefs.

You're right. There has been so many ways in our history that were over religion. It's shocking that something that is pure causes people to act so evil.

Christina O Phillips wrote: 2) Do you agree that all religions stem from the same prism?

This statement is not true for ALL religions. For example polytheism and monotheism are completely different with different origins and background.
But for monotheistic religions it is correct. This fact is proved by historians and theologians from comparison of religious foundations.

Christina O Phillips wrote: 1) Do you agree that religions interact with each other in positive ways? Why or why not?

No. In that way religious people interact with each other in positive way too, but unfortunately it's not so. I think we should divide religion and belief. Beliefs interact with each other in positive ways.

Christina O Phillips wrote: 3) Do you think that many things could be fixed if people believed that religions stemmed from the same prism?

Yes, but it is an utopian idea.

Aldonsa wrote:

Christina O Phillips wrote: 2) Do you agree that all religions stem from the same prism?

This statement is not true for ALL religions. For example polytheism and monotheism are completely different with different origins and background.
But for monotheistic religions it is correct. This fact is proved by historians and theologians from comparison of religious foundations.

Christina O Phillips wrote: 1) Do you agree that religions interact with each other in positive ways? Why or why not?

No. In that way religious people interact with each other in positive way too, but unfortunately it's not so. I think we should divide religion and belief. Beliefs interact with each other in positive ways.

Christina O Phillips wrote: 3) Do you think that many things could be fixed if people believed that religions stemmed from the same prism?

Yes, but it is an utopian idea.

You're right. It IS a utopian idea. An idea that could never really happen. HOWEVER, I think things could be fixed simply by being able to agree to disagree! We SAY we're "tolerant" but that's not really true. It's actually pretty sad.

kandscreeley wrote: You're right. It IS a utopian idea. An idea that could never really happen. HOWEVER, I think things could be fixed simply by being able to agree to disagree! We SAY we're "tolerant" but that's not really true. It's actually pretty sad.

I agree with you completely! People must learn to be a bit more honest

I believe that each religion is a different prism through which one looks at truth

-- 20 Apr 2017, 08:27 --

1) Do you agree that religions interact with each other in positive ways? Why or why not

I think the only negative effect is that because we have different kind of religion, people won't understand due to different insights about religion they believe in.

I don't necessarily believed they all interact with each other in a positive way, but I do believe they stem from the same prism. As you move from one religion to another, they are interpreting the same ideas in a different manner. I am a firm believer that religious acceptance would solve a lot of problems in the world. Unfortunately it will be a lot easier said than done. Many people are trapped in their own ideals and are unwilling to approve of others.

I completely agree that every religion is interconnected in some way. For me, it doesn't matter if people have different opinions about who to believe and how to worship. What matters is that we all agree on what's good and bad, and that we all work together and not fight each other.

Most religions focus on there being some way to ultimate happiness, whether it is heaven, or paradise or some other utopia. Most religions also have some set of "rules" or guidelines on how to reach said utopia. There are obvious differences between mono and polytheism, etc. However most focus on obedience to some person or book of standards. I am all fine for fair discourse. I'm all good with understanding that you believe one thing and I believe another. I do feel that true Christianity focuses more on a relationship with God rather than blind obedience. Scriptural Christianity teaches that Christ's death on the cross was in payment for the sins of His people, because no one could ever obey completely. impossible. When one accepts that payment, and takes Christ as Lord, that is Scriptural Christianity. That doesn't absolve one from the "doing of good works" but changes the focus from self to Christ. Self can't do it perfectly, but Christ did.

But, saying all that - if anyone is still reading I do not believe that it is right or good to dishonor another person because of their religion. We should be able to agree to disagree peaceably!! Sharing your religion without becoming heated is ideal. Regardless of religion, people can always learn from another person. But, then that WOULD be utopia, here on earth, as some have already mentioned