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Jonathan Chaitin, a writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, states that “religion has been key for human dysfunction”. With this quote, let us state that many people hold onto this belief, pointing out that religious conflict was and continues to be at the root of so many of our wars and destructive battles throughout history.
If this is so, why are we such an extremely dysfunctional family? Does religion do good? Yes, without a doubt. As the article stated, religion does help humans create social networks. But these networks, groups, countries, states, empires are not always there to do good. In the name of religion, we had the Crusades, the Thirty Years War (although other factors helped that one along), the French Wars of Religion 1562-1598, the Bohemian Civil War 1465-1471, India and Pakistan, Northern Ireland, and Spain and Islam. Well, we hope you get the idea.
It should be pointed out that many scholars claim these wars were not due to religion but rather to other problems such as scarcity of water, conflict over lands and such. Whatever the cause of these conflicts and their attribution, many people who look at these events also speak of laughing and singing to form connections across any existing divides. Even today, we see food fests, music festivals, sports and other shared experiences bringing together those who may not agree in terms of religious beliefs with each other but able to come together as brothers and sisters in humanity. As difficult as it may be to imagine, we are taught that many times when Crusaders took a city in the Middle East, they slaughtered the inhabitants. Maybe the Crusaders laughed; but surely the locals didn’t. And whose endorphins were raised? Not the victims, of that we are certain.
At the end of his article, Chaitin speaks about Creation and how religious readings could accommodate what we believe from our texts with what we know and observe in science. We of the Interfaith Library generally agree with the end of the article. God and science are not diametrically opposed. Science gives us the Big Bang Theory and religion the Bible. God gives us the acumen to learn science and become scientists and research the big questions. The only difference, for us, may be a question of timing. Why not? It works if God set forth all in action that was to become the Big Bang. There is a God or Supreme Being or whatever force that indeed started it all. God’s role here and the resultant understanding of timing is a fair and appropriate discussion to have. However, here is not where the polarization necessarily happens if we remember that we are reading a literary teaching text, not necessarily understanding every detail literally. For one thing, we must acknowledge that through translations and interpretations, ideas have been changed and words misunderstood.
To be sure, unfortunately religion polarizes. Too many have died in the name of religion. Because of that polarization, we forget that we are one family, albeit with many branches.
Although we in The Interfaith Library think that there is value in much of what Mr. Chaitin says, what he fails to mention or understand is that many people turn to RELIGION for comfort in times of chaos, inherited it from their family at birth, and/or was indoctrinated by some profound orator. Much personal reflection hasn’t been placed on religious choice or ideals until a point of spiritual maturity as developed within an individual.
Religion, or at least religious inquiry, is something that nearly all human beings share in common. In all corners of the world, and in all eras of history, people have wondered about the meaning of life, how to make the best of it, what happens afterwards, and if there is anyone or anything “out there.”
The goal of this website is to provide free, reliable information on the various answers and many approaches that have been given to these questions, as well as the rituals and customs that go along with them.
The grounds for a group’s inclusion are only that it offers an explanation of ultimate reality for a significant number of its followers.
Let’s Discuss The Creation Story.
Who was Adam & Eve (Christianity) & Who was Adam & Eve (Islam)
This is a narration of the story of Adam & Eve from the Bible (Genesis 1 & 2).
This is a narration of the story of Adam & Eve from the Qur’an.
What I find amazing about both narrations are that the narratives are similar in many regards. The only differences, within the narrations, are the Islamic explanations for the minor details that were omitted in the accepted version of today’s Bible. However, the explanations, that are given by Islamic sources, can be authenticated and/or confirmed in the apocrypha or those books that were excluded and/or removed from today’s version of the Bible.
WHY SHOULD MUSLIMS, CHRISTIANS & JEWS, ALONG WITH OTHER RELIGIOUS GROUPS, HAVE MORE DIALOGUE THAN DEBATES?
Why have there been more discussions between Muslims, Christians and Jews, along with other faith groups, about their beliefs? We would like to surmise that this may be because we are beginning to realize that we have more in common than what separates us.
Most evidently, Muslims, Christians and Jews believe in the One Creator Who created all, including our many prophets and spiritual leaders. There are, to be sure, differences in the identity and the prominence of these prophets amongst the faith groups, but our shared fundamental roots should be acknowledged and celebrated.
Interfaith dialogue is not a new thing. It’s simply a communication, dialogue and cooperation between different faiths and religious groups. Within these dialogues, we appreciate the foundational beliefs we share, as well as respect the differences that identify the respective faith groupings.
Let us consider some examples of these dialogues and their purposes and challenges.
The Challenge in a Muslim-Christian Dialogue
In 1964, the Catholic Church created the Pontifical Council which established Inter-religious Dialogue. This council’s aim was to promote respect and collaboration between different faiths and religions.
The challenge is, through dialogue and studying each other’s Scriptures, to determine where Muslims, Christians and Jews agree and can express a common witness and where we disagree and, through love of the other, yearn to share faith in Christ and other messengers. Our common ground includes these points:
- Both worship the One God but understand some significant things about him differently, for example, the type of unity (Qur’an 4:17; Gal. 3:20; Matt. 28:19) and whether God loves sinners (Qur’an 3:31-32; 1 John 1:14).
- Both honor the person of Jesus and use some of the same descriptors of him, even though it may mean different things by some of us—e.g., the word of God (Qur’an 3:45; John 1:14).
- Both agree on humans as stewards of God on earth (khalifa) under God and over creation (Qur’an 2:30; Gen. 1:26–28).
- Both have similar understandings of God’s law, but differ on its ability to transform society (Qur’an 46:12; Rom. 7:18–8:4).
- Both have similar views of the importance of faith and works but differ on their respective roles in salvation (Qur’an 19:60; Eph. 2:8–10).
- Both are enjoined to invite to what is good and forbid what is wrong (Qur’an 3:104; Gal. 5:16–23).
Both claim a final messenger and/or message:
- Qur’an 33:40, “Muhammad . . . is the seal of the Prophets.”
- Hebrews 1:1–2, “In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by Christ, whom He appointed the heir of all things.”
All groups of followers are to be witnesses:
- Qur’an 2:143, “Thus have we made of you a community justly balanced that you might be witnesses.”
- Acts 1:8, “You shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.”
I can say much more, regarding why Muslims and Christians dialogue, but perhaps you should see for yourself why it should continue.
Muslim Christian Dialogue between Dr. James White & Dr. Yasir Qadhi (pt.1 & 2)
LIFE WITH GOD VS. LIFE WITHOUT GOD
While the adjective godless literally means just “not revering a god,” it’s most often used by religious people or groups to criticize those who don’t show the proper respect to God or religion, or those who are unbelievers.
When a group is described as a “godless society,” it’s usually an observation of a perceived lack of morality or law, coming from the idea that people who believe in God are better, more moral citizens.
What is the difference between godliness and godlessness?
When speaking of godless people, I’m not speaking of atheists or a people who do not believe in the existence of a god: one who subscribes to or advocates atheism. I’m speaking of those who ignore the Divine for the sake of worldly gains.
For fun, tap this “Movie Reel” link 🎞🎥 and listen to this thought about Atheism (not to be disrespectful, just one among many perspectives!)
Godliness is to exercise the qualities or consistent practice of conforming to the laws and wishes of God; devoutness and moral uprightness.
Godlessness is the state of not believing in God and/or the willful acceptance of not following or adhering to a spiritual code of behavior. The immorality and godlessness of our society is evidence of this fact.
The Righteous vs The Non-Righteous
LET’S DISCUSS…
There was a man on a boat of some sort. He always preached about his trust and faith in God.
While crossing the Atlantic, the boat was punctured by something and inevitably sank.
While treading water, he started to pray for help. “I have always trusted in you God”, he said, “please save me in this time of need!”
A short while later, a boat filled with Devil worshippers pulled up and asked him if he needed assistance. He said “No thanks. I’m waiting on my Lord.” So, they left him treading water.
Several hours passed, another boat filled with Sodomites pulled up and asked him the same question. He gave them the same response. So, they left him as well.
When the man was at his desperate end and had very little strength left, a boat full of Klansmen offered him assistance. Again, he refused assistance and said he was waiting for God’s help.
He eventually drowned. When he found himself before God, he questioned, “Why didn’t you help me?” What do you think God said to him? Better yet, what is the lesson we can learn from this narrative?
Religion & Human Rights
Re·li·gion is the belief in and worship of a supernatural controlling power, especially a personal God or gods. More specifically, a religion is a particular system of belief in a God or gods and the activities that are connected with that system. Muslims, Christians and Jews are what we think of as Ethical Monotheists, that is to say, our belief in One and Only One God is not only a matter of faith but also of deed. We are to emulate God by our actions. If all human beings (and we believe this to be the case) are created in the image of God as taught in Genesis 1:26, then we are to be like God in our actions, that is value every Created Being the Creator God created.
Hu·man Rights are rights that are expressed to justifiably belong to every person. Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death. These basic rights are based on shared values like dignity, fairness, equality, respect and independence. These values are defined and protected by contemporary laws.
So, how does religion and human rights come together for the betterment of all?
LET’S HAVE A DIALOG!
WHAT UNITES US IS GREATER THAN WHAT DIVIDES US!
All of our faith teachings are intended to make us the best human beings possible, reflecting God in our actions and initiatives. As Rabbi Harold Kushner teaches: “Human beings are the language of God.”
In the Jewish Tanach, we are taught:
“And you shall be to me a Kingdom of Priests” (Exodus 19:6).
Thirty-six times (more than any other teaching) in the Torah/Five Books of Moses we are instructed to “Do not oppress the other; treat the stranger as a citizen; Be kind to the other as you know what it was like to be a stranger in another land.”
And of course “Love your neighbor as yourself” which appears in Leviticus, chapter 19 in the middle of this corpus of laws and teachings.
In the Christian Bible, we learn:
“Live in peace with all if possible, to the extent that it depends on you” (Romans 12:18).
“Always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is within you” (1 Peter 3:15).
“Be concerned with what is good in the sight of all” (Romans 12:17).
In Islam, we learn:
In the Qur’an, God gives us a simple message to live by; “Come together upon the things that we agree on, fore the TRUTH has manifested itself.” In other words, be not divisive when the truth has been shown and/or demonstrated.
Allah says in Qur’an (translated meaning),
“O mankind, We have created you from a single (pair), and made you into races and tribes, so that you may get mutually acquainted. Surely the noblest of you, in the view of Allah, is the one who is most pious. Surely Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (49:13)
The term interfaith dialogue refers to cooperative, constructive and positive interaction between people of different religious traditions (i.e., “faiths”) and/or spiritual or humanistic beliefs, at both the individual and institutional levels. It is distinct from syncretism or alternative religion, in that dialogue often involves promoting understanding between different religions or beliefs to increase acceptance of others, rather than to synthesize new beliefs.
Let’s Continue Our Conversation… (ARE WE REALLY THAT DIFFERENT?)
WHAT UNITES US IS GREATER THAN WHAT DIVIDES US!
In the Qur’an, God gives us a simple message to live by; “Come together upon the things that we agree on, fore the TRUTH has manifested itself.” In other words, be not divided or divisive when the truth has been manifested and demonstrated.
“Oh mankind! We created you from a single pairing (a male and a female) and made you into nations and tribes that you might get to know one another. Surely the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous. Allah is All-Knowledgeable, All-Aware.” (49:13)
Allah has created diversity among the human only to get to know one another. Despite some differences in religion, ethnicity and/or race, everyone is essentially the same in the view of Allah. Yet, those who have a decent attitude and a genuine spiritual moral compass still have a specific place with Allah.
With this said, this is what difference should look like.
POINTS OF CLARIFICATION:
Torah SheBichtav/Written Torah refers to the Five Books of Moses. Torah SheBe’al Peh/Oral Torah refers to the Mishneh and Gemara and all Rabbinic development contained therein.
There are SEVEN Commandments given to the sons of Noach, TEN Commandments for all Monotheists, and SIX HUNDRED AND THIRTEEN Commandments that are articulated both by Maimonides and Nachmonides as structuring the life of Jewish adherents. The counts are not exclusive of other commandments in earlier categories but stands on its own.