It is probably inevitable that people who try to prove the righteousness of their religious beliefs quote the written inspirations of their founders. Adherents quote chapter and verse to support their claims.

One Person's Faith

It does not seem to occur to a lot of believers that another's lack of belief may lie in the very source that they are quoting. People of other faiths may not believe in the Bible, the Scriptures, the Koran or whatever other writings are being quoted. While quotations from these resources may appeal to members of the same faith, they could actually repel followers of another creed. One area where inspirational quotes may impress is where they are offered to people with no faith of their own. Or to people who are shopping around for another religion.

Distorted Faiths

Further problems that arise when claiming a religion to be the only true faith, are those of fanaticism, fundamentalism and extremism. Too often, fanatics base their beliefs and proclamations and actions on a few select principles of their faith. Either ones that suit their own agenda, or principles around which their agendas are created. And here we face the compounded difficulties of translation and interpretations.

It is also possible that congregational members are led astray by their religious leaders. Some charismatic preacher may deliver his beliefs from a pulpit and "prove" them by selective verse-hopping. They can take lessons and teachings out of context and totally alter their original meaning to substantiate their claims. This type of brainwashing is not restricted to poorer, developing countries where illiteracy is high and the written word is not widely available. A lot of well-read and well-heeled followers also only look at designated readings and studies.

Intolerance

Sometimes it seems that the world is progressing in matters of gender and ethnic equality. It seems that we can be tolerant of different customs and cultures. But when it comes to a matter of religious differences - even those which occur among different sects of the same religion - there is still no obvious light at the end of a long, dark tunnel.

Maybe religious prejudices could be reduced if a definitive principle of "A True Faith" could be agreed to.

Defining True Faith

A true faith allows you to sleep at night without fear and without a troubled conscience. A true faith is generous and sympathetic to the rights of others to follow their own beliefs. A true faith is certain of its own light and does not need to cast other faiths into darkness in order to shine more brightly.

However righteous and all-fulfilling your faith may be to you, other members of the human race may find the same benefits in a different set of beliefs.

A cautionary word to those who believe that their faith is dearer to the Almighty's heart than any other faith: Are you absolutely certain that you are right? In a world of decreasing absolutes and increasing possibilities, doesn't it scare you that it's God who discerns whom He favors and whom He burns?

Learn more about this author, Elisabeth Mcgrath.
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