by Catherine Morris

Created on: September 03, 2008   Last Updated: October 22, 2008

Religion, along with sex, is often regarded as a taboo subject. Moral values are rooted in religious teachings yet religion is often seen as the cause of conflict across the world. Religious Education in schools provokes controversy and, indeed, is banned from the curriculum in some countries. However, where it is allowed, it is important that the study and comparison of world religions is undertaken with respect and should promote tolerance, peaceful co-existence and a greater mutual understanding between faiths.

When comparing the similarities and differences that exist within world religions consideratio may be given to whether adherents to belief systems are searching for the same truth and that the only difference is the way in which cultures have responded to metaphysical aspects of life. To what extent does loving your neighbour as yourself differ from showing loving kindness towards your fellow being? Is there is just one God to whom different religions respond in their own particular way or is religion merely a human invention?

If the religions of the world are viewed objectively as belief systems, constructs of human making, then it is perhaps easier to make comparison of special people, places, events and objects that are particular to each. However, this reductionist approach may be regarded as somewhat disrespectful given the devotion and sacredness felt in the hearts of worshippers. It could also be argued that a religion can only fully be understood from the inside by the believers themselves and that attempts to make sense of a world faith by the outsider is futile.

Although there are many different belief systems, religious education often focuses on the six main world religions. Judaism, Christianity and Islam are monotheistic, believing in the existence of one God, and linked by the prophet Abraham whereas Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism all belong to the Indian culture, with Siddhartha Gautama and Guru Nanak both being adherents to the Hindu faith by birth. The teachings of each one of these six offers a code by which to live.

Separate study of an individual faith might result in a deeper knowledge of that particular religion and eliminates the confusion that can easily result from learning about two or more religions at the same time. However, if a better understanding of world faiths is to be achieved, it is inevitable that comparison of religions will be necessary.

Various attempts have been made to categorize aspects of religion and establish

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