3 of 6

Write now Article Tools

Accepting another's religion should be viewed the same as accepting any and all unique qualities of others. "Judge not, lest you be judged." How can you stand in judgement of another and yet say you are Christian, spiritual, or even a well-meaning citizen?

Consider how many battles and wars have been fought in the name of God. Think of the senseless loss of life because our beliefs are slightly different, yet our Creator is the same. How do you believe in a loving and generous God on one hand and then slay your brothers and sisters with the other? Isn't it in the name of your belief system? Should you be judged for that? Some say yes, and these people are only acting on what they have been taught. Is that not how you also react based on a system of values and norms for your culture?

In truth we live according to what we know. Our parents, culture, politics, teachers and mentors give us a set of beliefs and until we begin to test those ideas against the feelings of our heart, they remain intact all of our lives and are passed down through generations.

This is true of more than just religion. Our dress, entertainment, manner of speech, indeed, every part of our lives is determined by the same upbringing. Whenever I feel myself standing in judgement, I try to remind myself, that each of us in acting according to what we know and how open we are to the oneness of all life. If you can bring yourself to see and feel that we were created equal, by the same energy, then there is no reason to look upon others with disdain for their beliefs.

That is not to say that you need to agree with others, or buy into their beliefs, unless you choose to do so. It does not mean you need to respect the ideals of others, if they make you feel uncomfortable or less worthy. It only means that you do not need to ridicule or belittle their choices.

Acceptance just is. Acceptance happens when you say, "I don't necessarily agree with that, but I honour your right to choose." In honouring others, being open to their choices, being willing to hear their story, and bear witness to their beliefs, you give yourself the chance to grow and experience a greater part of life.

This same acceptance assists us in forgiving those we feel have hurt us because of their own judgements, or beliefs. I believe this is more how our Creator would have us live. Each time we hear ourselves criticizing, or demoralizing another's way of life, it reminds us of our own short- comings. If we use that opportunity to increase our knowledge of ourselves and others, we come one step closer to living in peaceful co-habitation. We also increase our awareness, of the same acceptance that Jesus had for his disciples and the many that followed his teachings. As our awareness of "love of all" increases, so does our closeness to God. Then, as it follows as we become closer to our spirituality, we have less need to judge others and the circle continues.

Only God decides who is right and who is not. Our time of judgement comes when we stand before him at the end of time here on earth. My God and yours are one and the same. How you choose to celebrate your relationship to that entity is not my decision, as long as it does not interfere with my celebration. It is time for the sword to be put down against others for their religious beliefs, and all other beliefs for that matter. Let us begin today "to live and let live".

Learn more about this author, Julie Melville.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How to be accepting of another's religion?
We want to hear your view. Write now!