by Sophia Tesch

Created on: April 22, 2009   Last Updated: April 25, 2009

Can human beings learn how to be accepting of another's religion? Our world is in chaos. Everywhere we look we see pain, suffering and turmoil. Hate seems to conquer love and hope seems to diminish with each new tragedy. If humanity is to pull itself out of this crisis, individuals will need to restore attention not to that which tears apart, but on that which agreements can be built. This pertains to many systems of thought but none as passionate as that of religion.

The first step toward creating Heaven on Earth is to make a commitment to that which is greater than us as individuals. To commit to taking personal responsibility when interacting with other human beings to find the points and issues with which common connections are made.

By taking the time to learn about different religious perspectives with the intention of focusing on the similarities of religious practices and core issues instead of that which is divisive the individual assists humanity in achieving a fundamental level of happiness and peace.

The basic principle of the Golden Rule, treat others as you would care to be treated. Assisting those in need and conduct oneself in an honest and straightforward manner. These are all common beliefs and moral practice for those who participate in religion, as well as for many who do not consider themselves to be religious.

In order to be accepting of another's religion come to understand personal responsibility versus that which is the path of another to discover. There are decisions and consequences which are exclusive to an individual's life experience. It is an exclusive and sacred interaction between that person and the Divine. Only God can judge, is another common principle because only the Divine knows the heart and true intention of another.

Personal expression of devotion to God, is between an individual and God. It is not for a third party to decide. Though examples can be put forth, understanding that devotion to God is not a "one size fits all" proposition allows release of responsibility for another's religious preference and the consequences thereof.

Release of responsibility for the choices of another makes it possible to enjoy a more positive environment for interaction with those of varying faiths. It is best to live by example. Take the opportunity when interacting with others who celebrate a different faith tradition to learn from the encounter. There is so much to appreciate in each culture and tradition, do not be afraid to be touched and changed by the moment.

Allow the chance to become even more enlightened about God's Spirit and how it is expressed throughout the world.There are no limits to that which created all only the limits the minds and hearts of humans create and insist upon. Individual humanity has need to be right, better and more powerful that insists on the differences which divide it. The illusion of division is but a transparent apparition of choice and custom.

Instead choose to look past that illusion to the person beyond. By so doing, that which may at first seem offensive or different from personal understanding is no longer perceived as a threat. This clears the air for an environment conducive to positive interaction.

Take time to consider the intention of others, knowing that many people actively practicing religion are seeking to live a life that is good and beneficial. By looking past the superficial nuisances of each religion's practice to the truth that many people just want to do what is considered right and good and the will of the Divine as they have come to understand it is how one can accept another's religion. It is with this understanding humans can work to create the utopist Heaven on Earth.

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