by Paul Schingle

Created on: December 10, 2009

I think it very important to distinguish which religions teach or preach the most peaceful ideas and which religions' adherents actually practice what they preach.  There is really a wide discrepency.  The answer to the original question, which religions have the most peaceful teachings can be obvious.  Obviously, Jesus Christ was a proponent of peace.  But are modern day Christians true followers of his word?  Though taking a less theistic approach, Buddhism is all about peace, but some may not consider this practice a religion.  Perhaps the most powerful of all peaceful teachings comes from Lao Tze and Taoism.  Maybe it doesn't matter which religions teach peace.  Maybe what matters is the actions of those who claim to follow the teachings.

First, we can look at Christianity.  This religion openly preaches peace and love extended to all members of mankind.  Read the things that Jesus said.  "Love thy neighbor as thyself."  "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."  Jesus spoke of love for all mankind, including one's own enemies.  I'm not saying this is an easy task, but I think it's something that's worth putting an effort into.  So, do Christians really practice what they preach?  Unfortunately, the answer to this is a resounding no.  It's easy to cite the Crusades and the Spanish Inquisition as examples of "Christian" hypocrisy.  But, even modern day "Christians" refuse peaceful means.  I cite George W. Bush as an example.  During his entire presidnecy, he claimed to be a born again Christian.  To prove it, he invaded Afghanistan and Iraq.  Atta boy, George.

A Buddhist would tell you that seeking worldly goods and, expecially, doing all you can to hold onto them is not a healthy endeavor.  Certainly, material things are not so important as to hurt others in the process of collecting them.  A true Buddhist would never advocate a violent act, anyway, but certainly not an act of violence in order to procure some fleeting material thing of this earth.  It wouldn't be worth it in the final scheme of things.  There are those who would say that Buddhism is not a religion, per se.  I may or may not agree with that.  Still, as a whole, the teachings are certainly peaceful in nature.

Finally, Taoism is a religion that is all about peace.  Similar, in some aspects, to Buddhism, the idea in Taosim is simplicity.  The more complicated you make your life, the more potential trouble you court.  The bottom line in Taoism is always peace.  Peace within and outward.  This is undoubtedly one of the most peace-loving religions out there-and it's been established for a long time.

In the end, it probably doesn't matter what religion one adheres to.  The religion, itself, may claim that peace is the answer.  However, if its proponents don't practice what they preach, all the preaching in the world isn't going to promote peace.

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