by Dr. Sheryl Snyder

Created on: June 02, 2010   Last Updated: June 03, 2010

One World - Earth. One Race - Human. One Faith?

Consider this: exploration of the world's various religions has uncovered a common denominator in all religions/faiths - a belief in a spiritual higher power.

Belief gives us hope, relieves our stress, and can even heal our bodies. Whether you call your Higher Power "God", "Allah", "Jehovah", or any other name, does not matter. Whether you worship in a million-dollar building, at home, or even in your car, does not matter. What you wear, how much you earn or own, or the color of your skin, does not matter either.

"God" is not prejudice. Blessings are granted to everyone, everywhere - sometimes when we're not even paying attention. Your God is in your heart and always there when you're in need. All you have to do is believe. Have faith in your times of crisis that "this too shall pass" and when your life is flooded with blessings, say "thank you". Share your blessings, your inspiration and your joy with others. That's true religion.

Fighting between religions is not conducive to any religion. Religious Imperialism occurs when one religion considers itself superior to all others. You will find this in both Islam and Christianity. However, Religious Imperialism is exactly what their prophets did NOT encourage. The stories of Prophet Mohamed and Jesus both contain incidents to the contrary. "WWJD" is a popular acronym in Christianity which means "What would Jesus do?". It encourages people to do what Jesus would do. The Bible does does depict Jesus as arrogant or self-righteous, but rather humble and compassionate before all other people. Religious Imperialism is nothing more than the presence of ego and materialism in religion; true spirituality has no place for either. 

So does this mean all men really are created equal? Let's look at today's economic crisis - a perfect example of equality. With unemployment at an all-time high, many people in executive roles are being faced with poverty and homelessness. Former CEOs are delivering pizza and in laborous positions; more men are stay-at-home parents than ever before; and the wage gap between men and women is narrowing. Depression and suicide are on the rise, as many are forced to admit to a newfound equality. A wise leader once told me that none are superior to another, just different. It is our faith that bring us together...and religion that tears us apart.

This era of war and economic failure is resulting in an "every man for himself" society. That is what we must fight against. Recall some of the great transitional leaders of the past: Ghandi, Abraham Lincoln, Mother Theresa, Dalai Lama, Pope John Paul II, and one of my favorites - Martin Luther King Jr. who said, "Any labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence." All were humble, compassionate leaders who encouraged equality and peace. They also had another thing in common - Belief. Perhaps not the same belief, but spiritual belief nonethless. They believed that their God loved them and that He had given them a purpose that will make the world better.

So no matter what you do, do the best you can and do it with integrity and compassion...and above all, believe - not that you are superior in any way, but that you are extraordinary in every way - just as your "God" created.

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