Thus, their creeds were their professions of faith, which had few outward manifestations of love.[18] Furthermore, it is interesting to notice the more amiable tone used by the Prophet Joseph in his later 1842 account of the same vision, where he reports that the Personages told me that all religious denominations were believing in incorrect doctrines, and that none of them was acknowledged of God as his church and kingdom.[19] There is no condemnation or abomination in this latter passage, thus possibly suggesting that the more polemical language used in 1838 may have emerged as a direct consequence of the persecutions the Prophet and the Saints suffered in Missouri by the hand of so-called Christians. Maybe he got it wrong. Religious Landscape Survey, the majority of Americans (78.4%) identify themselves as Christians, predominantly Protestant (51.3%), then Catholic (23.9%), whereas "other" religions Judaism, Buddhism, Islam and Hindi are the big four account for just 4.7% of the population. (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1957), 5:52930; 5:554; 6:57; 6:184; Articles of Faith 1:9. A Catholic friend of mine once put it simply when he said that believers have feelings of love and commitment towards their own religion that are similar to the feelings they hold for their own mothers. As we continued our conversation, I realized that attaching any possible degree of divine inspiration to the Quran or to Muhammad would represent a challenge to his belief in Christ, Joseph Smith, and the Book of Mormon. Cookies are also used for further functionality and performance. In fact, the cross-referenced scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 50:4 recognizes that God can also be unhappy with his church when it states that I, the Lord, have looked upon you, and have seen abominations in the church that profess my name, with the context obviously indicating that the church being referenced is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of that time. [14]Many Christians have voluntarily given sacrifices motivated by faith in Christ and the desire to serve Him. If we want a stable society, we should seek to achieve spiritual coexistence and respect other religious convictions for religious coexistence. Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World, Chapter 1: Importance of Religion and Religious Beliefs, Next: Chapter 2: Religious Practices and Experiences, Chapter 2: Religious Practices and Experiences, Chapter 3: Views of Religious Institutions, Chapter 4: Social and Political Attitudes, Appendix B: Putting Findings From the Religious Landscape Study Into Context, One-in-six Americans have taken steps to see less of someone on social media due to religious content, Support for legal abortion is widespread in many countries, especially in Europe, Freedom of speech and LGBT rights: Americans views of issues in Supreme Court case, How people in 24 countries view same-sex marriage, In 2020, properties in 102 countries and territories were targeted in incidents tied to religion, Online Religious Services Appeal to Many Americans, but Going in Person Remains More Popular, As AI Spreads, Experts Predict the Best and Worst Changes in Digital Life by 2035, More than half of states now recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday, Inflation, Health Costs, Partisan Cooperation Among the Nations Top Problems. Thus identifying hierarchies of truth is inherent to the human experience and is not in itself an indication of arrogance; some of the humblest people I have ever met have also been among the most devoted to the fixed standards of truth found in their respective religions. However, there are minimal differences between men and women and between younger and older adults on this question. Other Apostles and General Authorities have also spoken on this issue: see Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Faith, Family, and Religious Freedom, http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/files/Elder-Holland-Address--Faith--Family--Religious-Freedom/elder-holland-faith-family-freedom.pdf. The Schools Council Working Paper 36 (Citation 1971: 16) recommended that the learning of (Christian) religion in schools was no longer appropriate to the diverse, secular nature of British society.This claim precipitated dramatic changes in RE. There has been, there is, and there will continue to be evil in humanity, which is contrary to Gods will and which God utterly rejects and condemns. Pragmatically, learning about different beliefs and practices will only facilitate communication and mutual understanding with individuals of different religious persuasions with whom we are increasingly likely to come into contact. Latter-day Saints are not immune from the difficulty of finding an appropriate balance. . Obviously, holy envy is built on the assumption that we are indeed able to identify something in the other faith, whether relating to history, sacred texts, beliefs, devotions, or other practices, that is lacking in our own or which finds better expression in the other religion. Although there is widespread agreement across Christian groups on this question, there is disagreement about whether the Bible can be taken literally, word for word. Most evangelical Protestants (55%) and members of historically black Protestant churches (59%) believe the Bible should be taken literally, but fewer Christians from other traditions espouse a literalist view of the Bible. Those who opposed the temples construction had used reports based on anti-Mormon publications to criticize the Church, its beliefs, and its practices. Provo, UT 84602 If we have all the answers, then we have no questions, and if we run out of questions, then we cease to learn or to seek for divine guidance. Importance of respecting other religions. Respect for other religions [22]Interfaith Relations, http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/interfaith. Tel: +44 (0)20 7730 0410 Email: ifnet@interfaith.org.uk fails to respect the religious. Among non-Christian faiths, it is more common to see God as an impersonal force. Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults (64%) say that whether something is right or wrong depends on the situation, while a third say there are clear and absolute standards for what is right or wrong. Indeed, those who espouse this argument feel the need to add a qualification, a but of some sort, which underlies a problem or significant failure in the other faith, if anything positive about it happens to be mentioned. Some cookies are required for our site to function. [3] A clear message of these speeches and videos is that religion as a whole is good and beneficial to civilization, that it provides a solid foundation to ethical behaviors, and that it should be given a voice in contributing to important public discussions about morality. In 2007, Americans were more likely to say religion was very important (56%) or somewhat important (26%) to them than they are today. Thus our ideas and thoughts would extend as far as the wide world spreads, embracing everything pertaining to light, life, or existence pertaining to this world or the world that is to come.[11] Wilford Woodruff put it succinctly in these terms: If any man has got a truth that we have not got, let us have it. Although religion remains important to many Americans, its importance has slipped modestly in the last seven years. In other words, even while disagreeing on specific doctrines or theology, deep respect among cooperating people of faith will emerge when interlocutors detect the good motivations, upright values, and at least enough credibility in the doctrines of the other to make his or her religion respectable. In 1993, IFN developed, in consultation with its member bodies, guidance on Building Good Relations with People of Different Faiths and Beliefs. Only 16% of respondents in 2007 said religion was not too or not at all important to them. [24] Gordon B. Hinckley, The Marvelous Foundation of Our Faith, Ensign, November 2002, 81. Some have chosen to devote their entire adult lives to the service of the Master. Fewer Catholics (30%), mainline Protestants (29%) and Orthodox Christians (27%) turn primarily to religion for guidance on questions of right and wrong. Therefore, I think that they need to be addressed, since they function as false obstacles to the appreciative learning of other religions in the direction of excessive exclusivism. Some people will also want to persuade others to join their faith. [10]But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God. Read our research on: LGBTQ Attitudes & Experiences| Supreme Court | Race & Ethnicity. Certainly, unique formulations of beliefs or interesting connections among various aspects of theology and religious practices can provide enlightening intellectual insights. Additionally, more women than men and more blacks than Hispanics and whites say their religions holy text is the word of God. . Religion. 'We respect all religions' - The Hindu 2023 The Inter Faith Network, Mary Sumner House, 24 Tufton Street, London, SW1P 3RB Mere tolerance will not do; people will experience and extend trust only in an atmosphere of emotional and intellectual respect, including respect for deeply held beliefs with which the other may ultimately disagree. Their examples are challenging and inspiring, but most believers in Christ are neither expected nor able to devote their entire lives to religious service. Dallin H. Oaks, Sacrifice, Ensign, May 2012, 19. Recognizing and respecting the religious beliefs of others is essential for peacefully existing with people of other faiths and cultures. Among thousands of world religions, Christianity is the largest, with 2.3 billion followers. For example, my experience and understanding of God are such that I could not possibly conceive that he would require actual human sacrifices to take place in his name (the word actual accounts for the near-sacrifice in the Abraham and Isaac story). The Latter-day Saints cannot do it all. To enlarge our theoretical imaginations, we need to see that paradigm as one among several different ways in which respect for religion might be understood, manifest itself, be demanded, or arouse suspicion. And religious nones who believe in God are far less certain about this belief compared with those who identify with a religion. [25] Gordon B. Hinckley, We Bear Witness of Him, Ensign, May 1998, 5. I find the conclusions of this argument to be unsatisfactory, both in a broad philosophical sense as well as in the more specific LDS doctrinal context, even though I concur with some of its premises. 4 Ways to Appreciate People of Other Religions - wikiHow A plurality of religiously affiliated Americans (46%) believe their religion should preserve traditional beliefs and practices. A third (34%) say their congregation or denomination should adjust traditional beliefs and practices in light of new circumstances. Only 14% of people who are affiliated with a religious tradition say their religion should adopt modern beliefs and practices.. Although I have not been studying and experiencing the worlds religions for over seventy years as Huston Smith has, I fully concur with his conclusion. Roughly eight-in-ten or more Jehovahs Witnesses (90%), members of historically black Protestant churches (85%), Mormons (84%) and evangelical Protestants (79%) say religion is very important in their lives. I conclude my analysis by listing three principles, articulated by the late Lutheran theologian Krister Stendahl, which can assist Latter-Day Saints in relating to other faiths. Even when accounting for missing or distorted elements in these religions teachings, there remains much in their distinctive expressions of faith that is uniquely beautiful. How to Respect Other People's Religion: A Guide - This Mom's Confessions Roughly half of Orthodox Christians (52%) also say this. On the other hand, radical liberality of thought reduces all differences among faiths to naught and gives rise to conversations built more on fears of offending than on desire to learn and to be challenged. On the one hand, Peter tells us, "Honor everyone. For others less cynical, but no less sceptical, the goals of interfaith such as world peace or the reconciliation of all religious differences seem lofty and vague. Bible Verses About Cultural Diversity - Learn Religions Mauro Properzi, "Learning about Other Religions: False Obstacles and Rich Opportunities,"Religious Educator16, no.1 (2015): 129149. All religions preach the goodness of truth and moral living, love and compassion. About six-in-ten Americans (58%) believe in hell, little changed from 2007. . Today, two-thirds of the unaffiliated (65%) say religion is not too or not at all important to them, up from 57% in 2007. Brigham Young University This is why, as part of our work, we have created a resource that allows local interfaith groups to measure their effectiveness. Here one may justifiably ask whether I am suggesting that other religions should only be approached sympathetically, and not be approached critically. My main concern is to address those claims, occasionally heard among some Latter-day Saints, which affirm an inherent incompatibility between a positive approach to other religions and the foundational principles of the restored gospel. For example, John Taylor once stated, I was going to say I am not a Universalist, but I am, and I am also a Presbyterian, and a Roman Catholic, and a Methodist, in short, I believe in every true principle that is imbibed by any person or sect, and reject the false. In short, I believe that any manifestation of goodness and light, whatever its specific source, is of some salvific value inasmuch as it embodies a witness of the divines connection to the world. The truest fruits of religion are healing and positive. Before you can talk about or discuss other religions, it is very important that you understand all aspects of your religion first. Both pragmatic and spiritual reasons are central to what I am proposing, yet in what follows I am able to offer only a few markers in a discussion that certainly ought to extend beyond a single article. Human Rights Members of historically black Protestant churches are more divided: 47% say they rely on religious teachings while 41% rely on practical experience. For example, a Latter-day Saint could feel motivated to improve his daily prayers after learning about the daily devotions of Muslims, of Catholic religious orders, or of a number of devotees from different religious traditions. Therefore, the argument goes, whatever is good or admirable in other religions is already possessed by the Mormon fullness or is included in it. Within most religious groups, there has been little movement on this question, but among the unaffiliated, there has been a modest decline in the share who view the Bible as the word of God (from 25% to 21%). For instance, fewer U.S. adults now say religion is very important in their lives than did so seven years ago, when Pew Research Center conducted a similarly extensive religion survey. In my case, the central meal has always been and continues to be Mormon Christianity. According to this line of reasoning, fullness of truth or fullness of the gospel is mostly synonymous with completeness or perfection, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the unique possessor of this repository of perfect knowledge, doctrine, ordinances, and authority, which enable individuals to obtain salvation in its highest possible form. But despite the commendable intentions and enthusiasm of all involved, interfaith has its critics. Phil Cousineau (Berkeley: University of California Press, 2003), 143. Head of School, School of Political Sciences and International Relations, Transport Visiting Fellow Wheelchair Accessible Taxis. In short, there are many possible areas of learning which are visible, available, and open to discovery as soon as one seeks for this encounter. [23]Of course, our church does not have a monopoly on good people, but we have a remarkable concentration of them. Dallin H. Oaks, The Gospel in Our Lives, Ensign, May 2002, 3335. 2 (2012): 115; Elder Quentin L. Cook, Lamentations of Jeremiah: Beware of Bondage, Ensign, November 2013, 8891. For some, success might be the cessation of hostilities between faith communities. Registered in England. What they argue, however, is that the unique source of this knowledge is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is the divinely chosen channel for the conferral of additional light and truth to the world. Why Do We Need To Respect Different Religion Culture And Beliefs? Having lots of different beliefs is a good thing, not something to feel confused about. Why it is important to respect the beliefs and culture of others The share of the unaffiliated who believe the Bible was written by men and is not the word of God has risen by 8 percentage points in recent years, from 64% in 2007 to 72% in 2014. It also presupposes that our own religion is open to such forms of cross-religious learning and that our commitment to our own faith is not in question as a result. According to the Pew Forum's U.S. Most Christians who say many religions can lead to eternal life also say non-Christian religions can lead to heaven. He said, for example, that just as the Book of Mormon could only be either of God or of the devil, so the Quran must either be from God or from the devil, and it was obviously the latter. This is whats known as the interfaith movement and initiatives range from shared meals in local places of worship to high-level acts of international diplomacy. Across the major religious groups, most people say it is very important to respect all religions to be "truly Indian." And tolerance is a religious as well as civic value: Indians are united in the view that respecting other religions is a very important part of what it means to be a member of their own religious community. Many Latter-day Saints have already enjoyed this experience, and in so doing they have enlarged their circles of friendships while joining hands with others in defending faith, family, and society. 1. What is the importance of respecting one's religion? 2. Although it may at times be difficult to find the perfect balance between openness to the truth of other faiths and firmness in our commitments to distinctive LDS doctrines, indifference and rejection of light in other religions are not doctrinally sound options. . We have a great deal to learn from one another which can enrich us without undermining our own identities. Some other member of the Church could become so fascinated with the practice of Buddhist Zen meditation to want to include it into her own practices of spiritual development, whereas others still could find great inspiration in the writings of the Sikh guru Nanak or of any of the other religious founders whose sacred literature they may have spent some time reading. (+1) 202-419-4372 | Media Inquiries. In recent years, General Authorities have repeatedly addressed the topic of religious freedom in a variety of settings. Understanding Other Religious Beliefs - This lesson helps students learn more about different religions and discuss the importance of religion freedom, Teaching Tolerance; Teacher Resources - Instructional and Learning Resources . University of Cambridge provides funding as a member of The Conversation UK. December 29, 2020 in [ Teaching & School Administration ] Embracing various religious beliefs in the classroom requires intentional thought and planning. Respondents in the survey who are affiliated with a religion were asked to choose one of three statements that best reflects their view of how their religion should engage with modernity. An estimated 84% of the global population identifies with a religion.This is over 6.5 billion people. [3]Religious Freedom, http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/official-statement/religious-freedom. Certainly most Mormons would protest if a focus on controversial historical issues like plural marriage or the pre-1978 restrictions on priesthood ordination for blacks would be used as a starting point of comparison between Mormonism and another faith, especially if great humanitarian achievements or virtuous and heroic lives originating from the other religion were to function as the other side of the juxtaposition. This is important because this knowledge will allow for initiatives to improve. This is probably what we would want people to do when they approach the study of our own faith: we would hope that their preconceived notions would be suspended long enough to allow them to truly listen to our message. Evangelical Protestants are divided in their opinions, with 50% saying there are absolute standards and 48% saying it depends on the situation. Therefore, the first rule reminds us that it is important to do our studying and focus that study on the appropriate sources. Receiving respect from others is important because it helps us to feel safe and to express ourselves . Of course, respecting other people's religion is very important, especially if you are trying to raise children who are also respectful of others, whether they are the same as you or different. The decline in the share of Americans who say religion is very important in their lives is closely tied to the growth of the religiously unaffiliated, whose share of the population has risen from 16% to 23% over the past seven years.
Philly Car Accident Yesterday,
Mgh Surgery Residents,
Articles I
