More than anything, I wanted to fit a French Honors Seminar into my schedule this year. That didn't work out, and I now take a course called World Religions. I wasn't happy at first, because it wasn't what I had planned. But I've come to learn that God's plan for me is much better than anything I could plan for myself.
World Religions is exactly what it sounds like - a class to learn about the beliefs and practices of religions other than our own. I've been struggling with my religion a lot lately, and this class is quite the godsend. It's shown me that no matter what religion we practice - or don't practice - we are all ultimately worshiping the same God and we all have the same goal. We might have different names for Him or Her - God, Father, Yahweh, Allah, Brahman - but it's the same ultimate truth that we all seek. We might have different names for our ultimate achievement - heaven, Moksha, Nirvana - but we all seek to be rewarded by living good lives during our time on earth.
These religions at face value seem so different, and they each do have their unique characteristics, but when it comes down to it, they are all connected.
So why the interfaith hate? I wish that everyone could have the opportunity to learn about the different religions of our world. We could break so many stereotypes; we could get rid of so much fear of that which is different. If we could all see how similar we truly are, amazing things could happen.
So let's start with ourselves, and spread the knowledge. Knowledge leads to understanding, and understanding leads to peace. Before we know it, this ripple effect could spread farther than we could possibly imagine.
One person can make all the difference.
Peace & Love,
Natalie
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