Religion consists of the belief in a higher power, a higher purpose; as many people would say, believing in a God who created everything around us. Of course, different religions have different theologies, different names and theories and guidelines. It’s merely a matter of perspective, of naming, of labeling. Nothing more—nothing to start arguments, feuds, or wars about. So how did we complicate this simple concept so much? Perhaps, since the entire world was not always as connected by swift transportation and even swifter technology, it is because religion developed in different disconnected regions in different ways. Today people shy away from change refusing to take on a different name or mind-set for what they're used to; fair enough, as long as they acknowledge and tolerate the differences. People want to follow their former beliefs, and that’s okay. Everyone doesn’t need to—perhaps, even shouldn’t—follow the same thing.
Since religion is broadly based on beliefs, I see no point in fighting over it. Every person’s beliefs vary as much as any sort of spectrum – red or pink, cake or custard, skirt or pant. Now just because you choose one doesn’t make the other inferior or superior. Why would you want the entire world to follow or choose what you choose? Everyone eats cake? Everyone wears cobalt-blue sweatshirts? Creepy, anyone?) Maybe it’s the same with religion. Some people believe in God, some don’t; some consider Jesus as the son of God, others believe that Brahma is the creator of the universe; still others pray to Allah, Buddha, or follow different paths toward spirituality.
Unless I as an individual can respect your belief, I should not expect my beliefs to be respected. As I take that step first, I know peace and harmony will follow.
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