There's
no doubt about it: it can be hard to TRULY accept and respect beliefs
that you yourself do not share. Rules about what and when and where
you can eat may seem pretty arbitrary—if they aren't part of your
own tradition. Particular beliefs about how the universe and the
Earth and humanity came to be can seem just plain wrong—if you
weren't yourself taught those beliefs from an early age.
But
even if you don't share a certain belief, you can still respect the
believer.
He
or she was probably brought up with traditions and teachings that
differ from your own. He or she is likely honoring her parents and
community by continuing their religious tradition.
Others'
beliefs almost certainly mean as much to them as yours do to you.
Others
want to be respected, just like you do.
They
want the freedom to act on their own consciences, just like you.
They
want freedom within their own brains, just like you.
Today
would be a great day to learn more about at least one world religion!
Here are a few suggested resources—but you can easily find many
more:
the
official World Religion Day website
a
video about an interfaith group's trip to Jerusalem
United Religions Initiative—this is the page for Jainism, but there
are entries for many other religions, as well
Mr. Donn's page about Taoism, which is not really a religion (it's a
philosophy), but which is always listed with other world religions.
By the way, poke around Mr. Donn's websites for entries on other
philosophies and religions.
Kids.Net's entry on secularism (also not a religion, but rather a
philosophy); again, there are also entries on various religions and
philosophies
Chiddingstone's page on Hinduism—click the links to explore other
world religions, as well
Also
on this date:
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