What's the best religion in the world?
Ranked #377 in Culture & Society, #9,137 overall
For me Buddhism is the best world religion
Do you agree? Share your thoughts on this lens about what the best world religion is. I'm sticking to the world religions, for the sake of brevity, but have included an up and coming contender: the Bahai.
Aside from that, these are the world religions (by alphabetical order): Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism. So what do you think?
What's the best religion in the world?
I'll be helping you make your case by sharing the basics on each of the world religions. The main criteria I'll follow are: peaceful actions by their followers and the quality of the teachings. I'll let you weigh in on the matter every step of the way.
But perhaps you need to learn more about the world religions first
Violence in the world religions?
The religions explored don't quite fit my list. They are: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism. On that list Hinduism and Buddhism are bumped into one, in the discussion of the Tokyo subway incident. The sect responsible for that attack was however hardly Buddhist OR Hindu by the usual standards.
Buddhism and violence
Buddhism is an unusual religion by Western standards. It adapts to whatever culture it finds itself in and morphs into something new. For instance Buddhism in the West is far less ritualistic than Buddhism in Asia.A religion that is so hard to catch is also hard to blame for violence. It is probably fair to say that no religions have been fought over Buddha. But it is at the same time true that Buddhist philosophy can be interpreted to in some cases defend violence. Human beings what they are, they will find a defense for violence anywhere. In the case of Buddhism it's the doctrine of Sunyata that lends itself best to violence: if everything is temporary anyhow, where is the crime in killing? Another frequent way to get from Buddhism to violence is the defense of the dharma (doctrine) itself. Violence against Tamils in Sri Lanka has been defended that way. In present day Burma non Buddhists have a hard time getting and keeping serious jobs.
This sort of thing is of course not unique to Buddhism, but it does go to show that in practice Buddhists can be just as partial to their own as any other religious group. Which is just part of the very serious situation in Burma where human rights are not recognized at all.
The best world religion is... give me your opinion
So, am I right? Is Buddhism the best world religion?
Please tell me WHY you think your religion is the best!
What's the best religion in the world?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, you're right, Buddhism IS the best religion in the world because ...
ade says:
Christian and islam people fight all the time, each of the religion have a lot weakness such as polygamy, martyr, un explained birth defect, hinduisme have too much fairy tale, unfortunately I need choose budhiesm, even that is not my religion
Posted February 13, 2012
George says:
Peaceful and Make sense. Nobody to afraid of (such as god). Good for the environment (will know after reading some books). But, a lot of secrets of Buddhism is unrevealed yet. 3 major group of scripts. Those are - Rules, Incidents and Ways (of escaping). Most of the Buddhists know the first 2. Although the third one is the main and important one, only few amount of people learn and practice because of it's complexity.
Posted February 13, 2012
A says:
Buddhism :)
Posted February 09, 2012
Naruto says:
I won't say which is the best religion in the world but Buddhism gives us the freedom to explore our mind. All the holy books like bible,gita n kuran restricts our mind from exploring beyond what's written on the book. Remember our mind is free n we can imagine things beyond anyone's control and Buddhism encourages that. You don't have to praise god and do prayers all the time in Buddhism. I also like this religion called Animism which is practiced by some tribal people , which is based on the relationship between humans n nature. They worship nature like trees, mountains,rivers etc like in the movie AVATAR.
Posted February 06, 2012
Biplab Singha says:
Buddhism
Posted February 05, 2012
Boris Hristov says:
Buddhism is the most peaceful religion and the people that practice it are not terrorists or gold-thirsty men. There is no almighty God in Buddhism. There is no one to hand out rewards or punishments on a supposedly Judgment Day. I am a Buddhist and Buddha never said that Buddhism is the only true way of life and he taught respect for every religion. If a Buddhist monk goes to church he will behave as other Christians.
Posted February 04, 2012
Peace says:
Anyway, has anyone seen God???? Who is God? What is God? Where is God?
Some of the quotes:
Do not believe in Hearsay.
Do not believe things just because it was the culture of yours.
Do not believe things which was passed down from Generations.
Do not believe tales just because they are your elders.
I believe many do not believe in their very own eyes, it's because their eyes has never seen God, yet still believe and claim their religion is the only one which is the true God.
The books passed down from Heaven? God?
Any prove to that claimed?
Only by Hearsay and claimed that's prove?
Must be jokers...
Wake up Humans.........
Posted February 01, 2012
Peace says:
Buddhism is the Best of all. "Freedom to all and Peace be upon to all human kind."
Posted February 01, 2012
satish says:
Buddhism because its not religion, it's way of living your life. Buddha taught Dhamma not Dharma (religion).
Posted January 27, 2012
yar phyu says:
Buddhism is the universal one and the greatest. Human beings are the best. God is one of the creations of human being .
Posted January 23, 2012
Me, Myself, and I says:
Buddhism is compatible with all other world religions. I mean TRADITIONAL Buddhism, BUDDHA Buddhism. Buddha never mentioned gods - he allowed his followers to decide for themselves as far as deities go. You could be a Buddhist AND any other religion - Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, acolyte of Thoth - and not contradict yourself. True Buddhism is a lifestyle, not a religio.
Posted January 21, 2012
James says:
Yes Buddhism is the best religion in the world. Buddha said the universe is endless. It is scientifically provable. dont believe in islam that totally produces TERRIORISTS. Dont believe in christian, can you see where the god is?
Posted January 18, 2012
pankaj says:
Buddhism is practical, u dont need to advertisement of it. neither u need to spread. it doesnt have superstition false belief. its practical. It says believ in that things which u can feel, touch experience. u dont need to spread or force others to accept it.. and plenty of motre things. neither it requires to say wrong things abt other gos inorder to prove it as best.. Good things doesnt needs advertisement.
Posted January 17, 2012
Nyam Chopa says:
Buddhism is a combination of both speculative and scientific philosophy. It advocates the scientific method and pursues that to a finality that may be called Rationalistic. In it are to be found answers to such questions of interest as: 'What is mind and matter? Of them, which is of greater importance? Is the universe moving towards a goal? What is man's position? Is there living that is noble?' It takes up where science cannot lead because of the limitations of the latter's instruments. Its conquests are those of the mind.
Posted January 15, 2012
snow says:
Buddhism
Posted January 13, 2012
Nasser Ali Khan says:
Hard to agree with Chukoi's outdated claim. Jesus can't be God, may be king of kings for those who wants to believe on him. If you check certain versions of the bible.... John 20:21 and thereon identifies Jesus as a "homosexual". If this be true and we all know that he was surrounded by men then what would be your defence? It's an insult to our intelligence to treat "Jesus" as "God". Would Christians support this as a fact. We also refer God as a "HE" and not "SHE". We can only imagine "GOD" as some sort of a power with "NO" gender accounted for and unseen by any one of us. We will never encounter or see God. Men rules and destroys the true dignity of "religion" and thus beliefs in any religion is diminishing. If you love your family and help your friends and neighbours whether he be a Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Jew, or whatever, then there is no need for us to blame each other. With all that "Buddhism" appears to be a peaceful and a logical religion to support. Again it's up to you to accept or deny as this is a free world. Today we are more intelligent and supports rational reasoning. Science and "probabilities" is the answer to "creations" and let's help each other before mankind destroys us.
Posted January 12, 2012
jet says:
In the history as well as in the present time, Buddhist never insult to any other religion and had NO RELIGIOUS WARS.
Posted January 11, 2012
Nasser Ali-Khan says:
I am a Muslim and now I find Islam as one of the worst religion in the world. There is too much terror in Islam and the deficit in Islam I find is too enormous. Islam is a male dominant religion with no freedom for women who are treated as perhaps as "slaves" and there is no faults in getting married to 4 wives. As for Prophet Mohammed it's just embarrassing that this old man married to a 9 year old kid and in today's culture he could be serving jail terms. As for Christianity, this religion starts with no head or tail. Firstly Jesus doesn't have a father and scientifically this is an impossible task. Christianity is also been an aggressive religion but not as bad as Islam. After reviewing so many religions in this world, "Buddhism" appears to be the most peaceful one. Nasser Ali-Khan
Posted January 09, 2012
thom says:
buddha
Posted January 06, 2012
Suresh Madusanka says:
I like to tell you that I was not a Buddhist. But I converted to Buddhism when I was nearly 12 years old. I had a curiosity about the world, universe, life, death, ghosts etc and I found best answers from Buddhism. My open mind had no barrier to ignore common sense. Buddha told not to believe if it doesn't agree with your own kind mind (shortly). But some people even don't accept which are already proven, (curiosity is covered) things like Rebirth (hypnosis and children), entire Universe (no beginning), If killing a human is a sin then killing a animal is also a sin, and my point is we also are subject to rebirths as animals. (God is cruel if he create animals for us to eat), research show humans are not created and we are a development of a group of monkies (Evolution), Yes God exists, but they want our worship to extend that state, Brahma (Hinduism) exists and live longer than God but they return to the earth once their energy of heart falls or finished (power of meditation), The Lord Buddha stopped his rebirth (uncontrollable rebirths can lead us into hells, ghost and animal world which will give us lot of sufferings) and taught us the way to liberate our-self though meditations and to experience it in this lifetime (Maximum 7 years in Buddhist meditation can make a huge effect), We must find time for us to discover our own mind or our life can end at anytime if our God wish (Karma, accident, etc). What is the religion which gives us total freedom to explore and which tells us to experience it before accepting. Humans need material things to live but only removing our greed or craving can remove unsatisfaction (let go) from our lives and making no reason for another rebirth. Mind is a powerful tool which we can develop into a state than anyone can imagine. (Sai Baba, Balangoda Ananda Maitreya thero, Jesus, Buddha etc.)..Much more... No argument, What is the best religion?, Still you have to decide.
W.Suresh
sureshxfiles@gmail.com
buddhist-essentials-and-concepts.blogspot.com
Posted January 01, 2012
No way, the best religion is.... because ....
ExperienceLove says:
All Religions have one central meaning; Meditation and the salvation.
There is not "best" way to something that is so universal.
The best religion is simply to HAVE a religion.
I am a Sikh. I have chosen this pathway to enlightenment, I am glad that you guys have chosen yours, now lets respect each other.
Posted February 13, 2012
mohammed ibrahim says:
peace says that if a god does exist then why is there war and killing, what a stupid question
GOD is omni-benevolent, omni-potent, and omniscient if you are able to understand this he knows the past,present, and future and also knows best, AND also knows how much a person could take, after all he did create them. this world is a test to see if gods creation will be able to attain the religion of god, Buddha was a hindu also, so buddhism is just the remainder of another religion. that is funny to hear that people believe in these statues
Posted February 13, 2012
mohammed ibrahim says:
islam, people now say that islam is a religion of terror, this is absolutely wrong, people make out to be a religion of this sought. america hide the fact and do not display the palestinian children getting killed and slaughtered. the jews hide the fact that they are taking the children of the muslim fathers and mothers and killing the parents in front of the children and also via the children. would you call this fairness. i see man muslims slandering prophet SAW , they say that he married a girl of the age of nine, but at that time 9 year old had the intelligence of 20 years old they were mature enough to be married, the 9 years old father also had asked to the prophet(saw) to marry his daughter, and how on earth is Buddhism the best religion, to me buddhsim is not a religion, if you look at it. they believe in a statue, abraham the prophet broke all of these idols when this same thing happened in his time, he said that these idols do not bring peace nor comfort, they do not sustain you, if you leave them food do they eat it no, rats next to them come and eat it do they drink no, you might now say does muslims gods drink, the buddist have seen these statues and it is so apparent that these statues do not move, drink, see, they will never be able to do these actions, but a god can, he grants people things, things that a statue cannot. the comfort is all from the head, these stupid people believe that these worthless statues have the power to grant people happiness and comfort, by searching inside their own head, a baby can do that without needing a statue for this. it is all in every ones heads that statues grant things, there is a proof that a god can benefit you. the story of CAT Stevens, he thought he was going to die but he then called out to Allah, and Allah saved his life, do you think that a statue can do that. other religions protest that islam is anti-woman religion. this is also a sham, would you rather have your daughter covered with clothes which will decrease the chance of her, commiting sex before marriage or do you believe that your sister/mother/daughter to be wearing tight clothes which will increase men to set eyes on her, which could consequent in a unwanted child, where im which countries has the most co-habited and most abortions ,uncontrolable child births in the countries where woman do not cover themselves. the woman of islam do not protest to this, no other religion do. islam is the most isolated religion, woman cannot wear what they believe in and police have to unveil their veil in public how is this fair. if you look at the past you will see that the most relaxed people in the world were those people that were god-concious not statue but this has disappeared due to the fact of being isolated and the youth of the muslims are being carried out to be like other religions, this is why the youth is so bad
Posted February 13, 2012
Mohammed says:
you don't believe in a god, you believe in statues who give you no comfort or pain, how does these statues help you, the only thing that is giving you this comfort is your head. ISLAM is the best religion.
Posted February 13, 2012
Sultan says:
Islam is the most purest form of religion with hardly any less division as seen in Christianity Buddhism or even Hinduism. In Islam, Muslims uphold the most basic form of the oneness of God, called Tauheed in Arabic. Muslims also believe in previous Prophets, revelations, angels, day of Judgment. You won't find Muslims in one part of the world following or reading a different Qu'ran as a Muslim from another part of the world. The Hadiths, the Qu'ran, the prayers are all the same. The same can't be said for Christianity and definitely not Hinduism or Buddhism .
Posted February 12, 2012
Huda says:
Islam!!!
Posted February 11, 2012
Khurram Syed says:
Religion is the biggest mystery of the world.None other than it's believers, believe it's the best. But let me make it somehow clear that Religions may be how many only one is true. This is directly proportional to God is one.
He may be how but he is having supernatural powers. He have created the whole universe which isn't at all even try-able or experimental by a normal person. The one who have created the humans, heavens, hells, and all other creatures can't be given birth. I would not like to take names but would like to make you understand. According to me Islam is the only religion in which their God ( Allah ) hasn't be given birth nor he has son. He is a supernatural power and the mastermind of the creation of the universe.
At last would like to conclude I am not at all abusing any religion.
Thank You
Khurram Syed
Posted February 11, 2012
meowpers says:
I am not entirely disagreeing with you. BUT, I think NO religion is the best, because people fight about it so much and are ignorant. Example: Jan says "Christianity.....which says Love others like you love yourself....Non other religion teach you to be that way". That is very untrue. I'm almost positive that like 95% of the religions in the world teach peace and love... Ugh.. -.-
Posted February 10, 2012
ali says:
because if u make smthng frm our hand and say tht this is our god so it is not fair.budhism is nothing but just to wast your time to a non living thing.
Posted February 10, 2012
Asif Khan says:
ISLAM is the best religion. i will not go in details simply apply islam rules on your datly life, eating, sleeping, relations, behavour, all related things with life apply them once then compair with others, i am not objecting other religion i respect them each religion is a source of peace. But when you apply islam rules you will realize that Islam is the best.
Posted February 10, 2012
Abdul says:
islam is the best religion in the world ...islam means submission to god
islam is a peaceful religion..you might feel strange about it ..here is a link ..
a brother who converted to islam..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIURcB-YdNA&feature=related
Posted February 09, 2012
human says:
ISLAM is the best religion.The sacred book of Islam contains all the necessary true guidance required to lead a humanly life.Nowadays Islam is being related to violence which in no way coincides with the fundamentals of Islam.Islam in arabic means peace.
Think for a while that the name of the religion itself implies peace than how can it propagate violence.Prophet of Islam said"They are the companion of hellfire whose mischievious deeds harm the sentiments of their neighbour".
Try to get more info on Islam.I guarantee it that u will find it as the best one.
Posted February 09, 2012
Ankit Kampani says:
Jainsum
Posted February 09, 2012
Jan says:
Christianity.....which says Love others like you love yourself....Non other religion teach you to be that way...I vote Christianity because that's what stands at the end..
Posted February 08, 2012
roy says:
universal brotherhood.
Posted February 08, 2012
deepak singh says:
hinduism is the best religion
Posted February 08, 2012
DEEPAK SINGH says:
hinduism. .is the birth place of all major religion like sikhism and buddhism and jainism etc . so it is considered as a peaceful religion . the founder of sikhism guru nanakji. . was a brahmin of a hindu family. . and so were others. .
Posted February 08, 2012
Bruised Reed says:
All religions are the same. Religions are made by man to reach God. But the truth is they cannot bring man closer to God they way God wants him to be. So, God made a way. By sending His Son, Jesus, into the world to live and die for the sins of the world. And whosoever believes in Him shall not die but have eternal life. So, God's way is Jesus and not religions.
Posted February 07, 2012
naraen says:
hinduism is the religion which give birth to buddhism and also noone can predict the birth of hinduism but we can predict the birth of other religion there will be founder for all religions but hinduism has no founder it comes into existance naturally and also it is a scientific religion
example: vyamanika shastra ,sushrusha,
Posted February 07, 2012
Trihan says:
Islam. Because Islam is the only true religion, comprehensive, etc. Like what Prof. John L. Esposito (George Town University) said: Islam, the straight path. Budhism is too "floating", less clear and firm. But it suit with the modern religion this day (like John Hick version). Which is relying imagination in guessing the will of God. :)
vist my lens: http://www.squidoo.com/best-musical-movie
Posted February 07, 2012
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- Tibetan Buddhism
- Vajrayana Buddhism - the Buddhism of visualisation
- Zen Buddhism
- Zen Buddhism (also called Chan Buddhism in China) is one of the most famous types of Buddhism in the West. It has similarities with Taoism as well.
On this lens you will find video's about Zen Buddhist practice in Japan as well as links to more information about Zen Buddhism. - Buddhism is NOT a form of Hinduism
- Hindu's are always quick to point out that Buddhism is a form of Hinduism, but they're wrong and here's why...
So, what do you think is the most important criterium for deciding the best religion?
What should the best or ideal world religion look like?
Should Seek Universal Harmony And Oneness
All Religions come from God. God is one. Religion more...9 points
Bahá'í Faith
The Bahá'í Faith is a monotheistic religion founded by Bahá'u'lláh in nineteenth-century Persia, emphasizing the spiritual unity of all humankind.[1] There are an estimated five to six million Bahá'ís around the world in more than 200 countries and territories.[2][3]Bahá'í teachings emphasize the underlying unity of the major world religions. Religious history is seen to have unfolded through a series of divine messengers, each of whom established a religion that was suited to the needs of the time and the capacity of the people. These messengers have included Abraham, Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad and others, including most recently Bahá'u'lláh. In Bahá'í belief, each messenger taught of the next, and Bahá'u'lláh's life and teachings fulfill the end-time promises of previous scriptures. Humanity is understood to be involved in a process of collective evolution, and the need of the present time is for the gradual establishment of peace, justice and unity on a global scale.[4]
The word "Bahá'í" [5] is used either as an adjective to refer to the Bahá'í Faith or as a term for a follower of Bahá'u'lláh, and the word is not a noun meaning the religion as a whole.[6] It is derived from the Arabic Bahá', meaning "glory" or "splendour".[7] The term "Bahaism" (or "Baha'ism") has been used in the past, but is fading from use.
Adapted from Wikipedia
- Quiz: Baha'i Faith Facts and Trivia
- The Baha'i Faith is one of the world religions with the most wide a variety of adherents throughout the world. It's a relatively new faith, having started in Persia in the 19th century.
- Valentine's Day Religious and Spiritual Gifts for Bahai Women
- The writings of Bahaullah unequivocally proclaim the equality of men and women. Hierarchical systems that place men above women in a divinely ordained order have no sanction within the Bahai scriptures.
- Valentine's Day Religious and Spiritual Gifts for Bahai Men
- The Bahai faith is one of the youngest religions in the world.
- Bahai Religious Books for Children
- Bahais consider themselves to be the citizens of the world and humanity is seen as one big family. Children are encouraged to pursue Spiritual and Religious education from the very beginning, so they truly see themselves as servants of the human family.
- Bahai Decorations for Christmas
- The Bahai Faith was founded by Bahaullah, a Persian nobleman, in the mid 19th century.
Apart from Bahaullah - followers of the Bahai faith also consider Abraham, Krishna, Moses, Zoroaster, Buddha, Christ, and Muhammad as prophets.
Mixing religion and politics?
The Bahai faith the ideal religion?
Being less than two centuries old, and persecuted in the Middle East most of that time, the Bahai have hardly had the time to show us what they would do if they got into power. Why mention power? Like Islam, the Bahai faith implicitly assumes that religion and politics go hand in hand.
This is directly opposite to the modern idea of the secular state. The secular state has been invented precisely to make sure that people of whatever religious background should be able treated equally before the law. This ideal has not been fully practiced anywhere, but the question the Bahai ask us by example is whether that ideal should be thrown out the window...
Should religion and politics be kept separate or not?
Is the ideal religion politically neutral?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, politics and religion don't mix
toobah says:
politics and religion should be keept seperately. we can see all the world problem comes from where the world biggest leader choose relaigion as their weapon to make people against each other for their own profit.
Posted January 11, 2012
salman khan says:
Humanity is the best religion in the world. Confuse ..... What we says ? what we think ? what we do ? .. What is the meaning of our life ? Why we not help each other ? Why we not think for the poor as we live very enjoyful ? .. Give some money to the poor from our salary because if we give money to the poor we feel very good.
Posted December 30, 2011
OldStones says:
Politics offers enough strife and contention with out adding religion to the mix. When you add religion to politics you end up with forced conversions, incquisitions, and religious crusades. Keep it seperate!!!
Posted October 31, 2011
I Am Right says:
Catholic. 'Nuff said.
Posted September 01, 2011
muslim says:
Muslim's please listen to me, you do not i repet you do not need to prove yourself to these people, just say it once because they can say what they want and do what they like but we both know the truth at the end of the day we are all gonna get judged and no-one can run away from this and please do not argue with these people they are just gonna waste your breath! i'm proud of being muslim and you cannot take away my PRIDE!!! yes muslim's are gonna strive and we will win and you people need to know about islam because no muslim want's to see anyone go to the hell fire!
Posted August 14, 2011
Zohran says:
allah hu akbar
Posted August 10, 2011
SK says:
The ideal religion is no religion, so yes I would say it is politically neutral as you don't have bias from nonreligious.
Posted May 16, 2011
KHAN SAMMI says:
IN HINDUISM THERE ARE SO MANY GODS LIKE BAJRAN COW SNAKE FIRE ELEPHANT e.t.c BUT CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM RELATES BECAZ OF HAZRAT EESA A.S AND ALLAH RABBUL IZZAT
Posted March 11, 2011
Samia Anwar says:
Budhism is a Ism not A religion . That is like Hinduism which is not a religion too...... Islam related with Chirst as per history. Esa (Jejous) and Muhammad S.A.W.W were belongs too a Chain of Nabi's God send One Hundred And Twenty Four Thousands Of Nabi To The World.
1st was Adam A.S Last Was Muhammad S.A.W.W.
Many of the fiqqah are found in the tenure of Adam & Muhammad. But No Doubht God (Allah) Said : I complete the Islam By Quran The Holy Book & I will care it myself. So ! Islam Is the complete & Peacfull religion . As well as Muslims We Respect Our Chirst Brother Too Becouse They Too Have A Holy Book. Love Islam + Muhammad + Esa + Adam ... Love Allah
Posted December 17, 2010
jana says:
all religion are same..all religion teach a good things to human been..only one god..no any religions are superior in this world..For the knowledge, Hinduism is the first religion in this world..
Posted September 16, 2010
prosperity66 says:
Yes, they should. When we see how things are going today because religion and politics are mixed in some areas - and after having read the debate above, I can just fear any mix of religion and politics...g
Posted August 11, 2010
NanLT says:
I wish I could press both buttons. Should religion and politics mix - no. I do not believe the that anyone should determine what people believe, and that includes the State. On the other hand everything eventually is politics - there's no getting around it.
Posted August 09, 2010
Use your Brain says:
hahaha...religion and politics?? cmon..use the brain God gave u...man made politics, not God..if eva a religion uses politics then its not a religion...Politics end up in war while Religion teaches u good...Politics are the reason of wars around the world...
Posted March 29, 2010
Spook says:
Religious tolerance should be a standard practise in all countries and the two don't mix.
Posted September 13, 2009
spirituality says:
Right. Glad to hear that Muhammad and Baha'u'llah were so wise. The question is, is the Bahai Faith as practiced going to separate church and state? It seems to me that the Universal House of Justice is set up to become some sort of (religious) world court were the Bahai to become a majority faith. Don't Bahai communities have a sort of internal government going on?
Posted September 10, 2009
No, let's be realistic: religion and politics have always mixed. We might as well make it official.
Mark says:
Its an unfortunate fact that religion and politics have always corrupted eachother. Though they should be seperate. I see no way of seperating the two. Our political leaders are human and most have a religion of choice. Unfurtunately, one will always sway the other. Politics and law should be fact based and without bias. However, unless we be become atomotons, one will always influence the other. They should not mix but they always have.
Posted February 09, 2012
clifRad says:
Impossible. Your moral beliefs come from your religious philosophical foundation. When law is detrimental to the rights of others we must act. Ask Guandi.
Oh, the poll is funn! People choose choices other than truth. Good luck shoppers.
Posted December 10, 2011
sara says:
i think we have mix religion and politics !! i don't know why .. but we have to do it :)
Posted October 30, 2011
VRAllInIt2gether says:
"Bahá'u'lláh required that His followers strictly abstain from conflict and contention, which are characteristics of the partisanship practiced in present-day politics. Bahá'ís, in whatever country they reside, are prohibited from holding membership in any political party."
http://www.bahai.org/misc/politics
Posted October 24, 2011
Bikash Ctg says:
Why Buddhism is a Peaceful Religion?
Five primary distinctions separate Buddhism from all other religions. These differences on the surface can seem daunting to belief and faith based religions, but the facts are that the practices and attitudes that result from them foster peace and contentment among practitioners of Buddhism.
These distinctions are confined only to Buddhism, as far as I know, and as such may seem to be a separation from other religions. But when they are viewed in the context of sane, compassionate human development, where our values include loving and understanding each other, they can be applied universally to almost any religion that is the least bit open-minded.
One thing to notice; there are no beliefs involved, only personal introspection and self discovery. This is very satisfying for particularly modern Western minds that view religious dogma with disdain and appreciate a scientific, provable approach to spirituality.
1. ANATTA (No self, no soul)
Being an ex-Catholic, when I first heard this I was appalled! What was to become of me if I had no soul? But after practicing meditation and investigating for myself how my mind worked, I began to understand the mind and how it constructed an ego, and a soul by the way which is merely an extension of ego. I could see that both those constructions took a lot of effort to maintain, and both illusions had a strong tendency to alienate me from other human beings.
2. ANICCA (Impermanence)
Everything in the universe is in flux, uncontrollable. Everything changes whether we want it to change or not. Once this is accepted and understood by one's own investigations into life, the tendency to doggedly hang on - to anything - is reduced and an ease of life is experienced within the context of being responsible with ones life.
3. DUKKHA (Suffering)
Being born into human life insures suffering, A human birth is a little of both pleasure and suffering, about 50-50. This understanding that it is normal to suffer relieves the pressure of feeling that one must be happy all the time - or something is wrong.
4. VIPASSANA MEDITATION
The Hindu model for meditation was Samatha, or concentration meditation culminating in Jhana or extreme calm states of mind. The Buddha took this a step further and indicated that without corresponding wisdom and investigation into the deeper aspects of life, which must be cultivated in tangent with Jhana, progress to enlightenment is stifled.
5. THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS
I. The First Noble Truth is a detailed description of human suffering and its inevitability - not to be believed, but to be looked at and understood for oneself.
II. The second explains the root reason why we human beings suffer. The Buddha makes a statement of why we suffer and challenges us to investigate, over a lifetime, and see if we come to the same conclusions. The Buddha always said that we should not believe anything that we cannot prove true for ourselves.
III. The third truth is a statement claiming that we can stop our suffering.
IV. The fourth truth is a prescription for ending our human suffering - which is the Eightfold Path.
1. Right View - Wisdom
2. Right Intention
3. Right Speech - Ethical Conduct
4. Right Action
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort - Mental Development
7. Right Mindfulness - Vipassana Meditation
8. Right Concentration - Jhana attainment
Again, the Eightfold path involves personal training of the mind and the human conduct that results from this personal experience.
Buddhism is therefore an experiential religion. It is a religion that one practices 24/7 and in every aspect of life. It involves being mindful of one's speech and actions and how they impact others. Of how our livelihood impacts our own values and peace of mind. Do we deceive people, even subtly in our job assignments, or do we genuinely help people?
Buddhism is a religion where one works on oneself. Buddhists don't work on others, that is try to convince others to become Buddhists. Buddhists feel that until they can achieve a little bit of sanity as human beings themselves, any efforts to prematurely convert others will only produce further insanity in an already crazy world!
In effect, Buddhism, due to it's nature of investigating deeper aspects of mind and personal training of the heart, does not appeal to those not yet ready to face reality. Therefore, proselytizing in the regular manner doesn't work. If someone is ready, they will seek out Buddhism. Until they are ready, twisting their arms until they succumb does little good because their karma would not be ripe enough to allow them to practice diligently and they would revert back to their original level of understanding in short order.
A Buddhist's primary concern is purity of one's mind. Secondarily is a concern for material necessities. Buddhists who have experienced past lives see the futility of a primarily materialistic pursuit, that is; all will be left at the casket and nothing taken with one to the next existence, neither riches, nor understanding, nor purity of heart.
The emphasis on one's own individual efforts and attainments may seem selfish on the surface, but in actuality, a person who becomes pure of heart can do much good in the world, or at least do minimal harm.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3447799Five primary distinctions separate Buddhism from all other religions. These differences on the surface can seem daunting to belief and faith based religions, but the facts are that the practices and attitudes that result from them foster peace and contentment among practitioners of Buddhism.
These distinctions are confined only to Buddhism, as far as I know, and as such may seem to be a separation from other religions. But when they are viewed in the context of sane, compassionate human development, where our values include loving and understanding each other, they can be applied universally to almost any religion that is the least bit open-minded.
One thing to notice; there are no beliefs involved, only personal introspection and self discovery. This is very satisfying for particularly modern Western minds that view religious dogma with disdain and appreciate a scientific, provable approach to spirituality.
1. ANATTA (No self, no soul)
Being an ex-Catholic, when I first heard this I was appalled! What was to become of me if I had no soul? But after practicing meditation and investigating for myself how my mind worked, I began to understand the mind and how it constructed an ego, and a soul by the way which is merely an extension of ego. I could see that both those constructions took a lot of effort to maintain, and both illusions had a strong tendency to alienate me from other human beings.
2. ANICCA (Impermanence)
Everything in the universe is in flux, uncontrollable. Everything changes whether we want it to change or not. Once this is accepted and understood by one's own investigations into life, the tendency to doggedly hang on - to anything - is reduced and an ease of life is experienced within the context of being responsible with ones life.
3. DUKKHA (Suffering)
Being born into human life insures suffering, A human birth is a little of both pleasure and suffering, about 50-50. This understanding that it is normal to suffer relieves the pressure of feeling that one must be happy all the time - or something is wrong.
4. VIPASSANA MEDITATION
The Hindu model for meditation was Samatha, or concentration meditation culminating in Jhana or extreme calm states of mind. The Buddha took this a step further and indicated that without corresponding wisdom and investigation into the deeper aspects of life, which must be cultivated in tangent with Jhana, progress to enlightenment is stifled.
5. THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS
I. The First Noble Truth is a detailed description of human suffering and its inevitability - not to be believed, but to be looked at and understood for oneself.
II. The second explains the root reason why we human beings suffer. The Buddha makes a statement of why we suffer and challenges us to investigate, over a lifetime, and see if we come to the same conclusions. The Buddha always said that we should not believe anything that we cannot prove true for ourselves.
III. The third truth is a statement claiming that we can stop our suffering.
IV. The fourth truth is a prescription for ending our human suffering - which is the Eightfold Path.
1. Right View - Wisdom
2. Right Intention
3. Right Speech - Ethical Conduct
4. Right Action
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort - Mental Development
7. Right Mindfulness - Vipassana Meditation
8. Right Concentration - Jhana attainment
Again, the Eightfold path involves personal training of the mind and the human conduct that results from this personal experience.
Buddhism is therefore an experiential religion. It is a religion that one practices 24/7 and in every aspect of life. It involves being mindful of one's speech and actions and how they impact others. Of how our livelihood impacts our own values and peace of mind. Do we deceive people, even subtly in our job assignments, or do we genuinely help people?
Buddhism is a religion where one works on oneself. Buddhists don't work on others, that is try to convince others to become Buddhists. Buddhists feel that until they can achieve a little bit of sanity as human beings themselves, any efforts to prematurely convert others will only produce further insanity in an already crazy world!
In effect, Buddhism, due to it's nature of investigating deeper aspects of mind and personal training of the heart, does not appeal to those not yet ready to face reality. Therefore, proselytizing in the regular manner doesn't work. If someone is ready, they will seek out Buddhism. Until they are ready, twisting their arms until they succumb does little good because their karma would not be ripe enough to allow them to practice diligently and they would revert back to their original level of understanding in short order.
A Buddhist's primary concern is purity of one's mind. Secondarily is a concern for material necessities. Buddhists who have experienced past lives see the futility of a primarily materialistic pursuit, that is; all will be left at the casket and nothing taken with one to the next existence, neither riches, nor understanding, nor purity of heart.
The emphasis on one's own individual efforts and attainments may seem selfish on the surface, but in actuality, a person who becomes pure of heart can do much good in the world, or at least do minimal harm.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3447799Five primary distinctions separate Buddhism from all other religions. These differences on the surface can seem daunting to belief and faith based religions, but the facts are that the practices and attitudes that result from them foster peace and contentment among practitioners of Buddhism.
These distinctions are confined only to Buddhism, as far as I know, and as such may seem to be a separation from other religions. But when they are viewed in the context of sane, compassionate human development, where our values include loving and understanding each other, they can be applied universally to almost any religion that is the least bit open-minded.
One thing to notice; there are no beliefs involved, only personal introspection and self discovery. This is very satisfying for particularly modern Western minds that view religious dogma with disdain and appreciate a scientific, provable approach to spirituality.
1. ANATTA (No self, no soul)
Being an ex-Catholic, when I first heard this I was appalled! What was to become of me if I had no soul? But after practicing meditation and investigating for myself how my mind worked, I began to understand the mind and how it constructed an ego, and a soul by the way which is merely an extension of ego. I could see that both those constructions took a lot of effort to maintain, and both illusions had a strong tendency to alienate me from other human beings.
2. ANICCA (Impermanence)
Everything in the universe is in flux, uncontrollable. Everything changes whether we want it to change or not. Once this is accepted and understood by one's own investigations into life, the tendency to doggedly hang on - to anything - is reduced and an ease of life is experienced within the context of being responsible with ones life.
3. DUKKHA (Suffering)
Being born into human life insures suffering, A human birth is a little of both pleasure and suffering, about 50-50. This understanding that it is normal to suffer relieves the pressure of feeling that one must be happy all the time - or something is wrong.
4. VIPASSANA MEDITATION
The Hindu model for meditation was Samatha, or concentration meditation culminating in Jhana or extreme calm states of mind. The Buddha took this a step further and indicated that without corresponding wisdom and investigation into the deeper aspects of life, which must be cultivated in tangent with Jhana, progress to enlightenment is stifled.
5. THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS
I. The First Noble Truth is a detailed description of human suffering and its inevitability - not to be believed, but to be looked at and understood for oneself.
II. The second explains the root reason why we human beings suffer. The Buddha makes a statement of why we suffer and challenges us to investigate, over a lifetime, and see if we come to the same conclusions. The Buddha always said that we should not believe anything that we cannot prove true for ourselves.
III. The third truth is a statement claiming that we can stop our suffering.
IV. The fourth truth is a prescription for ending our human suffering - which is the Eightfold Path.
1. Right View - Wisdom
2. Right Intention
3. Right Speech - Ethical Conduct
4. Right Action
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort - Mental Development
7. Right Mindfulness - Vipassana Meditation
8. Right Concentration - Jhana attainment
Again, the Eightfold path involves personal training of the mind and the human conduct that results from this personal experience.
Buddhism is therefore an experiential religion. It is a religion that one practices 24/7 and in every aspect of life. It involves being mindful of one's speech and actions and how they impact others. Of how our livelihood impacts our own values and peace of mind. Do we deceive people, even subtly in our job assignments, or do we genuinely help people?
Buddhism is a religion where one works on oneself. Buddhists don't work on others, that is try to convince others to become Buddhists. Buddhists feel that until they can achieve a little bit of sanity as human beings themselves, any efforts to prematurely convert others will only produce further insanity in an already crazy world!
In effect, Buddhism, due to it's nature of investigating deeper aspects of mind and personal training of the heart, does not appeal to those not yet ready to face reality. Therefore, proselytizing in the regular manner doesn't work. If someone is ready, they will seek out Buddhism. Until they are ready, twisting their arms until they succumb does little good because their karma would not be ripe enough to allow them to practice diligently and they would revert back to their original level of understanding in short order.
A Buddhist's primary concern is purity of one's mind. Secondarily is a concern for material necessities. Buddhists who have experienced past lives see the futility of a primarily materialistic pursuit, that is; all will be left at the casket and nothing taken with one to the next existence, neither riches, nor understanding, nor purity of heart.
The emphasis on one's own individual efforts and attainments may seem selfish on the surface, but in actuality, a person who becomes pure of heart can do much good in the world, or at least do minimal harm.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3447799
Posted October 19, 2011
islamistheTREUTH says:
I dont think that islam is the best religion!! But i'm so sure it is the best and not only best but the perfect greatest religion in the whole wide world... The islam is the treuth pepole why don't you see it?? Its the cleanest and the greatest religion its the only book that tells treu words and i wish you thake a look in this great book and read the words of Allah subhan'hou wa ta 3ala and i wish you read about the life of prophet Mohammed SawS.. Because all the lifestyle we live these days and what we do.. Are all because of Mohammed SawS he did these things he showed the world how to treat each other with love and respect! Please believe me and if you don't believe this is the treu religion than i'll tell you one thing.. ONE day you all gonna seee that Allah is the only god and king of the world he's alive and he will never die. He's lookin at our deeds. From above in the sky.. And you will see that the prophet MoHammed salla lahou alayhi wa sellam!! Is the choosen one and the last messenger of Allah!! There's only one god : Allah!! Dont you get it? He made us gave us everything you ever wanted and you still feel to high to get down your knees for him.. Allah will let you live your life and when you die you'll be with him and you'll wish you prayed for him you will cry and ask him to go back and start over.. Start a new life and do all the things Allah said.. But he will say no your life is over your too late..
You will burn in hell.. And i dont want ya'll to burn in hell. Its not that im so sure that im going to heaven noo only Allah know were im going trough but i might sound crazy but if you know this religion you know what im talking about:( and jesus is not god and defintly not the son of god. How could you say something like that its so horrible to hear:( how can a human being be your god?? Just because he had powers others dont have? And the power he had was just a litle gift from allah because jesus is a prophet of allah, even jesus believes in Allah and Mozes believes in Allah Adam josheph Noah and more and jesus is the only prophet who will return in the future! When?? Only Allah knows when he will return and destroy the christians it may sounds hard but they don't believe in Allah thats the reason why jesus is mad because they think he's the god and he will never want you to believe that.. Jesus is never killed.. Never pepole but he's above in the sky peacefull sleeping by Alllah untill the end o time;) i hope someone believes me cuz this is no bullshitt i swear its treu! Why can't we see Allah because if we do you will melt.. A god can't be a human being but must be something else something stronger than ever!! And bigger! And thats what Allah is he made us and wants us to follow him and ave us alot of prophets to show us the right way but you never believed and write your own religion.. This is all i have to say i'll hope you do something with it!! Peace and love!! Asellamou alaykoum
Posted August 02, 2011
armaan says:
i m a muslim bt i really think that the relegions which hve basically originted frm india r above all the religions as they hv social and scientific logics behind every rituals am not against my religion bt still i think that hindusim would be the greatest of all the religions
Posted April 30, 2011
miaponzo says:
The ideal religion encompasses politics and religion, along with every other thing in life. :)
Posted January 08, 2011
JziE says:
Only Islam teaches the way of politics. But politicians does not want to accept it.
Posted November 17, 2010
shamrood says:
my religion teach all aspect of life including political, ISLAM
Posted August 25, 2010
princess fatimah says:
No, cos the religion is the constitution for politices
Posted February 19, 2010
Christianity
Let's get to that biggest of world religions shall we? Wikipedia describes Christianity as follows:"Christianity is a monotheistic religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in the New Testament. The Christian faith is essentially faith in Jesus as the Christ (or Messiah), the Son of God, the Savior, the manifestation of God to humankind (Immanuel), and God (Yahweh or the "Lord") himself.
Adherents of the Christian faith, known as Christians, believe that Jesus is the Messiah prophesied in the Hebrew Bible (the part of scripture common to Christianity and Judaism). The foundation of Christian theology is expressed in the early Christian ecumenical creeds, which contain claims predominantly accepted by followers of the Christian faith. These professions state that Jesus suffered, died from crucifixion, was buried, and was resurrected from the dead to open heaven to those who believe in him and trust him for the remission of their sins (salvation). They further maintain that Jesus bodily ascended into heaven where he rules and reigns with God the Father. Most denominations teach that Jesus will return to judge all humans, living and dead, and grant eternal life to his followers. He is considered the model of a virtuous life, and both the revealer and physical incarnation of God.[7] Christians call the message of Jesus Christ the Gospel ("good news") and hence refer to the earliest written accounts of his ministry as gospels.
Christianity began as a Jewish sect and is classified as an Abrahamic religion (see also Judeo-Christian). Originating in the eastern Mediterranean, it quickly grew in size and influence over a few decades, and by the 4th century had become the dominant religion within the Roman Empire. During the Middle Ages, most of the remainder of Europe was Christianized, with Christians also being a (sometimes large) religious minority in the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of India. Following the Age of Discovery, through missionary work and colonization, Christianity spread to the Americas, Australasia, and the rest of the world, therefore Christianity is a major influence in the shaping of Western civilization.
As of the early 21st century, Christianity has between 1.5 billion and 2.1 billion adherents, representing about a quarter to a third of the world's population and is the world's largest religion. In addition, Christianity is the state religion of several countries. "
Christianity does have a lot going for it. It's major ideal of compassion has wrought significant changes all over the world. It is also in a sense the first non-tribal religion. That is: Judaism is a religion only for people born Jews. Christianity hopes to save the whole of humanity.
However, the crimes Christians have perpetrated in the name of their faith are significant as well and last up till the present. Most famous is the persecution of infidels by the inquisition in Europe in the Middle ages. Recently a doctor who performed abortions was killed by Christian fundamentalists.
The idea of martyrdom is an old one in Christianity. People were willing to die for their faith, and some still are. Some martyrs will commit crimes right before that willing death. Islam is accused of supporting this, but Christianity is just as capable of producing people with such ideas.
More Christianity
- Quiz: Free Christian trivia test
- Test your knowledge of Christianity one of the largest world religions. Do you know your religious trivia? Good luck and have fun.
I'm asking questions about the history of Christianity, the Bible, Christianity in the world today and theology. - Best Roman Catholic Kids Books
- The Roman Catholic Church is in trouble in Europe, but that doesn't mean you don't want your kids growing up knowing about their faith. And while they go to mass, get baptized and their first communion - they should also learn to love their faith. These books help do just that.
- Best Christian Religious Books for Children and Teenagers
- Books, no doubt, are still a great way to introduce young minds to Jesus, the Apostles and Saints, Angels and Popes, and other important figures and events in Christianity.
- Christian inspiration, facts, philosophy and debate
- Inspirational and informational Christian lenses
- Esoteric Mystic Christianity Books
- In esoteric Christianity the experience of mystics is taken as the road before each of us: and it's seen as a road of initiation. The idea is basically that when Jesus said that he only spoke in parables for the rabble, he meant it: he meant that he had teachings for his disciples that he would not share in his public speeches.
Islam
Islam is a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the teachings of the Qur'an, a religious book considered by its adherents to be the verbatim word of God (Allah), and the Islamic prophet Muhammad's personally demonstrated examples (collected through narration of his companions in the volumes of Hadith) for implementing them. The word Islam is a homograph, having multiple meanings, and a triliteral of the word salam, which directly translates as peace. Other meanings include submission, or the total surrender of oneself to God (see Islam (term)).An adherent of Islam is a Muslim, meaning "one who submits (to God)". The word Muslim is the participle of the same verb of which Islam is the infinitive. Muslims regard Islam as the completed and universal version of an original monotheistic faith revealed to peoples before, including to Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and other prophets. Islamic tradition holds that previous messages have changed and the revelations were distorted.
Religious practices include the Five Pillars of Islam, which are five duties that unite Muslims into a community. Islamic law (Sharia) touches on virtually every aspect of life and society, encompassing everything from dietary laws and banking to warfare and welfare. The vast majority of Muslims belong to one of two major denominations, the Sunni (roughly 85%) and Shi'a (roughly 15%). Islam is the predominant religion in much of Africa, the Middle East, as well as in major parts of Asia. Large communities are also found in China, Russia and the Balkans. Converts and immigrant communities are found in almost every part of the world. About 20% of Muslims live in Arab countries, 30% in the Indian Subcontinent, and 15.6% in Indonesia alone, the largest Muslim country in absolute numbers. With 1.3 billion to 1.8 billion Muslims, Islam is the second-largest religion in the world and the fastest growing religion in the world.
Thank you wikipedia
Jews were traditionally respected in Islam, alongside Christians, as people of the book (dhimmi). In the past decades however it has become increasingly difficult for minority groups to eke out an acceptable living in many Middle Eastern countries. Since Islam traditionally protected these minorities, it is clear this is not about Islam, whatever the excuse may be that is used to persecute people.
Islam in the defensive about women
These days the Muslim world struggles, like in many ways we all do, with 'modernity'. What to take from the 'West' and what to reject?
Should women and men be treated equal? Muhammad made sure women in his time were treated better than they were before he came along. He married a wealthy independent woman, a strong first wife. However, the rules he set up look pretty weak in the face of the full equality women are granted in many western countries today.
The question Muslims have to ask and answer is: Did Muhammad mean to leave women dependent on men, or did he want them to have more power and safety than they did before? And what does that mean for women and girls today?
This is just one of many issues.
Fundamentalism in Christianity and Islam
Ironically this is partly a democratization: after all, interpreting an ancient text through the eyes of scholarship requires schooling. If you are only going to look at the most literal meaning of a text, you do not need any help. Anybody can do it.
Sound familiar? It should. It's the same thing Christianity has gone through. After all, who needs to learn Latin, Greek or Hebrew if you can pick up a translation of the Bible in any bookstore? And who needs a reverend to help interpret it if you can read yourself? For Christians this process started in the reformation, which was centuries ago. Muslims have only just started on this path.
Perhaps more energy should be put into making sure the Muslim intelligentsia have the means to interpret Islam in context? I'm not saying extremism should not be fought, in whatever form it comes, but a bit of patience is also in order I think.
Am I right, should Muslims be given more time to adapt?
Should we be patient with Islam, or should all Muslims be treated as pariah's, whether they're personally supporting terrorism or not?
More Islam
- Quiz: Islam facts and trivia
- Test your knowledge of Islam and it's prophet Muhammad. Do you know your Muslim trivia? Are you good at multiple choice? I've made you a 10 question pop quiz to test just how much you know about the facts and trivia of Islam today and it's history.
- Quiz: Eid Ul-Fitr and Ramadan Facts and Trivia
- Ramadan is the month of fasting for Muslims. They fast during the hours of daytime. This means that in summer they have to fast longer than in Winter. At the end of Ramadan everything is let loose and Muslims celebrate the end of the fast with more prayer, giving to the poor and so on.
- Rumi Calendars and planners
- 'A nightingale sometimes flies from the garden, to sing in the forest'
- Eid Ul Fitr Gifts, Ramadan presents
- Religious Ramadan gifts, gift baskets and more ideas on what to give on Eid
- Arabian Jewelry and Middle Eastern Jewelry
- Some of these items can be personalized - with your name in Arabic letters for instance. Others feature Allah or the Kaaba. I hope you enjoy my selection of Bedouin and Muslim jewelry. I've found you rings, necklaces and of course pendants.
Hinduism: castes and polytheism
For once I'm not trusting wikipedia to define Hinduism for you. I'll instead fall back on the many classes I took on Hinduism and Indian culture.Hinduism is traditionally defined as polytheism, which is correct but superficial. Yes, Hindus do believe in many gods, but they usually also believe in one fundamental divine being that includes them all. This idea is called pantheism or panentheism, depending on the details of the belief. The upshot of it is: while there are many divine forces in nature, there is an underlying unity from which all else comes. The result is as monotheistic as Spinoza.
This diversity in unity is also part of the Indian spirit. Why talk of India? Because the one thing we can say for sure about Hinduism is that it is the religion of people living on the Indian subcontinent. Everything else I end up saying here will be likely untrue about one group of people or another who call themselves Hindu.
Talk about India and you talk about the Caste system. The caste system is usually explained to consist of four or five varnas (colors). The Brahmins at the top, the untouchables at the bottom. Merchants, kings and skilled tradesmen in between. This is in fact a theological explanation. The practical fact is that there are thousands of 'castes' and hundreds of types of Brahmin's alone. Each Hindu tribe has a place in the caste system and the untouchables form 25% of the whole. (note that 13% of Indian citizens are Muslim)
This makes Hinduism a tribal religion of sorts, just like Judaism. The difference is that what's hereditary isn't so much the religion, as the position in the caste system.
This summary would not be complete without noting that many Hindu leaders have protested against the caste system and the social ostracizing it involves. Discrimination is illegal in India, yet law and practice are still two very different things unfortunately in this case.
- Quiz: Hinduism facts and trivia
- Information on practices and beliefs and a Pop Quiz
- The Upanishads quotes, sayings and concepts
- After the Vedas the Upanishads are the most revered texts in Hinduism.
What are the Upanishads?
The Upanishads are texts which contain the basis of the later philosophy of the Hindus. Vedanta especially is based on the Upanishads.
This lens illustrates the basic thought in the Upanishads with quotes from the principle Upanishads. - Yoga Sutras by Patanjali - Science of Yoga - Taimni
- A commentary on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali in the light of modern thought
- Valentine's Day Spiritual and Religious Gifts for Hindu Women
- Hindus today are spread over all continents in the world, and it would be wrong be clump them all together. However, Religion and Spirituality last much longer than Pop culture. Hopefully you'll find something precious to gift your Valentine on this page.
- Valentine's Day Spiritual and Religious Gifts for Hindu Men
- Kamadeva carries a Sugarcane Bow and Floral Arrow, and like his Roman counterpart Cupid - the arrows give birth to desire.
Sikhism
"Sikhism, founded on the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev and ten successive Sikh Gurus (the last one being the sacred text Guru Granth Sahib) in fifteenth century Punjab, is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world. This system of religious philosophy and expression has been traditionally known as the Gurmat (literally the counsel of the gurus) or the Sikh Dharma. Sikhism originated from the word Sikh, which in turn comes from the Sanskrit root sisya meaning "disciple" or "learner", or siksa meaning "instruction".
The principal belief of Sikhism is faith in waheguru-represented using the sacred symbol of ik oankar, the Universal God. Sikhism advocates the pursuit of salvation through disciplined, personal meditation on the name and message of God. A key distinctive feature of Sikhism is a non-anthropomorphic concept of God, to the extent that one can interpret God as the Universe itself. The followers of Sikhism are ordained to follow the teachings of the ten Sikh gurus, or enlightened leaders, as well as the holy scripture entitled the Guru Granth Sahib, which, along with the writings of six of the ten Sikh Gurus, includes selected works of many devotees from diverse socio-economic and religious backgrounds. The text was decreed by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth guru, as the final guru of the Khalsa Panth. Sikhism's traditions and teachings are distinctively associated with the history, society and culture of the Punjab. Adherents of Sikhism are known as Sikhs (students or disciples) and number over 23 million across the world. Most Sikhs live in Punjab in India and, until India's partition, millions of Sikhs lived in what is now Pakistani Punjab."
From a historical and philosophical point of view, Sikhism is clearly a syncretic influenced by both Hinduism and Islam which thrives in the area where the two religions meet: the Punjab. Sikhism is more clearly monotheistic than Hinduism while it's practices are mostly based on Indian traditions. Sikhism has had political aspirations since the 17th century and grew to have strong regional political power. Early in the 19th century the legendary Ranjit Singh founded the Sikh empire, a kingdom that never became as powerful again.
- Quiz: Sikhism facts and trivia
- Test your knowledge of Sikh history and religious beliefs. This test is designed to check whether you know at least the basics about a religion that's larger than you probably think it is. Most Sikhs live in India, where they're a sizable minority, but many have migrated to the UK, the USA, Canada and many other countries.
- Sikh Religious Books for Children
- Children have a great ability to absorb new ideas and thoughts. Therefore, it makes sense to instill Sikh Values in kids from the very beginning.
- Valentine's Day Gifts for Sikh Men
- This page gives you some idea of what to give that Sikh guy you like so much, whether he's your husband, your boyfriend, your fiancée, or merely someone you've been dating.
- Valentine's Day Religious and Spiritual Gifts for Sikh Women
- Sikhism recognizes women as being equal to men. Women have the same rights the men have and are not considered subordinate to a man.
Judaism
"Judaism (from the Latin Iudaismus, derived from the Greek Ioudaïsmos, and ultimately from the Hebrew Yehudah, "Judah";[1][2] in Hebrew: Yahedut, the distinctive characteristics of the Judean ethnos is a set of beliefs and practices originating in the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh), as later further explored and explained in the Talmud and other texts. Judaism presents itself as the covenantal relationship between the Children of Israel (later, the Jewish nation) and God.
Judaism can claim a historical continuity spanning close to three millennia. It is one of the oldest monotheistic religions,[4] and the oldest surviving. Many of its texts and traditions are central to the other Abrahamic religions, with Jewish history and the principles and ethics of Judaism having influenced Christianity and Islam, as well as some non-Abrahamic religions. As the foundation of Western Christianity, many aspects of Judaism also correspond to secular Western concepts of ethics and civil law.
Followers of Judaism, whether converts or born into the Jewish nation (including seculars), are called Jews. The Jewish collective is regarded as an ethnoreligious group, for reasons derived from the sacred texts that define them as a nation, rather than followers of a faith. In 2007, the world Jewish population was estimated at 13.2 million people, 41% of whom lived in Israel and 40% of whom lived in the United States.
In modern Judaism, central authority is not vested in any single person or body, but in sacred texts, religious law, and learned rabbis who interpret those texts and laws. According to Jewish tradition, Judaism begins with the Covenant between God and Abraham (ca. 2000 BCE), the patriarch and progenitor of the Jewish nation. Throughout the ages, Judaism has adhered to a number of religious principles, the most important of which is the belief in a single, omniscient, omnipotent, benevolent, transcendent god, who created the universe and continues to govern it. According to most branches, God established a covenant with the Israelites and their descendants, and revealed his laws and commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai in the form of both the Written and Oral Torah. However, Karaite Judaism maintains that only the Written Torah was revealed. Judaism has traditionally valued Torah study and the observance of the commandments recorded in the Torah and expounded in the Talmud."
Judaism as a world religion
This makes Israel the one country on earth where ethnicity is the main characteristic of citizenship. The Palestine people living in and near it's borders are second class citizens precisely because they were not born Jews.
- Quiz: Judaism facts and Jewish religion trivia
- Test your knowledge about one of the oldest world faiths that still lives, one that has impacted the history of world religion a LOT. So, do you know the basics? Do you know some trivia that are a bit more specialist about the Jewish people, their faith, their rituals and their scriptures.
- Jewish calendars and planners
- Date books, agendas and daily planner calendars
- Jewish Religious Books for Children
- According to the Jewish holy book - Children are a gift from God. Women who gave birth to many children were considered blessed by Jews in ancient times. Can you imagine - Hebrew has 11 different words for Children, depending on how old and physically strong they are.
- Jewish Valentine's and Tu B'Av Gifts for Men
- Valentines day has become a popular day all over the world: people of all religions celebrate it, including Jews of course. Traditionally Jews celebrate love at Tu B'Av, a celebration that falls in early August or late July. Those hot summer months are perfect for a wedding, for instance.
- Jewish Valentine's and Tu B'Av Gifts for women
- On this page you'll find love gifts for your Jewish wife or girlfriend, whether you celebrate Valentines or Tu B'Av.
Everybody created equal in the sight of God?
Should the ideal religion be an emancipating force? In other words: do you think that all human beings are created equal in the sight of God, and should therefore have the same rights?
Are we all created equal in the sight of the Divine?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, we're all equally loved by the Divine
Trihan says:
In Islam Yes. But there is a differences in task, between man and woman.
Posted February 07, 2012
ABDUL KABIRR says:
WE WHERE CREATED BY ONE GOD..AND HE GAVE US ONE RELIGION .AND NOW WE HAVE CHANGE AND BROKE INTO DIFFERENT RELIGION...THE RELIGION THAT GIVE CLEAR ISSUE ABOUT LIFE IS { ISLAM} APART FROM THIS RELIGION THERE IS NO OTHER ONE WHICH IS BETTER THAN ISLAM...EVEN JESUS CHRIST WAS A MUSLIM..SO THINK WISELY.......
Posted January 15, 2012
Ladan says:
Allah created everyone equally. He does not judge between race , gender , social standings because he is the one who gives it to who he wills. In Islam everything is the same, because its all from above. That is why pride and arrogance was the first sin, when Satan wouldnt bow down to Adam,he thought he was more worthy. We need to be humble and never let satan convince us otherwise. :)
Posted January 06, 2012
daveframer says:
Yes, we are all equal no matter what our religion or beliefs, I let the person's actions not their beliefs tell me whether or not they are a good person.
Posted December 14, 2011
raza says:
islam is the best religion in the world
Posted November 27, 2011
OldStones says:
Are we created by God? I don't know. Are we loved by God? I don't know. Are we all equal? Absolutely!
Posted October 31, 2011
jaye5500 says:
I believe we are all created equal in the sight of Divine which unfortunately is not perpetuated in all aspects of our lives. i
Posted October 17, 2011
spirituality says:
I guess you could say the differences are on earth, not in heaven? But ACCESS to the divine is surely different between people. There's a difference between prophets and mystics on the one hand, and ordinary people on the other, isn't there?
Posted June 03, 2011
writer_cb says:
YES.
And what is this about karma creating differences? I believe in karma, meaning that we get consequences, good or bad, according to our actions in this and past lives. But Karma does not meant that we are not all equal in the eyes of God.
Posted June 03, 2011
muslim girl says:
OF COURSE WE ARE LOVED AT FIRST, WE HAVE TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES YOU WE WON'T LOSE THE LOVE LATER.
I personally belive in the religion islam
Posted May 08, 2011
Sikhisunique says:
Yes, just like religions such as Islam and Sikhism say, we are. God does not understand the concept of rank, but instead judges us by our soul.
Posted May 08, 2011
a muslim says:
yes we are created equal Islam teaches all of this.
Posted May 01, 2011
PipPipHooray says:
I was lucky enough to experience darshan with Sai Baba before he died. His teachings were incredible. It should definitely be all about love and compassion for our fellow man.
Posted April 30, 2011
No, God and or Karma created differences, so they are supposed to be there.
Prathamesh says:
We were created as equals. But now in our lives, the actions that we have done, the cause-effects of the same are NOT equal. Thus we lead unequal lives. However, God did create us as equals so that we may live in peace, follow the Laws and do research. One should not expect that all people are equal, right from their birth to their death and even in Heaven or Hell. It is not a correct assumption!
Posted October 06, 2010
spirituality says:
For me 'the Divine' and 'God' aren't automatically equal. But yes - this question does assume there is something Divine in nature.
Posted August 11, 2010
prosperity66 says:
Which divine? Are you sure God does exist? I'm not... Sadly, there's no option here for those who don't believe...
Posted August 11, 2010
Spook says:
A tough one, it depends on what you consider to be equal. There are too many discrepances here for me to think otherwise. Equal in rights,sure. Equal in mind and capabilities, not so sure.
Posted September 13, 2009
So, one more time: what do you think is the best world religion?
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mihgasper
Feb 14, 2012 @ 1:48 pm | delete
- I don't think there is best religion. All have pros and cons.
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GodlessHeathen
Jan 19, 2012 @ 9:48 pm | delete
- Is God Just pretend?
http://www.squidoo.com/god-is-just-pretend
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FoundationOfHumanUnderstanding
Jan 17, 2012 @ 2:02 am | delete
- Christianity
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Noor-e-hidayah
Jan 4, 2012 @ 4:12 pm | delete
- According to Muslim's holy book,Quran,
"There is no compulsion in the matter of religion"
As a practicing Muslim,I find myself unable to impose upon others that my religion is better or superior to any other religion.
But its a humble request that in this age of independent media,when we cant be sure of reliability of any info presented to us,kindly spare some time n energy to explore Islam yourself....before u draw any negative conclusions:). And the best way to know more about Islam is to just give a read to an AUTHENTIC translation of Holy Quran.
May we all be led to the straight path(Ameen)!!!
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Vallygems1
Dec 30, 2011 @ 6:41 am | delete
- If I was forced to choose I would say Buddhism
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daveframer
Dec 14, 2011 @ 2:17 pm | delete
- This is a question that the indivdual themselves can only answer, and makes them a better person for it.
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john
Dec 10, 2011 @ 5:26 pm | delete
- the religion who belives in piece, unity in diversity, respect other religion,
and as studied above content i can say that two religion i will prefer
1) hinduism & 2) buddhism , as they well tested by time.
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Hussain
Nov 22, 2011 @ 3:55 am | delete
- Best religion in the world is which makes peace in you.. Its different for everyone.
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suneclipsea
Nov 21, 2011 @ 2:31 am | delete
- Islam!
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OldStones
Oct 31, 2011 @ 6:15 am | delete
- I don't think this is a question that can really be answered. If you are going to do something religiously it should be learning. Spirituality is a personal journey I think best pursued outside the confines of religion and religious dogma.
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syed
Sep 13, 2011 @ 12:58 pm | delete
- Islam is an uncomparable the best and universal religion not only for this world but for this whole universe whereever the mankind is there..
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easy16
Sep 3, 2011 @ 3:06 am | delete
- Sikhisim is the simple and pure religion... No believe in superstitious activities, tantarik mantras etc. Only holy book named Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji containing 1430 pages. Sikhisim respects all regions in world. Great saints like Ram, Krishna, baba fareed Ji is also the part of Sikh Granth.
Sikhs recite the words written is adi Granth and remember god through guru Granth sahib Ji.
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rangiiria
Aug 10, 2011 @ 7:02 pm | delete
- Christianity worls for me. thanks for this lens.
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MissAnastasia
Jul 27, 2011 @ 5:06 pm | delete
- islam of course for those who dont believe y dont u become a muslim and then judge
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ISLAM ISLAM ISLAM. It is the perfect way of life and where all the humankinds questions answered perfectly logically.
Jun 29, 2011 @ 6:15 am | delete
- ISLAM ISLAM ISLAM
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writer_cb
Jun 3, 2011 @ 1:34 am | delete
- The best religion is that which leads one to love God purely and unconditionally, and thus return back to live in the spiritual world with Him.
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Felipe
May 20, 2011 @ 11:31 pm | delete
- The best religion is the one that guides somebody to live in peace with everyone, to share good and lovely things. The one that fits this conditions for somebody is the best religion, and this change from person to person.
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Joakim Acosta
May 16, 2011 @ 5:42 pm | delete
- The word muslim means submitting oneself to the One and Only God, Allah, so anyone who submits him/herself to God and believes in all of he's Prophets is a muslim, so Islam is nothing new, its actually the oldest religion and only religion that was ever sent by Allah, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (may peace and the blessing of Allah be upon them) preached the same of word, the word of the Almighty Creator, it was the people after them that changed the names of the revelations, its a shame that the old scriptures has been altered but still, there are some where you can see they mentioned a last prophet would come and on some, from what i have seen with my own eyes, the Hindu scriptures and the Torah, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is mentioned my name :), so please brothers and sisters in humanity, stop listening the lies that the media tell you and stop judging Islam cause of a few so-called muslims, and look into the Quran and the Sunnah of the last and final Prophet.
Peace from Norway :)
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tiff0315
Apr 18, 2011 @ 10:13 am | delete
- To categorize each religion as good, better, and best is not something that I'm comfortable doing. I know what my faith is and love my religion to the core of my being. I am happy for others who find religion and have peace in their lives because of it, no matter which religion it is.
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FreeThink
Apr 6, 2011 @ 12:53 pm | delete
- Its Christianity. The true Christianity
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Author of this page: Katinka Hesselink
Katinka Hesselink has been fascinated with religion for as long as she can remember. She started studying theosophy and the world religions in earnest when she was 19. She loves reading books about any and all the spiritual traditions, and reviews them online.She even did a stint of university studying World Religion, specializing in Buddhism and Indian religions.
She has gathered inspiring quotes and informative articles on Buddhism, Sufism, Mystic Christianity and of course theosophy on her website Katinka Hesselink Net. On her popular spiritual blog All Considering she shares her knowledge, experiences and thoughts on spiritual topics.
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I'm a webmaster and student of religion and spirituality. See my website on religion and spirituality: www.katinkahesselink.net or my spiritual blog: All... more »
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