Nearly nine-in-ten Americans (89%) say they believe in God or a universal spirit, and most of them (63% of all adults) are absolutely certain in this belief. Our different religious traditions offer us many resources for this and teach us the importance of good relationships characterised by honesty, compassion and generosity of spirit. But instead of finding guidance through religious teachings, more of the nones are turning to scientific information; the share who say they rely on scientific information has increased from 10% to 17% in recent years. Young leaders from different faith backgrounds came together and, in partnership with two local refugee charities, the project ran two sports events for young asylum seekers at Arsenals football ground, the Emirates Stadium in London. [5] Joseph Smith and other prophets have repeatedly taught about the significance of religious freedom, not only by recognizing it as a founding principle of the US Constitution, but also more broadly by highlighting the sacred role played by agency in leading people to God or to any principle of truth. 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. What are some ways we can respect other religions' holidays? Read our research on: LGBTQ Attitudes & Experiences| Supreme Court | Race & Ethnicity. 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. I have experienced this in a few instances with some who use scriptural references to state unequivocally that we should refrain from studying other religions, because God has condemned them. In recent years, General Authorities have repeatedly addressed the topic of religious freedom in a variety of settings. In that context Stendahl, who had previously served as the dean of the Harvard Divinity School, expressed what have come to be known as his three rules for religious understanding. He specifically mentioned the anger and internal arguments he had experienced when finding in the textbook such expressions as the prophet Muhammad, the revealed Quran, and so forth (the book was authored by a non-Muslim who wrote sympathetically about Islam). Therefore, there is no incompatibility between the sympathetic study of other religions and a solid commitment to the truths of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Fewer adults also express absolutely certain belief in God, say they believe in heaven or say their religions sacred text is the word of God. More recently, key events such as 9/11 have thrust interfaith onto the global stage. This means finding ways to live our lives of faith with integrity, and allowing others to do so too. There is no reason to think that other religions should be excluded from this rich picture of available knowledge, which does not necessarily emerge from standard Mormon channels. It is too vast, too arduous for any one people. This view is held by the vast majority of mainline Protestants (80%) and Catholics (79%), as well as smaller majorities of Orthodox Christians (68%) and members of historically black Protestant churches (57%) and about half of evangelicals (52%). Grant Building As members of the human family, we should show each other respect and courtesy. Indeed, the fruits of mutual respect will only grow on foundations of reciprocal sympathetic attitudes with engaged education about the beliefs and practices of the religious other as a key element of the process of interaction. 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. This can lead to greater cooperation and collaboration, as well as a . We urge our members and people of good will everywhere to unite to protect and honor the spiritual and religious heritage of our nation and to resist the forces that would transform the public position of the United States from the constitutional position of neutrality to a position of hostility toward religion. First Presidency Warns Against Irreligion, Ensign, May 1979, 1089. Copyright 20102023, The Conversation Media Group Ltd. A Muslim group talk with the elderly Hindu man about religion. But while most religious nones say the Bible was written by men, about half of those who say they have no particular religion and who also say religion is at least somewhat important in their lives believe the Bible is the word of God (51%). 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). In short, learning about the truth and goodness of other religions will help us become better people and better Mormons. The opportunity lies before us to work together to build a society rooted in the values we treasure. Therefore, the first rule reminds us that it is important to do our studying and focus that study on the appropriate sources. Before you can talk about or discuss other religions, it is very important that you understand all aspects of your religion first. Then why would any believer be indifferent or even opposed to such divine evidences simply because they emerge from a different religious or cultural context than the one to which one is accustomed? 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. Very few Jehovahs Witnesses (5%) believe this. Similarly, more than eight-in-ten atheists and agnostics express this view, as do three-quarters of those whose religion is nothing in particular., 1615 L St. NW, Suite 800Washington, DC 20036USA Respecting other religions is a basic aim of secularism. All you know is that the believers of other religions describe Him differently. 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 whole context negates this interpretation, however, for that which precedes and follows this passage deals entirely with the religious people of Josephs day. Majorities of adherents of most Christian traditions say they believe in God with absolute certainty. . . Two-thirds of Catholics (68%) and mainline Protestants (65%) say some non-Christian religions can lead to eternal life, as do 59% of Orthodox Christians. Lots of religions share the same ideas - like compassion, solidarity, and love for other people. Fewer religious nones now say they use common sense and practical experience as their main source of guidance in this area (57%) than said this in 2007 (66%). An effective illustration of this particular human tendency is a conversation I once had with a student who was attending one of my courses on Islam. [2] The Church has also produced online print and video resources that deal with this very topic. If Mormon history has taught us anything, it is that religious freedom is not to be taken for granted and that its preservation requires forces which are larger than a single religious denomination. [4] Whether the attacks originate from rival religious groups or from nonreligious secularists, like the new atheists who want to remove all religious influences from the public sphere, preserving the religious freedom of all is the best way to preserve ones own religious freedom. And those with less than a college degree also are much more likely than college graduates to say their religions scripture is the word of God. Brigham Young University How Do We Respect Others While Rejecting Their False Beliefs? Having lots of different beliefs is a good thing, not something to feel confused about. Evangelical Protestants are divided in their opinions, with 50% saying there are absolute standards and 48% saying it depends on the situation. Why is it important to respect differences in religion and religious Views 26379 I think it is very important to respect other peoples religions because it can create a conflicts between people, perfect examples of conflicts because of religion are the wars that go on in the world today. Doctrine and Covenants 1:30 indeed states that the Church is the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, and those who see in this statement a divine condemnation of other churches often point to the following clause with which I, the Lord, am well pleased. However, the text does not necessarily imply that the Lord is not at all pleased with other churches, only that he is well pleased or very satisfied with the church to which he is speaking. 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. 'Respect Study' the Treatment of Religious Difference and Otherness: An To study other religions, in the best-case scenario, is like reviewing the multiplication tables once you have started working on calculus; it is not bad, but it is mostly a waste of time because it focuses on a lower level of knowledge now redundant. At least for a few of the Saints, it seems that a focus on the positive that exists outside of Mormonism represents a threatening challenge to the claims and commitments associated with ones own faith. For example, after mentioning a visit to the beautiful cathedrals in Europe, a member quickly added, but the Spirit was not there, and a fellow Mormon spoke highly about a neighbor while feeling the need to specify, but he is not a member. True, emphasizing the negative or the deficient in other religions further legitimizes Mormonism as the only true church and functions as a way of expressing ones full commitment to its truths, but these juxtapositions also convey a very black-and-white picture, which does not do justice to the gradations of truths found in other faiths. If we want a stable society, we should seek to achieve spiritual coexistence and respect other religious convictions for religious coexistence. Ever since I was about three years old, I have continuously been taught to treat others with respect, despite our differences. Furthermore, could such an approach potentially weaken the unique claims of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as its missionary commission? Since the purpose of religion is to show the path for a seeker to attain inner peace and enduring happiness in one's life-time by instilling an unshakable faith in the existence of a supreme being guiding the affairs of human beings and Nature, one would naturally expect that it would, at the very minimum, serve as . About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. [7] It is then balance between the faiths exclusive claims and its liberal recognition of the general goodness of religion that allows Mormonism to be both particularist and inclusive. The All Nation Cafe is one such endeavour. 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 Inter Faith Network offers the following code of conduct for encouraging and strengthening these relationships. Therefore, learning about other religions is a pragmatic necessity rooted in a spiritual foundation for Latter-day Saints who want to build effective and mutually fulfilling relationships of collaboration with members of different faiths. Three-quarters of Christians believe the Bible is the word of God, including about nine-in-ten evangelicals (88%), Mormons (91%) and Jehovahs Witnesses (94%). Most Muslims (84%) are absolutely certain that God exists, but far fewer Hindus (41%), Jews (37%) or Buddhists (29%) are certain there is a God or universal spirit. Updated on June 25, 2019 We are privileged today to live in a world of many cultures, and the Bible verses on cultural diversity let us know that it's something we notice more than God. When I asked him whether he thought it possible that he could hold his commitment to Mormonism firm while at the same time being able to identify Gods hand within a different religion, he seemed very skeptical. Unfortunately, I have often heard both Latter-day Saints and members of different faiths comment ignorantly on a different religion when it was obvious that they had never taken the time to seriously try to understand it. If there is any truth in heaven, earth, or hell, I want to embrace it, I care not what shape it comes in to me, who brings it, or who believes it, whether it is popular or unpopular. In another context he declared, If there are any religious ideas, any theological truths, any principles pertaining to God, that we have not learned, we ask mankind, and we pray God, our heavenly Father, to enlighten our minds that we may comprehend, realize, embrace and live up to them as part of our religious faith. become contentious when one. This includes 64% of Muslims, 58% of Catholics and 53% of mainline Protestants. 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. [20]Gods Love for All Mankind, First Presidency Statement, February 15, 1978. The first issue is that the argument implies a definition of fullness that is excessively closed and static, thus being in conflict with the foundational LDS principle of continuing revelation. [8] When we fail to live in this tension and do not experience this balance, we risk losing the full perspective of the restored gospel. 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. . [19] Karen Lynn Davidson, David J. Whittaker, Richard L. Jensen, and Mark Ashurst-McGee, eds., Histories, Volume 1: Joseph Smith Histories, 18321844, vol. Yet religious freedom is a universal principle with much deeper roots in the restored gospel than what may be suggested by a single focus on the need to preserve the Churchs rights in the present circumstances. 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. Indeed, his third rule tells us to leave sufficient room for holy envy, namely a feeling of deep respect and admiration for some aspect of the other religion that we could integrate into our own life in whatever form may be compatible with our own faith. Research Fellow at the Woolf Institute, University of Cambridge, Director of Research at the Woolf Institute, Visiting Fellow at the Centre for Islamic Studies, University of Cambridge, University of Cambridge. The survey also finds that, overall, women are more likely than men to say they believe in heaven, and those with less than a college degree are more likely than those with a college degree to express this view. On the one hand, it is quite appropriate, even anticipated, that a person should hold ones own religion to be preferable to other religious alternatives, contrary to the politically correct dogma which requires value equality of all concepts, statements, and organizations. Why it is important to respect the beliefs and culture of others Roughly seven-in-ten Americans (72%) believe in a heaven, where people who have led good lives are eternally rewarded.. They are among its auxiliaries, and can do more good for the cause where the Lord has placed them, than anywhere else. Respecting others' religions is one of our key beliefs: "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may" ( Articles of Faith 1:11 ). Somewhat fewer Catholics (63%), Mormons (62%), mainline Protestants (60%) and Orthodox Christians (59%) say they believe in hell. [13] Gordon B. Hinckley, Standing for Something (New York: Times Books, 2000), 62, 64. It is then in the spirit of these rules that I believe we could and should approach other religions as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Conversely, the fullness, only true church, and creedal abomination arguments, although correct in some of their premises, ultimately hamper true appreciation by emphasizing the irrelevance or falsehood of other religions. If asked whether other religions are considered to be primarily good (although somewhat misguided) or primarily evil, I would hope that most Latter-day Saints would opt for the former choice. fails to respect the religious. 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. Respect for Religious Diversity is an Essential Element of any Peaceful In so doing we will share the gospel message in the spirit of President Hinckleys words: God bless us as those who believe in His divine manifestations and help us to extend knowledge of these great and marvelous occurrences to all who will listen. All member bodies subscribe to this guidance, and it has been used widely. When this time arrives, Stendahls second rule reminds us that we need to be fair, namely to compare our best with their best and not our best with their worst. At that age, the lessons we received on respect were not focused on respecting other religions, but respecting others in general. As it relates to an LDS approach to another religion, this means that we will want to describe a religion in such a way that if a believer of that faith were to drop into our discussion unexpectedly he or she would not consider what was being presented to be a caricature of that religion. They also are as likely to believe in God, although the share of religiously affiliated adults who believe in God with absolute certainty has declined somewhat. 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. Yet most religions, at their core, aim to build peace and foster reconciliation. Unfortunately, Apple's iOS doesn't support home screen shortcuts in the Chrome browser. The Church administers all the necessary ordinances and teaches all the key principles which lead to eternal life, but it does not claim that additional, expanded, or reworded knowledge of truth would be useless in the process of achieving this same objective. There are many others like them today.[16], Still, a few Latter-day Saints find it particularly difficult to see much or any truth in other religions. For instance, fewer religious nones say religion is very important to them than was the case in 2007, and fewer say they believe in God or believe in heaven or hell. [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. Showing kindness to others is something virtually all religions teach; however, religion is one of the most common causes of conflict. The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. This is why, as part of our work, we have created a resource that allows local interfaith groups to measure their effectiveness. Some cookies are required for our site to function. Smaller majorities of most other religious groups say religion plays a very important role in their lives. A importncia do respeito a todas s religies fundamental, pois alm de vivermos em um estado laico que deveria partir do pressuposto de que no existe s uma religio e sim vrias necessrio respeitar a todas para evitar a intolerncia religiosa e manifestaes de preconceito com a diversidade religiosa. It is clearly apparent that there have been and now are many choice, honorable, and devoted men and women going in the direction of their eternal salvation who give righteous and conscientious leadership to their congregations in other churches. In fact, most religiously unaffiliated believers say they are less than absolutely certain about Gods existence. Another example is the ParliaMentors programme, an interfaith initiative that equips young students of all faiths with the skills, knowledge and networks needed to become leaders in their local communities. 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 . Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. They can even be given something to have faith in. 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. Some people will also want to persuade others to join their faith. Camden Cares, was set up as part of the ParliaMentors programme to address the lack of integration opportunities for young asylum seekers. Building Good Relations with People of Different Faiths and Beliefs In 2007, a different question about moral absolutes found that 39% of Americans completely agreed with the statement there are clear and absolute standards for what is right and wrong.. If you're not sure where to start with this, you've come to the right place. . But for interfaith to be truly successful, changes within individuals must spread, or be transferred, throughout whole communities and into wider society. Christianity has been my central meal from the start, but Im a strong believer in vitamin supplements, and what I have gained from these other traditions is tremendously enriching. And as we search for truth, let us look for the good, the beautiful, and the positive.[13]. It also means that if we are ever uncertain about the details of what a religion believes or practices, we should refrain from assuming, generalizing, or judging prior to having acquired solid evidence to support our conclusions. These patterns are seen in the population as a whole and within many though not all religious groups. Religious holidays often involve a form of worship. According to the Pew Forum's U.S. The Way To Happiness Video: Respect The Religious Beliefs of Other Latter-day Saints are not immune from the difficulty of finding an appropriate balance. Indeed, they are useful for the broader context of dialogue and personal interactions of any kind, whether focused on potentially divisive issues like politics, religion, and athletics, or when applied to daily interactions within families and communities. Why Do We Need To Respect Different Religion Culture And Beliefs? For example, in relation to the previously quoted passage in Joseph SmithHistory, retired BYU professor Roger Keller once stated, There is a tendency to understand the word creed here as a confession of faith, such as the Apostles Creed or the Nicene Creed. My question is, how do you know? In that way they will be able to experience what Mormonism has to offer that is exciting, beautiful, and true. How to Respect Other People's Religion: A Guide - This Mom's Confessions . . Religion Equity in Schools - Protecting Students and Their - IDRA Whether the issue that brings us together is the defense of religious freedom, humanitarian work, some other commonly shared value, or simply friendship, working teams are most successful when individual members trust each other. [25] Gordon B. Hinckley, We Bear Witness of Him, Ensign, May 1998, 5. . [24] Gordon B. Hinckley, The Marvelous Foundation of Our Faith, Ensign, November 2002, 81. There has been little change in recent years in the share of Christians who believe the Bible should be interpreted literally, word for word. . The unaffiliated not only make up a growing portion of the population, they also are growing increasingly secular, at least on some key measures of religious belief. You could even try to "justify" religious belief by appeal to the practical benefits of adopting such beliefs. Yet Mormonism advocates equilibrium, and the gospel may be rightly viewed as a harmony of correct principles that ought to be kept in fruitful tension with each other. But despite the commendable intentions and enthusiasm of all involved, interfaith has its critics. Hence, if approached with the right attitude, the study of world religions can be a fascinating, enlightening, and ultimately faith-promoting experience. Fewer Catholics (30%), mainline Protestants (29%) and Orthodox Christians (27%) turn primarily to religion for guidance on questions of right and wrong. Ultimately, I base my remarks on a firm conviction that the gospel of Jesus Christ generally requires balance between true principles such as balance between a sympathetic approach to other faiths and loyalty to ones own, and balance between openness to learning from the religious other and the ability to share Mormonisms truths in love. Therefore, when the fullness argument is used to masquerade this kind of rigidity and is motivated primarily by a fear-driven refusal to step outside ones comfort zone, it becomes a serious problem. Qual a importncia do respeito a outras religies? If more people in the world would abide by these rules, there would not be as much conflict and misunderstanding, and greater dialogue and harmony would certainly ensue. Roughly four-in-ten members of historically black Protestant denominations (38%) say some non-Christian religions can lead to eternal life, as do three-in-ten evangelical Protestants and Mormons (31% each). [14] Poetic, musical, and scriptural writings of various kinds may also highlight a degree of commitment and adoration of God, which any person of faith can find uplifting. Most Christians who say many religions can lead to eternal life also say non-Christian religions can lead to heaven. And religious nones who believe in God are far less certain about this belief compared with those who identify with a religion. [2] Elders Dallin H. Oaks and Quentin L. Cook are the two Apostles who have probably spoken the most on this subject. The truest fruits of religion are healing and positive. It has been true in the past, it is true today, it will be true in the future. In the same general conference speech he then cited the late Apostle Orson F. Whitney, who stated: Perhaps the Lord needs such men on the outside of His Church to help it along.

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