Is it ok to follow any religion?

[DrFree]

I think a universal philosophy [or at least a skeleton philosophy], would be better than a universal religion!

I wonder. I'm inclined to doubt that any philosophy could offer many people the kind of spiritual experience that they get from religion, which I take to be much more than a mere passionless set of beliefs. And yes I'm fully aware that philosophical arguments can get quite passionate, just not quite in the same way. Philosophy seems to be essentially adversarial, where religion tends to be unifying (except at the edges).

I also doubt that there will ever be a universal religion, if by that is meant a single set of beliefs and practices that everyone follows. People ain't like that!

I do think that interfaith thinking can lead to something better than a universal religion. This would be a spiritual ecosystem in which people of all faiths respect each other's religious decisions, without acting as though believing something different is some kind of sin.

In such a world all of us believes and practices the faith that they find most spiritually rewarding. At the same time they acknowledge the right of everyone else to do the same. In that world choosing a different religion is never sinful.

There is some evidence that this is possible. Every religion embraces some form of the Golden Rule, even if in practice its application is mandatory only for true believers. At least it's a start.

In my town I'm part of an interfaith organization that spans Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Baha'is, and even us lowly Unitarian Universalists. Working together in such grassroots organizations might be the best way to start breaking down the barriers.

You know, there was a time back in my school days when I thought that such religious freedom and interfaith respect was an essential part of the American Way.

[_Z_]

Dr free, hi.



Well I am a philosopher ‘seer’, so philosophy for me is indeed a passion and an art! I throw ideas into the void and answers return, and then I consider and interpret them. It is a very spiritual thing; add to that yoga and meditation or even prayer etc. then I feel I have the ingredients of religion without the dogma. they are all just 'labels' in the end.

I also doubt that there will ever be a universal religion, if by that is meant a single set of beliefs and practices that everyone follows. People ain't like that!

Universal means all! - not one – viva la difference’ are people not naturally universal! It is just that religions confine them.

I do think that interfaith thinking can lead to something better than a universal religion. This would be a spiritual ecosystem in which people of all faiths respect each other's religious decisions, without acting as though believing something different is some kind of sin.

This is what I call the 'universal approach'! Then to expand, people should also feel free to believe in more that one religion or aspects of. If we are presented with two truths, what is wrong with accepting both – thence all = universalism! Nothing needs to be forced – it just needs to be ‘unforced’ which will occur naturally if allowed its freedom.

In my town I'm part of an interfaith organization that spans Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Baha'is, and even us lowly Unitarian Universalists. Working together in such grassroots organizations might be the best way to start breaking down the barriers.

Absolutely [I am glad you are following my vision! ]

You know, there was a time back in my school days when I thought that such religious freedom and interfaith respect was an essential part of the American Way.

Yes indeed – what the hell happened!!!???



thanx for your reply

Z