To make a better day, live in a better world.

Conflict (dictionary def.): “to come into collision or disagreement; be contradictory, at variance, or in opposition; clash”

Usually conflict arises when people have differences, such as different values, different religions, and different opinions. No matter how small or large the difference is, if people don’t communicate peacefully, a conflict will emerge.

Often when we don’t agree with someone else we tend to judge them or compare them to our own standards. Do you think the world would move forward if we all agreed on everything?

Differences can be positive; it only depends on how you look at them.

Clear examples of conflicts are those that arise between religious groups. All the five major religious groups (Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism and Islamism) have been involved in a religious conflict. Each of these religions is unique and have their own tradition and belief system. However, they also have a lot in common and these commonalities should be highlighted.

Religion can bring about conflict because people become fascinated by their own religion. They might become narrow minded and think that whoever doesn't follow the same religion as them does not deserve respect. And that generate about problems. In Brazil they say there are 3 topics that you should avoid discussing with people: politics, soccer and religion. And that is because people tend to be so attached to their opinion in those subjects that the conversation with likely be a disaster. So to that matter people need to be more empathetic and respectful, learn about other religions and learn to respect them.

            I also believe that people judge one another based on what religion they are part of. They judge sometimes because of some aspect of the other’s religion that they might disagree on, if they don’t think that that religion holds good values they may judge the person as a bad person. This is a remarkable mistake because someone’s religion is in my opinion, just one aspect of the culture that makes up who they are. It is a very ignorant mistake to believe that just because someone clams to have the same faith as you they are a good person, or vice-versa.

            I don’t think the world would be better off with just one religion, I do think people need to become more educated and separate observation from evaluation, in other to be empathetic to other religious groups. And when they do, there is a grand chance that less conflict will happen in name of religion, and that people will also be able to admire the unique qualities of each religion.

The five major religions have more in common then we tend to think

First off they exist to promote compassion in people’s hearts; and not to, primarily, build religious institutions. In my point of view a great part of the religious population, worldwide, is so passionate about their religion that sometimes they only see the differences between their religions and other religions. As Dalai Lama says it is necessary to “seek harmony” and I believe that harmony can be sought thru the identification of similarities between religions. Because when people see and appreciate the similarities between their religion and other religions they will be more respectful and understanding of each other’s religions.

A major commonality in all 5 major religions is that they all praise faith; having faith is what keeps you connected and true to the religion. Rather it’s believing in God or seeking enlightenment, having faith is something present in all of these religions.

Furthermore, all religions preach that you should act for the good. They might not mention it in similar ways but being a good person and acting according to good principals is something that all religions consider essential. And it is possible to see that these religions have some of the same values. This is a very important similarity because values are the foundation to a person’s character, or in this context, the foundation of the religion, therefore, having this commonality can surly unite the religions.

These religions also value compassion; acting compassionate towards others. Once again the motives for one to act compassionate are different in each religion, but it is there; and this is very important because compassion is one of the main ways to express goodness. I believe that without compassion this would be a very individualistic and cold world.

In my opinion all religions have qualities, and I believe their primary purpose is to bring positive things into people’s lives. What happens is that institutions are opened and they interpret the religion, and well, that is not always positive.