I believe that all religions have a basic moral truth at their heart that does not come from a God, but comes from man’s need to be with man. These morals are: the Golden Rule; do not lie, murder, steal, hate, or perform non-consensual sex acts; love all of mankind and have equal respect for all living beings. These morals can be found in all the religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, etc. etc. - even those which teach some questionable ‘morals’.

I think that if everyone religious and non-religious - I’m an atheist and believe these are deep-seeded societal morals - followed these morals, and worshipped these morals instead of the idols and symbols to the various religions, the world would be a better place.

People should not, however, see the morals as commandments, but as choices. They should not say “I must not lie!”, but “I vow to never lie, unless totally necessary!” For example, I am sure you have all heard the parable of the man taking a beaten and bruised woman into his house, only to have her knife-wielding husband knock at the door, putting him in the situation of whether or not to tell the husband the truth about his wife’s whereabouts. An existential crisis indeed. But of course he should not tell the husband the truth, for to do so would put the wife in even more physical and psychological danger.

In conclusion, put away the unnecessary differences in all your religions and look at the similarities, there you will see the basic morals of the societal animal known as man. And, I believe, if everyone followed these rules, the world would be a better place.

Yeah, basically I agree with that.

Religion, as far as I can figure, is a place to derive passion until the individual can fuel the fire in their heart through life itself.

I'm much in agreement with what you've said though. I personally believe, as a theist of sorts, that man's need to socialize comes from a higher source than our selves. I suppose that's the only thing I disagree with you on. Oh well, I'm no zealot, so your head is safe. http://www.totse.com/bbs/wink.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/wink.gif)

My History and Philosophy of Science lecturer was thinking of very much the same thing and has, so far, found 6 'virtues' that pretty much every religion has. How well does every one think they apply?

Love

Courage

Wisdom

Justice/truth

Temperance

Transcendence

It seems as if the religious people are ignoring this thread. :-S

I find it true.

there are striking similarities.

I guess the best thing you can get out of a religion is philosophy most of the time, not always though.

Some religions are based on each other.

For example, Christanity and Islam are branches of judaism, with a twist (most basic terms).

Ands the eastern religion are probably linked as well.

I mean, we must have killed each other at some point in evolution.

quote:Originally posted by Raw_Power:

It seems as if the religious people are ignoring this thread. :-S

I didn't...but as a pantheist, my religiosity is based around the similarities that arise in any object of faith; whether it be institution, religion, or completely personal. It's a source of passion to me: wholely and indiscriminately.

quote:Originally posted by owned:

Some religions are based on each other.

For example, Christanity and Islam are branches of judaism, with a twist (most basic terms).

Ands the eastern religion are probably linked as well.

I mean, we must have killed each other at some point in evolution.

Didn't Buddhism spring from Hinduism? Or am I mistaken?