In recent times, when many of the major world religions have lost popularity, the word spirituality has been increasingly used to describe that which religion used to cover. But call it what you will, it seems that religion in some form or another is necessary to humans, at least at certain times during their lives. In the last century, science has been able to explain many phenomena that previously were within the milieu of religion, from creation to catastrophe. But still religion persists. It seems that there is something in the human make up that needs some form of spirituality.
There are a huge number of religions in the world, and many sects and denominations within those religions. Some are fundamentalist, some are liberal. There are traditional religions and New Age. But they all have something in common: religion is a salve to the pain of living and a guide to how to live a good life.
No matter what religion or form of spiritual practice you consider, the formula is similar – it teaches peace and harmony, and goodwill to others, and forbids violence, killing and theft. Why, then, has religion been the cause of so much war and destruction, murder and discrimination throughout history and even today?
The key would seem to be to see the positives and similarities in all religion and spiritual practice, rather than focusing on the differences. And to do so, it is necessary to have some knowledge and understanding of religions other than our own.
There are a huge number of religions in the world, and many sects and denominations within those religions. Some are fundamentalist, some are liberal. There are traditional religions and New Age. But they all have something in common: religion is a salve to the pain of living and a guide to how to live a good life.
No matter what religion or form of spiritual practice you consider, the formula is similar – it teaches peace and harmony, and goodwill to others, and forbids violence, killing and theft. Why, then, has religion been the cause of so much war and destruction, murder and discrimination throughout history and even today?
The key would seem to be to see the positives and similarities in all religion and spiritual practice, rather than focusing on the differences. And to do so, it is necessary to have some knowledge and understanding of religions other than our own.