Is Peace Possible?
Gandhi had it right.
Coexisting with different Religions
I remember in world history when I was in high school, we were studying religion, oppression, and war. Well my teacher started talking about the non-violent protests of a man named Mahatma Gandhi. During that unit I found myself greatly admiring the example that Gandhi set for people. He lived a life where he believe in accepting every belief, he didn't not feel that your God is not as good as mine or vice versa.
The sad part is Gandhi, after surviving fasts in prisons as a result of his non-violent protests which landed him in jail as some governments hate to be opposed. was assassinated by a religious extremist who didn't approve of Gandhi's views.
Some people are taught from the get-go that there is only one religion that is right, so all the other religions and their followers are wrong. Most of the worlds religions state that killing is wrong and that violence is not the answer but there are extremist in every religion that if they cannot convert you they will just kill you. If anyone tries to claim that is just in the Muslim religion or Islam religions, please allow me to remind you that Christians have done it too...Prime example the Crusades. Not that anyone is asking my opinion but I feel that Gandhi was right. The only way that we will be able to coexist is through accepting that every religion is different and instead of with fear, greet those differences with the same respect that you want for your beliefs.
Every belief system seems to have some form of the Golden Rule incorporated into their system. The rule of treating others the way that you want to be treated. This does not just apply to the people that share your same beliefs but to everyone around you.
Example in my personal life: 1. My life-partner is an atheist. 2. I have a friend who is a Buddhist and she believes that Buddha helped us meet. 3. Some of my friends are Agnostic. 4. I have dated Muslims. None of them do I try to push my personal beliefs on. Yes I am a Christian but I believe in respecting all cultures and trying to understand other peoples views. I treat everyone the way I want to be treated, if someone asks my opinion I try to give them my opinions in a non-judgmental way.
Gandhi really did have it right. It is just a shame that we don't try to live by his example, and be non-violent people with a desire to understand and respect our differences.
