torn apart because of religious beliefs

You paint a beautiful picture of an ideal world. However, to my mind the reason people regularly use religious intollerence as an excuse for violence against another group is because they can find no other excuse to hate others. Religion (particularly those that follow a book) needs to justify their hatred. They dont want to put hatred aside, they want to make their hatred legitimate. Religion gives them this excuse and legitimation blessed be

In an ideal world, we would embrace, tolerate and compromise, Compromise is another big word and if more people comprehended and accepted compromise then this world would be in a much better place to live. I'm afraid hatred is far too easier and people thrive on it more than love or acceptance. Religion is a knife and will tear through communities, society and always will, I don't think the status quo will ever change sadly. If everyone of us made that step then it would be great but I think we know the awful truth that that will never happen, not in our lifetime or the next!

Well that is a beautiful sentiment, and I wish this ideal world you speak of would one day become a reality - but sadly I don't think so. As an Atheist, I have aways been horrified by the war and savagery perpetrated in this world in the name of religion. Surely "religious" people are meant to be kinder, more tolerant, and somehow "better" than us evil non-Believers.........?! In my opinion, people are people whatever their race/colour/Nationality or religion, and people should be allowed to worship (or not if that is their desire) in peace, without being persecuted.

Yes I agree with you totally. I can't understand why there has to be so much hatred over these subjects. Why can't we just be friends no matter what and let it be. Why do we have to fight over religion? I can remember when my brother wanted to get married in the baptist church and my mom had a fit because there was not going to be a catholic priest there. I told her what does it matter as long as they believe in some kind of religion. She still does not see it that way. As long as we believe in God and go to church why should we care. I love to help another in need and give my hand where it is needed. I would sure like the help if I am in need of it. That is why I would give it in return to another.

I agree with you. It is sad that people fight over issues especially like religion. Where supposedly we learn how to love one another. I think people lacked too of respect for others. And they sometimes forget that the God they worship is not a God of war. But a God of Love and Compassion. I wish and pray that people, even sometimes, would let their pride or egos aside and take the time to listen to one another. And if they don't agree on each others views, to try to reach out for a common ground of understanding. I think the world would be a better place if everyone try do that. (^^,)

I'm from Indonesia, and well sometimes become the minority population in one country are too tired to think about tolerance. The articles inside is not admit animism or local traditional beliefs become the religion in Indonesia, because only 5 religions which the government admit here. And sometimes sounds funny, because even Moeslem or Christian mentioned in the ID, doesn't mean that you are a good Moeslem or Christian. So we can't adjust people are bad or different with us because of just different culture, and religion. I think this issues of hatred not only happen in my country, but almost every country, even in the small case. Many people become suspicious with others and stupid arguments between us. I just can't imagine, why people still want to debate their own believe and want to find one similarity solution to ending the fight... oh boy... of course every culture and religion are not in same base and faith, so why forcing to be the same ?? Why don't they just accept the differences to make us wiser and can learn the good think from others, and also make our culture richer and richer. I think if every one want to tolerate each other this world will be peace and maybe this condition will make the politician and some people envy... so that they always find something to make this world become crazy and they get money from it.

I hope so too, but then this world will never change, its sad to see people dying in the name of religion, killing, torturing the world we live in is full of violence and wars but we can do nothing to prevent

Untill the brainwashing,called religious belief is stopped and people of an age that can truly understand what they are being taught can pick their own belief,there will always be hated towards other beliefs as each is taught they are the only and true religion. I like evryone else,was brought up believing in my parents belief,but as I grew up,I became an agnostic,I am now a pagan,this I found to be a religion I fully believe in. But even as I found mine,I also found there are many people that do not understand paganism are afraid of us or hate us as they have heard fatasies about us,so go figure.

Tolerance may not be a big word, but a lot of people are focus on being more self centered. Understanding and compassion are not big words either but why is it that people love to seek the evil counterpart of these two words. I don't think there will be an end to all these killings. Its been with us for generations. It will take a miracle for this to cease. The only thing that's left of these people are their own selfish mind and heart. Respect for the Churches and religious groups had long ago disappeared too. Its a sad, sad world. "sigh"

yes i fully agree and also ahve a few more comments: if all the people in this world had so much of understanding we together would have shared one big nation called the world! but it is not so. each individual has his own opinion about issues and wants it the way he wants! there are ways and means ; one end is trying to practice it yourself and convince people and the other end is terrorism. today some powerful nations are unnecessarily using their powers trying to force nations how they should behave and what they should sell their produce to whom and how! it is totally unfair! nobody would like to be governed about how he should behave in his own house. or whom you should sell the corn you have produced in your own field. it is nobody`s business and if someone comes and starts ordering you about it in your own house, how would you like it?

I know the person behind this! It is SATAN! When Jesus Christ was triumphant in His war againts satan, satan then began to think of a plan to divide the people, and religion is the answer. By dividing people's belief it would then cause for a more confusing and disorganized world, a world full of hatred for each other. Even other forms of christian religion would destroy the other and make it look bad. These people are just used by satan.

I agree with you lovesfreedom, but I don't agree about your reading the headlines about the sectarian killing in Indonesia , No sectarian killing Indonesia, but mad people killing mad people. Best regards

what a pity? Even the educated people are doing the mistake just like the illiterates.

I can't agree more with you. Indonesia have going through some difficulties in year 2006 and it's not end in year 2007. People with different beliefs looked down each other. Some sectarian beliefs also said people with different beliefs should be exterminated. That's scary. A person of course will have different path with other person. What the point in trying to kill that difference ? Those kind of people did not have believe in themselves, that's why they are looking for those dangerous beliefs. It's like they being possesed by something. What we need here, is give early education about caring for other, seeing people as human and not by their race, religion or social standing.

I agree with all the arguments in this thread. The world should be united to get peace and love to flurish! I think it will not be wrong to cite India as an example. In India there are innumarable religions and languages. Yot the country is unted as a whole under the Indian Union. This country was also in bits and peaces a few decade ago. There were hatred and warson religions. But when the country was brought under one central Government by the British the scenr changed! Ultimately, when this country became independent, the unity brought out by the british still remains intact. I suggest a similar treatment is requird for the world and the glob should be brought under one elected Central Govt. Then there is a chance for unity under diversity!

i think that there religion conflict occured because the beliefers have power in hand and some of them lie on the peak of national machine, they can use their power or privilege to support their belief.

Yes I do. You could become the best of friends with someone and then once you say" I am Muslim/Hindu/Jewish/Christian/etc." things go sour. I get in political discussions but once it is over I go back to being friends and I make sure to not push too far since some people aren't mature enough adifferences.