There have been several wars in the past, resulting in casualties and escalating conflict between people of different religions. This has made it vital for interreligious talks to be held and leaders of different religions to display unity. Religious tolerance implies that people recognize the similarities they share and embrace their differences. Interfaith dialogues help to increase religious tolerance and unite people who hold different belief systems.
Pope Francis received a group of religiously diverse people after a pilgrimage. The group comprised fifteen Christians, fifteen Jews, and fifteen Muslims (Rome Reports, 2014). The Pope commended them for showing brotherhood and reminded of them the importance of coexistence. Due to immigration, people in Argentina practice different religions and also live harmoniously (Rome Reports, 2014). Ultimately, Christians, Jews, and Muslims have the same Father and should strive to build amicable relationships.
The last three Popes have established a strong sense of kinship with the Jewish community. For instance, Pope John Paul II showed regard for Jewish traditions and shared in the people’s pain when they were targeted for their beliefs. He participated in the Jewish ritual of visiting the Western Wall, where he touched the wall and said prayers (Catholic News Service, 2013). Although Pope Benedict XVI was not raised among the Jews like the former Pope, he maintained the traditions established by his predecessor. The current Catholic leader, Pope Francis, lived in Buenos Aires for a part of his life. This enabled him to develop very close personal relationships with the Jewish community. It is clear that the Catholic Church, through the order of Popes, hopes to strengthen its rapport with the Jews.
Human beings attempt to find answers to the riddles about human existence. They possess an awareness of a hidden power, which gravitates them towards religious living (Second Vatican Council, 1965). In essence, all religions share the objective of creating a life program comprised of moral teachings to help alleviate the restlessness found in people’s hearts (Second Vatican Council, 1965). For instance, Hindu people practice asceticism to get closer to God. Buddhism proposes that people can attain liberation either on their own or with the help from higher powers (Second Vatican Council, 1965). Although there exist differences between Christianity and other religions, they are all under the same God. Therefore, Christians are encouraged to be prudent and charitable in their interactions with individuals from other religions.
In the modern age, people of different religions and even those who profess no particular faith live, study, and work together. For instance, in my school, we have Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, and atheist students. Students respect each other’s beliefs even if they do not share in them (Rome Reports, 2014). Rarely do arguments of a religious nature arise between students. Second, individuals acknowledge the similarities in their beliefs, which bring them closer (Second Vatican Council, 1965). For instance, although Muslims do not believe in Christ as the savior, they venerate Him as a prophet. By recognizing such similarities, people become aware that their faiths are more alike than different (Catholic News Service, 2013). This is in line with the teaching that all of humanity forms one community. A final thing that I like about the school community is that people participate in the religious traditions and customs of others. For instance, this year, I fasted during Ramadan as a gesture of solidarity. Nonetheless, it was fulfilling, and I was glad to participate in something significant to my Muslim friends.
References
Catholic News Service. (2013). The Pope and the Jews [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Rome Reports. (2014). Pope Francis to Jewish, Muslim and Catholic group: We have the same Father [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Second Vatican Council. (1965). Declaration on the relationship of the church to non-Christian religions. Nostra Aetate.