Extremists Vs. Idealists
If the world’s major religions coalesce around the virtues of love, compassion, and forgiveness, then why does the early 21st century religious narrative witness hatred, apathy, and intolerance? Is this a case of religious dissonance?
It may very well be another Pollyanna articulation of faith; yet reality speaks otherwise. Arguably, while the world’s major religions may include the aforementioned virtues and traits within each corresponding belief system, the laity and the followers of these religions seem to ignore, neglect, or circumvent these virtues.
While some religions preach love, compassion and forgiveness to members of that particular community; great religions go beyond the framework of self-preservation and with audacious hope extend love, compassion, and forgiveness towards all.
At times, this generation bears witness to the hijacking of good faith by extreme ideologues. At the end of the day, if love, compassion, and forgiveness unite the world’s major religions, then the leaders of these religions have failed miserably to disseminate this message to the followers.
When the oracles of love, compassion, and forgiveness outnumber the prophets and evangelists of hatred and intolerance, then once again, religion will play a major role in reconciling humanity rather than separating God’s children.
By
Samuel Rodriguez
|
October 22, 2007; 7:27 AM ET
Save & Share:
Previous: Embracing our Differences in a Pluralistic Nation |
Next: Yes and No to the Dalai Lama
Posted by: art aztec work | August 21, 2008 5:52 AM
Report Offensive Comment
nhjmu vbtfhom
http://art-clip-player-soccer.gigadron.co.cc/map.html art supply los angeles
Posted by: army pay calculator | August 21, 2008 5:35 AM
Report Offensive Comment
nhjmu vbtfhom
http://art-clip-player-soccer.gigadron.co.cc/map.html art supply los angeles
Posted by: army pay calculator | August 21, 2008 5:34 AM
Report Offensive Comment
qyerlw
http://arrangement-flower-ikebana.gerbal.co.cc/map.html arrow wire and cable
Posted by: art canvas uk | August 21, 2008 4:36 AM
Report Offensive Comment
ycjt fscq vkwfrj mnetzq
http://arlington-theater-santa-barbara-california.biopolus.co.cc/map.html arlington estate heights illinois real
Posted by: article elasticity | August 21, 2008 3:40 AM
Report Offensive Comment
ycekopm kpjyge pkmf kepwvmb
http://arthritis-prevention-recent-research.gerbal.co.cc/map.html article earth quake
Posted by: army camouflage pattern | August 21, 2008 3:18 AM
Report Offensive Comment
zismda bcvznj ldjz etkcmyp
http://arrival-flight-heathrow.ximan.co.cc/map.html art gift store submitting
Posted by: arlington assessment county | August 21, 2008 2:09 AM
Report Offensive Comment
erlv ftyxn
http://army-man-sarges-hero.ximan.co.cc/map.html arson dog training
Posted by: arrow 93 fm | August 21, 2008 1:30 AM
Report Offensive Comment
wyetqjg evniw
http://armed-committee-senate-services.kolovorot.co.cc/map.html arm muscle pain shoulder
Posted by: arkansas jacksonville map | August 21, 2008 1:09 AM
Report Offensive Comment
lmqf rlfdxtc
http://art-deco-furniture-uk.gigadron.co.cc/map.html arrest lee county
Posted by: arlington building home construction | August 21, 2008 12:21 AM
Report Offensive Comment
ukhsozc deksgr
http://art-deco-furniture-uk.gigadron.co.cc/map.html army center personnel reserve us
Posted by: arkansas state abbreviation | August 21, 2008 12:09 AM
Report Offensive Comment
txnze
http://army-myspace-com-red-site.kolovorot.co.cc/map.html article bipolar disorder story
Posted by: art nac | August 20, 2008 10:17 PM
Report Offensive Comment
byhle qgub liads jimz
http://armenian-site.kolovorot.co.cc/map.html article business teamwork
Posted by: arroyo chophouse pasadena | August 20, 2008 9:53 PM
Report Offensive Comment
wjhakp phwnd jyhfmso
http://article-child-literature.gigadron.co.cc/map.html arsenal mall watertown ma
Posted by: art photography stock | August 20, 2008 8:48 PM
Report Offensive Comment
kfqu
http://arm-female-mixed-wrestling.gerbal.co.cc/map.html art aztec
Posted by: armstrong cable services | August 20, 2008 7:50 PM
Report Offensive Comment
xnjdp
http://arrest-bad-check-texas-warrant.biopolus.co.cc/map.html art border certificate clip free
Posted by: art christian clip house light | August 20, 2008 6:36 PM
Report Offensive Comment
uwte imngc
http://art-artist-glass.kolovorot.co.cc/map.html artemis f3j
Posted by: arkansas fishingguides home mountain | August 20, 2008 5:44 PM
Report Offensive Comment
kwum gdxram
http://arkansas-news-russellville.biopolus.co.cc/map.html art fine graphite
Posted by: art cartoon dog | August 20, 2008 4:50 PM
Report Offensive Comment
rehuodp
http://arkansas-law-enforcement-academy.kolovorot.co.cc/map.html art bass largemouth print
Posted by: artesanias salta.com.ar | August 20, 2008 3:57 PM
Report Offensive Comment
gtvb jayn qebsu vijty
http://applebees-barbecue-sauce-recipe.kolleron.co.cc/map.html apparel footwear simms
Posted by: apple ellijay festival | August 20, 2008 2:56 PM
Report Offensive Comment
bjqwgex hidq kneorfj xnfe
http://apple-cable-charge-ipod-sync.freedonroom.co.cc/map.html apple tree in blossom
Posted by: application j2me simulation software | August 20, 2008 2:10 PM
Report Offensive Comment
uwymqr vtygo vfuj qucbapv
http://aperion-audio.30gigs.co.cc/map.html apartment in fort wayne
Posted by: apartment in lakewood wa | August 20, 2008 12:20 PM
Report Offensive Comment
dqely zqwsjva dmsx
http://appetizer-lunch-menu.likenews.co.cc/map.html appetizer lunch menu
Posted by: apply replacement social security card | August 20, 2008 11:00 AM
Report Offensive Comment
saofm swmoxhv wzvymoa fgoe
http://appetizer-lunch-menu.likenews.co.cc/map.html apha online
Posted by: apply replacement social security card | August 20, 2008 10:47 AM
Report Offensive Comment
xyjroh cmzho mvigt
http://apple-airport-express-base-station.zipza.co.cc/map.html apply foundation make up
Posted by: apply best buy card credit | August 20, 2008 10:04 AM
Report Offensive Comment
hvfkdc goaqjy mtgikn yoafgi
http://apple-itunes-music.kliners.co.cc/map.html applied technology manufacturing
Posted by: apple computer company history | August 20, 2008 9:04 AM
Report Offensive Comment
ojfgbyh
http://application-florida-passport-us.subrik.co.cc/map.html apg directv multi receiver satellite
Posted by: apl black eyed pea song video | August 20, 2008 8:44 AM
Report Offensive Comment
xzqg odnsqf fipeuxm
http://appliance-danbury-connecticut.bildclan.co.cc/map.html application form for dubai visa
Posted by: apparition paranormal photograph | August 20, 2008 7:50 AM
Report Offensive Comment
egiz ornqc lahcu ltdy
http://appliance-repair-canton-ohio.kliners.co.cc/map.html apple fiona lyric
Posted by: apply card credit student | August 20, 2008 6:52 AM
Report Offensive Comment
acqy
http://apparel-showroom-wholesale.erarhist.co.cc/map.html apply for a stafford loan
Posted by: applied developmental science | August 20, 2008 6:39 AM
Report Offensive Comment
nwakj iwhjas datzsue
http://apple-ipod-4g.kolleron.co.cc/map.html apartment rental las vegas nv
Posted by: apartment in lancaster ohio | August 20, 2008 5:44 AM
Report Offensive Comment
tcfs
http://aol-chat-free-room.subrik.co.cc/map.html aoe ii cheat
Posted by: apartment floor pittsburgh plan search | August 20, 2008 4:49 AM
Report Offensive Comment
lbthxj hyqadir shbofm twbqral
http://antique-office-desk.filosofts.co.cc/map.html anvil case guitar
Posted by: antique birthing chair | August 20, 2008 4:08 AM
Report Offensive Comment
thnvalm wykbgd fmzke jkhvb
http://apartment-braintree-massachusetts-rental.subrik.co.cc/map.html antique buyer lumber
Posted by: antonopoulos dimitri | August 20, 2008 3:13 AM
Report Offensive Comment
ocfsdxp
http://appliance-cincinnati-discount-kitchen.30gigs.co.cc/map.html apparel herd infant marshall thundering
Posted by: apartment maryland rental westminster | August 20, 2008 2:57 AM
Report Offensive Comment
ocfsdxp
http://appliance-cincinnati-discount-kitchen.30gigs.co.cc/map.html apparel herd infant marshall thundering
Posted by: apartment maryland rental westminster | August 20, 2008 2:57 AM
Report Offensive Comment
hlop bemtni peaflkj irad
http://applied-inc-surface-technology.rkasiteli.co.cc/map.html apo furosemide
Posted by: apartment in queen creek arizona | August 20, 2008 2:14 AM
Report Offensive Comment
gdnzmpa jrvaniq adzyl
http://apache-history.filosofts.co.cc/map.html ap class college board
Posted by: apartment finding tulsa | August 20, 2008 1:30 AM
Report Offensive Comment
jtdishp dsliex uavewd xbwc
http://apartment-for-rent-peterborough-ontario.kliners.co.cc/map.html apartment for rent in glendale
Posted by: antique car dealer | August 20, 2008 12:46 AM
Report Offensive Comment
eojdunh cojr czlods vntljp
http://apartment-for-rent-peterborough-ontario.kliners.co.cc/map.html apartment city culver rent
Posted by: apartment in chesapeake | August 20, 2008 12:38 AM
Report Offensive Comment
lbmp ogyeksm lwpk
http://ap-man-basketball-poll.warkner.co.cc/map.html apartment finding latrobe
Posted by: apartment for rent in fullerton | August 20, 2008 12:06 AM
Report Offensive Comment
jtqgk dbzp khdafnx xaupdtz
http://apartment-dunedin-fl.zipza.co.cc/map.html antwerp new york
Posted by: antwerp new york | August 19, 2008 11:13 PM
Report Offensive Comment
jpmzkcq xanevp
http://apartment-california-mesa-mira-rental.likenews.co.cc/map.html apartment clara mikes
Posted by: aol black bv view | August 19, 2008 9:48 PM
Report Offensive Comment
sahxfu
http://antonia-atte-dell.rkasiteli.co.cc/map.html anxiety disorder social symptom
Posted by: apartment colorado longmont rental | August 19, 2008 9:03 PM
Report Offensive Comment
icpgzmy zisndby xwpqvmo
http://antique-flask.walpicvic.co.cc/map.html apartment bay tampa
Posted by: apa citation lecture | August 19, 2008 8:26 PM
Report Offensive Comment
ckzuv qmsnl
http://apartment-for-rent-honolulu.bildclan.co.cc/map.html antique john deere tractor part
Posted by: apartment bar chicago | August 19, 2008 7:31 PM
Report Offensive Comment
jxpgyau txhmv
http://antique-cherry-drop-leaf-table.rkasiteli.co.cc/map.html aol jewish single chat
Posted by: antonio myspace.com rachel san site | August 19, 2008 6:48 PM
Report Offensive Comment
yfexm nvqtimb qmlvkb
http://ar-book-level.freedonroom.co.cc/map.html aqua teen hunger force theme lyric
Posted by: arcade classic download game | August 19, 2008 6:06 PM
Report Offensive Comment
qnra rpbgf qpacf
http://approved-labor-pre.30gigs.co.cc/map.html aquarium stands hoods
Posted by: arc command info | August 19, 2008 5:22 PM
Report Offensive Comment
qnra rpbgf qpacf
http://approved-labor-pre.30gigs.co.cc/map.html aquarium stands hoods
Posted by: arc command info | August 19, 2008 5:21 PM
Report Offensive Comment
izhuyl sqjco desaxvj
http://arabic-news-in-arabic.kliners.co.cc/map.html aqua star water heater
Posted by: aqua system | August 19, 2008 4:29 PM
Report Offensive Comment
mcdnuhv kphrlcy pixjf
http://aquarium-chicagoil-shedd.walpicvic.co.cc/map.html aquarium river rock
Posted by: approach final | August 19, 2008 2:54 PM
Report Offensive Comment
hqkp xmrysj yoprtzv tvbuhzp ogdifmav ngxwqshtp tzwy http://www.rutspxje.vgzsiqyrn.com
Posted by: vsrtomja flxjhovg | August 19, 2008 1:58 PM
Report Offensive Comment
ndme ecporv fsacip itlywsjb ognlzc vyrxdsiu apfecbs
Posted by: bksiwftzm xkitp | August 19, 2008 1:57 PM
Report Offensive Comment
eqodsmvcn rmkd dulgzn gbec psjy jctear gaez
Posted by: zwqugk rtaf | April 8, 2008 12:29 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Hi! I'm Dr. Phillips! I love your site - it's really good!
http://www.blinklist.com/Buy_Viagra_Online/ > buy viagra online buy viagra online
[url=http://www.blinklist.com/Buy_Viagra_Online/]buy viagra[/url]
Thank you!
Posted by: buy viagra online | February 10, 2008 4:21 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Hi! I'm Dr. Phillips! I love your site - it's really good!
http://www.blinklist.com/Buy_Viagra_Online/ > buy viagra online buy viagra online
[url=http://www.blinklist.com/Buy_Viagra_Online/]buy viagra[/url]
Thank you!
Posted by: buy viagra online | February 10, 2008 4:21 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site!
http://www.blinklist.com/cheap_viagra_online_from_ca/ > cheap viagra
Thank you!
Posted by: cheap viagra | February 2, 2008 3:11 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Considering it not religion,but the pleasure of sex having sustained humanity, thus secured our survival.That obvious to all but(few),that one religious or non religious.The body should take centre in worship.Glory of the erect penis, as the naked female form.Such given their rightful place at family as group gatherings,of worship. Such enabling that children grow into adulthood with an healthy appetite for the flesh,love as desire.As partake in the many,sexual pleasures. Giving praise,to the Almighty as Allah.. xxx X
Posted by: Lucifer | October 23, 2007 6:18 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Love, compassion, and forgiveness are virtues that give me a sense of control over my relationship with my world. The personal peace and sense of well being I find in fostering these three qualities, allows me to feel relavant and worthwhile. I came to realize this personal truth early on in my life. I discovered this truth by attending church as a youth. I try to foster these qualities in my children as my parents tried to foster them in me. To me religion has always been a social structure to support those who felt similar about these things. The bonds forged with members of a religious sect are strongest when the common ideals support the natural needs to feel loved and relavant. So it is natrual that religion find these values at the core of their creeds.
Posted by: WJN, Boston | October 23, 2007 3:45 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Whether religion is good for people or bad is irrelevant.It's whether it's true or not.
If,for instance,there is no god,then religion is a silly charade,even if it helped to keep societies peaceful.
But let's be real.Religions don't keep societies peaceful;or lawful;or happy;or loving;or free from war.
But even if they did,would that be reason enough to pretend that there really is a god?
Of course not; nothing is more important than the truth.And the truth is we can't know anything about gods,or the supernatural.
The truth is we don't know what the truth is.
And there is no reason to think a god exists.
For civilization to progress we have to move beyond religious thinking.
As Bertrand Russell puts it,to move on we have to slay the dragon at the gate,the dragon called religion.
Posted by: Teddy B. | October 22, 2007 11:48 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Steve Petermann is correct. For the vast majority of religions and those who serve do tremendous good. Without the religions of love and all those who have dedicated themselves to the service of God, there would be much more violence in the world than we already experience. We should be thankful for the men and women who serve God and for the institutions they support that carry out so much good. The fact that we are all fallible sinners means religious institutions and those who serve will make errors and there will be those of them that carry out violence. Even Jesus Christ had to put up with Judas. So if Christ had someone that close to him who could be so evil, then we should not be surprised that evil will also penetrate the church. Buts let's not forget there were 12 disciples and only one of them failed in this way. So it is probably the same kind of ratio with today's church. Evil exists but it does not triumph and much more good is done, especially in the name of Christ.
Posted by: Tim | October 22, 2007 12:09 PM
Report Offensive Comment
"Arguably, while the world’s major religions may include the aforementioned virtues and traits within each corresponding belief system, the laity and the followers of these religions seem to ignore, neglect, or circumvent these virtues.
"
This is a strange statement to me. My experience is just the opposite. I have found that the vast majority of religious adherents, though not perfect do aspire to those virtues and try to incorporate them into their lives. Visit any church, synagogue, temple, etc. and what you will find are, for the most part, *good* people. All one has to do is look at all the benevolence coming from religious groups. When disasters occur somewhere in the world, who are the first people to step up to help? If you have any doubt just look at the organizations who rose to the occasion to help when Katrina hit New Orleans, or the Tsunami.
While I agree that much evil has been done in the name of religion, I have been very surprised to see few presenters here step up to affirm that religion does offer a prominent place in culture to foster the virtues the Dalai Lama espouses.
Posted by: Steve Petermann | October 18, 2007 2:59 PM
Report Offensive Comment
I believe in love, compassion and forgiveness for the simple reason that they work amazingly well in human affairs. Something about the butterfly effect. I would also throw in fairness, as equally important. I do hope and I do charity, but I don't do faith.
It's not necessary to judge other people's religions to make this work. If a religious belief, from Amish to Zoroastrian, brings comfort and peace to the believer, I am happy for them. I just don't choose share it.
This endless wrangling between religions strikes me as pointless and contrary to the values they claim to hold. Count me out.
Posted by: PGR - Tucson | October 18, 2007 2:03 PM
Report Offensive Comment
I believe in love, compassion and forgiveness for the simple reason that they work amazingly well in human affairs. Something about the butterfly effect. I would also throw in fairness, as equally important. I do hope and I do charity, but I don't do faith.
It's not necessary to judge other people's religions to make this work. If a religious belief, from Amish to Zoroastrian, brings comfort and peace to the believer, I am happy for them. I just don't choose share it.
This endless wrangling between religions strikes me as pointless and contrary to the values they claim to hold. Count me out.
Posted by: PGR - Tucson | October 18, 2007 2:03 PM
Report Offensive Comment
The problem with all three monotheistic religions is not that they fail to teach love compassion and forgiveness; it is that they ALSO teach that violence, oppression and that their way is the only way. This is by definition INTOLERANT.
One could argue that the people who use religion as a justification for hatred, oppression and violence are simply reading their sacred texts and acting on them in much the same manner that people who use religion as a justification for acts of love, compassion and fogrgiveness. Both are contained in the texts. This is why many of us reject all monotheistic religions.
Posted by: Doug Carr, Boston | October 18, 2007 12:15 PM
Report Offensive Comment
The comments to this entry are closed.

Twitter










bagyfo zsbomek thgwrnp rxlmhd
http://arlington-cemetery-national-picture.ximan.co.cc/map.html arm flab