Religious Intolerance

This morning I found a site that referenced a speech by a Christian that put together a website and presentation to explain why "Mormons are not Christians". It reminds me of going into a Christian book store and finding a book on cults. I excitedly opened the book because I was thinking of the strange cults we've seen that have committed mass suicide following false prophets. The chapters read like main stream Christianity. Catholics, Seventh Day Adventists, Mormons, and Jehovah's Witnesses -- the list goes on but why? If someone believes in Christ and strives to live a Christ-like life from any religion or even non-religion, why would anyone put them down as non-Christian? And why would anyone tear someone's religion down?

Personally I have many Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist, Mormon, and Jehovah's Witnesses friends. I rejoice in their belief in our beloved Lord and Savior -- Jesus Christ. I enjoy their fresh point of view. And I find that even within my own religion no two people have a conjoined opinion of what the truth fully encompasses.

My Father belongs to a different religion. One day while attending one of his services he remarked, I can see that you will only be happy in your own religion. I thought about that all day -- I did not sing the songs, I did not enjoy the sermons, and I was hiding out in my own beliefs as if they were any better than anybody else's beliefs. I corrected that behavior. It was absurd. I attended some sing-a-longs with my Father and began enjoying his church, friends, and choices of worship. I did not give up my own beliefs but I gave back respect for my Father's beliefs.

That simple change changed our relationship. He could be more open and talk about his beliefs without feeling like judgment was about him. It is not about us and what we believe. Do we even have the capacity in this life to understand eternity? I think not. I think God is so great because he gives us all freedom of choice. I fundamentally believe that God touches all people from all cultures irregardless of gender, race, creed, or religion.

One book I've always loved to read is "The Religions of America" where each religion is given a chance to express their beliefs. In a nut shell -- it sheds the best light on their faith, their aspirations, and their hope in a future. Religious intolerance drove many people to an America that was founded on the freedom to worship how, where, and what they may. Intolerance did not disappear with the establishment of an American government. Intolerance continued in many forms. To our credit as a nation and as a society, we have grown to accept our neighbors much like Christ spoke about the Good Samaritan.

It is my hope and prayer that we will continue to set the standard for tolerance for all people irregardless of gender, race, creed, or religion. I'm always reminded of a wise man who once told me that "we should never talk against someone's faith because we might be successful and there might not be something to replace it."