7 ways faith opens your heart to humanity

7 ways faith opens your heart to humanity


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People of faith often refer to their religion as the gospel, Hebrew for good news, which is how they feel and express their beliefs. Whether they put that faith in God, Jesus Christ, Allah, Buddha or mother nature, it is that faith that brings them joy, foundation and the desire to do good to their fellow man.

According to David Barrett et al, editors of the "World Christian Encyclopedia: A comparative survey of churches and religions - AD 30 to 2200," there are 19 major world religions that are subdivided into a total of 270 large religious groups and many smaller ones. A total of 34,000 separate Christian groups have been identified in the world. "Over half of them are independent churches that are not interested in linking with the big denominations," the survey reads.

7 ways faith opens your heart to humanity

Sometimes in focusing on our religious affiliations, we forget about the things that we have in common.

A few of the commonalities that exist between major religions are these:

Compassion. Putting oneself in the place of another and acting with unconditional love to bring about positive change.

Globalization. Thinking about how one's actions affect not only them, but others around the world. Believing that through small, but significant actions, we can change the lives of those who may be suffering.

Justice for the vulnerable. Working with one's means, whether that be money, power, time or energy to help bring about justice for those who are less able to stand up for themselves.

Sustainability of the Earth. The realization that our actions, often selfish in nature, affect the ability for the Earth to sustain its inhabitants. Again, small actions can often affect big change. There must be more concern for our limited resources.

Peacebuilding. Working toward recognizing our common wish for peace and the need to turn weapons into plowshares.

Bonding as a human family. Acknowledging we are all related, however distantly, and must forge a bond to ensure survival of humanity.

7 ways faith opens your heart to humanity

Following the Golden Rule. What Christians call The Golden Rule, other religions call The Ethic of Reciprocity. Regardless of its name, it is the promotion of goodwill toward those with differing belief systems. Simply put, it is treating others as we would like to be treated. Here are examples of various major religions.

Christian. Matthew 7:12, KJV, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."

Buddhism. The Dalai Lama says it beautifully: "Every religion emphasizes human improvement, love, respect for others, sharing other people's suffering. On these lines every religion had more or less the same viewpoint and the same goal."

Baha'i. "And if thine eyes be turned towards justice, choose thou for thy neighbour that which thou choosest for thyself." Epistle to the Son of the Wolf.

Confucianism. "Try your best to treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself, and you will find that this is the shortest way to benevolence." Mencius VII.A.4

Islam."None of you (truly) believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself." No. 13 of Imam "Al-Nawawi's Forty Hadiths."

Judaism. "What is hateful to you, do not to your fellow man. This is the law: all the rest is commentary." Talmud, Shabbat 31a.

Taoism."Regard your neighbor's gain as your gain, and your neighbor's loss as your own loss." Tai Shang Kan Yin P'ien

On Oct. 15-19, 2015, representatives from over 50 faiths and 80 countries will be gathering in Salt Lake City for the world's premier interfaith event to focus on the things they have in common as they discuss important global issues and solutions. For more information, click here.

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