World of Philosophy

Author(s): Christopher Key Chapple, Intaj Malek, Dilip Charan, Sunanda Shastri, Prashant Dave
Publisher: Shanti Prakashan

Page 940

views in his address to the Parliament of Religions in U.S.A. on September 1893 is worth noting: "The Christian is not to become a Hindu or a Buddhist, nor a Hindu or a Buddhist to become a Christian. But each must assimilate the spirit of the others and yet preserve his individuality and grow according to his own law of growth. If the parliament of religions has shown anything to the world is this: 'It has proved the world that holiness, purity and charity are not the exclusive possessions of any church in the world and system has produced men and women of the most exalted character. In the face of this evidence, if anybody dreams of the exclusive survival of own religion and the destruction of others, I pity him from the bottom of my heart and point out to him that upon the banners of very religion will soon be written in spite of resistance: Help and not fight, assimilations and not destruction, Harmony and Peace and not dissension". Mahatma Gandhi also said that the need of the moment is not one religion, but mutual respect and tolerance of the devotees of different religions".
Religion is an important dimension of each people's culture. Every religion contributes something to the culture of the people who practice it. Indeed it is difficult to find a religion that has not somehow influenced culture. Therefore, the dialogue between various religions and cultures can assist peace process and by dismantling the structures of prejudices, promote peace, understanding and love. To meet several challenges of present day and prevent a clash between people of varying religious and cultural backgrounds, the religions of the world should make a great effort to educate their followers in the basic virtues such as love, brotherhood, charity, compassion, self control, honesty, benevolence, solidarity, and especially respect for the right of others. Specific religious and ethical values are needed in addition to economic and social structures to promote peace. These basic virtues can help peace building. One of the most crucial ways in which the religions of the world can help build peace is through inculcating attitudes that lead to peace and its preservation. To precipitate tension or war, a few people are enough, but to build a peace and maintain it, the co-operation of all is essential. Religions should make their followers more and more aware of the need to construct peace. Moral values and convictions shared by people of many religions can provide a basis for communities and nations to live together in peace and harmony. A universalistic religion should help people to see one another, not as enemies but as brothers and sisters across religions and national frontiers. This attitude is very positive for peace promotion. Inter religious dialogue will certainly help to understand essence of other religions. This understanding will help to cultivate positive attitude. towards followers of other faith..
All religions have a duty to educate their followers in principle
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