IS INTERFAITH VIABLE?

[sky]

Originally Posted by BigJohn

There are numerous people who do not believe in duality but claim to be religious. Duality is a man-made concept that many have 'bought' into but does not mean it really exist.

Religion is also a man-made concept...

[BigJohn]

Originally Posted by sky123

Religion is also a man-made concept...

What does that have to do with getting along with each other?

[Gem]

Originally Posted by BigJohn

What violent conflict are Christians having with Muslims today in your country? Or are they getting along.
Same goes for all the other permutations.
I just do not 'see' what you 'see'.

People think there can be peace between the religions even though there never has been in the past, and there is none today, but because people think there can be, they don't look at the actual reasons there never has been. We just like idea that the religions will all get along, but because noone is prepared to forgo their religion, they will fight tooth and nail to keep it. Because all things are impermanent, hence impossible to keep, the time to fight tooth and nail will inevitably come.

[BigJohn]

Originally Posted by Gem

People think there can be peace between the religions even though there never has been in the past, and there is none today, but because people think there can be, they don't look at the actual reasons there never has been. We just like idea that the religions will all get along, but because noone is prepared to forgo their religion, they will fight tooth and nail to keep it. Because all things are impermanent, hence impossible to keep, the time to fight tooth and nail will inevitably come.

I have 'faith' in mankind.

It starts with 'me' and then another person 'steps up to the plate'.

[Gem]

[quote=BigJohn]There are numerous people who do not believe in duality but claim to be religious

Duality is a man-made concept that many have 'bought' into but does not mean it really exist.

As far as I know duality could be the fundamental state of existence, or maybe it's non-dual. The spiritual trend is non-duality, but I think people just say words and pretend they have the answer.

[BigJohn]

[quote=Gem]

Originally Posted by BigJohn

There are numerous people who do not believe in duality but claim to be religious
As far as I know duality could be the fundamental state of existence, or maybe it's non-dual. The spiritual trend is non-duality, but I think people just say words and pretend they have the answer.

Once more, what does this have to do with "Is Interfaith viable"?

[sky]

Originally Posted by BigJohn

What does that have to do with getting along with each other?

You said ' Duality ' is a man made concept....
So is Religion....

[BigJohn]

Originally Posted by sky123

You said ' Duality ' is a man made concept....
So is Religion....

Once more, what does this have to do with "Is Interfaith Viable"?

[sky]

Originally Posted by BigJohn

Once more, what does this have to do with "Is Interfaith Viable"?

It has to do with whatever you choose.

Originally Posted by Gem

I think religious sects are strong identification systems, so people will be violent if the religious structure is threatened including killing an dying to preserve it as a form of vicarious self-preservation, and since all things pass, including religious structures, violence is an inevitable characteristic of religiosity..

Perhaps the difference here is between what is theoretically possible and what at present is practically possible. I suppose any species that rises to the top of the food chain must divide itself up into packs, prides, or tribes, and learn to kill each other, lest their populations rise to a level to eat nature out from under their own feet. Most top predator species either hunt and kill each other, or if a social species, then they go to war with one another. Our roots are firmly planted in our animal nature, yet our minds reach up for something higher. I don't know which side will win this tug of war, or how many rounds are played in a match, or even if ultimately it matters to me. The animal side does what it does because that is it's nature, yet the reach higher side must resist its nature to rise above it. It may seem that the reach higher side has a disadvantage, yet the need to evolve and become/realize more than what we are is also a strong motivator. But I suppose if the reaching up side does not believe victory is possible, then it is probably game over before it even starts.