Religion is a collection of cultural belief systems, and world views that relate humanity to spirituality and, sometimes, to moral values. Many religions have narratives, symbols, traditions and sacred histories that are intended to give meaning to life or to explain the origin of life or the universe.
The 5 core religions include: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. Some believe Secular/Agnostic/Atheist and Witchcraft could be added to the list.
Astrology was at the heart of the Mayan, Aztec and Inca religions in the Americas with the Sun as the supreme God. Regardless the belief, all theories are linked by one thing – a personal opinion or view.
When one looks at the essence of all religions, there is a common truth based on entirely different teachings.
Christianity holds that we are born sinful, that Christ, who is the Son of God, died for our sins, and that if we have faith in Him, we will go to heaven.
Islam teaches that we are born sinless and that we may go to heaven if we try our best to obey Allah. Islam even specifies that Christ is not the Son of God, and that He did not die for our sins.
Hinduism says that trying to get to heaven is a waste of time; even if we were to spend some time in heaven, we would eventually be reborn on earth, because we are trapped in a seemingly endless cycle of reincarnation. Salvation, according to Hinduism, consists of escaping this cycle altogether.
While Zen Buddhism, as a religion, does not advocate the existence of a spiritual reality.
Religions defined:
- Buddhism – Hurt not others with what pains you.
- Christianity – Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
- Hinduism – Treat others as you would yourself be treated.
- Islam – Do unto all men as you would have done unto you.
- Judaism – What you yourself hate, do to no man.
- Native American – Live in harmony for we are all related.
- Sacred Earth – Do as you will, as long as you harm no one.
Having said that, most religions teach about faith, submission, meditation and realization while maintaining the same core. For example: encouraging people to tell the truth, not to steal, not to murder, to work for peace in the world, and to be tolerant of others.
When fire shoots from the bowels of earth,
rains come pouring down,
the seas rise
and the rivers flow as one,
when the earth trembles from within,
take heed;
for these are warnings of what is yet to come.
At times like that, religions no longer divide.
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