Are There Things That You Like About Other Religions?

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I thought in the midst of all the “war on religion” threads and debates and such that we could have a thread discussing noteworthy elements of other traditions. I remember awhile back there was a thread about which religions (besides one’s own) CAF members were most interested in learning about. Now I’d like to know whether there are aspects of other religions that you find appealing in some way? It could be as simple as: “I like this religion’s art,” or whatever.

For instance, I’ve always liked Catholic artwork and I have a small collection of holy cards that my great aunt gave to me. I love the way Muslims use geometric patterns to create beautiful works of art without ever depicting a human form. Hindu devotional art was something that I found strange at first (all those arms!) but it seems that now it’s an apt way of communicating, through imagery, that “that which is divine is truly incomprehensible”.

I’m also more interested in the devotional aspects of religion in general, theo(a)logy and philosophy have their merits, but I like collecting prayers, reading poems someone’s written in honour of their god/dess, creating shrines and altars (altars in the Pagan sense, not the Catholic one).
 
Well actually I really like the idea of Buddhism that everything around us has a “feeling”. I’m aware that it’s not the Catholic teaching. umm. It doesn’t mean I’m accepting the idea of multiple gods or no god at all in the world. But getting near to the nature really helps me have a better understanding of God. I’m able to be nicer. Love others, love animals, take care of plants or do not waste any man-made things. lol

Also I like the teachings of the Confucius. Like to teach according to each student’s aptitude. And do not be proud one among three is my teacher that stuff
 
I became a better Catholic because of what non-Catholics, even non-Christians do well as I observe.

My Evangelical cousin made me want to be more fervent in the faith.

Being in Canada where there is a considerable number of Sikhs, they inspired me to wear a Crucifix in on top of my shirt. Them fighting for their rights to wear their turbans which is of course a symbol of their faith, made me think about why Christians are afraid to show that they are Christians.
 
I like the fellowship of many protestant churches. Too often Catholics are in and out without speaking. I’ve long admired Judaism as a whole.
 
I think most religious are interesting to learn about. But my favorite being Judaism. Something about Judaism is interesting and enchanting.

I used to think the only difference between Jews and Christians were Jesus and other New Testament figures but I was wrong. Jews have a complex and different concept of the supernatural such as the afterlife (Heaven and Hell), supernatural figures (angels, demons/the devil) and other stuff like sin, salvation, the Messiah.

Judaism just fascinates me.
 
Lakota Sioux Spirituality is beautiful. The are not Pantheist or Poly-Theist, their Spirituality is
Panentheistic.

panentheism |paˈnenθēˌizəm|
noun
the belief or doctrine that God is greater than the universe and includes and interpenetrates it.

They have wonderful songs, dance, art and a host of other traditions.

They had a famous book written about Lakota Sioux Spirituality, by John G. Neihardt called Black Elk Speaks

Black Elk was a Holy man (medicine man) that said that several times during his life, he had several visions in which he learned things that would help his people. In his “great vision,” at the age of nine, he said he met the spirit that guided the universe and saw a great tree that symbolized the life of the earth and of the Indian people.

The book Black Elk Speaks is based on conversation Black Elk had with the Author John G. Neihardt.

It’s worth reading 👍👍
 
ConstantineTG said:
I became a better Catholic because of what non-Catholics, even non-Christians do well as I observe.

My Evangelical cousin made me want to be more fervent in the faith.

Being in Canada where there is a considerable number of Sikhs, they inspired me to wear a Crucifix in on top of my shirt. Them fighting for their rights to wear their turbans which is of course a symbol of their faith, made me think about why Christians are afraid to show that they are Christians.
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I know what you mean, my Muslim friends have had that effect on me. I was never one to rush out of church or anything to start with, but when I saw them stop a class so that those who wanted to pray could, it made an impression and made me want to not be one of those Christians that puts xyz ahead of prayer time and going to Mass. Sadly it’s my Muslim friends and not my Christian ones that support my efforts to dress modestly. Because sometimes we talk about religion, it keeps me on my toes to know why we believe what we believe as Catholics.
 
Lokabrenna said:
I thought in the midst of all the “war on religion” threads and debates and such that we could have a thread discussing noteworthy elements of other traditions…
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I respect self-discipline wherever it may be found, and I’ve certainly seen it among the few Buddhists that I’ve met (for example). I have experienced kindness and help from a Muslim family and from a Wiccan priestess. And there is beautiful music, architecture, and art to be found all over the world, among all sorts of people and religions.
 
Lokabrenna said:
I thought in the midst of all the “war on religion” threads and debates and such that we could have a thread discussing noteworthy elements of other traditions. I remember awhile back there was a thread about which religions (besides one’s own) CAF members were most interested in learning about. Now I’d like to know whether there are aspects of other religions that you find appealing in some way? It could be as simple as: “I like this religion’s art,” or whatever.

For instance, I’ve always liked Catholic artwork and I have a small collection of holy cards that my great aunt gave to me. I love the way Muslims use geometric patterns to create beautiful works of art without ever depicting a human form. Hindu devotional art was something that I found strange at first (all those arms!) but it seems that now it’s an apt way of communicating, through imagery, that “that which is divine is truly incomprehensible”.

I’m also more interested in the devotional aspects of religion in general, theo(a)logy and philosophy have their merits, but I like collecting prayers, reading poems someone’s written in honour of their god/dess, creating shrines and altars (altars in the Pagan sense, not the Catholic one).
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I get a lot out of charismatic, and born again revival style non-denominational prayer service. There is great power in the holy spirit and it fills the atmosphere and creates real personal experiences at times in these services.
 
I have always viewed the American Indgenous religions very impressive, how each one is never without recognizing its creator.

Interesting is the type of sacrifces each practices. The Aztecs mostly intrigues me, with their complete cycles of life. These particularly did not use war with one another because of human frailities as today. They war of flowers consisted the Aztecs giving their enemies men to battle with, and weapons for sacrifice, and offer their human sacrifices, what is surprising when the Aztecs did not have human sacrifices, their own Warriors would go willingly to sacrifice themselves for the benefit of the whole empire.

These indigenous religions take humanity and nature to a higher level as to make them dieties, respecting their kinds here on earth with reverence. Something we could learn from them as far as the environment is concerned, without making false gods.

Each one has a value and respect for life and nature, including mapping the skies.
 
Gabriel_of_12 said:
I have always viewed the American Indgenous religions very impressive, how each one is never without recognizing its creator.

Interesting is the type of sacrifces each practices. The Aztecs mostly intrigues me, with their complete cycles of life. These particularly did not use war with one another because of human frailities as today. They war of flowers consisted the Aztecs giving their enemies men to battle with, and weapons for sacrifice, and offer their human sacrifices, what is surprising when the Aztecs did not have human sacrifices, their own Warriors would go willingly to sacrifice themselves for the benefit of the whole empire.

These indigenous religions take humanity and nature to a higher level as to make them dieties, respecting their kinds here on earth with reverence. Something we could learn from them as far as the environment is concerned, without making false gods.

Each one has a value and respect for life and nature, including mapping the skies.
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gallery.sjsu.edu/sacrifice/precolumbian.html

latinamericanstudies.org/aztecs6.htm

What revisionist fairytale land do you live in?

You’re totally changing the reality of Aztec culture to find good where the “good” is so overshadowed by the bad that it’s obvious.

Anything I like about another religion which is good is found in Holy Mother Church.
 
This may be out of place, but as a life-long Protestant I can tell you what I admire about the Catholic Church:

Apostolic Succession - It makes sense. Why would the power to bind and forgive sins have died with the original twelve? Wouldn’t later generations have needed Christ’s representatives on Earth as much as people of the 1st century needed them?

The authority of church to interpret scripture - In Protestantism, beliefs are all over the place. Everyone interprets scripture differently.
 
Catholicism–100% true, everything is good! 😃

Lutheran–lots of German influence. 😉

Reformed–was my starting point theologically in my “reversion” since they emphasize the Bible.

Baptist–devout

Methodist–do a lot of service stuff
 
Other religions:

Islam God and prayer, and the Islamic religion, as the ruler of one’s life. Care for the poor (a feature of Islam which is little known in the west).

Hinduism Mysticism and beauty in religion.

Other denominations:

*Lutheran *- J.S. Bach, Albert Schweitzer, Dietrich Bonhoffer, biblical scholarship. (and some notable and devout scientists).

High Church Anglican - beautiful liturgy, especially music. They sing ancient Catholic hymns (eg. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence) which we neglect.

Methodist, Salvation Army, some others - serve the poor and marginalised, serving indigineous communities.

*Billy Graham, and other “revivalists” *- revival, conversion and evangelisation

*Evangelical *- Scripture first, the obligation to evangelise

Most of the these seem to have lost the plot a bit recently though, with women’s ordination, contraception, gay rights, etc., etc., etc. I don’t know if it’s always been like this, or if it’s got worse. Still, there a many in these denominations who adhere to their traditional charisms.

Also: C.S.Lewis, Abraham Lincoln, Shakespeare (?), William Blake, some modern composers and writers.
 
Lokabrenna said:
I thought in the midst of all the “war on religion” threads and debates and such that we could have a thread discussing noteworthy elements of other traditions. I remember awhile back there was a thread about which religions (besides one’s own) CAF members were most interested in learning about. Now I’d like to know whether there are aspects of other religions that you find appealing in some way? It could be as simple as: “I like this religion’s art,” or whatever. . . . .
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Lokabrenna,

There are many beautiful elements of Judaism. I especially like the way they work to serve others without thought of a reward in the afterlife. They really don’t give death much thought.

I love many things about Catholicism. Its certainty and devotion are impressive. I consult the CCC often. I’m a huge fan of Pope John Paul II.

I love Eastern Orthodox prayers and icons.

Anna
 
Islam, I like their commitment to regular prayer and serious fasting.
 
Well as a Unitarian Universalist, I think the way it is best put is that God, or the divine if you wish, is too large and too complex to be housed in a single religion, faith or tradition.

That is why we study all religions and include aspects of many of them in our services,

Those I find most interesting are:

Christianity in general: The doctrine of caring for your neighbor.

Islam: I appreciate the devotion many Muslims have to prayer, and the Muslim practice of caring for the poor or needy.

Judaism: I appreciate that their faith centers around the home and loved ones, and in caring for the community.

Buddhism: I appreciate calm resolve and view of life as a journey rather than a destination.

Wicca: I appreciate the interaction and connection with the web of life, of which we all are a part.

Edited to add: Hinduism: I rather like they way Hindus incorporate a multitude of beliefs into their overall theology.

Peace,

Seeker
 
I’m unfamiliar with the depths of other religions but will say that I find the Lutherans (LCMS) and Jewish Community are as valid as the Catholic Community.

I’m sure I’ll be flamed for such statement but it’s what I believe and make no apologies for it.
 
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