If the world’s major religions coalesce around the virtues of love, compassion, and forgiveness, then why does the early 21st century religious narrative witness hatred, apathy, and intolerance? Is this a case of religious dissonance?
It may very well be another Pollyanna articulation of faith; yet reality speaks otherwise. Arguably, while the world’s major religions may include the aforementioned virtues and traits within each corresponding belief system, the laity and the followers of these religions seem to ignore, neglect, or circumvent these virtues.
While some religions preach love, compassion and forgiveness to members of that particular community; great religions go beyond the framework of self-preservation and with audacious hope extend love, compassion, and forgiveness towards all.
At times, this generation bears witness to the hijacking of good faith by extreme ideologues. At the end of the day, if love, compassion, and forgiveness unite the world’s major religions, then the leaders of these religions have failed miserably to disseminate this message to the followers.
When the oracles of love, compassion, and forgiveness outnumber the prophets and evangelists of hatred and intolerance, then once again, religion will play a major role in reconciling humanity rather than separating God’s children.
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