Religion has been the cause for many wars throughout the
history of America. Both religion and race create a sort of identity for human
beings. It is something you believe and essentially who you are as a person. Some races and religions feel superior to
others. When the Anglicans came to America and attempted to convert the Native
Americans in order to correct them, it was because the newcomers felt their
religion to be the only truth. This resulted in religious conflict and death for many of the Native Americans and the Anglicans.
Religion seemed to be one of the motives for tragic events
that took place in our generation as well. After the 9/11 terrorists attacks in
New York City, American citizens placed a stain on the people of Islam. Anyone
with a beard and a veil around their head was judged immediately as a potential
terrorist.
Religion and race even affects the way we view people with
high-standing positions. When President Obama ran for office in 2008, the issue
was not only the color of his skin but also his rumored religious affiliations.
Of course, after reading in The Color of Christ,
we learned that one’s religion does affect the way one governs a nation.
I believe the Dalai Lama describes a hopeful outlook on differences
of humans. He says:” I think we should forget about our religious differences
and forget the different races. So in this moment, we simply should think: we
are just human beings.” The Dalai Lama also states that different races,
religions, nationality, and positions (poor or rich) do not matter. He also
declares that we are all human beings, and he emphasizes the importance of warm-heartedness,
describing this as something of universal value.
We will always have differences in opinions. We will always
believe one religion is correct over others. However, if we had a more tolerant
attitude toward others with diverse religious and racial affiliations, perhaps, there would be less bloodshed in the name of who is right.
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