Religious discussions have escalated in my world in the past ten years leaving a trail of hurt feelings, anger, fear, and confusion. It is easy to see why. Our beliefs differ depending on out religious upbringing, our religious teachings, the culture in which we were raised, and our inner sets of beliefs. I have been impressed by the tolerance for some religions and angered to tears at the mindless persecution and cruel treatment of members of other religions.
The three major world religions are Christianity (Catholicism, Protestants), Judaism (Orthodox, Conservative, Reformed), and Islam (Sunni, Shia). Each of these religions, and the religious groups they are further broken down into, are defined by different practices and have distinct details within the beliefs that differ from one another. Sunni and Shia Islamic groups split due to a difference in opinion over leadership. Orthodox, conservative, and Reformed Jewish people are different in how strictly they follow different customs and teachings. Catholics and Protestants did not agree on worship and prayer practices. There are many other differences that separate the religions and religious groups from one another but focusing on these differences will forever end in a battle over who is right and who is wrong. Instead, if we focus on the similarities and educate ourselves on the differences, we can reach a level of understanding and respect.
There is one God, the God of Abraham. Abraham had two sons, Isaac born of his wife Sarah and Ishmael born of his servant Hagar. The descendants of Isaac practice Judaism and the descendants of Ishmael practice Islam. Christians split from Judaism with the belief that Jesus is the Son of God, the promised messiah. But there is only one God.
God has many names. Christians use the English word God and the Holy Trinity to name God (God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit). Jewish people use the Hebrew word Adonai; and they also use El Elyon, El Shaddai, Shappat, and others. Islamic people use the Arabic word Allah, and they believe there are 99 beautiful names for Allah.
