Religión

While watching In God's Name, I found the most important question that was also on the film guide to be the first one listed: "What commonalities among all the religions can you perceive?" I think this question is very important to answer, because it works to find the similarities in between different religions, which is not something that is done very often. In my experience, people tend to disregard this common ground, leading to misunderstanding, hate, and violence. One of the religious leaders in the film described all religion as "humanity's desire to touch the divine" or, in other words, that the purpose of religion is to bring people to closer to God. This makes sense to me. Before judging others for their religious beliefs, people need to realize that the other's beliefs most likely stem from the same longing that their own beliefs do - the longing to be closer to a higher being. 

Another common theme shared by many religions (although not quite all) is the tendency to think that only their viewpoints are correct. This can be seen in the way that people are quick to judge the customs practiced by other religions, including things such as their religious rites or even their attire. A good example can be seen in chapter 24 of the CC book which is entitled Symbolizing Roles: Behind the Veil. In this article, different opinions are expressed concerning women wearing veils that cover their face. Although some religions believe this practice to be good and right, others think it is oppressive, demeaning, etc. At the same time, even between those that do agree on whether or not veils should be worn have different reasons for coming to this conclusion. I use this (small) example of disagreement between religions to say that the need to be "the right religion" has led to much quarreling, which has prevented unity.

One of the aspects of a different religion in the film that I found to be the most interesting was about the Hindi spiritual leader, known to many as Amma. It was refreshing to learn about someone so giving and so full of love. I think what she is doing is very important missionary work, but it is not what many would even consider missionary work in the U.S. She doesn't spend time trying to convince people to repent or to chastise them for sinning; instead, she offers them unconditional love with the hug she gives.

It is important to understand about other religions for a few reasons. Learning the truth about other religions helps to break stereotypes. This does not mean that everyone has to agree with each religion, but that people should at least know the facts about the religion before they judge it.  Understanding other religions, as shown by the film in class, also brings about an awareness of the commonalities found in humanity.