Comparative Religion

I have enjoyed all the courses I have taken toward my ministerial degree at ULC Seminary. This course was splendid and right on target. I think this would be a much better world to live in, if more people, not just seminarians and theology students, would take more interest in all religions, not just their own. It is almost as if people are afraid. Afraid that they will somehow doubt their own religious beliefs. That they will be swept off their feet to some far away land of human and animal sacrifice...And that they will loose their souls in the process. So they never venture out of their safe, perfectly squared, perfectly insulated religion box. They sit and wait for someone to tell them what to believe, how to believe, when to believe. They tell them how to live. When to marry. How many kids to have and how to die.

How resourceful. Why look anywhere else?!

Ministers, Rabbi's, Mentors, and teachers do not have that privilege. Hiding our heads in the sand is not what we are suppose to do. In order to help others, we must know them, what they believe, what makes them tick, and what would they be willing to die for. That's right, DIE for. Many generations have died for their religious beliefs and heritage. Hebrews, Christians, Muslims, and the list goes on and on. So it must be important to their counselors, priest, ministers, and rabbi's as well.

Life is like an airplane. It is filled with people, from all walks of life and beliefs. All on the same airplane going to the same destination. The Flight Attendant is the poor soul, who tries desperately to get your attention before take-off. The all important "SURVIVAL INSTRUCTIONS" are given at this time. No one listens......too busy. The Flight Attendants are the ministers on these flight's of life. No one listens. But let there be a problem------and suddenly, everyone is looking for the Flight Attendant! They need help!

The plane is going to Heaven. To visit God and our old stomping grounds. It doesn't matter what seat you are in or if you are first class or coach. The destination is the same, eternal life with God. It has been said , "there are no atheist in foxholes". And believe me, there are no atheist on a plane in trouble. So it might be helpful to know a little about your neighbor, in the seat next to you.

I have always been interested in other religions. I was raised in the strict Roman Catholic Tradition. Jesus was Jewish. I love Jesus. I should know about His religion. It can only strengthen my love for Him. It can also help me to serve His people better. Mohamed is another central figure, I wanted to know more in depth. Buddhism, Druidism, Shamanism, all religions form the foundation for future generations. I needed to know. I needed to study, so I could serve God and be a good servant.

"Interfaith is a process where people committed to their respective religious and spiritual paths meet for the purpose of mutual understanding appreciation, and enrichment. Interfaith affirms the goodness of each person and supports the healing of our world." (Comparative Religion Course, lesson 2)

In my opinion, worship is the relationship between the of man and his Creator. Religion is a man made entity to guide this relationship. All religions seem to have the same goal, eternal life with the Creator.

"Mankind comes to me along many roads, and on whatever road a man approaches me, on that do I welcome him, for all roads are mine" (Bhagavad-Gita)

We must find similarities, such as:

Golden Rule - Buddhism: "Hurt not others in way you find hurtful" (Tripitaka, Udnana-varga 5.18)

Peace: Judaism: "The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace. (Talmud, Gittin 59b)

Seeking: we must search within ourselves for the spirit of God.

This course contains so much material that is valuable to learn and remember. It is a great reference volume for any minister's library. This course shows that yes there are differences but we must focus our attention on our common ground as well. Whether, we wear the Roman Collar, a Yamika or White Robes, it doesn't matter. We are the same in our souls.

One thing I am sure of, people cannot sit around and have themselves spoon fed their religious beliefs and never look any further. God is everywhere. It is an act of supreme laziness not to read and study other religions. There are people walking around, hating other beliefs and at the same time , no next to nothing, concerning their own faith. It is so easy to hide behind a label -- Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, etc. Hate and misunderstanding requires no effort. Love, understanding, tolerance requires allot of effort. It is our ministerial responsibility, to try and understand all of God"s children.

This course gives us this opportunity. I recommend it to everyone, minister or lay person. How can a person argue or defend a point of view, if you don't know what you are talking about? This course will give you the information you need to try and be a better child of the Creator.

Thank you and may the Blessing of God be upon you.

Rev. Nitza Melgar

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