Free Essay

Diversity and Religion

In:

Submitted By andreacherie
Words 405
Pages 2
Religion and Diversity Awareness
I am a Christian. I have set beliefs on topics such as abortion, homosexuality, and most of all religion. Does this mean that I have to be intolerant as well? It troubles me to read of how intolerant our religion has become. I feel that we can respect others differing opinions while holding fast to our beliefs. Many of the Christian faith feel compelled to fight for what they believe in. My question is why? Why do we have to fight those who believe different from us? I do not believe in gay marriage, however, gays who want to marry are not harming my view of marriage. Why should my views be enforced on someone who thinks differently? This is not the way to preserve the sanctity of marriage. We as Christians should set an example for others to follow. We should focus on our own marriages rather than telling everyone who can and cannot have the privilege. I believe that the negativity of fighting for our beliefs has destroyed our witness. How can we accomplish our mission of spreading God’s love if we are constantly on television fighting those who have differing views? I read an article about France outlawing the burqa and other garments that hide a woman’s face. It saddened me to see those who claim to be Christian attacking Muslim women in the street because of their dress. In turn there are riots and violence in the Muslim communities. While I understand security concerns, I believe it would have been more productive to have a dialogue with Muslim leaders on how both sides could achieve compromise. Compromise. This word is known by many and understood by few. How many lives would be touched if we all did a little more compromising and a little less fighting? I do not mean that we should compromise our beliefs. I will continue to disagree with abortion and homosexuality. I will continue to teach my children what I believe to be right in the eyes of GOD. What I will not do is condemn those who believe differently. I will not teach my children to discriminate on those that have different beliefs. The Bible says, “as for me and my house we shall serve the Lord.” It does not mention making your neighbor serve as well. We should be the light that draws others rather than the face of intolerance.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Diversity in Religions

...Diversity in Religions: Addressing the Spiritual Aspect in Health Care Christina Cavazos Grand Canyon University: Spirituality December 16, 2013 Diversity in Religions: Addressing the Spiritual Aspect in Health Care This paper will discuss the importance of addressing the spiritual health of our patients. Regardless of a patient’s belief or religion, one will find that spirituality is key and a very important aspect in order to heal. . Further, many religions are as different as day and night, but must be taken into consideration when constructing the individual the care plan. The three religions in this paper include Buddhism, Native American, and Sikhism through compare and contrast. Similarities and differences in these three religions are noted, as well as healing beliefs and opinions on caregivers who in cooperate the patient’s religion. Buddhist The religion of Buddhism focuses on the importance of a healthy, sound mind that can grow in wisdom and compassion. Through precept practice and meditation, Buddhist patients can avoid the “choice” of suffering. Suffering merely a mind set, with practice such as meditation, one can decrease pain experienced. There are eight rules they live by, referred to The Eight Fold Path: right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration. There are also training precepts that are defined as avoiding the following: not to kill, not to take what...

Words: 1271 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Diversity in Religion

...the United States continues to grow more and more diverse. It is becoming more diverse with different cultures and more diverse with the different religions that are practiced. Some certain religious practices and traditions tend to be complex and long, and it can be difficult for the healthcare provider to incorporate them in patient care. However, it is important for the nurse or other healthcare providers to encourage patients and their families to interpret their religious practices and traditions that may be pertinent to their hospital stay, which would affect personal needs, interaction with staff, and decisions about treatment. Just a few of the very diverse religions that are being seen more in the healthcare industry are: Hinduism, Catholicism, Muslim, Judaism, and Jehovah Witness. First, I will begin by discussing Hinduism and how their beliefs relate to healthcare. Hinduism, which originated in India, is the religion of choice for most of the people of India and Nepal. According to Edward C. Dimock, Jr. (2014), Hinduism is the oldest living religion in the world with its elements stretching back for thousands of years. Unlike most religions, Hinduism has no set single founder, no single scripture, and no commonly agreed set of teachings. As described by Chaplin John Ehman (2007), people of the Hindu religion express strong beliefs on modesty. It is important for the healthcare provider to know this aspect of their culture especially if treatment includes...

Words: 1604 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Diversity Religion and the Workplace

...Diversity: Religion and Workplace Introduction Religion is one of the biggest differences segmenting the world into different parts. There is no other reason from the dawn of time which caused more strife’s and argument among mankind than Religion. Religion can be defined as the faith or moral belief a person possess regarding the nature of being or existing the world. In the modern world there are roughly five or six major religious and yet countless other minor religions have sprung up and are continuing to spring up every day. Each believer of a religion defends and believes in it devoutly, to such an extent that he or she is willing to go towards bloodshed to defend its honor. The major religions of the world include, Islamic, Christianity, Hinduism, Atheism, Judaism, etc. These religions include the set of guidelines for the individuals on which to base their lives. The major religions all dictate that there is a Higher Entity, or God which governs the world and the Universe and all that is contains is it plaything and all the living creatures are its subjects (Trent, 2007). Such devout belief and intolerance against one’s faith becomes a very volatile subject and can become the cause of a major strike in an organization. Any good and reputed organization employees a variety of people all belonging to different backgrounds. Some of these religions might be major while some might be the minor ones. In such a scenario, the minority religion often suffers under...

Words: 4456 - Pages: 18

Premium Essay

Workplace Diversity & Religion

...individual that is affiliated with the employee (ie. Marriage Mate). Employee’s cannot be forced to participate in religious activities as a condition of employment. What is Religious Accommodation “Religious accommodation is any adjustment to the work environment which will allow an employee or applicant to practice his or her religion. The need for religious accommodation may arise where an individual’s religious beliefs, observances or practices conflict with a specific task or requirement of the position or an application process. Such requests often relate to work schedules, dress and grooming, or religious expression in the workplace.” http://www.dol.gov/oasam/programs/crc/2011-religious-discrimination-and-accommodation.htm to increase 6.2% which would cause a shift in the gender majority in the workforce. While this number is a major improvement, only 3.6% of Fortune 500 Company CEO’s are women, meaning that the men are disproportionately leading companies at 96.4% in comparison with women. (https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/labor/report/2012/07/12/11938/the-state-of-diversity-in-todays-workforce/ ). Herein lies the problem, diversity is a key driver of a successful company. If the Management of most companies lace women in senior leadership positions, they are more than likely limiting their revenue potential. Griggs vs. Duke Power The United States of America’s history is marred by slavery and racial inequality. The 1950’s and...

Words: 841 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Essay On Diversity In Religion

...Early American’s Challenges with Diversity in Religion, Gender and Ethnicity Life was not easy for the first Americans to set foot upon our wonderful country; individual freedom was challenged daily. In the early years, religion dominated daily life; strict religious observance was not a choice but a mandate. Gender diversity was a grim struggle for most women and children; women were treated as objects, belonging to their husbands. White women were awarded a few more freedoms than black women. Likewise, ethnic diversity was a challenge for Africans and Native Americans; wars were fought over the destiny of an individuals right to be free. Immigrants flocked to the United States to avoid persecution and strict religious worship guidelines; persecution and worship...

Words: 727 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Religion and Ethnic Diversity

...Religion and Ethnic Diversity Paper Tammy L. Morgan Eth/125 3/17/2013 Dr. Sisay Teketele Religion and Ethnic Diversity Paper Buddhism is a religion that has fascinated me for many years. I do not claim to be affiliated with any specific organized religion, but I do however, enjoy educating myself about the many different religions that we as humans have become so reliant on. I mean absolutely no disrespect, nor do I mean to trivialize the teachings of any religion, but I will say that Buddhism is one that I can relate to more so than most. Buddhism is a religion f oneness and compassion. Buddhist teachings consist of messages that encourages its followers to “Cease all unwholesome conduct, do only what is good, and purify your mind.” (Shr Heng Lyu, 2012). It is a religion who’s foundation is based on four basic truths, they are: that life is full of suffering, that there is a cause of this suffering, it is possible to stop suffering, and there is a way to extinguish suffering (Aich, 2013). With this being said, you would think that Buddhism would be above prejudice, discrimination, and persecution, sadly this is not the case. There are several types of Buddhism, but for the sake of this assignment I will restrict myself to speaking of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism. Most sects of Buddhism is also closely intertwined with Asian cultures, but that is something that I will discuss a little later. Buddhism differs from other religions in many ways, but the one that sticks...

Words: 1542 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Religion and Ethnic Diversity

...Religion and Ethnic Diversity Tracy Kimberly Mosiello ETh /125 November 17, 2013 Dr. Rochelle Holland Religious and Ethnic Groups Roman Catholic The first century of Christianity there was no "Roman Catholicism" as it is today. There was no Protestantism or Eastern Orthodoxy  to differentiate it. There was the "one, holy, catholic church" confirmed in the first beliefs, which was the group of Christian followers completely over the world, unified by mutual beliefs, church structure, traditions, and worship (catholic means "universal"). During the Middle Ages, if you were a Christian, you went to the Catholic Church. Any Christianity other than the Catholic Church was an unorthodox, not a denomination. Catholic Beliefs Roman Catholic beliefs don’t vary extremely as of those of the other main divisions of Christianity - Greek Orthodoxy and Protestantism. Altogether three foremost divisions hold to the principle of the Trinity, the holiness of Christ, the inspiration of the Bible, etc. There is a strong Catholic distinctive in belief. Distinctive Roman Catholic beliefs contain the exceptional power of the pope, the capacity of saints to mediate on behalf of followers, the idea of Purgatory as an area of life after death cleansing before arriving in Heaven, and the principle of transformation. ...

Words: 1212 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Religion and Ethnic Diversity

...Teri Jensen ETH125 9/25/2013 Religion and Ethnic Diversity The United States of America is one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse countries in the world. Since the colonization of what is now the United State, the U.S. has been open to immigration from people all over the world. People migrated to the United States for many reasons. The Irish migrated to the U.S. in the 1800s to escaped famine, poverty and oppression by the English. Other ethnic groups migrated to escape religious persecution. The Chinese migrated to this country in search of financial The Chinese migrated to the United States in large numbers after gold was discovered in California in 1848. (http://www.cetel.org/timeline) The Chinese flocked to California in hopes of finding their fortunes in the “Land of Golden Mountain.” “By 1870, there were 63,000 Chinese, mostly male, in the United States, nearly all on the West Coast. It is estimated that another 120,000 Chinese entered the United States during the following decade.” (http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/nutr216/ref/nutr216_ref/kittler/asia/kittler_asia.html) Men from China came to California to amass their fortunes then return to their families in China where they would live more financially secure lives with their families. In the 1850s California state legislature passed the first Foreign Miners' Tax Law, levying a $20-per-month tax on each foreigner engaged in mining. As result the Chinese in California began pursuing other means...

Words: 949 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Religion and Ethnic Diversity

...RELIGON AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY The religious beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses are in many ways similar to those of mainstream Christians. For instance, Witnesses rely on the authority of the Bible, worship only one God, and trust in Jesus’ death and resurrection for salvation. Some other beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses differ from mainstream Christianity, most notably their rejection of the doctrine of the Trinity and the existence of Hell. Witnesses also have a stronger apocalyptic expectation than most Christians-since the founding of the group, Witnesses have been expecting the imminent arrival of Armageddon and the end times. Jehovah’s Witnesses disagree with the mainstream Christian belief that Jesus was “fully God, fully Man.” In accordance with their rejection of the doctrine of the Trinity, Witnesses disagree with mainstream Christianity that the Holy Spirit to be “God’s active force.” Like most Christians, Jehovah’s Witnesses trace humanity’s current situation to the sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden. Jehovah’s Witnesses consider themselves true Christians, but most mainstream Christians do not agree that they are. The feeling is mutual, however, Jehovah’s Witnesses deny that other Christian groups are true Christians. The Jehovah’s Witnesses are native to the United States with roots dating back to the teachings of Charles Taze Russell, a minister in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the 1870s. The organization does not advertise in the media and strives to remain separate...

Words: 780 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Religion and Ethnicity Diversity Paper

...Religion and Ethnic Diversity Paper Vanessa Duran ETH/125 September 8, 2013 Berita Sherman Religion and Ethnic Diversity Paper Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people. However, any person of any race may convert to Judaism if they wish to. This religion does not have any formal mandatory beliefs and they focus more on actions than beliefs. The most accepted list of Jewish beliefs is the thirteen principles of faith. Jewish people are very open to other religions and they do not feel as if they are better than anyone else. In their eyes, they feel that as long as a person is staying true to their religion then they will be considered righteous in the eyes of God. Judaism in general promotes equality and that has had a major impact on American culture. They have been in America since the seventeenth century and have always stood behind fighting prejudice and discrimination. Jewish people have been and still are very active participants in civil rights movements, whether for African Americans, women, or even homosexuals. The freedom we have in the United States is what sets us apart from everyone else and Jewish people have been very much involved. The Jewish people have endured a lot of prejudice and discrimination over the years. They were blamed for many problems and their businesses were boycotted. The Holocaust was by far the worst and most painful form of prejudice ever endured. Approximately six million Jews were murdered by the Nazi regime....

Words: 808 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Religion, Diversity, and Hip-Hop

...The impact of religion is sometimes apparent in many different forms of art. One type of artistic expression that religion is sometimes expressed in is music. Whether it is specifically Christian-based music or secular, musicians of all genres may eventually write a song or sing about their religious beliefs at some point. There is a very broad spectrum of diversity in music. People from all around the world with different backgrounds, race, religion, and style can express themselves in this form. Growing up I was exposed to many different genres of music. Hip-hop, which is classified as a subculture that originated from an African American community in the 1970’s, has always been intriguing to me and is a huge part of who I am. There are four elements of Hip-Hop; rapping, DJing, break-dancing, and graffiti. I will be focusing on the music aspect of Hip-Hop and the large impact religion has on some of these artists that perform Hip-Hop music. Over the years, Hip-Hop music has gained a bad reputation. Many people find the lyrics to be offensive, obscene, or even racist. A very small portion of it is, but most of it is the complete opposite. Matthew Paul Miller, better known by his Hebrew stage name Matisyahu, is known for the positive messages he delivers through his reggae-rap style music. Matisyahu says his Jewish spirituality has most, if not everything to do with the way he writes music. In his song “Jerusalem”, he raps about ancient history and religious acts that took...

Words: 914 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Religion and Ethnic Diversity Paper

...Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) and Black (African) Decent Abstract This paper will identify how Mormons differ from other religious groups. Enlightening of the subject matters that pertain to their beliefs, practices, and how this religion group contributes to the American culture is the bases of the first part of the paper. This paper will also describe the discrimination and prejudice that the Mormons have to deal with because of their religion choice. This paper will also describe the African decent experience with discrimination and prejudice as well. Discrimination and prejudice takes place in all cultures and religions. People who are unwilling to understand and accept the difference that people share are going to allow this behavior to continue and pass it down from generation to generation. America is the melting pot for all ethnic backgrounds, including religions. Being more open minded and having understanding will allow us to break the stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination that we all have towards one another. Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) and Black (African) Decent The United States, throughout history, has been a country of immigrants and a country of religion diversity. Discrimination, prejudice, and stereotyping in the Mormon and Black decent groups have been displayed throughout the changing times. The Mormons, who emerged after the discovery of The Book of Mormon in 1830, were run out of several states before settling in Utah. Blacks who were brought...

Words: 1444 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Religion and Ethnic Diversity Paper

...I have been asked to discuss the beliefs, including unique characteristics of a religious group. I will also discuss how my selected religious group interacts with other groups, and how it has contributed to the United States culture. I will also provide examples of prejudice or discrimination against the selected religious group. This will help me to understand about the group and how to reduce prejudice and discrimination against them. I will also do the same for a selected racial/ethnic group of choice. My choice for a religious group is Evangelical Protestant, and my racial/ethnic group of choice is Asian. To start this off, lets discuss the beliefs of evangelical protestants. There are four beliefs that they officially hold on to. First one is that the bible is incapable of being wrong. The second is that the only way to salvation is through Jesus Christ. The third is that people have to accept salvation for themselves. People have to be born again. The fourth and final one is to “spread the evangel to evangelize”. There are four characteristics of evangelical protestants. Evangelicals refer to themselves as born again Christians. They see this experience as being received by faith alone. The bible is the without fault and the only source of religious authority. They encourage evangelism through missionaries or personal encounters. They also focus on the cross as the only way to reach salvation and forgiveness. Evangelicals get along with...

Words: 1194 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

‘There Is No “Single” Asian Past. We Must Always Acknowledge the Diversity of Experiences Related to Class, Gender, Ethnicity, Religion, Caste, Family and Kinship Arrangements, or Other Indices of Social Differentiation,

...‘There is no “single” Asian past. We must always acknowledge the diversity of experiences related to class, gender, ethnicity, religion, caste, family and kinship arrangements, or other indices of social differentiation, to fully appreciate the complex history of Asia.’ The area known to us as Asia sits on the eastern side of the landmass of Eurasia and is the largest continent, encompassing a staggering 17 million square miles. Asia is home to a variety of cultures, religions, governments and mindsets, giving it a wide base for a complex history involving largely different groups of people. These different groups, or ethnicities, all formed their own histories over time, which when combined together give Asia more than one past, they arise into an intricate and comprehensive history fashioned by a diversity of experiences. Therefore, there is no ‘single’ Asian past; we must delve into each single experience to gain insight into the prolific and wide ranging history that gathers under the one banner of ‘Asia’. Each country within Asia has its own geographic links to other nations and cultures. These links were expanded on by exploration, trade routes and missionary ventures. These vital networks allowed cultural influences to travel from country to country, resulting in each nation in Asia receiving different influences from the next. In turn, this led to widespread variety amongst individual countries. These networks were invaluable to allow the able interaction of cultures...

Words: 1672 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

India vs Us Religion

...Jack Higgins Into to Sociology Who Am I Part II Due: 9/14/14 Religions of India Religion just might be the biggest social institution I can think of in the world. There is no part of the world where religion doesn’t exist. The biggest thing religion and India have in common is the freedom and diversity. All of India’s people have the right to religious freedom and can practice and worship any religion they please, but religion plays a central role in Indian daily life through its temple ceremonies, festivals, pilgrimages, family religious traditions. Diversity of religion is what I would like to focus on as I look deeper into the foreign country of India. Just like the United States, India also shares freedom of religion. India is diverse in its own since when it comes to religious beliefs. India is the birthplace of four of the world’s major religions; namely Hinduism Buddhism Jainism and Sikhism. According to a 2001 census, out of 1028 million population, little over 827 million (80.5%) have returned themselves as followers of Hindu religion, 138 million (13.4%) as Muslims or the followers of Islam, 24 million (2.3%) as Christians, 19 million (1.9%) as Sikh, 8 million (0.80%) as Buddhists and 4 million (0.4%) are Jain. In addition, over 6 million have reported professing other religions and faiths including tribal religions, different from six main religions (Religion, Census of India 2001, censusindia.gov.). With India being the second largest nation population wise,...

Words: 542 - Pages: 3