Primitive groups millions of year ago began religious practices in response to their fear of the unpredictable and often terrifying natural world in which they lived, and to try to explain the mysterious forces of the universe which surrounded them and impacted their lives.
In the ensuing centuries, a great variety of religions appeared. There were those that worshiped the sun and the moon. There were those that called for human sacrifices. There were those that worshipped a large number of deities, and those that worshipped only one. Many of these religions no longer exist as part of our lives and have been replaced by different, more modern versions.
Although all religions have at their core a spiritual and social base, the history of the interaction between religious groups has always been one of distrust, violence and bloodshed.
We are now at a time in world history that calls for more tolerance and dialogue, because mans weaponry can now easily poison and destroy our world. Religious leaders of all religions must come together to recognize what common bonds they share and emphasize those bonds of family, honesty, social unity etc. which are part of all religions. Religious leaders must insist that their followers allow freedom of worship to all religions and freedom from coercion to conform to any particular value system.
They must emphasize the separation of church and state in all countries. The ultimate goal is that every person have the freedom to worship as their conscience dictates in a country which is tolerant and respects all rights.
Religious leaders, who can exert much influence, can begin to change our world, if they desire, into one of cooperation and harmony.
Isn't that the goal of all loving human beings?
