Christianity is not the same as most religions. It’s not man’s effort to reach of appease a god or gods; it’s God reaching down to man.
The teachings of Jesus stand head and shoulders above those of other religions.
Some religions have played a part in the world’s ills, but only in the sense that people use it to justify their bad behavior. The problem with the worlds ills is human nature, not religion.
In the event that I’m being baited here in regards to islam, there is debate as to whether it is a valid religion of merely a political system devised by a raving lunatic.
In the event that I’m being baited here in regards to islam
I was not thinking of Islam in particular, so no, you're not being baited. (Not my style, anyway.)
Christianity is not the same as most religions. It’s not man’s effort to reach of appease a god or gods; it’s God reaching down to man.
Hmmm ... I expect the adherents of other religions would disagree with you. Buddhists who strive to emulate the Bodhissatva of Compassion, Kwan Yin, do not try to appease her. Her name means "she who hears the cries of the world", and she pours out compassion on those who need it, from her "vase of sweet dew".
The teachings of Jesus stand head and shoulders above those of other religions.
It's understandable that Christians think so. More objectively, though, and again taking Buddhism as one example, the Buddha taught many of the same things Jesus did, and before Jesus did it. The Buddha was born about 500 years before Jesus of Nazareth, and there is even some speculation that Jesus knew of the Buddha's teachings.
Some religions have played a part in the world’s ills, but only in the sense that people use it to justify their bad behavior. The problem with the worlds ills is human nature, not religion.
Who started religion? Who are its adherents? People, of course. Many wars have been fought in the names of religions of various stripes, down through history--Christianity most definitely included.
It seems to me that the dangers posed by any particular religion increase in direct correlation to the certainty of its devotees that their religion is "the right one" or "the only one".
Just my 2 cents. Thanks for offering yours!
Sincerely,
d