Appreciating All Religions
Religious Literacy in small bites
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Throughout human history, religion has mattered. It has satisfied a uniquely-human need for connecting with God, the universe, and eternity. It has served also to connect us with our innermost spiritual self, and with fellow man. Religion has been a force for the good, but it has also been a source of much misery. Millions have died for and because of their religion. Armies on both sides of a religious conflict have claimed that they were both serving (the same) God. Ironically, we ourselves--with God’s grace—had been inspired to create some of the key religious differences that had led to these disputes. Many of us value our own religion, but know little and care even less about other religions. In an increasingly inter-connected world, such ignorance is inexcusable and potentially dangerous. To facilitate religious literacy and a better appreciation of all religions, this book provides a perspective on how our thirteen living religions came into being, how they developed, and what they have become. If we could graciously accept that religious unity and diversity are God-inspired and man-made--in accordance with our own God’s Will that we presumably seek to honor--we could perhaps live in greater harmony with each other, despite our religious differences.
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About the Book
MANY OF US value our own religion, but know little and care even less about other religions. To facilitate much needed religious literacy and mutual-understanding, this book succinctly examines the main features of all living religions—how they were formed and what they have become, how they are similar and how they differ, and what we can do to better appreciate and respect religions other than our own.
EACH CHAPTER IS short, informative, and easy-to-read. Together, these chapters provide a good understanding of the basic beliefs of all religions and their main sects. They also provide a valuable perspective on religious unity, diversity, and interaction, setting the stage for open-minded interfaith dialogue and respectful mutual acceptance of all religions.
About the Author
Paramjit Singh Sachdeva is the author of the highly-regarded book Appreciating Sikhism, published in 2008. He believes that ignorance and fear help spread the virus of religious intolerance and bigotry; and that improved religious literacy provides a useful antidote. There is much to be gained by appreciating all our religions, the common heritage of mankind.
Besides his interest in comparative religion, Dr. Sachdeva provides advisory management services to UN and non-governmental institutions. For the past thirty years, he has lived and worked in the US, has traveled widely, and has maintained close ties with India, whose embrace of diversity in a multi-religious, multi-cultural society is an inspiration for all.