There are several misconceptions concerning various religions and people of faith. Let’s put these common myths to rest.
Christianity: Christians Get to Heaven on Good Works Alone
Most assume that Christianity concerns doing what the Bible tells you, following the rules, and being a good person, which will result in your name written in the book of life. Wrong!
There isn’t a step-by-step process on how to get to Heaven. You might counter with – there’s the Bible – but there’s much more to it than the amount of good Christians do. It would be disingenuous of Christians to be generous because they know they will receive something in return, as opposed to doing it because of their faith in God.
Through Jesus’ death on the cross, resurrection and God’s righteousness and grace, coupled with faith and good works, leads to eternal paradise.
Buddhism: All Buddhists are Pacifists
Non-violence is usually practiced in the Buddhist faith, but was not historically so.
During the 20th century, Tibetan monks fought against British troops as well as Chinese troops of the People’s Liberation Army. Buddhist leaders fought in the name of the religion, as a way to omit other faiths.
Most Buddhists encourage peace and harmony, but just like many other religions, they had to fight and suffer for freedom.
Catholicism: Catholics Can ‘Hail Mary’ Their Way Out of Sin
In confession, Catholics acknowledge and admit their sins to their priest. The priest then assigns penance and offers prayer. A common misconception, which we tend to see in plenty of films, is that anyone of the Catholic faith can sin, and it will be quickly absolved without consequences.
But in reality, sin weighs heavy on the heart and can greatly impact your faith. Confession is more than a free pass. It is a time for reconciliation and repentance; a reminder that we all fall short but can resolve to do better next time.
Rastafari: All Rastafarians Smoke Weed and are from Jamaica
A spiritual movement that rose from Jamaica in the 1930’s with Ethiopian Emperor, Haile Selassie I as their Lord; Rastafari has made a cultural impact.
We can identify renowned reggae singer Bob Marley, as a Rasta, who was from Jamaica and did smoke marijuana, but not all Rastas practice the religion in the same form.
Marijuana is significant to the religion, but is not used or embraced by all. It is of personal choice. And even though the birth of Rastafari began on this large island, the development of faith has grown, connecting people from all over the world.
Mormonism: All Mormons are Polygamists
The Mormon faith is usually associated with the word “polygamy.” And for some time it was practiced. That was until 1890, when ruled that any member of the Latter-Day Saints (LDS) church who practiced or advocated for polygamy would be excommunicated.
That did not stop a minority group of members, who continued to practice it. They were banned from the church, and broke off into religious sects. Although they may state that they are part of the LDS church, they are, in truth, not affiliated.
Islam: Muslim Women are Denied Their Human Rights
This is a typical misconception of the Islam religion. Views of Muslim women without the right to an education, experiences of physical violence and unfair treatment permeate TV screens, which lead others to conclude that Islam oppresses women.
But cultural traditions and customs set within heavily Muslim countries are the result of gender inequality. Laws are written and enforced to silence women, and is done in the name of Islam.
Islamic teachings from the Qur’an show that all are equal before God. Women are meant to be respected and honored.
Santeria: Santeria is Only Used for Curses
Santeria, as well as other religions, have been stigmatized for being a faith of black magic and evil sorcery. While one aspect of that is practiced, it does not represent the religion as a whole.
Rooted in African religious traditions of the Yoruba people, and mixed with Roman Catholicism and Native American folklore, followers of this religion worship one God and Orishas, or saints that represent various forces of nature.
Some even mix Santeria with Vodou, but they are two separate religions.
Hinduism: Hindus Worship Idols
Several myths have surrounded Hinduism, the oldest living religion in the world.
But here’s some truth: Hinduism is considered pluralistic, open to all paths leading to God. People of the Hindu faith are not “idol worshippers,” but believe that God appears through a physical manifestation, or in the form of an idol.
These “idols” help Hindus focus on specific prayers or meditation.
Reducing Stigmas and Stereotypes Among Religions
Our false beliefs and perceptions concerning other religions keep us from the truth and does not establish peace.
We may not all worship the same God or practice religion in the same way, but love is the basis of it all. Awareness, communication, and respect will help us to understand different faiths.
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