Religion

During one of my many times in college I took an African American History course. We learned a lot about the plight of the African Americans from before slavery to modern times. I am not even sure how we got on the subject of religion in this class but one young lady who was actually African (came here a few years prior to learn in the US) stated she was confused by people who call themselves Christians. I asked why she was confused by Christians. And this was her response:

You have so many different religions claiming to be Christian. You all follow different beliefs but still claim to be Christian. How can all these people say they are Christian and not follow the same religion?

I asked her what religion she was. She said she was a Muslim. I asked her why she did not wear a Burqa? Her reply was that she did not have to it was a choice in her religion to wear one or not. I told her that was not true. Women around the world have been stoned to death for not wearing one in certain parts of countries or they were caned for showing to much skin when their covering slipped. She said that was extremists. I asked her if that was Muslim. She said yes. Is that not what you are then? She said not to that extent. But you are following different paths of the same religion then? She gave me a blank stare.

I asked her where was her Hijab? Again no answer.

I proceeded to ask her about the Sunni, Shi'a, Bektashi and Barelwi. All forms of Muslim but different religions. She had no comment.

I then told her we all are Christians. Just because we belong to different religions does not make us less so. The different religions are just different ways of interpreting the Bible and what it means to us. Just as there are different levels of Muslim and how they interpret the laws of Islam.

I have been 2 different religions in my life. Both of which are Christian. I read about Buddhism and like their beliefs and teaching as well. I have even read parts of the Qur'an and find them intriguing. I try not to judge people by their religion. I try to accept them for who they are. I hope others see this and do the same. That is my prayer for today.