Today, I had a rather interesting conversation with a taxi driver on my way to work. He'd noticed the bible which I had in my bag (he wasn't being nosy, it was just too hard to miss), and struck up a conversation about how similar all religons were. Throughout the journey, Mr Taxi driver explained to me how 96% of all things in each religion are fundamentally the same, for example 'Love thy neighbour,' is a commandment which many religions follow.
The main aspect the taxi driver was able to point out to me, was how a minority of religious people do not seek to find the similarities between their own religion and others, but rather the differences, and it is here where conflict begins. This form of exclusivism is one which poses a threat to societies, and to what people may stereotypically think of different religions. What the exclusivists and fundamentalists should seek to do, is not focus on the differences between religions and perceive these in a negative way, but rather become more open to the differences in a positive manner, and also reflect on the similarties and use these as a reminder that fundamentally, all religions have pretty much the same meanings.
The main aspect the taxi driver was able to point out to me, was how a minority of religious people do not seek to find the similarities between their own religion and others, but rather the differences, and it is here where conflict begins. This form of exclusivism is one which poses a threat to societies, and to what people may stereotypically think of different religions. What the exclusivists and fundamentalists should seek to do, is not focus on the differences between religions and perceive these in a negative way, but rather become more open to the differences in a positive manner, and also reflect on the similarties and use these as a reminder that fundamentally, all religions have pretty much the same meanings.
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