Most tolerant religion.....

[Nichiren]

Which [major] religion do you think is the least aggressive in terms of not trying to convert , and having the tolerance for other beliefs?

I go for Baha'i faith and Buddhism....

 

[Mars Man]

I think I'm gonna have to open a thead one fine, sunny day, which heartedly clears up the matter of this other word that is thrown around somewhat carelessly, Viz. 'religion.' Religion can be a whole lot of things, actually, but most want to use the word to point to a belief-system.

I agree the two systems, in general, elected by you too, Nichiren san, are the least active and aggressive, in general, as regards proselyting.


ps: I moved this here, since it is not specifically about Japan or only in regards to Japan. PLEASE...pay attention to forum areas, and avoid posting in a wrong area. Take this as a soft warning.

 

[Half-n-Half]

I think Buddhism is more of a way of life than a belief system. It preaches the "Middle Way" and compassion for all living things. The only hint I pick up of it being a belief system is the belief that one can achieve nirvana through meditation and reincarnation. Buddha does not say to believe in him, he just gives guidelines to escaping suffering in the world. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Buddha did not want Buddhism to be about deities and idolatry.

But yes, I would have to agree that Buddhism (if you consider it a religion) is one of the least aggressive and most tolerant.

 

[iwuvvleskaylee]

Most religions that i've seen are tolerant, it's when people twist the religions that causes a problem.

 

[Chi65]

Most religions that i've seen are tolerant, it's when people twist the religions that causes a problem.

In a way. . .yes. Its mostly those, who are more pope than the pope, as we say here. . .happens almost everywhere and starts with wrong or misunderstood translations and more or less fanatic distributers, who think, their way is the best.

 

[Mars Man]

What the actual, historical founder of that line of belief--Buddhism--actually said and did, may have more left to be questioned than not...since that person also left no writing or monographs. The Pali texts are the oldest, and by definition, by that time, it was a belief-system.

Looking around the world today, even, it is easy to see that Buddhism is a belief-system in that it has doctrine, descriptions of a certain universal state of existence, texts, temples, and rank and file of an official nature within the system. In that these then differ from any other system on any point, it is indeed, a distinct and different system.

I very seriously doubt that careful historical investigation would leave us with the understanding that most belief-systems are tolerant towards non-elements of that system. Buddhism, I would argue, does have a lot going for it in that direction, but if we were to use the word 'most,' I'm sure we'd soon run aground.

 

[Mitsuo]

I think Buddhism is more of a way of life than a belief system. It preaches the "Middle Way" and compassion for all living things. The only hint I pick up of it being a belief system is the belief that one can achieve nirvana through meditation and reincarnation. Buddha does not say to believe in him, he just gives guidelines to escaping suffering in the world. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Buddha did not want Buddhism to be about deities and idolatry.

But yes, I would have to agree that Buddhism (if you consider it a religion) is one of the least aggressive and most tolerant.

Even though I am not knowledgeable enough about buddhism, Half-n-Half's statement sums up a lot about what I think in regards to "religious" tolerance. The bases from which my opinion originates comes from experience/observation.

 

[iwuvvleskaylee]

Buddha does not say to believe in him, he just gives guidelines to escaping suffering in the world. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Buddha did not want Buddhism to be about deities and idolatry

If i remember my history class correctly, Gautama (Buddha) didn't want buddhism to be about deities and idolatry. He wanted to make a universally accaptable guideline for respecing human beings and other life. Infact, i don't recall him making it a religion at all, but rather a philosophy. I believe that people made it into a religion.

I took a small fancy in his philosophy and never got around to reading much of his supposed text, but i do believe that one of his doctrines was that anyone who didn't exercies (not even believe, but mearly practice) a religion, they were a danger to society.

In a way, i view it as Gautama didn't like hinduism for various reasons, but at the same time he didn't know what to support since that's all there was at the time. In the end he tried to make it universally supportive as a philosophy to be added on to any religion without hindering the practice of therein and at the same time adding more rules of conduct.

 

[Chi65]

As for gods in buddhism, or lets say statues of gods here, is anyone familiar with the facts, that for example Buddha himself was not supposed or allowed nor wanted to be shown in person (not unlike the later Islam)?

What changed the picture, were the first Buddha statues in the Gandhara (Or Ghandara? I always forget the right writng) culture in north Pakistan, actually influenced by western holy statues, as for Alexander and followings, who stayed there. . .

Buddha himself might not have liked that. But it shows the strong urge of humans, to have/create an image. . .

 

[Mars Man]

I would challenge anyone to show to a degree that would convince a third party, studied in the field, that we can say we know what the historical person actually said about 'divine beings' or statues of 'divine beings' or whatever.

That would mean we would have to quote original texts, and show validity for the dates of the texts, and resonably be able to authenticate them. We would have to go earlier than the Pali texts, and I'm not so sure that can be done.

 

[Chi65]

As for Ghandara, just google it, please:

Ghandara - Google Suche

or

Ghandara culture - Google Suche

There are loads of informations and pics. You will enjoy this!
(Of course, you can also see mine, if you like)

Also a long road of religious metamorphoses started there via silkroad. Its a must know!

 

[Kyoto Returnee]

Thai Buddhism Theravada is very peaceful and you can feel it if you involve yourself with the culture long enough.

 

[Mycernius]

Sikhism is usually regarded as a tolerant religion. They believe that the one god worshipped by Muslims, Jews, etc, is the same god, but with varying different ways of worship. Their Temples are open during the day and the temple kitchens will welcome anyone in. Part of their beliefs are that all people are equal. Even their names are not gender specific.

 

[Absynthia]

I'd say definitely Paganism.

 

[Pachipro]

I don't believe any religion is more tolerant than another as if it is a "religion" they are basically saying "Our religion is the correct one and all others are false."

To have a religion is to believe in or profess a truth/belief that is above all others. This I will not believe and thus, do not belong to any religion or faith as I believe all religions are man made for the purpose of controlling a particular people or region.

If one religion is right then all others must be wrong. I have even heard christian preachers say, "our church is the true church and their church is not." How can this be if all believe in Jesus Christ for the Christians? How can a religion preach death to all infidels? It does not make any sense to me whatsoever and therefore I choose to not believe or follow any religion, but to follow what is in my heart and what I believe to be the truth.

And that is the number 1 golden rule of all religions: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It may be Christian, it may be Jewish, it may be Pagan, it may be Islamic, but it is the only way to live in my opinion and to hell with all religion for if religion were a fact the true God or creator, or whatever would reveal him/herself and profess that this is the way it is and always shall be and this is the one you should follow.

Until that time comes, all religions are fairy tales made by man for man and for the purpose of controlling man!

 

[pugtm]

Judaism not only doesn't beleive in proselatizing
it absolutely forbids both teaching it to non jews, and seeking new members.
plus it has a part of the religion reserved for non jews (noahide laws)

 

[Goldiegirl]

Any religion that excludes people and any religion that tries to recruit new people can't be all the peaceful. When you have "chosen" people an those who aren't, there is an immediate in group and out group. I don't see how that can lead to peace.

 

[pugtm]

easy, you dont bother us while we dont bother you. so far we have kept our side of the bargain for most of history, somehow its always others who start bothering us.
and as for the buddhists you should look up some of the religious wars in japan during the introduction of christianity and also prior with different sects of buddism.

 

[Haruspex]

I'd say definitely Paganism.

Thats quite a rash assumption. Paganism has thousands and thousands of forms. Its not like you can say paganism and done. Paganism can mean so many faiths, and cults. Although generally "closer to nature" it isn't necessarily tolerant in every case.
Imo the most tolerant faith is Jehovism lol, they build your house for you if you join them, however once you're in they'll pester you until the end of your life. God, how annoying those Witnesses of Jehova are.

 

[Absynthia]

Thats quite a rash assumption. Paganism has thousands and thousands of forms. Its not like you can say paganism and done. Paganism can mean so many faiths, and cults. Although generally "closer to nature" it isn't necessarily tolerant in every case.
Imo the most tolerant faith is Jehovism lol, they build your house for you if you join them, however once you're in they'll pester you until the end of your life. God, how annoying those Witnesses of Jehova are.

Fine, but remember that same goes for Christianity, Islam and Judaism as all have sub religions/cults

I consider myself Pagan. Paganism is a tolerant religion, you cannot generalize.

As for Jehovah's Witnesses - they are really annoying. They only want one from you, and that's money.

 

[Mycernius]

I consider myself Pagan. Paganism is a tolerant religion, you cannot generalize.
[/B]

You are also generalising. Which pagan religion do you belong to, Wiccan, Asatru, Norse Paganism, just for starters?

 

[Chi65]

I'd say definitely Paganism.

. . .We have come across some VERY agressive ones on another forum!!. . .

 

[Chi65]

Judaism not only doesn't beleive in proselatizing
it absolutely forbids both teaching it to non jews, and seeking new members.
plus it has a part of the religion reserved for non jews (noahide laws)

Really? We, that is, my daughter and me, have been fully included into a pessach in a family in Jerusalem, if you know, what I mean. . .
she was the youngest child there. . .

Also, my daughter served a jewish family as au pair near Boston, 3 kids, all fine. She is non-religious btw. It worked very well.

But it is true, that they never forced anyone of us, although they knew, we were "playing" their game. I have some very good and longlasting jewish friends, btw, religion is no theme for us. I like the way, they don't force anything, indeed.

 

[pugtm]

Really? We, that is, my daughter and me, have been fully included into a pessach in a family in Jerusalem, if you know, what I mean. . .
she was the youngest child there. . .
Also, my daughter served a jewish family as au pair near Boston, 3 kids, all fine. She is non-religious btw. It worked very well.
But it is true, that they never forced anyone of us, although they knew, we were "playing" their game. I have some very good and longlasting jewish friends, btw, religion is no theme for us. I like the way, they don't force anything, indeed.

well you will be included if you really really want to be but unless you choose to go the whole 18 yards and convert(which is made as difficult as possible, if its a proper conversion) then we will actually teach you exactly what it means and especially its spiritual meanings.

 

[iwuvvleskaylee]

Christianity is supposed to be the same way in that respect, but as said in other posts and many can agree, many christian churches flew off their rocker. Though, for politness i won't mention who they are.