Monotheism vs Polytheism

Submitted by Indian (United States), May 17, 2007 at 03:59

I think the problem with Jerusalemistic (born out of Jeruselam) religions is that they are severely monotheistic, with Islam being its most extreme form. The concept of one God is the seed of intolerance. If you believe that there is only one true God and that God belongs to your religion, then automatically you start believing that people following other religions are worshiping false Gods and this feeling slowly turns into animosity and hatred.

Jews and Christanity are as monotheistic as Islam but these two religions have undergone renaissance and they have separated religion from state,thats why they are not as intolerant as Islam.. I have enough muslim friends in India to realize the effect this religion has on their minds and temperament. As compared to Abrahamistic religions,religions of the east (Hinduism,Buddhism etc) have always believed in 'Sarva Dharma Sambhava' meaning that 'God is one but each person can follow his own path to reach the truth and every religion can co-exist'.

I am not in any way emphasising the superiority of eastern religions but what I am saying is that polytheism brings more tolerance. Personally I feel that Buddhism is far far ahead in moral superiority over any other religion. The concept of Ahimsa(non-violence) and love (even towards animals) were proposed by Buddha for the first time in human history. Thanks a lot, Indian

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