Similarities In Religions

Hello!

The one thing that I have found most interesting about what we have learned so far in this class is that there are some odd similarities in them and in christianity. Seeing similarities within religions makes me think about their origins and how maybe they are all actually connected in some way or another.

Birth. When we touched on the subject of the Buddha's birth my mind immediately returned to stories of Jesus' conception and birth. The Buddha was said to have not been conceived the "traditional" way, sex, and so was Jesus (he was born of a "virgin"). Also, the Buddha was said to have been born out of the side of his mother. The fact that these two stories are similar made me think about the idea that maybe the stories and holy books of some religions are really just different versions of other holy books and religions that were changed over time and travel. Then there's the whole, muslims acknowledge previous prophets and that the one God they believe in is the same as the one that christians and jews believe in. What I wonder then is why there is so much animosity and hate between all of these religions when it comes down to it, they worship the same God.

Overall it surprised me how much christians and muslims really have in common. From all that I have heard/read in my life, I always pictured Islam as a very disciplined and strict religion based on law. While that may be true in some respects, I have never before been educated about the "softer" side of Islam that is truly similar to christianity in the sense of they way you should treat others, treat the "one" God, and believe. I wish more Americans were better educated about islam because it is a lot different from what I though it was.