Is There Good In All Religions?

[goodlife]

There are sincere people in all religions. It is good that God sees those people and cares about them.

But sadly, religion has been used for evil ends. (2 Corinthians 4:3, 4)
News reports show some religions are even involved in terrorism, genocide, war.

How this must sadden sincere believers in God!

[Old_Geezer]

Is there not some good to be found in most things, if you look hard enough ?

[beso]

There is no good is religious belief. Religious beliefs are, by definition, unreasonable.

Unreasonable people are dangerous.

[atalanta]

I can understand why some people like to think there is a Higher Power which is on their side, and which might do them favours if appeased, but why do these Higher Powers have anything to do with morality ? I might be more likely to think a Higher Power might exist if It didn't constantly tell me to stop doing things I like doing.

[Hopkirk]

The Christian faith doesn't look too innocent when you look back at the Crusades.

[chiaroscuro]

If nobody answered goodlife's threads he just might go away :)

[naomi24]

There is good in religions that help people on a practical level. The Salvation Army is one of them. Concentrating on death and ‘saving the soul’ whilst closing your eyes to the physical pain and misery that some are suffering is of no benefit whatsoever. I should imagine that if a loving God does exist, that saddens him more than anything.

[Hopkirk]

Then I would say "there is a god after all"

[naomi24]

Hopkirk, Goodlife would probably agree with you. You see, unlike all the rest he's a 'true' Christian.

[Haggisdj]

I cannot comment on other religions but I have always thought that someone described as having 'Christian Values' is some one is kind and considerate of other peoples thoughts and tries to help those who are worse off than them; someone who tries to live a good life.

To answer your question I do believe that there is good in Christianity and I would guess that there is also good in Judaism and Islam.

[goodlife]

The Crusades of Christendom and, on the other side, the jihad of Islam are notable examples. Promoters of the Crusades have customarily referred to the Bible to support their arguments. But it is acknowledged by historians that “the view was widely prevalent in the early Church that war is an organized iniquity with which the true Church and the followers of Christ can have nothing to do with.”—Hastings’ Encyclopaedia of Religion and Ethics.

[goodlife]

//If nobody answered goodlife's threads he just might go away :) //

Good News! In this world what is good news to one is often bad news to another. And, sad to say, the expression sometimes used in jest, ‘That’s the good news; now for the bad news,’ is all too real in life.

[wildwood]

I agree that there is a variable amount of Good in all religions, with the notable exception of one, discussed here often on AB.

However, there is also Bad in all religions. If, as claimed, it is written that this god is good then all the misery on Earth proofs that this worshipped diety is a miserable murderer and extremely cruel in his plan to demand reverence. Even his devoted followers are subjected to random deadly ailments and infant loss to test their faith.

It makes more sense to realise that we are here due to the fusion of matter in the extreme atmospheric conditions on this planet at that time, and that produced proteins.

[beso]

The good in people of religion is not because of their religion but despite their religion.

[goodlife]

In Lookng for the Good in All, What is the reason for this difference in poeple, some speaking praise to God and others reproach? Some people try to make the appearance of speaking good things, but their motives are not good.
So what a good world it would be if everyone alive were truly good! No one, regardless of sex or age, would need to be afraid of being mugged, raped, or abused. Prisons would be nonexistent, and there would be no policemen, no military men. Yes, what a fine world it would be!

So beyond denial, many atheists, agnostics, and unreligious people are morally good. They are not noted for doing bad things. But is their being good in this sense good enough to please the Creator, whose very existence they reject, doubt, or choose to ignore? Obviously not.

[CrapAtCryptics]

Its not for you to judge who is good and who is bad - if you stopped reciting dogma you never know you might have an original idea for once.

[naomi24]

CrapAtCryptics, //[To Goodlife] Its not for you to judge who is good and who is bad...//

Oh it is. He's got a hotline to God. As God's chosen spokesman Goodlife knows exactly what God thinks.

[vulcan42]

good grief goodlife, isn't being good good enough for you? ;o)

[sandyRoe]

Many are well intentioned but, as w all know, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

[naomi24]

Vulcan, oh do get it right! Being good isn't good enough for God! Goodlife knows that. ;o)

[sandyRoe]

I beg to differ. Lead a good life and you'll eventually find yourself queueing at the Pearly Gates.