Editor: It happened over 15 years ago, but I can still remember the man, a preacher, speaking with a woman. He said: “Even though we have different religious beliefs, we can still talk with each other and be friendly. There is no need to be against or hate each other!” The woman, at the time, was a nurse’s aide, checking the blood pressure of the preacher, sitting on steps. She agreed with what the preacher said. The preacher’s statement tells us that we really need to learn to respect the religious beliefs of others, even though we may disagree with them. If a religion has a belief that we find strange, what is it best to do? Acts 28:22 indicates a wise and sensible answer. It states: “But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that everywhere it is spoken against.” These inquirers went to the source, the Christian apostle Paul, to find out about the Christians. They did not go to non-Christians, who may have been prejudiced against the Christians and give false information. Often today, people tend to accept what they hear from biased, prejudiced persons about a religion, they do not like. They swallow it and repeat false, misleading information about that religion, in some cases even using indecent language against that religion. How senseless! Ephesians 4:29; 2 Peter 2:7. It is often said that there are two sides to a story. Many accept one side, based on family ties, friendship, or their own dislike for the religion. Much better it is to go to the source, the members of the religion under consideration, to get the TRUTH of a matter and why they believe such. As you listen, respect the religion’s beliefs, even if you disagree. Matthew 22:39. Be sensible! Walk the road of civilization and maintain peace!

Religious Beliefs!