What I admire about (Insert belief) :)

[BetheButterfly]

This thread is about what people admire about a belief that is not their own belief system.

 

To begin, I'd like to write about what I admire about Judaism:

 

Since as young as I can remember, the historic accounts of brave David, faithful Noah, loving Ruth, valiant Queen Esther, and many more were a part of my upbringing. Although many people today might label them myths and scorn these stories told for thousands of years, that does not take away their value in my eyes.

 

Even though I'm not Jewish, I greatly respect and love the Jewish people. One of my role models, Corrie ten Boom, and her family were persecuted by the Nazis for helping rescue Jewish people. Their motive was love for God and love for the Jewish people. They considered it an honor to suffer for people who were suffering at the hands of others.

 

As Christians, it is important to love others. Now, I acknowledge and understand that many Jewish people today who believe in G-d and the Tanakh do not believe that Jesus is the Messiah. However, it is so important to recognize the rights of people to believe what they believe to be true, regardless of if that's different than what one believes personally.

 

The most horrible things about Christianity is that many Christians have not obeyed Jesus' teachings to love. Horribly, throughout the ages, many Jewish people, Muslims, and people of other beliefs have been persecuted, killed, robbed, and treated horribly by "Christians." This makes me very ashamed.

 

I think one of the reasons that there is not mutual respect and love for others is because many do not try to see the positive sides to what other people believe.

 

Concerning Judaism, there are many positive sides which are very interesting to me. The following is a list of what I admire about Judaism:

 

1. I very much admire the record, both the oral record and the written record, that the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel) have kept over thousands of years. That is amazing! I have no idea about my ancestors thousands of years ago, but it is so cool how, especially starting with Moses, the stories told by mouth for generations were written down, and this practice continued with prophets and scribes writing down history throughout the ages! Awesome!!!

 

2. I very much admire the way God has protected the children of Israel. The history of the Jewish people (nowadays considered the term for all descendants of Jacob, son of Isaac, son of Abraham) is extremely tough. I consider it a miracle of God that they have endured/survived. Tragically, they have been the victims of extreme hatred/persecution/conquests for a long time.

 

3. I admire the festivals/holidays/observations they have. There is a lot of thought and special times put into the Jewish festivals. There are many symbolic foods and meanings to different things they do.

 

4. I admire the desire to have a certain diet and do things a certain way for God's glory. Even though I don't share the same dietary customs, it is remarkable the faithfulness some Jewish people have towards specific areas of life.

 

5. I admire the belief concerning Heaven not being only for the people who believe/do what they do. This is hard for me to understand, but it is very interesting to me how hell/heaven is not very clear in the Tanakh, and it is very interesting how many Jewish people who believe in G-d think about those who believe differently than they do. They don't naturally condemn them to hell.

 

6. I admire the lack of trying to convert people to Judaism, or Jewish Orthodox beliefs. This is very different than Christian beliefs, because one of the things Jesus says is to "make disciples" for him. Even though this is very different than my own belief, it makes sense because of #5.

 

7. I admire the hard work and desire to succeed many Jewish people have, no matter if people make fun of their beliefs or not. There are many Jewish people who do not try to argue with people who believe differently than they do. They just focus on their families/friends/loved ones, and their relationship with G-d. I have 1 friend who is Jewish Orthodox, who is very sweet and kind. She happily answer my questions. Another friend is a man from Russia, whose belief is Reform Judaism. He also answers questions. It does impact me how they are fine with Christians, as long as nobody is trying to hurt them. They believe what they believe, and they respect what others believe, even though they don't believe the same. I really admire that. I also very much admire how they help the poor and bless their families.

 

So, what is something you admire about a belief system that is not what you personally believe? Thanks

Edited June 25, 2012 by BetheButterfly

[BetheButterfly]

I guess I am the only one on the forum who likes to publicly admire what others believe, but anyways...

 

What I admire about Hinduism:

 

I have some wonderful friends who are Hindus. They are very sweet, nice people who are very fun! I have watched Bollywood movies with them and greatly enjoy eating at their houses!!! I love the vegetarian curry they make!!! So delicious!!!

 

Below is what I admire about their beliefs:

 

1. I admire their love for song, music, dance, flowers, spices, and beauty! Their prayers and weddings are very special occasions which are very colorful and interesting! Their songs are lively and beautiful, and very exotic to me.

 

2. I admire their idea that many beliefs are ways to bliss. Even though I don't agree with this, it does make it so easy to enjoy being friends with Hindus I know personally, because they have no desire to attack what I believe. When we talk, they say, "Oh yes I believe in Jesus too... he is like Krishna..." and even though I don't agree with that, I can't help but adore how they have no desire to change what I believe, nor do they have the desire to believe what I do. Their mentality is basically, "It's all good. Let's be friends!" I love that because it makes for a wonderful friendship with people who believe differently.

 

3. I LOVE Gandhi. Sadly, a person from another sect of Hindusim killed Gandhi, who is claimed by many Hindus of today as being a Hindu as well.

Below are some quotes by Gandhi concerning Hinduism, all religions, and Christianity:(I boldened some I particularly liked.)

 

Mohandas Gandhi / hinduism quotes

 

"Yes I am, I am also a Muslim, a Christian, a Buddhist, and a Jew. When asked if he was a Hindu.

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I came to the conclusion long ago … that all religions were true and also that all had some error in them, and whilst I hold by my own, I should hold others as dear as Hinduism. So we can only pray, if we are Hindus, not that a Christian should become a Hindu … But our innermost prayer should be a Hindu should be a better Hindu, a Muslim a better Muslim, a Christian a better Christian.

Young India

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I am a Hindu because it is Hinduism which makes the world worth living. I am a Hindu hence I Love not only human beings, but all living beings.

 

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Hinduism has made marvelous discoveries in things of religion, of the spirit, of the soul. We have no eye for these great and fine discoveries. We are dazzled by the material progress that Western science has made. Ancient India has survived because Hinduism was not developed along material but spiritual lines.

 

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Hinduism insists on the brotherhood of not only all mankind but of all that lives.

 

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Hinduism is a living organism liable to growth and decay subject to the laws of Nature. One and indivisible at the root, it has grown into a vast tree with innumerable branches. The changes in the season affect it. It has its autumn and its summer, its winter and its spring. It is, and is not, based on scriptures. It does not derive its authority from one book. Non violence has found the highest expression and application in Hinduism.

 

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My whole soul rebels against the idea that Hinduism and Islam represent two antagonistic cultures and doctrines. To assent to such a doctrine is for me a denial of God.

 

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Hinduism is a relentless pursuit of Truth. Truth is God and if today it has become moribund, inactive, irresponsive to growth, it is because we are fatigued; and as soon as the fatigue is over, Hinduism will burst upon the world with a brilliance perhaps unknown before.

 

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I am unable to identify with orthodox Christianity. I must tell you in all humility that Hinduism, as I know it, entirely satisfies my soul, fills my whole being, and I find solace in the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads that I miss even in the Sermon on the Mount....I must confess to you that when doubts haunt me, when disappointments stare me in the face, and when I see not one ray of light on the horizon I turn to the Bhagavad Gita, and find a verse to comfort me; and I immediately begin to smile in the midst of overwhelming sorrow. My life has been full of external tragedies and if they have not left any visible and indelible effect on me, I owe it to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.

 

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I have no other wish in this world but to find light and joy and peace through Hinduism."

 

4. I dated a Hindu man for a time, and one of the things that I absolutely adored about him is his love for animals, and his desire to protect animals. Although there are people of many beliefs who love and care for animals, I was particularly touched by his passionate goal in this, because he did contribute it to his beliefs.

 

5. I think it is interesting the idea of reincarnation, though I don't believe people reincarnate. However, the idea of life after death is one which can be similar, I guess, to the idea of reincarnation.

 

6. Many Hindus are very family oriented. I like this, since I am too.

 

7. Many Hindus are peace-loving people who do not want to hurt people, yet at the same time, enjoy martial arts as both a sport, art in motion, and a way to defend oneself. The Hindu guy I dated was very much into martial arts.

 

Anyways, I think it is important to admire the positive sides to different beliefs. It helps with understanding. Because of wonderful Hindu friends, I respect their beliefs and their right to believe what they believe is true. Even though I don't agree with many of their beliefs, it makes me so happy and honored for their friendship!

[Els]

I would love to participate, as I do admire a lot of things about others. Those things aren't usually related to their spiritual or religious beliefs though, so it wouldn't be relevant if I were to post them.

[BetheButterfly]

I would love to participate, as I do admire a lot of things about others. Those things aren't usually related to their spiritual or religious beliefs though, so it wouldn't be relevant if I were to post them.

 

Oh please do!

 

I don't know exactly how much the beauty in the Indian culture, including the salwar kameezes and the flowers and the spices and the dancing and the songs and all of that have to do with Hinduism or Buddhism or other beliefs, but I do know for the Hindus I know, they are all tied in somehow to their beliefs.

 

There is beauty and positive sides to many spiritual beliefs, and some may not be related specifically or not... I don't know, but because the people who are of a certain belief consider them to be important too, that is cool to me.

[denise_xo]

Rather than 'admire', I think a more appropriate verb for me would be 'inspired by'. I don't have a religious label myself, but I think something can be learned from most religious traditions. Both Buddhism and Islam/Sufism have inspired me to explore two things that I think are very important in a 'spiritual' context: the difference between 'is' and 'ought', and the difference between superficial, ritual practice and what I would term as deeper and more honest engagement with spiritual ideas. It's not that I think those ideas can't be found elsewhere, but for me personally those traditions of thought have been very useful to explore those distinctions.

[Els]

Well, I admire specific people, based on what they have done or are doing, and their beliefs just happen to be part of their lives that perhaps enriched or touched them in some way. An example would be Mahatma Ghandi, a peaceful fighter for human and social rights, a mover of mankind, who was inspired by his Hindu upbringing. Another would be C.S.Lewis, the Christian apologist whose writing I admire greatly - he has the skill with a pen and words that I could only dream of having. Mother Theresa, the Catholic nun who gave her life to aid the poor in India. Just off the top of my head.

[BetheButterfly]

Well, I admire specific people, based on what they have done or are doing, and their beliefs just happen to be part of their lives that perhaps enriched or touched them in some way. An example would be Mahatma Ghandi, a peaceful fighter for human and social rights, a mover of mankind, who was inspired by his Hindu upbringing. Another would be C.S.Lewis, the Christian apologist whose writing I admire greatly - he has the skill with a pen and words that I could only dream of having. Mother Theresa, the Catholic nun who gave her life to aid the poor in India. Just off the top of my head.

 

Oh I understand! So it's more specific people who have made a positive difference in the world, that you admire for their convictions/actions, not so much their belief, yeah?

 

I agree. Even though I disagree with many things Mahatma Ghandi thought concerning my personal belief, I greatly admire and respect him and have learned a lot from his amazing life!!! That is the same with Mother Theresa, who I consider a wonderful, amazing lady, even though I'm not a Catholic. I agree with you!

 

Some Muslim ladies I very much admire are those who are standing up for human rights. There was a documentary I watched about Muslim ladies in Afghanistan who were helping people. I don't remember their names, but I could look them up.

 

Thanks for sharing.

[BetheButterfly]

Rather than 'admire', I think a more appropriate verb for me would be 'inspired by'. I don't have a religious label myself, but I think something can be learned from most religious traditions. Both Buddhism and Islam/Sufism have inspired me to explore two things that I think are very important in a 'spiritual' context: the difference between 'is' and 'ought', and the difference between superficial, ritual practice and what I would term as deeper and more honest engagement with spiritual ideas. It's not that I think those ideas can't be found elsewhere, but for me personally those traditions of thought have been very useful to explore those distinctions.

 

Good points. Very thought-provoking. I personally have not studied either Buddhism or Sufism, though I have studied Sunni and Shia Islam. I will write later about what I admire about Islam.

Edited June 27, 2012 by BetheButterfly

[BetheButterfly]

What I admire about Islam:

 

When I studied in Chicago, I had many Muslim friends, mainly from India. They are very caring people who invited me to the Eid Ramadan festival and to their houses a lot. Knowing them inspired me to study about what they believed. Below is what I admire about Islam, due to my Muslim friends and my study concerning what they believe.

 

1. I admire their faith in the One and Only God. As a Christian, I believe in the One and Only God too, though we have had many discussions, my Muslim friends and me, concerning the Trinity concept of God. Even though I explain that God being Triune is like 1 human = spirit, soul, and body, the idea of the Trinity is not something they believe at all. My Muslim friends and I, however, agree to disagree. It touches me that they call me "Sister" even though we have many beliefs that are different.

 

2. The family is very important to many Muslims, especially the ones I know personally. Honoring one's parents and striving to take care of them is very important to them. I identify with this because family is important to me too.

 

3. Their discipline in praying 5 times a day is very admirable to me. They have inspired me to pray more, actually, especially those who are faithful to their prayer times.

 

4. The unity that many share is a big deal to them, and can be seen in doing the same thing as they pray, as well as in their pilgrimage to Mecca. This gives them joy and a sense of brotherhood which sad to say is oftentimes not found in some Christian circles of today.

 

5. Modesty is very important to them. Before I got to know Muslim ladies as friends, I thought they were all forced to being modest. However, when I got to know some, I could see that they wanted to be modest because they believe it is a part of pleasing God. Now, not all Muslims believe the same as to what modesty is. My idea of modesty is not considered modest to most Muslims. When I would go to their houses and there were guys there too, they would be wearing salwar kameezes with scarfs on their head, and they would ask me to put one on too. I did out of respect for their beliefs, and I like that these Muslim ladies did dress beautifully (salwar kameezes are beautiful) though modest.

 

6. Sexual purity is also very important to many Muslims, which I agree with because of my beliefs. For the Muslim ladies i knew, being a virgin was important, and they dreamed of the day when they would marry a wonderful man (this was their dream, which I shared too)

 

7. Giving to the poor and those in need is one of the 5 pillars of Islam, and some Muslims, including my friends, take that very seriously. Many of the Muslim ladies I greatly admire, both those I know and those I have only heard about through documentaries, help the poor and those in need.

 

Even though there are many things I do not believe which they believe, I do admire my Muslim friends. I think it's important to agree to disagree, and to respect every person's right to believe what they believe is true. We do have discussions about the differences of our beliefs, but that is because we are interested in religious discussion. Mutual respect is very important in religious discussion, and I am grateful for their respecting my belief. Some have told me that they are praying for me to "revert", which I appreciate. Even though I believe Christian beliefs are true, I understand that their caring hearts, out of concern for my eternal welfare, want me to believe what they believe. However, I believe what I believe is true. I am glad though for freedom of religion, and for good friends of other beliefs!

[denise_xo]

3. Their discipline in praying 5 times a day is very admirable to me.

 

I think the Muslim prayer is very intelligent. Whoever came up with that was pretty smart.

 

I often use a Muslim prayer reminder to help me meditate throughout the day.

[mercy]

I am a Christian. It is my path. I crave the word of God.

 

But Sufism & Buddhism speaks to my soul in the same way that God does. Though the three are very different, they each in their own way lead me to God. Christ is my center, the other two surround me.

 

Zen meditation frees my spirit, opens me up to learn.

[BetheButterfly]

I am a Christian. It is my path. I crave the word of God.

 

But Sufism & Buddhism speaks to my soul in the same way that God does. Though the three are very different, they each in their own way lead me to God. Christ is my center, the other two surround me.

 

Zen meditation frees my spirit, opens me up to learn.

 

That's cool. Thanks for sharing!

[BetheButterfly]

What I admire about Atheism:

 

Now, some people say Atheism is not a belief, and I understand that. It is basically being against or void of a belief in God or the supernatural. However, I do have some friends who are Atheists, and they are very interesting, funny, and kind people. I do not tend to make friends very well with people who are mean to others, but there are indeed Atheists who are not mean to Theists, and who consider Theists to be equals (instead of inferior for whatever reason) and respect peoples' beliefs in God. The following are what I admire about them!

 

1. I admire their objectivity when people of different beliefs in God or gods argue about who is right. One of my friends is so hilarious!!! He considers interfaith discussions, particularly between Christians and Muslims, to be like a ping-pong game, and a much more interesting one at that. He is sarcastic in a fun way, but not hostile or rude in his sarcasm.

 

2. I admire their emphasis on science. Sadly, for many years, Christian leaders were against exploration and the study of nature. Christians such as Galileo, Nicholas Copernicus, Sir Francis Bacon, and others however opened the doors of predominately Christian-dominated countries to grow in the study of the earth! Science is indeed a blessing, and I for one am grateful for the scientific method and the wonderful discoveries and inventions of people both in the past till today to the future!

 

3. I admire their tolerance for people who do believe in God. Even though sadly, like in every belief in God or gods, there are people who are intolerant and are bigoted against people, so there are Atheists who are intolerant as well. However, many Atheists agree to disagree with Theists and enjoy having friendships and good relationships with Theists, considering them to be people too who are worthy of mutual respect.

 

4. I admire the calmness and peaceful nature of my Atheist friends. They are not out to conquer the world and make everybody an Atheist. On the contrary, they encourage diversity and understand the importance of freedom of religion. Many are also against wars and invasions, which is very important to me as well, based on Jesus' teachings.

 

5. I admire their critical thinking. Many Atheists, both those who I know personally and trust, and those who I don't know at all, including a few on this forum, are wonderful at asking profound and good questions, which helps me study and learn more about my belief. I love that!!!

 

6. I admire their morality. Although a few of my Atheist friends do not share morals important to me, a few do. It is really cool to me when Atheists do share morals that are important to me, even though they don't believe what I believe.

 

7. I admire many Atheists' helping the poor and those in need. I LOVE Angelina Jolie for this!!! She is an awesome inspiration in her adopting kids who need a loving family, and in helping those in other countries who are in need. Now, I don't believe Atheists do this for nothing. I do believe that the rewards of "giving back" and helping those in need give people a wonderful feeling in helping others, as well as give them a higher purpose in life than just themselves. It is wonderful to help others, and I admire and respect Atheists who do so, and there are many who do!

[thatone]

catholics have very nice artwork and buildings (seriously). everything i disagree with them about is accurate in my opinion, but as a reader specifically, literature owes its beginnings to religious texts, and the elaborate architecture and artwork that was accomplished for the church specifically in the renaissance is still very impressive.

[BetheButterfly]

What I admire about Agnostics...

 

1. I personally think they are the most objective, whereas Theists (like me) are very subjective towards God, based on their (my) personal experience and/or other peoples' experience, and Atheists are very biased against God, based on their personal experience and/or other peoples' experience. Agnostics are in the middle and are much more objective instead of subjective.

 

2. Many Agnostics understand that science, which depends on the scientific method of observation and manipulation/experimentation, does not prove or disprove the existence of a Being that is not physical. Just like how one cannot use a microscope in order to study the stars, so many Agnostics understand that science is not the all in all in regards to studying the spiritual.

 

3. A famous Agnostic is Charles Darwin. Even though I don't agree with all he thought, I do respect his viewpoint and have learned from him. He understood that people who believe in God can most definitely believe that evolution is a vital part of Creation. Below are some quotes of his that I like and appreciate:

 

The mystery of the beginning of all things is insoluble by us; and I for one must be content to remain an agnostic.

Charles Darwin

Read more at

Charles Darwin Quotes - BrainyQuote

 

 

“The question of whether there exists a Creator and Ruler of the Universe has been answered in the affirmative by some of the highest intellects that have ever existed.”

― Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin Quotes (Author of The Origin of Species)

 

“There is grandeur in this view of life, with its several powers, having been originally breathed into a few forms or into one; and that, whilst this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved.”

― Charles Darwin, The Origin of Species

The Origin of Species Quotes By Charles Darwin

(Isn't that beautiful? This quote takes my breath away!!!)

 

4. A science professor (who I very much admire) at my university is agnostic. He is a firm believer that science is not a study of God, but rather a study of the physical realm. He acknowledges that we (humankind) are still learning and have limitless more to learn about life. We don't know everything yet!

 

5. Some Agnostics understand that history, including the origin of life on earth, is difficult to prove when evidence has been destroyed. For example, many of us do not know much about our forefathers who lived centuries or thousands of years ago. Because of this, it is very difficult to confirm if written histories that have survived (like the Tanakh for example) are 100% accurate, since we cannot (yet?) go back in time to prove or disprove written accounts as being factual.

 

Now, there have been fairly recent discoveries that do provide evidence in certain areas. For instance, skeptics believed that a group of people called the "Hittites" never existed. However, archeologists have discovered that they did.

Hittite

Hittites - Archaeology and History of the Hittite Empire

 

6. Many Agnostics are very polite, kind, and caring people who prefer people to have freedom to believe or disbelieve in whatever they want, as long as noone gets hurt. I adhere to this point of view because freedom of religion (which includes not believing in any spiritual belief) is an important ingredient to peace and to appreciating each other and living in harmony!

 

7. Many Agnostics tend to talk about things that are less controversial/antagonistic and more about matters that people of all faiths/no faiths can agree, such as the need to help the poor, to be kind to each other, to make the world a better and more peaceful place. They don't see the need to go on and on arguing with other people or being bitter/angry about what other people believe or don't believe. That is something we could all learn, both Theists and Atheists! :bunny:

Edited December 8, 2012 by BetheButterfly

[BetheButterfly]

What I admire about Buddhism:

 

I didn't know hardly anything about Buddhism until writing Zengirl and TaraMaiden on this forum:love:. They have taught me a lot about Buddhism, as well as giving me links that are great in teaching myself more about this amazing worldview!

 

1. Tranquility is a lovely concept that it seems many Buddhists hold dear. I love the following: Zen Garden - Tranquility, Meditation & Relaxation - 30 Minutes of Transcendental Bliss - YouTube and the importance of natural beauty and peace.

 

2. Even though there are different trains of thought in Buddhism, it seems that they are not arguing with each other, but rather agree to disagree and follow what they themselves adhere to.

 

3. Meditation is very important for many Buddhists, and I think meditation is great for people of all beliefs, to meditate on what inspires them!

 

4. Yoga and physical exercises that many Buddhists do are great for the body (as well as for the soul)!

 

5. I appreciate Buddhism's desire to not merely be controlled one's own shell but rather to learn. I greatly enjoy reading Buddhist ideas and thinking about them. Many of them I agree with in a way, which is really cool!

 

6. Although some Buddhists (like in Tibet) are being persecuted many are faithful to their worldview.

 

Their persistence is reaping favorable outcomes!

Communist Chinese Government Now Sees Benefit To Religion - YouTube

 

7. I like how some of Buddhism is very similar to what Jesus taught.

 

I love the emphasis on love!!!

[TaraMaiden]

It's not so much the beliefs which float my boat, but certain followers of those beliefs, and how they Adhere to The Good Word, implementing their practice skilfully, with profound wisdom and love.

 

Most Theistic religions nowadays have acquired a degree of poor reputation, and we can all think of aspects of those beliefs we disagree with, condemn and flat-out deny.

 

However, some people, who strive to represent those beliefs in their best light, have admirable qualities one would find it hard to argue against, belittle or vilify.

 

It's not the 'belief' I uphold; it's the believers who personify the sheer goodness within.

 

And they know who they are.....

[TaraMaiden]

Originally Posted by Topicisonme

I am saying is that Christianity was created through financial means.

 

What maybe be true to me could not be true for you.

 

Topicisonme, that wasn't the question.

 

No part of it hinges on how/why Christianity was created, or whether it is true or not.

 

The subject matter actually doesn't specify a belief, whether it is Theistic or not.

 

Please don't muddy the waters.

 

 

Which belief system has qualities you admire, what are they, and why in your opinion, are they admirable?

[TaraMaiden]

Er...Wrong.

Have you heard of Buddhism....?

[TaraMaiden]

Oh ha ha.

 

Not my place.

But you could start here and here, if you're really interested.

if not, feel free to disregard.

 

I'll be sure to not get in your way.