Tobi Allison
Sep 3, 2018 · 3 min read

Have you ever wondered? what if I was born a Muslim or a christian?
would my opinions and reservations about the other religion be as it
is now? Would I be devoted to my inherited religion as I currently am?
What happens to my ideology, sense of morality, my acknowledgement of
what is right or wrong?. How would I feel or react when I hear
opprobious remarks about my religion? These are thoughts that
occasionally reels in the mind.
Religion they say is a way of life, an organised structure that guides
its members through doctrines and conceptions about the universe,
supreme being beliefs of a supernatural force at the helm of affairs of life, humans and their interrelations. Its strongest ingredient is belief and how potent it becomes depends on ones level of devotion. There are a lot of religions in the world currently, with Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Judaism more popular in terms of members and practitioners.
Religion gives an insight on history, Spirituality, Creation, nature
and also explores the metaphysical world. Different religions have
their own beliefs and teachings about the creation of the world, about
how members ought to live and conduct themselves, and sometimes
give guidance on choice of lifestyle in terms of eating and clothing among others.
The world we live in today is characterized with different manner of
atrocious happenings, ranging from poverty, hunger, war, killings,
terrorism and so much more, leaving victims of such dejected,
traumatized, soul-emptied and left forever burdened with an enveloping
thirst for hope and liberation.
Religion provides a platform and avenue to heal such wounds, noturing
and soothing the heart, also guidance on good and evil, right and
wrong, a sense of belonging, a sense of spirituality, an assurance of
the unknown and most important something to live for.
Most people for so many reasons seek to satisfy an emptiness they feel
only religion can fill, thus immerse themselves deeply into the
doctrines of a religion and some times excessively do this, leading to
extremism and fanatical misinterpretation of the religion.
Diversity has been since the beginning of time, and has been an
important fuel in causing human conflicts and disagreements. This is
also applicable in religion as diffences in beliefs have in past and
present resulted in violent religious dissensions which has claimed
thousands of lives and most recently threatened the very existence of
humans.
Religious conflicts is a major concern for the world and its has
escalated beyond imagination due to the ghastly acts of intolerance and extremism towards innocent people.
What is more disturbing is people’s reaction towards such acts of
wickedness as it seems to be that we are no longer moved when we hear
news of fresh attacks and evil, like we have accepted it to be a part of our
world, always to be there, always to be feared.
Though religious practices are are different and their ideology
differs, there are however certain beliefs or themes that are
commonly shared by most, such as the presence of a supreme entity
which supersedes all life, also some commonly shared beliefs about an
afterlife and the existence of a heaven regardless of their views
about it.
The most important is love, even the atzecs and Mayans of whose
religious practices occasionally involved human sacrifices. Some of
their followers have claimed that such rituals is the highest degree
of love to be expressed. Also giving and rendering help is preached
across all religions, and most believe in the working principle of
givers are receivers.
Every religion tasks its followers to love each other as brothers and
provide ethical rules of behavioral interaction between themselves.
I believe in having something to believe in, I believe
every one has a right to practice whatever religion as pleased as long
as it practices are not in any way morally, physically or spiritually
against humanity, no one has a right to claim a religion more
superior, right or holier as we have only ‘God’ to judge us. I believe
in a world where humans live in harmony regardless of been a Muslim,
christian, jew etc. Most importantly, I believe in the greatest teachings
of all religions, LOVE!.

Tobi Allison

Written by

I dream in these words

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade