Debunking Religious Misconceptions
When it comes to someone else’s religion, it’s easy to assume things, especially if you don’t know much about the religion in question. With more than two thousand students here on campus, Eastside is home to many different religions and belief systems. We thought we’d highlight some of those belief systems and debunk a common misunderstanding about each one. Perhaps this can help us understand each other a bit more.
The Belief System: Christianity
The Assumption: That every Christian believes the same thing and is anti-science
The Truth: Christianity is made up of different cultures, ethnicities, traditions, and practices. And a lot of Christians actually embrace science and its exciting discoveries.
The Belief System: Islam
The Assumption: That Muslims (believers in Islam) support violence and terrorism
The Truth: 93% of Muslims don’t support extremist views on terrorism. “I don’t like telling people I’m Muslim,” says one Eastside freshman who asked to remain anonymous. “The first thing they say is ‘Aren’t they terrorists?’ and it just makes me sad.”
Whether at Eastside or in the Middle East, the vast majority of Muslims around the world are guided by the peaceful belief there is only one god named Allah and that Mohammed was his last messenger.
The Belief System: Judaism
The Assumption: That Judaism is restricted to just the Jewish race or culture
The Truth: The Jewish faith, which is one of the world’s oldest practiced religions, welcomes people from any ethnicity or background. It is not restricted to those who were born into it.
The Belief System: Hinduism, also known as Sanatana Dharma
The Assumption: That Hindus worship idols
The Truth: For Hindus, god isn’t found in idols, but in everything around us.
The Belief System: Atheism
The Assumption: That atheists hate god
The Truth: Although not a religion, atheists are united by their lack of belief in god. They don’t hate him; they just don’t believe he exists.
“I normally don’t tell people that I’m an atheist,” says one Eastside senior who asked to remain anonymous. “They always assume the craziest things like that I hate god or I worship the devil.’’
What religion or belief system do you hold to? And what misconceptions would you like to address? Let us know in the comments below.
