宗教是为这个世界上的正常人预备的。在全球范围内的各个国家，除了极权组织外，人们的宗教形式虽然不同，但在社会行为上往往会产生相同的结果，而这背后一定有共同的指导思想。换句话说，尽管不同的宗教信仰塑造了不同的世界观，但当信仰者在现实生活中做出类似的道德行为（如行善、诚信、宽恕、追求公正）时，背后支撑他们的核心宗教理念可能存在某种共通性。

    从这个角度来看，我们可以总结几种主要宗教，儒释道（虽然说儒家和道家不是严格意义上的宗教，但因人数众多也权且算吧）、基督教和伊斯兰教在信仰形式、仪式、神学概念上存在差异，但在实际的社会行为层面上，它们都引导人们：行善助人（慈悲）、诚信正直（信义）、宽恕包容（忍耐）、追求公平（公正）、超越现实（灵性追求）等等，这些共同的指导思想表明，各大宗教的核心价值观在促进社会和谐、个体成长和道德提升方面，起到了殊途同归的作用。它们的核心教义在本质上存在以下共通点：

1. 宇宙有某种终极秩序，人应遵循之（天道、因果、道、上帝、真主）。
2. 人类本性有缺陷，需要修正或救赎（修身、修行、顺服律法、信仰救赎）。
3. 道德的最高标准是爱、公正与自律。
4. 人生苦难有意义，人应以不同方式面对（责任、放下、信靠神、顺服神）。
5. 人生的终极目标不是世俗的成功，而是超越现世（圣贤、解脱、合道、天堂）。

    换句话说，无论信仰什么，最终的目标都是：活得更有意义（在现实中）、活得更自由（在精神上）、超越有限的生命（在终极追求上），这就是宗教教义背后的“殊路同归”之处，也是为什么尽管信仰不同，许多宗教信仰者却能做出类似的社会道德行为。

    下面内容有两部分，一是按照宗教分别列出它的核心教义，并找出其他宗教中对等的表达方式；二是探讨“众教合一”的可能性。

第一部分：不同教义在其他宗教中的表达形式举例

一、儒家核心教义及其在其他宗教中的对应说法

1. 修身齐家治国平天下（个人修养影响社会）

• 儒家：认为“修身”是实现社会秩序的根本，个人道德提升才能影响家庭、国家和天下。
• 佛教：提倡“自净其意”，通过修行让自己成圣，而菩萨修行强调“自度度人”，先修己再影响众生。
• 道教：讲求“修炼自身”，达到“得道”境界，之后再帮助众生，如道家圣人“无为而治”，影响社会。
• 基督教：强调“属灵生命成长”，一个基督徒通过信仰耶稣改变自己，然后通过“爱邻舍”影响世界。
• 伊斯兰教：提倡“净化自身”（Tazkiyah），人要通过信仰清除私欲，然后才能成为社会的榜样。

    不同表述，但相同效果：认为“个人修养”是社会和谐的前提。

2. 仁（爱人）

• 儒家：仁是儒家最高道德原则，孔子说：“己欲立而立人，己欲达而达人。”（《论语》）
• 佛教：慈悲是核心，菩萨精神讲求“无缘大慈，同体大悲”。
• 道教：主张“上善若水”，圣人“厚德载物”，柔和待人。
• 基督教：耶稣的“爱人如己”是新约的核心命令。
• 伊斯兰教：强调“Rahma”（仁慈），真主被称为“至仁至慈者”。

    不同表述，但相同效果：都认为“爱”是最高行为准则。

3. 义（公正与责任）

• 儒家：义指合乎道德和社会责任，孟子说：“舍生取义。”
• 佛教：因果报应体系确保公正，正义最终会得到体现（“业报不爽”）。
• 道教：天道自然平衡，恶有恶报，正义必然实现。
• 基督教：上帝是“公义的神”，最终审判确保正义得以伸张。
• 伊斯兰教：真主也是“公正的”，在末日审判中所有人都要接受公义的审判。

    不同表述，但相同效果：认为宇宙或神圣力量保证公正存在。

二、佛教核心教义及其在其他宗教中的对应说法

1. 轮回与因果

• 佛教：业力决定轮回，人的行为决定未来命运（“善有善报，恶有恶报”）。
• 儒家：孟子提倡“积善之家，必有余庆；积不善之家，必有余殃”，虽然没有轮回概念，但强调因果报应。
• 道教：类似因果的思想是“道法自然”，认为道德行为会影响福报和命运。
• 基督教：没有轮回观念，但强调“种什么，收什么”（加拉太书 6:7），人的行为会影响最终的灵魂归宿。
• 伊斯兰教：类似因果的是“Qadr”（命定），人的行为决定末日审判后的命运，但不主张轮回。

    不同表述，但相同效果：人的行为决定最终命运。

2. 苦谛（人生是苦的）

• 佛教：认为“生老病死”皆苦，解决方法是消除贪嗔痴，最终涅槃。
• 儒家：人生有诸多挑战，但君子要“知其不可而为之”，即使生活艰难，也要坚守道义。
• 道教：认为苦源于违背“道”，回归“道”自然无苦。
• 基督教：认为苦难是信仰的试炼，耶稣自己受苦，基督徒在世也要忍耐。
• 伊斯兰教：人生的苦难是对信仰的考验，信徒要坚忍（Sabr），最终会得到真主的奖赏。

    不同表述，但相同效果：人生苦难是必然的，但人可以通过某种方式超越它。

三、道教核心教义及其在其他宗教中的对应说法

1. 无为（顺应自然）

• 道教：主张“无为而治”，顺其自然，不刻意强求。
• 儒家：虽然强调“人为努力”，但也承认“天命”，人要顺应时势。
• 佛教：讲求“放下执着”，修行者不应执迷于世俗成就。
• 基督教：耶稣讲“不要为明天忧虑”（马太福音 6:34），强调信靠神。
• 伊斯兰教：提倡“顺服真主”（Islam 本意即“顺服”），不违背神的安排。

    不同表述，但相同效果：强调顺势而行，不要执着于个人控制。

四、基督教核心教义及其在其他宗教中的对应说法

1. 信靠神（信心）

• 基督教：相信耶稣是救主，信靠神就能得永生。
• 儒家：强调“天命”，君子应当敬畏天。
• 佛教：信仰三宝（佛、法、僧），通过信仰获得觉悟。
• 道教：信仰“道”，道是宇宙的终极本源。
• 伊斯兰教：信仰安拉，只有完全顺服才能获得真正的平安。

    不同表述，但相同效果：信仰某种超越性的存在，给予人生指引。

五、伊斯兰教核心教义及其在其他宗教中的对应说法

1. 服从神的律法

• 伊斯兰教：穆斯林必须遵守《古兰经》和圣训的律法。
• 基督教：旧约律法要求严格遵守十诫，新约强调“因信称义”但仍需遵行神的道。
• 儒家：强调礼法，服从道德秩序和社会规范。
• 佛教：遵守戒律，如五戒（不杀生、不偷盗、不邪淫、不妄语、不饮酒）。
• 道教：修道者需守戒，如清静无为、清修斋戒。

    不同表述，但相同效果：个人应遵循神圣律法或道德规范，以获得正道。

    上面的举例只是各宗教形式中的很小一部分内容，在此只是选取了几点共同之处，从这些很小的视角去看不同宗教的教义，虽然在表达方式上不同，但它们的最终效果是类似的：

1. 超越自我修养（儒家修身、佛教涅槃、基督教信心、伊斯兰顺服、道教无为）
2. 人应当爱人（儒家仁、佛教慈悲、道教上善、基督教博爱、伊斯兰仁慈）
3. 行为决定命运（佛教因果、基督教审判、伊斯兰Qadr、儒家积善、道教天道）
4. 顺服超越性存在（儒家天命、佛教佛法、道教道、基督教神、伊斯兰真主）

    所以，虽“言殊”，但“理同”，不同宗教都在指向类似的终极目标。

第二部分：“众教合一”：在人类信仰的多样性中找到共同的光

    从近3000多年的历史发展历程来看，宗教时刻伴随着人类的政治、经济及日常生活，也恰如人类的语言不同，宗教的不同以及与政治和生活的结合也造成了国家之间、民族之间和人与人之间的诸多不便和误会。人类追求天下和谐共处的前提必然需要如语言翻译一般去理解彼此的宗教信仰及其与政治经济的关系，“众教合一”的理想是可能实现的，这样的理念鼓励人们放下偏见积极悔改和平相处。或者，人们为了利益和生存不得不将顾及双方的宗教信仰。

    因为在人类文明的漫长历史中，宗教作为信仰体系，不仅塑造了个人的道德观，也深刻影响了社会结构。然而，正如语言的多样性曾带来误解，宗教的不同也造成了冲突，甚至成为社会分裂、战争与压迫的根源。但回顾各大宗教的核心教义，我们会发现，它们无一不在倡导仁爱、公正、宽恕、和平与超越。如果我们能放下偏见，远离政教合一的桎梏，在相互尊重中寻找共识，那么“众教合一”并非不可能的理想，而是通往和平与理解的现实道路。

一、宗教冲突的根源：误解、权力和排他性

    尽管各大宗教在本质上倡导爱与和平，但历史上宗教冲突却屡见不鲜。导致冲突的原因并非信仰本身，而是人性的弱点、政治的操纵以及对宗教的曲解。以下是几个主要原因：

1. 误解与无知：对他者信仰的误读

    许多宗教冲突的根源是人们对其他信仰的无知。由于缺乏了解，人们往往根据偏见或片面的信息来判断异教，甚至夸大差异，制造对立。

• 十字军东征（11-13世纪）：基督徒误解穆斯林为“异端”，而穆斯林则视基督徒为“侵略者”，导致持续数百年的战争。然而，在这场冲突中，双方也有和平共处的时期，甚至在文化、学术上彼此交流。
• 印度教与伊斯兰教的冲突（中世纪至今）：在印度，穆斯林和印度教徒因文化和宗教误解而产生对立，导致持续的民族冲突。但实际上，印度的苏菲派伊斯兰教和印度教的婆罗门传统在历史上曾有许多共鸣，例如对冥想和灵修的重视。

    如何化解？真正的信仰者应当主动了解其他宗教，而不是依赖道听途说或刻板印象。对话与教育是化解误解的关键。

2. 权力斗争：政教合一导致的压迫

    当宗教与政治权力结合，宗教就不再是个人灵魂的归依，而成为统治工具，导致政教合一的国家往往充满专制、迫害和压迫。

• 欧洲中世纪的宗教裁判所：天主教会与封建权力结合，打压异见者，甚至处死“异端”科学家，如布鲁诺被烧死、伽利略受审。
• 伊朗伊斯兰革命（1979年）：霍梅尼建立了政教合一的政权，限制女性自由、打压宗教少数群体，使伊朗从世俗化的现代国家变成极端保守的伊斯兰共和国。
• 中国历史上的“崇儒抑佛”政策：唐武宗灭佛（845年）时，佛教徒被驱逐，寺庙被拆毁，仅因统治者认为佛教影响国家秩序。

    如何化解？真正的信仰不应成为政治工具，宗教应保持独立，让信仰者自由选择，而非被政权强行灌输。

3. 排他性信仰：当“真理”成为斗争的借口

    有些宗教团体认为只有自己掌握“唯一真理”，而其他信仰皆为“异端”或“迷信”，这种排他性导致冲突。

• 新教与天主教的冲突（16-17世纪）：马丁·路德改革后，基督教内部爆发了血腥的三十年战争，双方互相迫害，尽管两派都信仰耶稣基督。
• 缅甸罗兴亚危机（2017年）：缅甸佛教徒因极端民族主义，将穆斯林少数群体视为“外来者”，实施种族清洗。
• 以色列与巴勒斯坦冲突：犹太教和伊斯兰教信仰同一神，但因历史上的争议，双方持续冲突至今。

    如何化解？真正的信仰不应基于“排他性”，而是鼓励人们以开放的心态接受不同的灵性路径。

二、众教合一的可能：在差异中寻求共同使命

    实现“众教合一”，并不意味着让所有宗教变成一个教，而是要在相互尊重的前提下，寻找共同的使命，为世界带来和平与正义。

1. 承认信仰的多样性：正如世界有多种语言，不同信仰也是人类文化多样性的表现。要尊重这种多样性，而非试图消灭它。
2. 专注共同价值：各宗教可以在行善、社会公义、生态保护、教育、医疗等方面合作，而不是陷入教义上的争执。
3. 对话与理解：不同信仰的人应当主动学习彼此的教义，超越误解，以同理心去理解对方，而非以偏见评判。
4. 谦卑悔改：无论是哪个信仰，真正的悔改都意味着放下傲慢，承认自己并非全知，而是愿意向他人学习。

    当人类能够以这样的态度面对信仰，宗教不再是对立的壁垒，而是通向真理的不同道路。借助教育、跨宗教合作和远离政教合一的方式实现这一系列目标。即在学校课程中加入“世界宗教概论”，让学生理解不同宗教的共同点，而非灌输单一信仰；其次是鼓励各宗教可以联合举办慈善活动、和平会议，而非只在内部活动；最重要的是执政者能够倡导政教分离，保障信仰自由，不让任何一个宗教独占国家政策。这些举措依赖的是全世界各国、各民族及其执政者具备与时代同步的高瞻远瞩，放下一己私利，转而为人们谋取更大的生活空间和质量。

三、悔改自己的偏见，远离宗教狂热

    “众教合一”不仅是社会的责任，更是每个人的觉醒。我们应当反思自己是否曾经：认为自己信仰的宗教“高人一等”？片面地批评或轻视其他信仰？盲目相信宗教宣传，而不去亲自了解？所以秉持各种宗教信仰的人们都需要实践真正的悔改，就是放下这些偏见，与不同信仰者建立对话。比如人们可以主动了解其他宗教，而不是急于反驳；当人们发现一个陌生信仰和你的信仰有相似的价值观时，试着欣赏它，而不是去否定。让民众知道，无论信仰何种宗教，真正的信仰者应是传播爱的人。

    “众教合一”并非一个遥不可及的乌托邦，而是一种心态的转变，一个悔改的过程。真正的信仰者，不是攻击异教的人，而是首先反省自己：“我是否真正理解了信仰的本质？我的信仰是否让我更爱人、更谦卑、更正直？”

• 若你是儒家信徒，就当以“仁爱”待人，而非以道德优越感批评他人。
• 若你是佛教徒，就当以“慈悲”包容，而非执着于宗派之争。
• 若你是道教徒，就当以“无为”放下纷争，而非固执己见。
• 若你是基督徒，就当以“爱”宽恕，而非论断异教徒。
• 若你是穆斯林，就当以“和平”行事，而非陷入极端主义。

    当每个人都从自己做起，世界的宗教隔阂将逐渐减少，宗教将成为连接人类的桥梁，而非分裂的工具。

写在最后：让信仰成为和平之桥，而非战争之火

    不同的宗教，如同不同的语言，虽然表达方式不同，但最终都在诉说人类共同的精神追求。“放下偏见，远离政教合一”似乎是人们理想中的状态，做起来难，难就在“各执己见”，愿所有的利益方都能以悔改的心态去理解、尊重、包容彼此，让信仰真正成为和平的力量，而不是分裂的工具，这个星球岂不是更有希望吗？

Is a Unified Religious Faith Possible?

Religion is intended for normal people in this world. Around the globe, in virtually every country (except for totalitarian regimes), although religious practices differ, the moral behavior they inspire often converges—and there must be a common guiding philosophy behind that. In other words, although different religious beliefs shape different worldviews, when believers act morally in real life (for example, by doing good, being honest, practicing forgiveness, pursuing justice), the core ideas supporting their actions may indeed share some common ground.

From this perspective, we can summarize a few major religions. For example, Confucianism (even if Confucian and Taoist traditions are not strictly “religions,” they are counted here due to their vast number of followers), Christianity, and Islam differ in their forms of worship, rituals, and theological concepts. Yet on the level of social behavior they all generally guide people to: help others (compassion), act with honesty and integrity (trustworthiness), practice forgiveness and tolerance (patience), pursue fairness (justice), and seek a transcendent spirituality, among others. These shared guiding principles indicate that the core values of major religions ultimately serve a convergent purpose in fostering social harmony, individual growth, and moral uplift. Their essential doctrines commonly include the following points:

1. There is some ultimate order in the universe that people should follow (Confucian “Heaven’s Way,” the Buddhist law of causality, the Tao, God in Christianity, and Allah in Islam).
2. Human nature is flawed and must be corrected or redeemed (through personal cultivation, spiritual practice, obedience to divine law, or faith in redemption).
3. The highest moral standard is expressed through love, justice, and self-discipline.
4. Life’s sufferings have meaning and people should face them in different ways (through taking responsibility, letting go, trusting in God, or submitting to divine will).
5. The ultimate goal of life is not earthly success but transcendence of the temporal world (as seen in the pursuit of sagehood, liberation, harmony with the Way, or entry into heaven).

In other words, regardless of what one believes, the ultimate objective is to live a more meaningful life (in the here and now), to enjoy true freedom (spiritually), and to transcend the limits of finite existence (in one’s ultimate quest). This is the essence behind the apparent “convergence” of religious doctrines—and it explains why, despite differences in belief, many religious adherents end up displaying similar moral behaviors in society.

The following is divided into two parts: one is to list the core doctrines of each religion and find equivalent expressions in other religions; The second is to explore the possibility of “unity of all religions.”

Part One: Expressions of Core Teachings of Different Religions

I. Confucian Core Teachings and Their Corresponding Expressions in Other Religions

1. Self-Cultivation, Family Harmony, Governance, and World Order (Personal Cultivation Influences Society)

Confucianism: Advocates that “self-cultivation” is the foundation of social order; only by improving personal morality can one influence the family, the nation, and the world.

Buddhism: Emphasizes “purifying one’s mind,” attaining enlightenment through practice, and the Bodhisattva ideal of “self-redemption and redeeming others.”

Taoism: Teaches the practice of self-cultivation to attain the state of “attaining the Way” and then, by practicing “non-action” (wuwei), influence society.

Christianity: Stresses “spiritual growth”; a believer is transformed through faith in Jesus and then influences the world by “loving one’s neighbor.”

Islam: Promotes the idea of “Tazkiyah” (purifying the self); one must cleanse one’s desires through faith to set an example in society.

Although expressed differently, all share the idea that personal cultivation is the precondition for social harmony.

• Ren (Humaneness or Love for Others)

Confucianism: Holds Ren as the highest moral principle; Confucius teaches, “If you wish to establish yourself, help others establish themselves; if you wish to be successful, help others to succeed.” (The Analects)

Buddhism: Central teaching of compassion—the Bodhisattva spirit advocates “universal compassion and oneness with all beings.”

Taoism: Emphasizes that the “highest good is like water” that benefits all and that the sage “carries virtue that sustains all things,” acting gently toward others.

Christianity: Jesus’ commandment “love your neighbor as yourself” is the central tenet of the New Testament.

Islam: Emphasizes “Rahma” (mercy) and teaches that Allah is the “Most Merciful,” underscoring compassionate behavior.

Although expressed in various ways, all assert that love is the highest guiding norm.

• Yi (Justice or Righteousness and Responsibility)

Confucianism: Yi refers to acting in accordance with moral principles and societal responsibilities; Mencius famously states, “To risk one’s life in order to uphold righteousness.”

Buddhism: The law of karma ensures that justice will ultimately prevail—good deeds yield good results and vice versa.

Taoism: Believes that nature (the Way) is balanced; wrongdoing will naturally be repaid, ensuring that justice is ultimately achieved.

Christianity: Affirms that God is “a God of justice” and that divine judgment will ensure righteousness.

Islam: Teaches that Allah is “just” and that on the Day of Judgment all will receive their due based on their deeds.

Though their language and emphasis differ, each tradition holds that an ultimate, divine or natural justice is guaranteed.

II. Buddhist Core Teachings and Their Corresponding Expressions in Other Religions

1. Rebirth and Karma

Buddhism: Teaches that karma governs the cycle of rebirth—one’s actions determine future fate (“good begets good, evil begets evil”).

Confucianism: While lacking a concept of reincarnation, Mencius taught that “a family that accumulates virtue will have lasting blessings, whereas a family that accumulates sin will suffer misfortunes,” reflecting a sense of moral causality.

Taoism: Holds a similar notion in the idea of “Dao follows nature,” where moral actions influence one’s fortune.

Christianity: Though it does not subscribe to reincarnation, it teaches that “you reap what you sow” (Galatians 6:7) and that one’s deeds affect the destiny of one’s soul.

Islam: In a manner akin to karma, the concept of “Qadr” (divine destiny) teaches that one’s actions determine the outcome in the afterlife, though it does not advocate literal reincarnation.

Despite differences in concept, all these traditions agree that actions have ultimate consequences.

• The Reality of Suffering

Buddhism: Asserts that “birth, aging, sickness, and death” are inherently suffering and that the way to transcend suffering is to extinguish attachment and ignorance, eventually achieving Nirvana.

Confucianism: Recognizes that life presents numerous challenges, but the wise should “understand what cannot be changed and act accordingly,” upholding moral duty even in hardship.

Taoism: Argues that suffering arises from going against the natural Way, and by returning to the Way, one may naturally overcome pain.

Christianity: Understands suffering as a test of faith—as seen in the suffering of Jesus and the expectation that believers must endure trials on earth.

Islam: Teaches that life’s hardships serve as tests from Allah; believers are encouraged to exercise “Sabr” (patience) and trust that Allah’s rewards will eventually manifest.

Although each emphasizes suffering differently, they agree that hardship is inherent in life—and that there is a way to overcome or transcend it.

III. Taoist Core Teachings and Their Corresponding Expressions in Other Religions

1. Wuwei (Non-Action or Effortless Action)

Taoism: Advocates “wuwei” (non-action), meaning to act in accordance with the natural flow rather than through forced effort.

Confucianism: Although it emphasizes diligent self-improvement, it also recognizes the role of “Heaven’s mandate,” suggesting that one should sometimes follow the natural course of events.

Buddhism: Advises the relinquishment of attachment—practicing non-attachment to worldly gains.

Christianity: Jesus instructs, “Do not worry about tomorrow” (Matthew 6:34), emphasizing reliance on God’s provision instead of excessive personal striving.

Islam: Advocates “submission” (Islam means “submission”) to Allah, where one’s actions are aligned with the divine order.

Despite the differing terminology, they all suggest that the best approach is to align with a higher, natural or divine order rather than forcefully trying to control everything.

IV. Christian Core Teachings and Their Corresponding Expressions in Other Religions

1. Trust in God (Faith)

Christianity: Teaches that by believing in Jesus as Savior, one may trust in God and receive eternal life.

Confucianism: Emphasizes the concept of “Tianming” (Heaven’s mandate), whereby the superior man should revere Heaven.

Buddhism: In its own way, teaches reliance on the “Three Jewels” (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha) to achieve enlightenment.

Taoism: Involves a deep trust in the “Dao,” the ultimate source and principle of the universe.

Islam: Focuses on complete submission to Allah, with the understanding that only total surrender leads to true peace.

Although the expressions differ, they all invoke the need for faith in a transcendent power to guide one’s life.

V. Islamic Core Teachings and Their Corresponding Expressions in Other Religions

1. Obedience to Divine Law

Islam: Instructs Muslims to follow the laws of the Qur’an and Hadith rigorously.

Christianity: The Old Testament law demands strict adherence to the Ten Commandments, while the New Testament teaches “justification by faith” yet still calls for obedience to God’s ways.

Confucianism: Emphasizes adherence to ritual and social norms as a path to moral order.

Buddhism: Prescribes moral precepts (such as the Five Precepts: no killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, or intoxication).

Taoism: Encourages a way of life marked by purity, non-action, and simplicity.

Although their language may differ, all insist that individuals should follow a set of divinely or naturally ordained laws as the correct way of living.

The examples above represent only a small portion of the wide range of religious expressions. The key takeaway is that though the language may differ, the underlying principles are similar. In short, different religions all point to similar ultimate goals:

1. Transcending Self – Personal Cultivation: (Confucian self-cultivation; Buddhist Nirvana; Christian faith; Islamic submission; Taoist wuwei)
2. Loving Others: (Confucian Ren; Buddhist compassion; Taoist goodness; Christian love; Islamic mercy)
3. Actions Determine Destiny: (Buddhist karma; Christian judgment; Islamic Qadr; Confucian accumulation of virtue; Taoist natural order)
4. Submission to a Transcendent Power: (Confucian Tianming; Buddhist Dharma; Taoist Dao; Christian God; Islamic Allah)

Thus, although their words differ, they share the same essence.

Part Two: “Unity of All Religions”: Finding Common Light in the Diversity of Beliefs

Over the course of more than 3,000 years of human history, religion has consistently accompanied political, economic, and daily life. Just as different languages may cause miscommunication, the differences in religious beliefs—and their intersections with politics and everyday living—have led to many difficulties and misunderstandings between nations, ethnic groups, and individuals. For the human pursuit of global harmony, it is necessary, much like translation between languages, to understand one another’s religious faith and its relationship with politics and economics. The ideal of “unity of all religions” is achievable. Such a vision encourages people to set aside prejudice, repent, and live together in peace. In some cases, for reasons of benefit and survival, people must take into account both sides’ religious beliefs.

Throughout the long history of human civilization, religion as a system of belief has not only shaped personal moral perspectives but also profoundly influenced social structures. Yet, just as the diversity of languages once led to misunderstandings, the differences between religions have also been the root of conflicts—and even a source of social division, war, and oppression. However, a review of the core doctrines of major religions reveals that they all advocate for love, justice, forgiveness, peace, and transcendence. If we can let go of prejudice and extricate ourselves from the shackles of a state-religion nexus, and seek common ground through mutual respect, then “unity of all religions” is not an unattainable utopia but a realistic path toward peace and understanding.

I. The Roots of Religious Conflict: Misunderstanding, Power, and Exclusivity

1. Misunderstanding and Ignorance: Misreading Others’ Faiths

Many religious conflicts stem from a lack of understanding about other beliefs. Due to ignorance, people often judge other religions based on prejudice or partial information, exaggerating differences and creating oppositions.

Crusades (11th–13th centuries): Christians misread Muslims as “heretics,” while Muslims saw Christians as “invaders,” resulting in centuries of warfare. Yet even during these conflicts, there were periods of peaceful coexistence and cultural or academic exchange.

Conflicts Between Hinduism and Islam (from the Middle Ages to the present): In India, Muslims and Hindus have clashed due to cultural and religious misinterpretations, leading to ongoing ethnic conflicts. In fact, Sufi Islam in India and Brahminical Hindu traditions have historically shared many resonances—such as an emphasis on meditation and spiritual cultivation.

How can we resolve this? True believers should proactively learn about other religions rather than relying on hearsay or stereotypes. Dialogue and education are key to dispelling misunderstandings.

• Struggles for Power: The Oppression Arising from Church-State Fusion

When religion merges with political power, it ceases to be a refuge for the individual soul and becomes a tool of domination—leading to the oppression, persecution, and repression seen in religious inquisition.

Medieval Inquisitions in Europe: The Catholic Church, intertwined with feudal power, suppressed dissent and even executed “heretics” (e.g., Giordano Bruno burned at the stake; Galileo put on trial).

The 1979 Iranian Islamic Revolution: Ayatollah Khomeini established a theocratic state that restricted women’s freedoms and repressed religious minorities, transforming Iran from a more secular modern state to an extremely conservative Islamic republic.

China’s Historical “Promotion of Confucianism and Suppression of Buddhism”: For instance, during Emperor Wu of Tang’s crackdown on Buddhism (845 AD), Buddhist monks were expelled and temples destroyed simply because the ruler believed that Buddhism undermined state order.

How can we resolve this? True faith should never be a political tool. Religion must remain independent so that believers can freely choose their path rather than being forced to follow a regime’s dictates.

• Exclusivist Beliefs: When “Truth” Becomes a Justification for Struggle

Some religious groups believe that only they possess the “one true faith,” branding other beliefs as “heretical” or “superstitious.” This exclusivity breeds conflict.

Conflicts Between Protestantism and Catholicism (16th–17th centuries): Following Martin Luther’s Reformation, brutal conflicts erupted within Christianity, leading to the Thirty Years’ War and mutual persecution, despite both groups professing belief in Jesus Christ.

The Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar (2017): Extremist Buddhists, driven by ultra-nationalism, viewed the Muslim minority as “outsiders” and carried out ethnic cleansing.

The Israeli–Palestinian Conflict: Although Judaism and Islam share belief in the same God, historical disputes have led to ongoing conflict.

How can we resolve this?True faith should not be based on exclusivity; rather, it should encourage people to accept different spiritual paths with open hearts and empathy instead of judging with prejudice.

II. The Possibility of “Unity of All Religions”: Finding Common Purpose Amid Diversity

Achieving “unity of all religions” does not mean turning every belief into one identical doctrine. Rather, it means seeking common purpose under a framework of mutual respect—a commitment to bring peace and justice to the world. Some possible approaches include:

1. Recognizing the Diversity of Faith:Just as the world has many languages, diverse religions are a manifestation of human cultural variety. We must respect this diversity instead of trying to eliminate it.
2. Focusing on Shared Values:Different religions can cooperate in areas such as charitable work, social justice, environmental protection, education, and healthcare—rather than becoming mired in doctrinal disputes.
3. Dialogue and Understanding:People of different faiths should actively learn about one another’s doctrines, striving to overcome misunderstandings through empathy rather than judgment.
4. Humility and Repentance:Regardless of one’s faith, true repentance means setting aside arrogance and acknowledging that one does not possess all knowledge—that one is willing to learn from others.

When people approach religion with this attitude, religious differences cease to serve as barriers. Instead, they become different paths leading to the same truth. Through educational initiatives like courses on world religions, interfaith charity events, and peace conferences—and by ensuring separation of state and religion to protect religious freedom—we can work toward a reality where “unity of all religions” is not merely an ideal but a practical road to peace and understanding.

III. Repent of Your Prejudices, and Distance Yourself from Religious Fanaticism

“Unity of all religions” is not only a social responsibility but also an awakening for each individual. We must reflect on whether we have ever:

• Thought that the religion we follow is inherently superior?
• Dismissed or criticized other faiths out of prejudice?
• Believed religious propaganda blindly without first investigating for ourselves?

Believers of all religions need to practice true repentance by letting go of these biases and engaging in interfaith dialogue. For example, people can actively learn about other religions instead of being quick to refute them; if you discover that a foreign faith shares common values with your own, try to appreciate it rather than reject it outright. Let the public know that a true believer is one who spreads love regardless of what religion one adheres to.

“Unity of all religions” is not an unattainable utopia but a change in mindset—a process of repentance. True believers do not attack other religions but first reflect on themselves: “Do I really understand the essence of faith? Has my own belief made me more loving, humble, and honest?”

• If you are a Confucian follower, let your conduct be guided by “Ren” (benevolence) rather than moral superiority.
• If you are a Buddhist, let your compassion prevail rather than be mired in sectarian disputes.
• If you are a Taoist, let your “wuwei” (effortless action) overcome strife instead of clinging stubbornly to your own views.
• If you are a Christian, let your love lead you to forgive rather than condemn those of other faiths.
• If you are a Muslim, let your conduct be peaceful rather than falling into extremism.

When each person starts with self-reflection, religious divisions will gradually diminish. Religion then becomes a bridge connecting humanity rather than a tool for division.

In Conclusion: Let Faith Be the Bridge of Peace, Not the Fire of War

Different religions are like different languages. Although their modes of expression differ, they ultimately speak to humanity’s shared spiritual aspirations. “Let go of prejudice and the intertwining of politics and religion” might be an ideal state. Though hard to achieve because “everyone clings to their own views,” may all parties approach one another with a repentant heart—seeking to understand, respect, and embrace each other. Let faith become a true force for peace rather than a tool for division. Wouldn’t our planet hold even greater hope if that were the case?