If God (he/she/it) had declared in the books* that the greatest sin a human can commit is arrogance, ahead of any other wrongdoing. In the interfaith (1.01) meetings, you should see, everyone is anxious to claim that his/her faith is the oldest, scientific, rational, sincere, and all that bull. Take it from me, and no religion is superior to the other; all of them serve the same purpose; peace of mind. Remember, every mother is dear to her offspring, so is religion.
Had God declared, “Arrogance is the greatest sin,” some of the non-sense of superiority would have subsided? My culture is superior, and we are more civilized than others – my religion is the only true religion. Arrogance dehumanizes the other, which creates conflict.
*Bible, Torah, Gita, Quran, Granth Saheb, Kitab Al-Muqaddas, The book of Mormons, Avesta, Sutras, Agams, and other bookish and verbal traditions.
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Dr. Mike Ghouse is the founder and president of the Center for Pluralism. He is a speaker, thinker, author, consultant, pluralist, activist, newsmaker, and an interfaith wedding officiant. He is deeply committed to Religious Freedom, Human Rights, and Pluralism in Religion, Politics, Societies, and the workplace, and to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions to the media and the policymakers. Book information is at www.AmericanMuslimAgenda.com and his info at www.TheGhousediary.com
Mike frequently speaks to a full range of audiences in international, faith and interfaith, civic, educational, and community life. He would welcome the opportunity to speak to you and your communities, as well as to invite you to events and programs that he and the Center for Pluralism offer. He also welcomes your thoughts, comments, and inquiries.