Christina Moriarty

Dr. Leap
SLA 150
8 February 2020
An Optimistic Approach to the Creation of Global Harmony

Seemingly since the beginning of time, humans in general have had trouble accepting
diversity. We see it in our neighborhoods, workplaces and schools – discrimination based on
race, ethnicity, religion, etc., and we see the harm it causes. It is a natural instinct to gravitate
towards what seems the most familiar, but that has done more to hold us back than to propel
us forward into understanding, accepting, and appreciating each other’s differences. The
potential for humanity’s growth and development is unfathomable, but it will only be possible
once our broadly diverse societies can agree to overcome the fear of the unknown, embrace
the other’s differences, learn from each other, and ultimately make the world a better and
more peaceful place. It seems only logical to begin by addressing the lack of cooperation
between the world’s three largest religions and rectify it by setting an example of harmony to
the rest of the world.

Beginning the process of global respect and understanding must begin with putting
aside common misconceptions and truly making the effort to learn the truth of other religions
and beliefs. Rather than basing opinions on media depictions and word-of-mouth, it is
necessary to study and develop knowledge sourced from factual sources, such as members of
the religion, their written word, and scholarly resources. For example, it is disrespectful, even if
born only out of ignorance, to discount another religion’s holidays simply because they are not
as commonly acknowledged in general society. Likewise, these days should be seen for the
value they hold on their own to the members of a religion rather than compared to another in
order to have significance. The most frequently offended holiday is most likely the Jewish
celebration of Chanukah, which is often referred to as “Jewish Christmas.” This is not only a
completely inaccurate description of the holiday, as the two have not much in common other
than the timing, but it is arguably an example of religious imperialism.
 Once the proper research has been completed, it is fairly simply to identify the common
and uniting factors shared by multiple religions, especially Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. All
three considered “Abrahamic religions” as they all three claim their origins in Abraham (Hill,
Knitter, and Madges 238). They share common core values, including devotion to the one true
God, however so named depending on the religion, and have historically and presently faced
persecution for their beliefs. The benefits here lie in the ability for all groups to gather the
strength gained from hardships and work together to put an end to it. Fortunately, both
Judaism and Islam are religions that advocate for justice and human responsibility, and their
messages could prove invaluable in establishing a global peace.

Judaism can contribute greatly to the message of global responsibility through the
reminder that “If we humans are going to realize our hopes for this world, if we are to act with
an ethical responsibility that will bring lasting results, then justice has to occupy center stage in
our relationship with God” (Hill, Knitter, and Madges 237). Many Jewish people believe that this
is their calling and responsibility – to spread this message to others and show them that peace
is possible, but not if humans do not act to do so. Similarly, it is the Muslim belief that while
humans have the ability to fashion unity out of diversity, they are not able to do so on their
own. The power to solve the global crisis requires a recognition that the Higher Power of Allah
is needed as well as a serious understanding of the message delivered by Allah’s prophets. This
will require great struggles, both within the self and with others, but it will be worth it because
“the world is basically good, we are basically good, and we are not alone” (Hill, Knitter, and
Madges 243).

Of course, this kind of collaboration and positive interaction is easier said than done.
There are countless obstacles in the way of global harmony, including but not limited to the
fear and rejection of the “other,” the inability of many to attempt open-mindedness, and the
preference of some to believe one religion is superior to all others, and all others are inherently
incorrect. However, I do believe that as our world evolves, our access to information expands
like never before, and our societies begin to celebrate each other’s diversity, perhaps some
realistic optimism will come through and humanity will someday see peace.