Is having religious differences divides us or unites us?

Would the world be a better place without

religion? Or a world free of religion would achieve a world free from division? We all know that the
Filipinos are inherent religious even though we have different Gods, we worship them with all our hearts
and souls. There are different religions here in the Philippines most of them are Christians and others
are Buddhists, Iglesia ni Cristo and Muslims. As human beings we are prone to fiercely embracing many
ideological convictions, religion merely being one and using such convictions in either positive or
negative ways. Everyone should be aware whether religion caused peace or conflict in our lives and in
our community, whether religion is a good or bad force in the world, it has been a strong topic of
debate for a very long time.

Due to the division of religion, people believe that some are better than others. Why? One of
the reasons is that the parents encourage and influence their children and their upbringing children to
indoctrinate in certain belief systems and the child have not given freedom to choose for themselves.
There are always differences of opinions and where differences exist over important matters, people are
offended. Of course, those who criticize others deeply held beliefs should do so respectfully. Some
people make gossips or accusations about other religion since they are defending the true faith not
knowing their own perspectives and reasons. Owing to the fact that religion gives alibis for killing others
without remorse and religious beliefs lead this world to the state of overpopulation and bring our planet
to the tipping point. Also, Religions "comfort" people offering lies and religion allows slavery, misogyny,
homophobia etc.

It is a fact that religion separates people. Why? Let’s say for instance to ask a religious person if
they accept being in a relationship that leads to marriage with another person who is not of the same
religion. Most of the time, the answer will be no. Since they can never be together forever because the
differences in religion make things very difficult. They are afraid that their way of living might be
different from their old life and yet they are not that ready to face those indifferences. So we can really
tell that it can separates people. However, I don't think the problem is with religion itself as it is not a
person or a physical being that can take decisions be in control rather the problem is with humans greed
and love for power in addition to insecurities that lead them to be extremists and not willing to accept
the others.

Due to the division of religion, discrimination occurs. Why? Some people are protected by the
law from discrimination if their religion is Christianity, Judaism or Islam but if they are not belong to
these group they might experience discrimination. Discrimination because of religion can happen
anywhere like at work, in education and in public. An example of this is discrimination by association, it
is against the law to refuse to let you in to a restaurant because of the religion of someone who is with
you. The person who don’t let them to in don’t have the right to do that because we should treat them
fairly and respect them even if they have religion and beliefs. For those who are discriminated by other
person they may be able to make a complaint so that that particular person will be punished by the law
and learn from his/her mistakes. All of us should avoid or prevent these kinds of situations since our
own religion helps us to be kind to each other and focus on being good. That's the whole and soul of any
religion.
 Good and bad religion unites and divides, but they do so in radically different ways. All said, I
believe that a person who follows any religion would not be a cause for any discrimination or would
allow any divisions among fellow human beings. A person who has a sound mind and soul would never
do that. But in today's world we know that kind of person is very rare. We should nurture our next
generation to look beyond the differences for the greater good, that's the only thing left to us right now.
Be respectful, considerate and understand the differences that we all have.