Differences are existential – why is that a problem?
I see difference. I see change. I see black. I see white. But I don’t see a problem.
Having attended several interfaith talks, and being involved in interfaith work, I’ve realised the importance and significance of learning to understand each other, and embracing differences between cultures, religions, races and beliefs.
Essentially, as humans, we’re one race – the human race. Every other characteristic or difference is a result of ethnicity or belief etc. We’ve got to realise that we’re created by God in order that we may learn about each other. Imagine a world of 6.6 billion identical people, with identical values, language, belief and race. If everyone had the capacity to do exactly the same thing, what would our purpose be? If we all looked like perfect clones of each other, how would we distinguish/differentiate ourselves? We’ve got to realise there’s a greater purpose to our innate differences.
The laws of science enhance this point that opposite poles attract and like poles repel. There’s a fundamental lesson to be learned within this science; differences are what should bring us together, and not separate us. Britain, amongst other countries, boasts a multicultural society, yet racial and religiously motivated attacks still occur continuously. What is the root cause of this tragedy? It’s ones belief in self-superiority. The ego, which we give governance to. We mistakenly associate the role of authority to our ego, which eventually results in conflict and misunderstandings.
When we see a colour other than our own, we need to appreciate the beauty within the creation, the intricacies of every cell within that body. Our very own DNA gives us a sense of uniqueness, because every single person has a different strain. What entitles us to create a hierarchical structure in order to explain the position of each race within society? How can we dictate our selfish beliefs and expect them to be unanimously accepted.
Although we may not agree with ones beliefs or values, we’ve got to respect their right to an opinion, just as we’d expect to be respected. Once mutual respect has been achieved, the potential for harmony increases substantially.
Although this may sound like a utopian ideal, as creatures of an Infinitely Powerful Creator, we’ve got to learn how to understand and appreciate God’s creativity and splendour. By neglecting or belittling anyone based on differences, we are essentially raising ourselves above God and claiming we can achieve better. Hence, we could be inclining towards blasphemy…
“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.”
– Martin Luther King Jr.
