Following multiple instances of Islamic extremist terrorism, non-violent Muslims around the
world began a movement to label Islam, “a religion of peace”. Many say that distinct
segments of the Muslim population advocate violence, but that at its core, Islam encompasses
peace and pacifism. Still, although peace is preached in every religion, the manifestation
of belief can sometimes be non-peaceful and oppressive. So, what are the world’s most
peaceful religions?
Well, most of the world’s religious population falls into one of two categories: Western
Abrahamic religions, and Eastern Dharmic religions. Problematically, some scholars argue that
all three major Western religions: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, are inherently violent.
As they are all monotheistic and exclusive, nonbelievers are directly and implicitly considered
at odds with religious doctrine. Despite preaching peace, numerous acts of violence have been
committed in the name of God, Allah, and Yahweh throughout history.
That leaves the Dharmic faiths. These are predominantly Eastern religions such as Hinduism,
Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jain·ism. Hinduism has long been identified as non-violent, largely
due to the influence of the pacifist Mahatma Gandhi. However, even within the religion,
violence may be used to protect oneself or one’s country. One Hindu god states that
violence is necessary in the defense of justice, and does not conflict with a spiritual life.
And even Gandhi himself was killed by a fellow Hindu. A similar view is found in Sikhism.
Violence is permitted when absolutely necessary; and historically, Sikhs have been oppressed,
forcing them to fight back. After years of such oppression in India, Sikhs began wearing
a small knife called a “ker-paan.” It is one of five mandatory articles of faith
and is symbolically carried to defend themselves and others. But while Sikhs may have good
reason to be occasionally violent, it doesn’t help make their case for being peaceful.
Buddhism has always been pointed to as one of the world’s most peaceful religions.
In order to fulfill one of their three most important tenets, Buddhists cannot harm any
sentient living thing. Historical Buddhist texts actively condemn violence, and the Buddha
himself even states that soldiers who die in a “killing mindset” will have an unpleasant
reincarnation. However, in practice, Buddhists have not always preferred nonviolence. In
Myanmar, a predominantly Buddhist population has been violently oppressing a stateless,
Rohingya Muslim minority. Acts of violence by Buddhists are frequently based on political
or cultural differences, and not specifically religion.
This leaves Jainism. Although not as popular as the other religions mentioned, there are
roughly four and a half million Jains , almost exclusively living in India. Jainism advocates
nonviolence and pacifism as a fundamental ethical principle. All violence is viewed
as a form of self-injury, as it prevents one from reaching spiritual liberation. And unlike
other religions, Jains believe nonviolence applies not only to people, but animals, plants,
and even microorganisms. As a result, practitioners are strictly vegetarian, they walk in a way
so as to avoid stepping on insects, and they’ll even refuse to filter water to keep any bacteria
in it alive.
These 7 religions are among the largest, but there are estimated thousands of smaller,
newer movements with their own distinct views. Of the main religions, however, Jainism prioritizes
peace and nonviolence more so than any other.
The Sikhs may not be the most peaceful, but they’re definitely among the most interesting.
Learn more of the nuances behind the religion in our video. Are there any peaceful religions
we missed? Let us know in the comments! Thanks for watching Test Tube News, don’t forget
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