The Dignity Of Every Individual
Embracing differences, finding connection in commonalities
In the photo: one of the towers of the Notre Dame in Paris. Photo was taken by me.
Religion. It is often seen as one of the easiest to spot difference between us and the other. In The Netherlands, we even have a saying which roughly translates as "two religions on a pillow, has the devil sleeping in between". As you can see, it basically means that two people from different religions can not be together, because there always will be a devilish difference between them that will result in a break-up. Fortunately, in our times, this saying is mostly obsolete. People of different religions, or different religious traditions, or of other traditions and philosophies, are working playing living together without problems. They do that because they can embrace and celebrate their differences, while finding a connection in commonalities.
At the base of religions and other traditions lies, as I have learned in the excellent MOOC Ethics In Action by the SDG Academy on edX, the inherent and, if you wish, divine dignity of each individual human. For me, the main guideline for this is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Others may believe in the sanctity of God's creation, the interrelatedness of everything on our planet, or that if you wrong or hurt another, God will take their victimhood and hurt into account when you are judged. This common thread was surprising to me. And a delight. Whatever tradition or religion we count as our own, we can find common ground in the innate dignity of The Other. That's where empathy is born.
If you’re interested in the course, here’s a preview:
Inspotainment
This beautiful short documentary film shows five kids from different places around the world practicing their religion. Just a literal handful of examples to show we are quite the same in our differences. A beautiful diversity in unity, so to speak. Enjoy!
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