Most religions are characterized by differences. But are there similarities? At first glance, the various world religions do not seem to have much in common. However, a closer look reveals some connections.
According to Theresia Heimerl, in some religions there are transitions in life, such as from childhood to adulthood and from life to death. There are often overlaps in festivals or rituals.
Christmas also in other religions?
The Jewish festival of Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Temple on eight days of the month of Kislev. Every day a candle is lit from an eight-armed candlestick. Children also receive presents – but that is the only parallel with Christmas, explains religious scholar Gerald Hödl. Light is also central to the Buddhist Bodhi festival. The “awakening of the Buddha” is celebrated annually on the eighth day of the twelfth month.
Apart from the comparable period, however, the festivals have little to do with Christmas, says Hödl.
Mary as mother, feminine deity and simple woman
Mary is called the mother of God in Christianity and comes in many variants. In the Quran she is called Maryam, she is the mother of the prophet Jesus and the most important woman mentioned by name. In Judaism, Miriam is also the mother of Jesus, but Jesus is not considered to be the son of God, therefore Miriam is not the mother of God.
“Judaism, Christianity and Islam have a lot in common, as they all share the same origins and thus draw on a pool of content and characters,” says religious scholar Franz Winter. Jesus also plays a role in Islam, albeit a different one than in Christianity.
Daily prayer important part of many religions
Expert Nicole Bauer also sees prayer as a “central faith practice in many religions.” Although there are different versions, it is still part of everyday life for many religions.
Source: Krone
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