Topic E (UT): Choose an issue of importance to you—the issue could be personal, school related, local, political, or international in scope—and write an essay in which you explain the significance of that issue to yourself, your family, your community, or your generation.
For most of us out there, from the moment we are born, we are given a name, a nationality, and sometimes a religion. Now ask yourself, “Did I have any role in choosing these?” The answer is most likely a definite no. A factor that certainly sticks out the most is the religion factor. As you may have learned from world history, there is an extensive myriad of religions across the entire globe. Ranging from Christianity to Buddhism, different variations exist within them. This poses the question for all believers, “Which one should I follow?”
As we grow up, we’re usually taught that the religion you follow is the ‘correct’ one and you shouldn’t dare question it. I once asked my mother, “Why do we have to give the church ten percent of our earned paychecks?” She responded with a frown on her face and ordered me not to question the rule ever again. Hoping I wouldn’t anger her any further, I submitted to my mother’s ‘request’…but not for long. I was raised in an all Christian household so, one can only imagine the other set of rules I adhered to.
When I approached my late teens, I began to question other rules such as why we have to pray before feasting, why must we attend church at last once a week, and most importantly, why should we completely rule out the other thousands of belief systems out there. Thanks to the 21st century, I was able to delve further into these questions by joining discussion forums and researching what the major religions stood for.
Interestingly enough, all of the major religions have one ultimate goal: reaching nirvana, which in simpler terms, is when one transcends from the physical world into a state where one is free from all hardships and suffering. So why are we killing each other over differing beliefs if all major religions have the same goal, collectively? I’m aware that the answer to this million dollar question is much too complicated but it’s time we sit back and review our ancient rules and current actions.
The fragmented relationship between Muslims and Christians is one I’m much too familiar with, unfortunately. The historical relationship between the two factions has always been a rocky one, to say the least, but it never held me from forming fundamentally, amiable rapport with people of other religions. A few years ago, a couple of members of my local church berated me over having Muslim friends. “They’re our enemies!” “Their goal is to destroy Christians!” were just some of the ludicrous remarks whispered into my ear. What I did realize was that I was in a two way lane as my Muslim friends received flak since they were often forbidden to spend time with me or other peers of Christian denomination. It dawned on me that we were caught in a vicious hate cycle over some differences that hadn’t been settled for thousands of years. It’s time we dismiss ancient, traditional customs and adopt new, progressive ideas based on love and acceptance.
With thousands of religions flourishing in every region of the world, it’s difficult to decide which belief system is ‘correct’. Instead of focusing on which system is superior, one should focus on what resonates with them best. One can even decide religion is not for them. In an age where progressive ideas are widely accepted, it’s our job as millennials to push this agenda of unity, acceptance, and overall love. Accepting each other despite having differences is the first step to creating a safer world.