I'll start
Judaism, the Sabbath. For those who observe, I like the idea of dropping everything for one day and focusing on family (I know there is the religious side). Tradition. Christianity, charity. Christmas songs. -Mormons, family. Put responsibility on men to take care of their families. Good afterlife story. No alcohol. -Amish, abstain from evil consumerism -Catholics, being anti abortion AND anti death penalty. (Get tired of the anti abortion rhetoric that some Christians preach, while are pro death penalty). Tradition. Islam, no alcohol, good food at weddings. Multicultural. Buddhism, few hangups. Hinduism, fun parties with good dancing. Vegetarian. Yes, I might get flamed, but this is supposed to be a fun thread, please keep it light. |
Sorry, I meant THE BEST |
I'm jewish and love that health comes first. If you have to eat to take medicine on a day we're supposed to fast, you do what you need for your health. |
I like all the religions that require a fast. It teaches discipline. |
Not necessarily unique to Islam:
I'm a Christian who married into a Muslim family. One thing I really like about Islam is its environmental mandate. Leave the earth better than you found it. Plant trees, conserve water, be kind to animals (well, until you eat them) ![]() |
Unitarian Universalist - I think it's the personal incorporation of the religion that I like (which involves all 7 principles, of which I can't choose just one).
1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person; 2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations; 3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations; 4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning; 5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large; 6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; 7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. |
Quakers/Mennonites/Amish - pacifism |
I would say the unity and brotherhood for Islam. I can a meet a Muslim from anywhere in the world and automatically there is this instant bond of kinship and love that I can't even explain.And in the mosque when the call for prayer is sounded, and the worshippers are gathered together, the democracy of Islam is embodied five times a day when the peasant and the king kneel side by side and proclaim: “God Alone is Great”. |
Catholics -- the ritual and the music -- the old music, not the stuff from the last couple of centuries.
Episcopalians - the ritual and the music -- rescuing the best of Roman catholism with none of the crap. |
I read threads to find gems like this. Thanks for sharing as I did not know environmentalism was so important to Muslims. For others who want to learn more, start here: http://islam.about.com/od/activism/a/Muslim-Environmentalists.htm |
+1 I am a Mennonite by birth who also loves the emphasis on good Stewardship of environmental and economic resources. "Living more with less" stuff is a value that many in the DMV area could benefit greatly from learning. |
Yup. |
Judaism: community rituals and history going back millennia
Christianity: abolishes "us vs. them" mentality Islam: daily rituals constantly remind you of God's presence |
I know this may be an impossible request, but can you give examples of what we should view as excess? |
Buddhism. A mentioned above, no hangups. You can make it your own. Not top down. |