Dialogue or a debate

It has been said that more blood has been spilt over the cause of religion than over any other cause. This statement seems to be confirmed by what we see today. It is a paradox that religion is at once a cohesive and divisive force. If religion, with its potential for good, has turned a destructive force, it is only a perversion of religion.

Shakespeare suggested - "It is excellent to have a giant's strength, but tyrannous to use it like a giant."

All the values advocated by religion are threatened by greed, violence, competitive religion, exploitation, commercialisation and similar negative forces. Religion in its most vital sense is the antidote to the spiritual malady afflicting the modern world.

It's important that we come together for a dialogue and not a debate. The purpose is to understand and not to prove us right and silence the others with our arguments. Let us be a little humble; Let us think that the truth may not be entirely with us; Let us cooperate with others; Let us, even when we do not appreciate what others say, respect their views and ways of life.

Yes, we definitely need a dialogue and not a debate.