Misconception Of Islam Essay

A common misconception regarding Islam in the United States is that the religion itself is new to the country. This is incorrect due to multiple reasons, including the evidence that Muslims were brought over during the era of slavery from Africa. Additionally there are records of Muslims being present on Christopher Columbus’ ship that was used to “discover” the new world. Another common misconception regarding Islam is that American Muslims are a homogeneous group. In reality American Muslims are the most diverse religious group in the United States. Individuals who recognize themselves as Muslim Americans identify as Black, White, Asian, and Hispanic. Finally, there is a stereotype that women are oppressed in Islam. Muslim women are actually the second most educated religious group of women. Furthermore the economic parody between men and women in Islam is closer than any other religious group.
Confucianism and Buddhism have many similarities. One of these is that they are both primarily religions based on philosophy and how one lives their life. Confucianism stresses brotherhood and human conduct, while Buddhism stresses the eightfold path to enlightenment. Both religions view the Buddha in high regard. He is the founder of Buddhism, and the Buddha himself is followed by
many Confucians. Finally, both religions are very accepting of other religions. Neither condemns other religions, and Confucianism sees no contradiction in following more than one religion.
Hinduism and Judaism have many differences. Hinduism is a polytheistic religion, believing in one God (Brahman) above all, and additional Gods beneath Brahman. Judaism is monotheistic, only believing in one God. Another difference in the two is their focus on the afterlife. Judaism chooses to focus on life rather than the afterlife. This contrasts Hinduism’s focus on the afterlife, centered on achieving Nirvana through reincarnation over many lives. The “end” is also a major difference between Hinduism and Judaism. The end of all in Hinduism is attaining Nirvana, and ending the cycle of reincarnation and life. For Judaism, the end of all will occur once the second coming of God happens. This will be signified by six distinctive signs, including a new king in the line of David, and a new covenant.
Jainism and Daoism are interesting to compare because there are both similarities and differences between the two.
In both cases their place of worship is the temple. Additionally both religions are accepting of pluralism, or believing in multiple religions. In addition to these similarities there are also differences between the two religions. The focus of Jainism is to achieve Nirvana and be liberated from the cycle of life and death. Conversely the focus of Daoism is to be at balance with all of life, including man and nature. Finally, a major difference between the two religions is their view of God and Gods. In Jainism there is no Creator God, while most Daoist people follow many
deities.