My Salad Bowl Belief

This post was written by Angela on September 14, 2011 | Comments (9)

Some people believe in one tradition. I used to fall into that category as well. In some ways my single tradition fed me, helped me grow, and was a beautiful thing. Eventually I accepted I’m actually the type who can’t be contained to one system. Instead, I like to enjoy a medley of flavors.

I thrive in diversity and love learning about other people’s cultures and traditions. In high school one of my favorite classes was Asian Studies and in college I really wanted to take the courses examining various religions. I could never fit it into my schedule, so the closest I came then was an anthropology class. I discovered that studying culture goes hand-in-hand with learning the faith that supports the people. I soaked it in.

In my world, opening that window into other people’s faith was magical. Understanding them helped me figure out my own foundation and allowed me to see a broader picture of how we have come to believe those things we place our devotion in, around the globe. If it was based in love and honor, I wanted to hear about it. Like any system (whether traditional or self-determined) I was passionate in my perspective and wanted everyone to know what I knew as personal truth. It was something Gandhi had stated decades ago: “Religions are different roads converging on the same point. What does it matter that we take different roads so long as we reach the same goal?” And like any heart-held “knowing” it was hard for me to comprehend anyone who didn’t understand what I did in that moment.

Last summer while walking through a mall parking lot I came across a car with a bumper sticker that spoke directly about this concept of inclusion, tolerance, acceptance, and even curiosity. You’ve likely seen them around, spelling out the word “COEXIST” with various symbols, religious and non. I thought it was seriously the coolest thing and it left me researching what each symbol represented.

Since then I’ve seen a lot of heated discussion for and against these stickers. Is it ignorant wishful thinking that isn’t worthwhile? Is it an attack on your chosen system of belief or even a call to tolerate harmful radical action?

Personally, I see it as a symbol of who I am. Among my family and friends I know people who are Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Wiccan, Atheist, Agnostic, Spiritual and more. I reside in a mixed salad of faith and when the goal is for betterment and not harm, it tastes good. I may not take the whole bushel, but I will pick a grape and apple here or a strawberry there and be accepting or tolerant of everything else that I don’t fully understand or want for myself. I am a product of a diverse world and the people/races/cultures that surround me. Like Gandhi said when asked if he was a Hindu, “Yes I am. I am also a Christian, a Muslim, a Buddhist, and a Jew.”

How about you? Do you find comfort in a single serving or a tossed salad of belief? What is your take on the “COEXIST” symbol?