How can I relate to my friends of other religions?

Question

 

Gramps,

What religions are most similar to us? How can I relate to my friends of other religions?

Marlena

 

Answer

 

Marlena,

Despite real doctrinal differences, there is a surprising overlap among many world religions and the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Fundamental principles—love, service, kindness, forgiveness, and the quest for truth—can be found in nearly every religious tradition.

For example, the virtues of serving the needy, loving one’s neighbor, and practicing compassion are cornerstones in both Christianity and various other religions, such as Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. The experience of Khalid Al Ameri, a Muslim who broke his fast with a Latter-day Saint family, beautifully illustrates this point:

“What I have learned today from a family of Latter-day Saints … is that above all, the similarities in our religion is a foundation that we both share — and that is to be good people and to be kind to those around us … What the learned together is the importance of simply being good the best way we know how. When we look around, we find that and see that in other people. That is what brings us closer together; that is what makes this world a better place.”

A sincere exchange between faiths is as much about finding shared values as it is about understanding differences. Many religions, including Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, hold prayer, fasting, and studying sacred texts in high regard. Kindness, hope, faith, and humanitarian efforts are universally treasured. Embracing these commonalities can deepen one’s own spiritual life while fostering authentic bonds of friendship and respect.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has an explicit tradition of seeking and upholding truth wherever it is found. Brigham Young declared:

It is our duty and calling, as ministers of the same salvation and Gospel, to gather every item of truth and reject every error. Whether a truth be found with professed infidels, or with the Universalists, or the Church of Rome, or the Methodists, the Church of England, the Presbyterians, the Baptists, the Quakers, the Shakers, or any other of the various and numerous different sects and parties, all of whom have more or less truth, it is the business of the Elders of this Church (Jesus, their Elder Brother, being at their head) to gather up all the truths in the world pertaining to life and salvation, to the Gospel we preach, … to the sciences, and to philosophy, wherever it may be found in every nation, kindred, tongue, and people and bring it to Zion (DBY, 248).

Personal reflections and stories from Church members illustrate how learning about other religious traditions not only builds bridges but also strengthens character and deepens discipleship within the Church. Consider a few vivid examples:

Many Latter-day Saints admire the Catholic faith for its ancient traditions, rituals, and its global emphasis on service and healing. As one Latter-day Saint observed, lessons of compassion and prioritizing the needy—summed up by Pope Francis’s teaching that “the church needs most today … to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful”—can inspire increased acts of kindness and empathy amongst Latter-day Saints.

The evangelical community’s enthusiasm for the Bible, reliance on grace, and commitment to sharing faith are often cited as examples that Latter-day Saints can emulate to improve their own scripture study and outreach.

Jewish contributions to humanity—despite frequent adversity—demonstrate perseverance, scholarship, and a celebration of faith. These are traits that Latter-day Saints often admire and may strive to incorporate in facing their own challenges.

With half a billion followers, Buddhism’s emphasis on meditation, peace, and compassionate living offers lessons in humility, awareness, and intentional living that can enrich daily discipleship for Church members.

The Muslim focus on prayer, discipline, charity, and familial bonds echoes many Latter-day Saint priorities. Shared values exist in the daily application of one’s beliefs and in the struggle for fair representation and understanding in the public eye.

Even those of less familiar or more controversial traditions offer positive examples: Jehovah’s Witnesses excel in missionary outreach, and Scientologists are known for their addiction recovery programs. Each example is a building block for greater appreciation and understanding.

Notwithstanding these points of intersection, studies indicate that many Latter-day Saints are unfamiliar with other faiths. In a 2019 Pew Research Center survey, members of the Church averaged less than 7 out of 15 on a quiz covering world religions—one of the lowest scores among Christian denominations. Yet, increased religious knowledge is consistently linked to more positive views of other groups, creating a virtuous cycle of respect, dialogue, and friendship.

How can this change?

1. Having candid, respectful conversations with friends and neighbors of other faiths is the best way to gain understanding. Asking others about their beliefs with genuine interest can illuminate similarities and foster empathy, reducing fear and misunderstanding.

2. While sharing your faith is natural, authentic friendship should not be conditional on another’s interest in the Church. Relationships must be built—and maintained—on mutual respect, regardless of religious choices.

3. Comparative religion classes, books, and Church resources (such as “The Restored Gospel and World Religions” course in the Church’s Institute program) provide accessible and truthful platforms to gain understanding.

4. People outside the Church have spiritual experiences of their own. Validating these moments, rather than dismissing them, is a potent way to forge mutual respect.

5. At the end of the day, most people seek similar things: a strong family, a sense of purpose, kindness, and a better world. M. Russell Ballard taught,

“For the most part, our neighbors not of our faith are good, honorable people—every bit as good and honorable as we strive to be. … They are kind and loving and generous and faithful, just like we seek to be.”

Essential to the restored gospel is the notion of inclusivity and the recognition that “all spiritual paths have value.” In the words of Dr. Mauro Properzi, “Learning about other religions is a pragmatic necessity rooted in a spiritual foundation for Latter-day Saints who want to build effective and mutually fulfilling relationships of collaboration.” The balance between the Church’s unique doctrinal claims and its charitable recognition of general religious goodness creates a harmony that can encompass all truth.

The ties between the Church and world religions go even deeper when examining doctrines such as the eternal progression of the soul (paralleling Hindu beliefs in spiritual development), or universal compassion and oneness (echoes of Buddhist and Hindu thought). The gospel’s breadth allows for a perspective that is broad, inclusive, and transformative.

If you’re ready to widen your heart and enrich your understanding, start today. Ask a friend about their faith. Read a new perspective. Celebrate how much good can be found across the world’s faiths.

 

Gramps