Diversity is the perfect word to reflect the world wherein we exist. Different people have different culture. An act or behavior that is acceptable to a specific culture may not be acceptable to another culture. Let us say, for instance, direct eye contact in a conversation is a sign of sincerity, and it is highly encouraged for the American people while for the Japanese, it is not an acceptable behavior, and it denotes being rude. Aside from that, Americans are also quite frank in terms of speaking. They speak what they want to express, and they do not cloud the true meaning of what they are talking about with hesitations, whether the person might get hurt or not. Hence, they generally speak the truth and nothing but the truth regardless of feelings involved. On the other hand, some people are very tactful when it comes to voicing out what they feel to other people. An example of which are Filipinos. They are very sensitive to other people’s feelings; in fact, it is sometimes too sensitive to the point that they intentionally do not say the truth just to be able to prevent other people’s feelings to get hurt. So, we can really say that people with different cultures react or behave differently in certain situations. Knowing this fact, it is advisable to know the differences of other people and to give respect in what they believe in. By doing so, an individual can also earn the respect of other people. Cultural diversity need not to become a barrier for effective communication and unity to occur. Knowledge about other people’s culture and respecting each other’s differences are key factors in order to achieve unity.

The element of religion also takes a vital role in making the world a much diversified place to live in. For the record, the biggest type of religion with the greatest number of followers in the whole world is Christianity. The country which has the greatest number of Christians is Brazil. These people believe in Jesus Christ as their supernatural deity and their ultimate Creator. Other religions in the world include Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Taoism, and so much more.

Believers of Islam know, for a fact that it is Allah, whom guides them to the right path of righteousness. Islam is also one of the biggest and widely known religions in the world with about more than a billion followers worldwide. Believers of Buddhism view Buddha, the enlightened one, as their spiritual leader. In order to achieve the state of nirvana wherein true happiness could be attained, the eight-folded path must be followed. The many believers of Buddha follow His teachings to have a life full of contentment and happiness.

Aside from the religions mentioned above, there are also other religions, which are ethnic or tribal in nature. This just only proves that religion is indeed diversified and people of different places around the globe have different forms of belief. Yet, it is still possible to have unity despite incongruence in religious beliefs. All religion more or less aims to achieve a state of world peace and harmony wherein everyone can be friends and bloodshed need not to happen just to be able to exert force over the other. It is also agreed that religion will not save a person from his wrongful doings here on earth, that is, no matter if you are a Muslim or a Christian, if you have committed a wrongful act then you must face the consequences of your action in the afterlife.

Therefore, cultural diversity is a concept that must be fully understood since we co-exist in a world where people are different in terms of religion, customs, language, and race. Respect begets respect. If we respect other people’s culture, then it would bridge the gap of our differences and the world will be a much better place to live in.

If marketers could somehow find a way to tap into religion to promote their products and services, then they would be very, very successful.  Just consider how the Bible, without any form of marketing as we know it, became the all-time best-selling book all over the world.

In everyday life, too, we are told to avoid religion in certain circumstances.  We are trained not to bring the subject up in polite conversation, not even among friends.  Along with politics, religion is one thing that should never be talked about, unless the conversation is intellectual in nature.

This is mainly because religion is deeply rooted in any individual.  It touches on your belief system and could hinge very deeply on your emotions.  In fact, there are people who are consumed by their beliefs that they start cults.  There are people who are willing to die for the tenets of their own faith.  And there are people who would argue endlessly over the merits of their own religion and the demerits of others’.  And because some religions can be strict about its doctrines, these belief systems have an inherent deterrent for detractors.  For example, the Catholic faith teaches its followers that only a select few will be saved, and those who do not believe in the Risen Christ will perish.  Not only that, the Bible is filled with stories about people who do not believe and the dire consequences that befell them and how others will try to lead the faithful astray.  This main teaching or belief can be open to attack by others who do not share it.

Avoiding religious talk

While we often try to steer clear of religion, there will always be situations wherein you find yourself in a company that would eventually lead to discussing it, or try to draw you into arguments about it.  If you find that you are not ready to talk about it, or you are uncomfortable with the topic, the best way to avoid talking about religion is to, flatly say no.

Be honest and tell the other person that you are not willing to talk about your personal beliefs.

You can also:

Try to change the topic.  You could try to joke about it, making light of the situation and making it easier for you to avoid discussing it deeply.  Another effective way to divert the subject of religion is to ask the other person about his work or his children, and let him ramble on about it.

Try not to argue.  If you find yourself already having the conversation, do not argue with the other person.  You may find yourself disagreeing with some of what is being said, and the other party might already be deliberately or unknowingly disparaging your religion.  This makes it easy to, just go ahead and argue with the other person.  Instead, signify your interest in what is being said, without pointing out inconsistencies between it and your own beliefs.  Just nod or say something like, “That is an interesting point.”  Do not bash others’ beliefs, as you do not want them bashing yours.

Leave.  Politely excuse yourself from the conversation.  Make an excuse like the need to place a phone call, or go to the bathroom.  There is no sense in continuing with a conversation you do not want to have or feel uncomfortable about.  A graceful exit can save you from a sticky situation later.

Introduce another person into the discussion.  There will always be people who want to talk about religion, and if you can put two of them together then you are in for a grand time.  Stand back and listen to a healthy debate; you might be able to pick up some new learning as they parry back and forth with their beliefs.

If you find that you like to discuss religion with the other person, but feel that it is not the proper time or place to do it (like during a lunch break with other colleagues around), then suggest to him or her a better location and time.  This will help you control the environment and enjoy the discussion more.

Christianity believes that Jesus Christ is the only begotten son of God, was crucified, died and was buried. It also believes in the idea of resurrection and an everlasting life after death. The following are some of the major distinct beliefs of Christianity:

1. Christianity believes that Jesus Christ is the prophet/messiah and the son of God.  Mary was the chosen one to bear Jesus Christ and become his mother.  Accordingly, Jesus Christ was sent by God to save mankind from sin.
2. Christianity believes in death and resurrection. It also holds to the idea of an eternal life after death.
3. In Christianity, it is being taught that humans can be saved from sins through repentance and confession
4. One main focal points of Christian faith is the Holy Trinity. The Holy Trinity comprises the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Accordingly, the three are the One.
5. Christianity give great importance to the Crucifix because it manifests the death of Jesus Christ and his sacrifices just to save mankind from their sins.
6. Christianity believes in the Seven Sacraments – Baptism, Confirmation, Annointing of the Sick, Confession, Holy Orders, Eucharist, and Matrimony.
7. Holy Week is an important practice of Christian faith. These are the days wherein Jesus Christ sacrificed and died for the world. It symbolizes the death and resurrection of Jesus. Also, Christmas Day is an important day among Christians because it is the day that Jesus was born.

Abovementioned beliefs are just few of the thousands of practices of Christianity.  There are still many of which that show worship and praise to God Almighty. Christianity might be subdivided into various religions – Catholic, Protestants, Baptist, etc. – but what is important here is that Christians worship one God.  Most importantly, it is the faith and belief in the goodness and mercifulness of Almighty God that is very essential.