Cooperate or Compete

The business world competes, but on occasion someone comes along and breaks that mold. When that happens, when businesses cooperate instead of compete, everyone stands to benefit. Fear generates the need for competition because we tend to believe only the strong will be successful. But, is that true? Certainly we have shown in many areas of life that when we work together the result is far greater than when we work alone.

Religion has often fallen into the mold of big business, and as such it also competes with other religions. As a result, we have, at times, experienced a cutthroat atmosphere in which each claims to have the Truth, or a new revelation of the Truth. Some have the latest, greatest teachings and doctrines that will usher their believers to their promise land.

What would religious cooperation look like? Where would we even begin? Do we have to agree on every little rule and regulation, or could we concentrate on a handful of the major tenants we agree on and let the rest work themselves out in time — or remain unresolved?

Even as I write these words, it seems like a dream that has little chance of becoming a reality. I suppose the most we can hope for is simply a ceasefire. But, let’s not give up the dream. We can — and will — get along when we stop competing and start cooperating.