Religions of Error
Story Summary
In "Religions of Error," a Christian in the Orient witnesses the violent conflict between Buddhists and Mohammedans, reflecting on the animosities that divide faiths. Despite acknowledging the brutality of religious intolerance, he smugly concludes that his own religion is the only true and benevolent one, illustrating a moral lesson for young readers about the dangers of arrogance and the need for understanding among different beliefs. This easy small story with a moral encourages students to learn from the flawed perceptions that lead to conflict.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates the hypocrisy and self-righteousness often found in religious beliefs, highlighting how individuals can justify violence and animosity towards others while claiming moral superiority for their own faith.
Historical Context
This story reflects the historical and cultural tensions between different religious groups, particularly in the context of colonialism and the intertwining of faith and violence. It draws on the long-standing animosity between Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists, often exacerbated by colonial attitudes in the 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as the notion of religious superiority that has been explored in various literary and philosophical works, such as those by Mark Twain and Voltaire. The narrative critiques the hypocrisy of the Christian perspective, highlighting the ironic detachment of a foreign observer amid ongoing sectarian conflict.
Our Editors Opinion
This story illustrates the perils of religious intolerance and the hypocrisy often present in the belief that one's own faith is superior, a theme that resonates with contemporary issues of extremism and interfaith conflict. For instance, in today's world, a person might advocate for peace and tolerance while simultaneously decrying another faith as misguided, failing to recognize their own biases and the potential for violence that stems from such divisive thinking.
You May Also Like
His Fly-Speck Majesty
In "His Fly-Speck Majesty," a Distinguished Advocate of Republican Institutions eagerly awaits the arrival of the King of the Fly-Speck Islands while wading in the ocean, despite having previously denounced kings as blood-smeared oppressors in a public speech. When questioned by the Spectator about his apparent hypocrisy, he dismisses the concerns as irrelevant, claiming to have spoken of kings in the abstract. This small moral story echoes famous fables with moral lessons, highlighting the complexities of ideals versus personal ambitions in the pursuit of uplifting narratives.
The Austere Governor
In "The Austere Governor," a moral story highlighting the lessons learned from hypocrisy, a governor visits a state prison and refuses to pardon a convict who abused his office for personal gain. Ironically, he then reveals his own corruption by asking the warden to appoint his nephew in exchange for political favors, illustrating the theme that those who preach integrity may themselves lack it. This short tale serves as an inspirational story with a moral, reminding readers of the importance of true ethical conduct.
The Honourable Member
In this captivating moral tale, a member of the Legislature, who had vowed not to steal, returns home with a large part of the Capitol dome, inciting his constituents to hold an indignation meeting and consider punishment. Defending himself by claiming he never promised not to lie, he is oddly deemed an "honourable man" and elected to Congress without any pledges, showcasing the humorous yet educational nature of short moral stories.
Related Collections
Other names for this story
Faiths of Folly, Divided Beliefs, The Cost of Conviction, Misguided Devotion, The Fallacy of Faith, Sectarian Strife, Illusions of Truth, Blinded by Belief
Did You Know?
This story highlights the irony of religious intolerance, illustrating how adherents of various faiths often believe their own beliefs to be superior while simultaneously engaging in violence against others, ultimately revealing a shared human flaw in the pursuit of righteousness.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.