Mankind's capacity for worship establishes its unique status among all forms of life. Whether that worship is directed to a single deity, to a multiplicity of deities, or to objects in nature, mankind alone worships. People are born and die, laugh and cry, work and play, raise families and retire, reminisce and plan; regardless of their religious institutions, people share these common denominators.
In a world of increasing complexity, religion affords a modicum of stability. The holy texts of each religion provide instructions for living, prescribe rites to be observed or performed, and provide insight into the establishment of created order in the world and universe. Peoples of different religions are in contact with each other on a daily basis, no longer separated by mere cultural or geographical boundaries. The media expose us to the variety of celebrations and rituals observed by adherents of each of the world's great religions.
According to Braswell, "Perhaps the best way to understand world religions is to observe and to communicate with the peoples who profess and practice their religions. Increasingly, one is able to converse with peoples of different religions . . . [and] a new world of understanding unfolds." According to their own understanding of the nature of their religions, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists extend invitations to others to investigate and adopt their religious beliefs and attitudes.
Religious people adhere to sacred history, recognize holy places and individuals, and holy lands. In the particular instance of Jews, Christians, and Muslims, certain aspects of history, places, individuals, and whole territories are common points of contact for all three religions. And these same things have also become the substance of great conflicts. Christians have fought with Christians, with Jews, and with Muslims over the holy lands and landmarks of Palestine, as have Je...