MoralFables.com

Religions of Error

moral story
2 min read
0 comments
Religions of Error
0:000:00

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

The Mourning Brothers

The Mourning Brothers

In the short story "The Mourning Brothers," an Old Man, sensing his death, challenges his sons to prove their sorrow by wearing weeds on their hats, promising his fortune to the one who endures the longest. After years of stubbornness, they agree to share the inheritance, only to discover that an Executor has taken control of the estate, leaving them with nothing. This tale, rich in folklore and moral lessons, highlights the consequences of hypocrisy and obstinacy, making it one of the best moral stories in short story collections.

hypocrisy
greed
Old Man
Sons
A Revivalist Revived

A Revivalist Revived

In this timeless moral story, a revivalist who dies in the pulpit finds himself in Hades, where he insists he deserves freedom for his pious life. However, the Adversary of Souls denies his request, citing his poor grammar teachings and misinterpretations of scripture, illustrating that even moral lessons can be undermined by flawed examples. This short bedtime story serves as a reminder that moral integrity extends beyond intentions to how one conveys and lives out their beliefs.

Hypocrisy
consequences of actions
Revivalist
Adversary of Souls
His Fly-Speck Majesty

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.

Hypocrisy
Political Satire
Distinguished Advocate of Republican Institutions
Spectator

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.

Explore More Stories

Story Details

Age Group
adult
Theme
religious intolerance
hypocrisy
moral superiority
Characters
Christian
Dragoman
Buddhists
Mohammedans
Setting
Orient
unspecified religious conflict locations

Share this Story