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 Honourable Member

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.

hypocrisy
integrity
Member of the Legislature
Constituents
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
From the Minutes

From the Minutes

In "From the Minutes," a misguided orator, proud of his supposed integrity, misinterprets a gesture of scorn directed at his reputation, leading to his mortifying collapse and death. His colleagues, reflecting on the simple lessons from his frequent nonsensical speeches, decide to honor him by adjourning whenever they are tired, illustrating the big moral story of the consequences of lacking common sense. This very short moral story serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and self-awareness.

pride
hypocrisy
Orator
Unblotted Escutcheon

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