For centuries, millions have died for the sake of religion and in the name of God. God did not create religions to promote fighting among human beings but manmade religions have promoted intolerance and violence among cultures.

God sent messengers, prophets, masters, teachers, gurus and sages from time to time and in different countries to teach people the truths of life and spirituality.

In olden days, spiritual knowledge was transferred orally to people as there were no written means available. People have twisted God's words, especially the extremists. They have brainwashed the younger generation, saying if you die in the name of God or fight a holy war, you'll go to heaven. A true holy war is a peaceful demonstration against injustice; as a last resort weapons are used when the lives of children, women and the elderly are in danger. A true holy war was fought by Mahatma Gandhi in India, Nelson Mandela in South Africa and Dr. Martin Luther King in America.

When a child is born, he is not Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Korean, Chinese or Sikh. He is a pure spiritual being with pure consciousness. Parents who belong to a particular faith and follow certain rituals, traditions and belief systems pass on those values to their children. A child's mind is like a blank slate; whatever is taught, good or bad, by the family, religion or society stays there for the child's entire life.

Misuse of ego, anger and power are major causes of maladjustment, violence and war. Since WWII, we've fought more than 165 wars. One of the main causes of war is ideological differences between men. They are the underlying roots of many conflicts that have led men to taking weapons against each other. Gandhi united people from all faiths in India. Religions are like different labels and God is eternal, he said. We are Hindu, Muslim, Jew and Sikh. Gandhi suggested people remove labels and advised them to follow the path of brotherhood, non-violence. He believed, experienced and preached that non-violence is the highest religion.

These religions teach of paths of love, kindness, forgiveness, service to others and God consciousness; they refer to the same creator of this universe. No religion is superior to another. God does not belong to one caste, society or nation. God is impartial, eternal and universal. He resides in the hearts of all human beings, no matter if a person is rich or poor, or belongs to one religion or another.

God does not punish anyone and does not take enjoyment in dividing people or religions; it is men who divide man from man for their own selfish purposes and unknown fears.

We have forgotten the messages of the Bible, Q'uran, Bhagvad Gita, Guru Granth Sahib, Dhammapada, and Bahai. We have added layers of false beliefs, greed, and desires on our consciousness for wealth, weapons, oil, land and material possessions. Ancient Hindu scriptures Vedas state, "Let us have concord with our own people, and concord with people who are strangers to us. Love creates peace between us and strangers, and a unity of hearts."

Children are the future of tomorrow. We need to teach our children to respect all religions and to integrate good things from every religion in their lives. We should sow the seeds of love in our children as love is the basis of all beautiful creation in this world.

Gandhi said, "Be a change to see the change in the world." When we change, the world changes.

Raj Kumar follows Hinduism.