Which religion is more peaceful: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Jainism or other? [b]Please let's keep it civilised, there's no need to start a volcanic eruption. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.[/b] My opinion: My vote goes for Jainism with buddhism laying [i]pretty[/i] close. [b]Jainism:[/b] Jainism is by far one of the most peaceful religions on earth if not the most. Belonging to the Dharmic family of religions, it advocates for and is based upon the core tenets of peace and nonviolence. Their basic tenets are: nonviolence, vegetarianism, respect for nature, compassion, tolerance, karma, and reincarnation to name a few. While you might hear news stories of Islamic or Christian terrorists, a Jain terrorist is virtually unheard of. [b]Buddhism: [/b] Again, like I said, Buddhism is also an extremely peaceful religion. Also being a Dharmic religion, it is also the most tolerant and accepting as a recent study indicates that of all the religious groups in America (including atheists), Buddhists rank #1 in supporting gay marriage. I would have probably been up there tied with Jainism if not for particular groups such as Zen Buddhists, who have encouraged the kamikaze bombings or the Buddhists who have committed terrorist attacks in Burma and Thailand. However these incidents are more likely a result of social and political tensions as opposed to being a result of Buddhism alone. Buddhism also teaches of nonviolence and vegetarianism along with many other similarities shared with Jainism. [b]Hinduism:[/b] Generally regarded as the mother of all Dharmic religions, Hinduism, at its core, is essentially a peaceful religion. Essential teachings that exist in Buddhism and Jainism also appear in Hinduism such as nonviolence, Karma, Dharma, Reincarnation, religious pluralism, and the unity of all living creatures. It also encourages vegetarianism as even the most smallest of live is seen as sacred. Hinduism also holds that the masculine and feminine are two parts of the same whole and should be seen and treated as equal and indivisible. However, in recent years, interpretations of Hinduism have diverged from its holy and ancient roots and a very small minority of self proclaimed Hindus have formed organizations like the RSS, Abhinav Bharat, and other radical groups which foster intolerance and acts of violence. Yet still, despite these groups, the vast majority of Hindus still remain loyal to the notions of peace and nonviolence. [b]Christianity, Judaism and Islam: [/b] All being Abrahamic monotheistic religions, These religions, in their scriptures, have notions of religious exclusivity, which clearly the Dharmic religions do not share. Religious exclusivity in its basic sense, mean that their religions claim ultimate exclusivity to truth - and this can be dangerous at times and will ultimately lead to religious fundamentalism, fanaticism, extremism, and finally terrorism. A majority of religious global conflict in the history of humanity has been initiated by these religions. The scriptures of these religions, while having many beneficial and morally insightful sections, also has many morally unacceptable things such as insisting that animals were made for human entertainment or consumption or that their God would reward them in their afterlives for conducting violence in his name. To be fair, very few go by the literal interpretations of these texts and a vast majority are religious moderates who are mostly benign and peaceful people.