The world has rarely been in greater need of compassion than right now. Harsh rhetoric pervades the airwaves as well as political speech and that has led not only to insensitivity to others’ suffering, but to violence and cruelty as well. Speech as well as the written word can have enormous consequences for good or for harm. We humans love to tell stories and our narratives drastically influence thought as well as action.

The most powerful narratives are found in the scriptures that define the world’s religions. Because these are often accepted as sacred, they tend not to be viewed as critically as other texts. Worse, they can be used to generate an extremism never intended by the original authors. In Christianity, the Bible has been used to justify slavery, sexual inequality and war despite the fact that “love of God and our fellow man” is the foundational teaching of Jesus. The Quran, likewise, has been used to justify terrorism and murder, ignoring its original meaning relating to one’s internal struggle to purify one’s life.

The militant Salafist version of Islam has given rise to Al Qaeda, Islamic State, Boko Haran and Al Shabab despite its founder, Mohammad’s, message of peace. Buddhism as well, which emphasizes loving kindness, has fallen prey to ethnic cleansing in Myanmar. These are just a few of the examples of how proponents of the great religion’s founders can stray from basic teachings.

So, narratives have enormous influence in human affairs and are capable of manipulating masses of people which is why it is critical that they be approached with a compassionate heart. For example, a reader of the Bible would want to take care around several verses such as Deuteronomy 17:12 which counsels putting unbelievers to death, similar to Quran 9:5. Whether a Christian or a Muslim, one should ask, “how does this verse square with the fundamental teachings of Jesus or Mohammad? Is that not a question that needs to be pondered? The Buddha, similarly taught “to abstain from all evil, to cultivate the good, and to purify one’s mind.” Sutta 183. How does that comport with ethnic cleansing?

Scripture can justify horrible actions. It can also promote brotherly love. Whatever your religious path or affiliation, which one are you nurturing and practicing?

— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. Charles Wellington is a member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, Massachusetts, and regularly meditates with the Great Plains Zen Center in Monroe.