Areas of Compatibility Often Exist

Religions are generally composed of various sets of beliefs, ethical norms and practical or cultural expressions. Rather than understanding compatibility in a general, comprehensive and absolute way, it is better to consider which particular aspects of one religion may be compatible or incompatible with those of another.

For example, most religions have similar and compatible teachings concerning charity for the poor and care for the marginalized. Many religions share common beliefs regarding basic morals and human rights. Cultural practices such as fasting or tithing may also be compatible.

Most areas of incompatibility between religions exist in the realm of theological beliefs. Some religions, especially the Abrahamic Faiths of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, have a select and generally compatible set of basic beliefs in one God who acts and reveals himself through a shared salvation history. Religious belief in multiple gods or no God would not be compatible with monotheism.