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Even among the pagans, some people were righteous and pious, and internalized the positive aspects of their belief system. Therefore, our Sages related respectfully to every non-Jew, even when they knew someone was an idolator. For an idolator might be pious, or may become pious at some future time. The Sages learned from the good deeds of the gentiles, such as the act of honoring parents, from an idol-worshiping Roman officer.
The rabbis were even more open in their attitude toward believing Christians and Moslems. It is known that there have been pious and righteous gentiles among the faithful believers of Christianity and Islam. This attitude differed from that of many Christians and Moslems, who believed that one who does not accept their religion cannot be considered righteous or pious and will not be rewarded in the World to Come. We believe there are righteous people of different nationalities and religions, and their paths helped to elevate all nations and religions toward a more perfect faith.
