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Unique theology, common good
Q: Are all religions the same? The Dalai Lama, who just celebrated his 75th birthday, often refers to the 'oneness' of all religions, the idea that all religions preach the same message of love, tolerance and compassion. Historians Karen Armstrong and Huston Smith agree that major faiths are more alike than not. But in his new book "God is not One," religion scholar and On Faith panelist Steve Prothero says views by the Dalai Lama, Armstrong and Smith that all religions "are different paths to the same God" is untrue, disrespectful and dangerous. Who's right? Why?
There is something beautifully simplistic and unifying about the concept that all religions "are different paths to the same mountain." And while I earnestly want to believe this, today's world has so many different religions --big, small, philanthropic, corporate-like, sincere, others with questionable sincerity --that I find such a conclusion unrealistic. And it's not just the theology. It's also how that theology is practiced.
Take my religion, Christian Science. Like so many Christian religions, my theology's foundation comes from a God that is Divine Love, whose Messiah, Jesus Christ, brought a ministry of compassion, forgiveness, redemption as well as the healing of physical disease and suffering. Every day I strive to better emulate this ministry in my own life. And while I'm so very grateful for the abundance of evidence I've seen in service to Him, I would be the first one to say there is so much more to do--so much more that is required of me to fulfill the demands of my faith--of Christianity itself.
At the same time, let's face it, there's a prevailing public skepticism, if not cynicism, that dismisses the goodwill and good works of any religion in the light of repeated church scandal, self-interest and hypocrisy. Is that our only recurring commonality? I think not.
I see a commonality of good, unselfish giving, and real spirituality that goes way beyond religious distinctions. It may not be seen in every religion universally, but it is common and is something that most religions share in common.
Don't get me wrong. I'm a Christian Scientist because I have experienced a communion and practical understanding of God that is unique and which literally saved my life. However, I see elements of this divine Love's influence on the lives of people in various religions and philosophies. I've been moved to tears, moved to action and moved to a different attitude by their example.
So maybe the need is not to try and devolve all religions into one motive or goal as much as it is to celebrate the good that religious people actually accomplish with their lives. I'd rather look for commonality there.
By
Phil Davis
|
July 9, 2010; 8:37 AM ET
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Posted by: ronkrumpos | July 16, 2010 1:45 PM
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A few quotes on Love from “the greatest achievement in life,” my e-book at http://www.suprarational.org (pardon the plug):
“Love your neighbor like something which you yourself are. For all souls are one. Each is a spark from the original soul and this soul is wholly inherent in all souls, just as your soul is in all members of your body.” Shmelke of Nikolsburg J [Note: (d. 1778) Moravian rabbi]
“At the goal, the soul is filled with and enveloped in the love of God. It is indistinguishable from God…all thought of lover, love and the beloved is absent.” Swami S(h)ivananda H
“All that is not One must ever suffer with the wound of Absence, and whoever in Love’s city enters, finds but room for One and, but in Oneness, Union.” Jami I
“The lamp is different, but the light is the same. Love alone can end their quarrel. Love alone comes to the rescue when you cry for help against their arguments.” Rumi [Mawlana] I
“Meditate on the divinity within yourself. Drink the nectar of love that continually pours from the heart of God.” Lalla H
[Note: She was the 14th-century prophetess of Kashmir.]
“Spiritual love is different. …it leads to unity with the beloved. This unity in love remains forever and ever, always alive, both within and without, and each moment you live in love. It will swallow you completely until there is no ‘you.’ There is only love.” Amritanandamayi Ma [Amma(chi)] H
[Note: 20th-21st century saint; she is called the “hugging saint.”]