THE MANY FAITHS BECOME ONE FAITH, IF WE WOULD BUT REJOICE IN EVERYONE ELSE’S FAITHS.
One of the great problems in world history is the clash of religious beliefs. But, we could have one world religion, if we truly wanted it. And no religion would have to be given up by any of the world’s religious adherents.
Once again it has to be said: these are extraordinary times, when humanity is faced with one of its greatest tests, and at the same time just about its greatest opportunity. . The question is, have we humans, both individually and collectively managed to emerge from our spiritual childhood, into our spiritual adolescence and perhaps even on through into our spiritual adulthood? Our history, both spiritual and temporal, has been characterised by tribalism and a profound and thoroughly dangerous propensity for schism. ‘Their religion, my religion’. ‘Their faith, my faith’. ‘Their country, my country’. ‘Their politics, my politics’. But now is the time when we are beginning to understand that ALL is ONE, in ALL possible ways. We are beginning to understand that we do not have to define ourselves by what we dislike or even hate in OTHER. We are beginning to understand, at last, that all faiths and religions are worthy, that all peoples of all the world are worthy, and that all views have worth. We are beginning to understand this, and the great test for us now is whether we can put that understanding into genuine practice, whether we can LIVE that understanding. That is true spiritual and temporal adulthood if we can.
We stand on the threshold of spiritual greatness if we can but make that deeply spiritual leap.