I have been thinking a lot about the role of organized religion lately – both in my own life and for society in general.  Although I originally scribbled notes for this article in 2005, its roots go back to high school when I first realized I was a bit “different” than many of my fellow students at our Catholic high school.  I was never comfortable with the rote mechanics of Catholicism, and liked to challenge established concepts of God.  This led to a few extra demerits, but it started me on the path of questioning not only the Catholic practice but also Christianity itself.  A World Religions class and further study in college opened my mind to the possibility that Christianity didn’t have all the answers for all people.  And, more importantly, that many answers come from within ourselves. 

I came to believe that although organized religion is often the principal vehicle, the search for spirituality should be a uniquely personal journey.  Some of us need rote mechanics and recognizable symbols to feel connected with God. Others may use new-age techniques to transcend the corporeal. Most of us, of course, seek a connection with God through some combination of our participation in an established church — which gives us our sense of community and shared purpose — and personal spiritual development in our own customized way. 

I should have taken more courses in the field of religion, but the value of thinking and questioning stuck with me as I have continued the struggle for truth.  And I now believe I have come to a wonderful insight on the topic.  Namely, that Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and the world’s other major religions all provide a perfectly legitimate channel for followers to connect with their creator or otherwise achieve spirituality, but none of them has an exclusive on the soul salvation market.

I believe we must drop the arrogant assumption — reinforced by generations of social conditioning throughout the world — that only our view could possibly be correct. The major religions, and I believe the vast majority of humans, share a common belief that a benign higher power created the universe and in some way continues to guide our path.  We don’t hear enough about these similarities, unfortunately.  And to make matters worse, followers often focus on the differences (even within their own tents) and have persecuted each other for most of recorded history as a result.  If only we could accept the fact that spiritual oneness with God (as you define Him) can be achieved through a multitude of means, no one of which is better or more effective than the other. 

This is my fundamental belief.  Jesus showed us one path. His teachings are pure and clearly establish a way to commune with God. I do not believe Christianity is the only way, however.  There were (and are still) others with the special ability to connect the masses with the ethereal concept of God.  I’m not a religious scholar, and will not force details into this piece.  I will just say what I believe, and what I think millions of others silently believe to be possible as well — that Jesus was an incredible human being who continues to show millions and millions of us a “Way” but not necessarily “The Way.”  I believe following closely the teachings of the Buddha, Mohammed, or other spiritual leaders can also lead a soul to salvation, enlightenment, or other satisfying end-game, and create a wonderful, meaningful life in the process.

Think about it for a moment. Is it more likely that hundreds of millions of people and their brilliant, dedicated, scholarly leaders are completely wrong, or that we all have it mostly right? I believe there is a God who watches over us and who has sent us multiple prophets to help guide us on the path to spiritual enlightenment.  Could you imagine what might happen if we all allowed ourselves to feel this way? Instead of focusing on differences and feeling threatened by one another, we would actually recognize the overwhelmingly powerful benefits of living a spiritual life on our own chosen path.  The “Us” vs. “Them” perception that continues to dominate our world would slowly recede and we may, just may, find some harmony in our shared humanity.

Idealistic?  You bet.  But can anyone doubt that the key to world peace lies in finding a solution to the problem of religious intolerance?  I find it tragic that so many followers believe that their way is the only way and that the rest of us are condemned souls.  This is the height of arrogance in my opinion.  Let us proclaim the mystery of faith….  No one will ever know for certain what happens to us mortals after death.  We can only believe.  And if you believe that your religion is the best way for you to achieve oneness with God, I applaud your faith and wish you well. If, on the other hand, you believe that your religion is the only way for me to accomplish this life goal, then we have a serious problem.  We should respect others who have a different belief and truly (not with lip service and hidden disdain) appreciate their chosen path as a very real avenue to their desired outcome in life, whether that term be “salvation,” “enlightenment,” or another state of being.  END