ALL RELIGIONS ARE PATHS TO GOD

The Mystic Christ - Chapter Preview

The reality of religion is something far beyond people's concept about it. The so-called intellectuals of all religions have taught people about a religion that they themselves have created; a religion corresponding to their own ideas, which has little to do with true religion and its essential principles. They fool the people by making them follow only the external aspect of religion, and never the internal. If the internal oneness of religions were to be revealed, their own importance would be greatly diminished and they wouldn't be given any more attention. This is the reason why they highlight only the external differences. Otherwise their egos will starve, which would be unbearable to them. Also, since they, themselves, are stuck in their own intellects, they cannot assimilate the real principles of spirituality; and if they have not imbibed those principles, how can they teach anyone about spirituality? Ammachi, Awaken Children, vol. 7

In this chapter we will reflect on the truth that all of the world's major religions are paths to God. Let us pause to refresh our philosophical foundation by reflecting for a moment on our true nature and the nature of the ego. The afflictive emotions such as jealousy, greed and hatred are products of the ego and the ego is an illusory mental fabrication composed of I-am-this and I-am-that. This is in contrast to the plain and simple primal being of I AM. Therefore the "anti-God" or "anti Christ" is the ego and its delusional attachment to the external projections of I-am-this and I-am-that. By mistakenly assuming I-am-this and I-am-that, we form attractions and aversions to specific things and these attractions and aversions we call our body of desires. The sum total of these attachments is our own personal ego. For example the belief that we are a physical body will prompt us to amplify our indulgence in sensual pleasure. If we believe that we are a Christian, then we may be compelled to diminish or even destroy anything which is not Christian because our existence is threatened by these other religions. Bodies, religions and political parties are changing and impermanent like clouds drifting in the sky. Only our true nature, the I AM, is permanent and unchanging.

It is more than probable that the Old Testament prohibition regarding other religions was an attempt to cement the authority and power of the priests. Of course, this would be an entirely understandable and common act of human covetousness and jealousy on their part. This sort of activity has been going on since the birth of the ego. The ego is as prone to such short sightedness as it is for night to follow day. It would be hard to imagine the priests being so pure that they did not have these emotions especially if their power and authority were challenged by competitors. It is easy to imagine that they could insert their diversionary tactics into the scriptures in the form of "the word of God" and to impose the death penalty for any disobedience. It is possible that all along it was not God who was vengeful, wrathful and jealous but the priests.

The first of the Ten Commandments states, "You shall have no other Gods before me." Many have mistakenly interpreted that to mean, "You shall have no other religions before me."

The very words "nation" and "religion" imply division and diversity. This diversity may seem to create an obstacle in fostering peace in the world, yet in reality it is this diversity that brings richness and beauty to the world and human life. Just as a bouquet having flowers of different colors is more beautiful than a bouquet of flowers of the same color, there is one truth that shines through the rivers and mountains, flowers, the sun, moon and stars and you and I. All are expressions of this One Reality. It is by assimilating this truth in life that we can discover the inherent beauty in this diversity. When we work together as a global family, not belonging to a particular race or nation, peace and happiness will once again prevail on this earth. - Ammachi, Address to the United Nations, August 29, 2000

By exploring other faiths we begin to see what is common to all paths: love, tolerance, innocence, compassion, devotion to God, forgiveness and service to others. As these essential aspects are clarified and reinforced by their appearance again and again in the major faiths of the world, we begin to find acceptance and tolerance toward other faiths.

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