Follow One, Respect All

so on. In such circumstances, to claim that the teachings of all the religions are the same may appeal to the minds of people who are given to wishful thinking, but it is not logical, and nor does it correspond to reality. Even if, by some means or the other, it could be argued that the scriptures of the different religions are, in fact, the same, the problem of differences will remain unresolved. It is because there are multiple and conflicting interpretations of each of these scriptures, and these multiple interpretations lead to the formation of numerous sects within each religious community. The fact is that such difference or diversity is not related to religion alone. The entire world is based on the principle of differences and variety. These differences are so pervasive that no two things or people are without some difference or the other. When differences are a Law of Nature, how can religion be an exception to this rule? As differences are found in everything else in the world, so are differences between one religion and another. We have not thought it necessary to do away with differences in other matters but, instead, have agreed to disagree. We should adopt this same practical formula in matters of religion as well. Here, too, we should stress unity despite differences. The fact is that there is only one way to deal with the issue of religious plurality positively, and that is: “Follow one and respect all.”