Common Thread in Religions?

[Moksha]

Is there a common thread of wisdom and goodness that runs through all religions and unites them?

[connerific]

I think so. I read a book called Religions of the World: A Latter-day Saint View by Spencer J. Palmer and Roger R. Keller. It took a look at all the religions of the world from an LDS perspective. Boy, that was redundant! Anyway, i really liked it.

You can find it at ldscatalog.com. It looks like they have a revised and enlarged version from the one i have for $19.50.

[AnthonyB]

If God exists and man was once in fellowship with Him, then all religions will carry somethings that in no matter how small a way still have some inkling of that original relationship.

Although for some reason your post did bring to mind a poem be a guy named "Steve Turner" I will quote two small sections, its called "Creed"...

We believe that all religions are basically the same,
at least the one that we read was.
The all believe in love and goodness.
They only differ on matters of
creation sin heaven hell God and salvation

We believe that each man must find the truth
that is right for him
Reality will adapt accordingly.
the universe will readjust. History will alter.
We believe that there is no absolute truth
excepting the truth that there is no absolute truth.

[WANDERER]

We believe that everything is getting better
despite evidence to the contrary.
The evidence must be investigated
And you can prove anything with evidence.

We believe that after death comes the Nothing
Because when you ask the dead what happens they say nothing.
If death is not the end, if the dead have lied,
then it's compulsory heaven for all
excepting perhaps Hitler, Stalin, and Genghis Khan.

And the poem ending LOL:
We believe in the rejection of creeds,
and the flowering of individual thought.

Some things to think about. Thanks for sharing Anthony.

[NateHowe]

Wisdom from Alma 29:8

For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true.

All good teachings from all parts of the world come from the Lord. That does not make them comprehensive or absolutely correct, because apostasy from truth is not a uniquely Christian phenomenon. However, it means that all good comes from God, and all religion that teaches correct principles had a beginning with God.

[prisonchaplain]

We all have within us the image of God. And yes, most religions teach some form of the Golden Rule. On the other hand, Jesus claimed to be the only way to the Father, and he called the right way a narrow and difficult path.

So, while there are common themes in most religions, they do not unite the faiths. The remains a single right way, and so many wrong ones. It is my contention, though, that the right way is not a religion, but a person--Jesus.

[Misshalfway]

I believe that God has enlightened many through out the ages. I do believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. But I do see wisdom and truth about subjects other than Salvation, in these various religions. I took a world religions class in college and was impressed by the similarities in different groups. It makes me wonder if the truth that was given to Adam and Eve was changed because of countless different forces and influences.

[Over43]

I believe there is. It is unfortunate that many religions do not recognize this.

I thought President Hinckley's "Come and take some of our good..." (paraphrase) was beautiful and timely.

One of my favorite books is "Being Peace" by Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh. (A Vietnamese monk living in exile in France.)

Jon

[HiJolly]

Yes, indeed. And if you're brave enough (or have the spirit with you) and look into the world's mystery traditions, there is much more to see. You will have to also discard much error, but for me the treasures were worth it.


HiJolly

[masterlee]

Try reading anything written by Hugh Nibley. He explains all this.