Though we may be born to different races, raised in different places, and speak different languages; we are ALL children of the same God! I urge anyone who thinks otherwise to contemplate the words of the Prophet Malachi, who said:
“Have we all not One Father? Has not One God created us all?” (2:10)
It is spiritual ignorance which causes us to see everything as separate and individual. It is our choosing to remain in darkness which keeps us blind to the truth that the “Spark of Life” is the same within us all. And if we don’t remove the veil from our eyes humanity will continue to see only differences and divide people into many categories.
God, however, shows no partiality. Our God & Creator sees ALL His children as ONE! He doesn’t ask us are we a Christian, Jew, Muslim, etc….? For, God is not exclusive to one special group. He loves us all; has mercy on us all; and desires a relationship with each & everyone one of us; regardless of our race, culture, or faith/religion. And the truth is, because every one of us has been created in His image & likeness, no one has more or less access to Him than anyone else.
Many religious groups erroneously think their way is the only road to God; and thereby exclude, build walls, and create tension between people. However, any group or organization that believes this doesn’t fully understand God’s nature. Our God is a God of Love, Unity, Mercy, & Compassion; therefore, He INCLUDES ALL people into His Family. For, the only thing that God sees when He looks upon us is the condition of our hearts.
In ancient times there was a saying: “All roads lead to Rome.” Well, the truth, which may be hard for many to hear, is that any religious or spiritual path can lead a follower to God. For, God doesn’t desire any soul to be separated from Him. Yes, there are certain laws which we need to abide by in order to gain access into His Kingdom and to have a close & intimate relationship with Him. But, if we in anyway feel disconnected, or far from our Father, the troubles lies with ourselves; and not with God or our religion. It is strictly desire that leads a soul toward or away from God; and not the path we choose to walk. Therefore, any failure to advance spiritually is not the fault of the road traveled, but rather the fault of the traveler.
Let us look at the world around us; our God LOVES diversity. He doesn’t care by which road we approach Him; because He created them all. Therefore, no one should desire that everyone be converted to one particular path. In fact, because we come from different cultures, our minds are very diverse and have different likes & dislikes. So, I agree with my spiritual brother, the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, who says:
“One Religion cannot appeal to all people.”
Therefore, it’s essential for world peace that we have religious tolerance & freedom. Ultimately, the goal of religion is to make a better person. And these religions are nothing more than a set of rituals & doctrines built around a particular founder or enlightened being; i.e. Buddhism = Buddha; Christianity = Jesus; Hinduism = Krishna, Shiva, etc…; Islam = Muhammad; Judaism= Moses; Zoroastrianism = Zarathustra (Zoroaster); etc… Therefore, just as each path led its founder to truth and the knowledge of God; so too can it be of benefit to another. So, let the path which another person follows to know God be of no concern to us; as long as that person is walking the path in love & compassion; and not inflicting any harm upon another individual.
For your own sake, I encourage you not to judge another’s path. Let them do as they may. For remember, we shall be judged by the same standards which we use to judge others (Matthew 7:2). God alone determines who shall be given access to Him and who won’t. And as God, He has the right to grant each & every one of us access to Him through whichever path He chooses. Now, I promise you that if we follow our chosen paths diligently; give God the place & time that He deserves; love Him with all our heart & soul; and are careful to obey what He asks; then He shall come into our lives in an amazing & unexplainable way.
God bless you all on you journey! Remember, we all belong to the same family! And seek to always – Heed the Spirit,
Anthony
I