| The different stages of growth are absolutely | | | | they are the language that the souls in that stage can |
| necessary to the attainment of purity and perfection. | | | | understand. |
| The varying systems of religion are at bottom founded | | | | The next idea that I want to bring to you is that religion |
| on the same ideas. Jesus says the kingdom of heaven | | | | does not consist in doctrines or dogmas. It is not what |
| is within you. Again he says, "Our father who art in | | | | you read, nor what dogmas you believe that is of |
| Heaven." How do you reconcile the two sayings? In | | | | importance,but what you realise. "Blessed are the pure |
| this way: He was talking to the uneducated masses | | | | in heart,for they shall see God," yea, in this life. And that |
| when he said the latter, the masses who were | | | | is salvation. There are those who teach that this can |
| uneducated in religion. It was necessary to speak to | | | | be gained by the mumbling of words. But no great |
| them in their own language. The masses want | | | | Master ever taught that external forms were |
| concrete ideas,something the senses can grasp. A | | | | necessary for salvation. The power of attaining it is |
| man may be the greatest philosopher in the world,but | | | | within ourselves. We live and move in God. Creeds |
| a child in religion. When a man has developed a high | | | | and sects have their parts to play, but they are for |
| state of spirituality he can understand that the kingdom | | | | children,they last but temporarily.Books never make |
| of heaven is within him.That is the real kingdom of the | | | | religions, but religions make books. We must not forget |
| mind. Thus we see that the apparent contradictions | | | | that. No book ever created God, but God inspired all |
| and perplexities in every religion mark but different | | | | the great books. And no book ever created a soul. |
| stages of growth. And as such we have no right to | | | | We must never forget that. The end of all religions is |
| blame anyone for his religion. There are stages of | | | | the realising of God in the soul. That is the one |
| growth in which forms and symbols are necessary; | | | | universal religion. |