The Purpose of Religion: According to Eckhart Tolle... and Me

"Beyond the realm of simple and verifiable facts, the certainty that 'I am right and you are wrong' is a dangerous thing in personal relationships as well as in interaction between nations, tribes, religions, and so on." pg. 69

In my opinion, the mindset that "I have the truth and you don't" relating to the metaphysical and the spiritual realms is either naive or ego-driven. Those who shout from the rooftops that they are enlightened, are not. Those who claim that their religion is the one and only true religion, probably haven't had too much experience with people from those religions they deem as being false. It is a massive ego boost to be convinced that you are right and all opposing beliefs are wrong. On the other hand, those humble souls who recognize the beauty of religious diversity have "eyes to see," as Jesus said.

"The history of Christianity is, of course, a prime example of how the belief that you are in sole possession of the truth, that is to say, right, can corrupt your actions and behavior to the point of insanity. For centuries, torturing and burning people alive if their opinion diverged even in the slightest from Church doctrine or narrow interpretations of scripture (the 'Truth') was considered right because the victims were 'wrong.' They were so wrong that they needed to be killed. The Truth was considered more important than human life. And what was the Truth? A story you had to believe in; which means, a bundle of thoughts." pg. 69-70

 Christianity cannot hide from its evil past, and although Christians are no longer murdering those who oppose their philosophies, the Fundamentalist sects (a large majority) are still demonizing them. They call them "heretics," "backsliders," and "apostates." Instead of burning them at the stake they label them as wrong, prohibit them from the tribe, and demand their adherents to refrain from associating with these dangerous folk out of fear that might be misled by these "wolves in sheep's clothing."

How did a religion that has tenets of unconditional love and radical grace arrive at a place of killing others for simply disagreeing with these "bundle of thoughts?" These antithetical actions happened because of ego, group-think, and fear. Although our modern times may have helped things evolve past allowing large groups murdering minorities for disagreeing, we still see powerful control systems at work today...especially in our religious, racial, gender/sexuality, and political climates. And sadly we still have radical groups killing people for thinking differently.

"Thought can at best point to the truth, but it never is the truth. That's why Buddhists say, 'The finger pointing to the moon is not the moon.' All religions are equally false and equally true, depending on how you use them. You can use them in the service of the ego, or you can use them in the service of the Truth. If you believe only your religion is the Truth, you are using it in the service of the ego. Used in such a way, religion becomes ideology and creates an illusory sense of superiority as well as division and conflict between people (emphasis added). In the service of the Truth, religious teachings represent signposts or maps left behind by awakened humans to assist you in spiritual awakening, that is to say, in becoming free of identification with form." pg. 70-71

Eckhart is not anti-religion, nor am I. He is for religion as long as it is being used to guide you instead of control you, and I concur. The difference between the two is monumental. The difference being seeing religion as a vehicle to get to the moon instead of seeing it as the moon itself. Religion should be a structure that helps guide you along, it is not an idol to bow down to. Like Eckhart says, religion is to be serving the Truth. A servant that helps lead humanity into greater levels of consciousness and cosmic good.

"There is only one absolute Truth, and all other truths emanate from it. When you find that Truth, your actions will be in alignment with it. Human action can reflect the Truth, or it can reflect illusion. Can the Truth be put into words? Yes, but the words are, of course, not it. They only point to it." pg. 71

Religion can be a vehicle that takes you closer to Truth, or takes you further from it. It all depends on how you use it, or rather, if you get confused and let it use you. This is the beauty of the religious diversity we have on our planet. All religions have the capability of taking people to the same Truth. Likewise, these religions have the capability of taking people to the dark abyss of fundamentalism. Where adherents all of the sudden surrender their ability to think for themselves and fall in line without questioning. All fundamentalism is not evil but it is often where characteristics like hatred, discord, and arrogance slowly begin creeping into the group-think. The group thinks that God is only on their side, so everyone else must join or be doomed to hell.

Hopefully you have the awareness to see the pro's and con's of religion.. If you believe that your religion is the one true religion, then you don't know what you don't know. I understand that these words will sound like heresy and you will likely dismiss them. And if you choose to do so, that is fine by me. I am not here to convert you to my way. I am simply proposing a way of thinking and being that I have found to be more helpful in navigating this life. Even if you reject what Eckhart and I are proposing, I still believe these ideas will get stuck in your subconscious, and start speaking to the Truth that is in you. This Truth is in us all. And when the time is right and you are ready to see with new eyes you will catch a glimpse that religion is not the Moon itself, but rather the finger pointing to it.