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