Comparative Religious Studies: Introduction
Let us begin by making what is probably the most important statement one can make when examining the multitudes of world views known to mankind; It is possible that all religions may be wrong, but it is not possible that all religions are right.
This statement needs to be clarified so that there is no ambiguity to what is intended. First and foremost, it is possible that all religious views (including atheistic) about life and existence are wrong. Faith demands that there is a gap between empirical knowledge and reason. Every religion, including atheism, has at it’s heart a measure of faith in it’s claims to truth.
Second, because of the nature of each religion, it is not possible that all religions are simultaneously correct. There cannot be a god, and not a god at the same time. The god(s) of classical paganism are contradicted by the singularity of monotheism. As we begin to examine the world’s religions you will begin to understand that there is a vast difference between each and every representation of religious ideology. One must be right, or all must be wrong. This, in and of itself is a logical contradiction which demands that one must be right.
The main tool used in discerning the truth of a particular religion is science. Logic, reason, deduction, induction, experiment and observation are all tools necessary to complete a study of anything that exists witin this physical universe. Even though a religion may describe an entity which lies outside of, or superior to, this universe, the properties of that entity’s interactions with mankind are part of this physical universe. In this way we can examine all religions just as we examine all physicality; cause and effect.
One of the main fallacies of modern thought is that science and religion are opposed to each other. Nothing could be further from the truth. Science and religion are two sides to the same coin; human reason. The tools of science are nothing more than that; tools. These are tools which are used by the mind of an individual who seeks out those things which are described by religion; meaning, purpose, and cause.
Finally, it is not necessary to examine every single detail of every single religion in order to determine that religion’s veracity. While in depth study of all religions is encouraged at the patience and will of the participant, it is inevitably unnescessary; there are certain core principles which can substantiate, or destroy any world religion. It is the purpose of this study to point out those core principles. The specific practices which are built upon those principles will then fall away readily enough.
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