Religious Scarcity of Truth vs. Mystical Wealth of Truth

What got me out of traditional Christianity was the denomination wars.

Penacostals said that all baptists were going to hell and some baptist said the same about the Penacostals.

This is because each of these denominations, like many other traditional religions, believe that they have a monopoly on truth. Truth and enlightenment, for those who claim a trademark on them, is very rare and very scarce. So they horde it and keep it for themselves everyone else be damned.. literally. It is an idea so sacred and holy that it is worth killing for. Just look at fundamentalist Islam.

As I’ve been studying and following more mystical and meditative type paths, I’ve noticed that many of them don’t hold the same ideas about truth. A buddhist will talk openly to a Kabbalah Rabbi for example, where it is not as easy to get a Christian and a Muslim (or even a traditional Jew and a Christian) to talk very frankly and openly.

I believe this maybe due to their views of who has owns the patent on truth.

Nevertheless, I think that religion is necessary in the same way that government is in the current stage of humanity. It can turn ugly at times but it also has a moral center that is important for human evolution.

It is important that we have a more inclusive, respectful view of other cultures/religions and what level they are at. It is just unfortunate no one else seems to agree.