Question:
Books like yours, Ken Wilber’s and Joseph Campbell’s all say, from differing perspectives: that the great river of wisdom called the perennial philosophy, is destined to somehow evolve into the “common sense” knowledge of all people willing to embrace such knowledge — no matter what their faith. This seems to be our best hope for an ultimate solution to the continuing problem of “exclusivity” — which, by all evidence, is always providing fresh fodder for religious
warfare.

Do you think that one way to get at this problem, and potentially offer a way out of this mess, might be in logically distinguishing between Deity — with all its different culturally-based attributes depending on its particular originating faith, — and Spirit itself, which, by its nature, appears to embrace and transcend all deities, faiths, traditions and the very space-time universe?
If people could be helped to see, based on this distinction between Deity and Spirit, that it is really absurd to claim “Ours is the only True Faith”, might we not find ourselves more and more aligned with each other in understanding the common Oneness which we all share?
Answer:
You raise a valid point. By emphasizing the universal nature of Spirit instead of a sectarian God, we can encourage our spiritual commonality instead of our differences. However, as you mentioned, this is the Perennial Philosophy, it is not a new idea, and merely repeating it will have little impact on those stuck in their dogma. Exclusivity in one’s religion belongs to the fight-or-flight response stage, and that perspective is not amenable to logical distinctions between Spirit and Deity. As Francis Bacon once said, “You cannot by reasoning correct a man of ill opinion which by reasoning he never acquired.”
The transition from the Reactive Response to the Restful Alertness Response requires the transcendence of individuality into universality. This growth process applies to both individuals as well as entire religions. Only when enough members of a religion experience that unbounded silence within, will the religion as a whole shift from the dogma that “this is the only way to God” to knowing “this is a way to God.” Spiritual traditions which rely on a set of external beliefs to relate to God will always be threatened by anyone who doesn’t share those beliefs, and will be in constant confrontation with them. They must either be converted or condemned. Religions which emphasize the personal experience of silence which goes beyond all faith and understanding, have no problem with recognizing the validity of other spiritual paths.
Love,
Deepak
Note: Those wishing to send in a question can write to: askdeepak@chopra.com