Do All Religions Give The Same Light? Poem by Terence George Craddock (Spectral Images and Images Of Light)

two famous folk singers
once said at their concert
that all earth's religions

give the light
but is this
the same light?

Do all these religions
teach believe
the same teachings?

Do true faithful advocates
of each of these religions
believe the same beliefs?


Christianity teaches
Jesus is the only begotten
Son of divine God

Jesus claimed
he was the way
the truth the light

that none no one
comes to God
except through him

an exclusive claim


Islam declares
God has no sons
Jesus is but one

prophet like Moses
Noah Muhammad
Jesus never died

on sacrifice cross
was no Messiah
to take your sins

supreme is finality
faith in prophethood
chosen Muhammad


Five Pillars Of Islam
five duties incumbent
on all every Muslim

Shahadah
profession
of faith

Salat prayers
Sawm fasting
Zakat giving of alms

specifically
during
Ramadan


Hajj
pilgrimage
to Mecca

five practices
essential
to all Muslims


Hinduism the most
important Indian religion
characterized by a belief

in reincarnation
belief in a large pantheon
of gods and goddesses


Buddhism is a religion
philosophy encompassing
a variety of traditions

beliefs practices
inspired based
on many teachings

attributed to Siddhartha

many religions
many differences
many sources


different sources of light?

yet some concepts
are paramount
to all true believers

tolerance compassion
vengeance belongs to God alone
love worship holy God

remove huge rafter of sin
from your own eye before
straw from another's eye


Copyright © Terence George Craddock