True Religion

Religion is not an end in itself.

The ultimate goal of true religion is the death of the ego self — and the awakening of the true Self in the image and likeness of God.

When this goal is achieved, religion has served its purpose. It is to be honoured — and then laid aside.

If God — Oneness, the Ground of all Being — is the ultimate reality, then anything that hinders or denies access to that reality has, however subtly, become idolatry. This includes spiritual practice. This includes good works. This includes sacrament.

If your religious practice is not edging you closer to the point where you no longer need it, it has become a crutch rather than a path.

Ask yourself honestly:

Does it free you to take risks — or bind you to safety?
Does it open more questions than it closes?
Does it nudge you forward into the unknown — or hold you back from the leap?

If religion answers every question, settles every doubt, and asks nothing costly of you — it may have quietly become a destination rather than a direction.

True religion is not an end in itself. It is a means — a road that leads to union with the One.

When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.

1 Corinthians 15:28