Many paths, one truth: Why all sources of knowledge need to be respected

Many people in our modern world and especially in the west are scared of religion. Some religious history is full of atrocities that made many scared of it that any good that may such ancient knowledge bring is forfeit for the sake of avoiding its perceived evils. 

What we all miss in such modern views is that religion is an ancient system that has a lot of energy invested in it and as such it is quite powerful. All powerful systems can be used for the good and bad. All ancient systems and paths have so many doors that lead us to the truth.

Once I explained to a friend that if religion is a house with a gate and a front yard, many would stand just at the gate, many would go at just the inside of it and fewer will be at the front yard all their lives. Only few will go into the house and yet fewer will reach the upper floor.

When people follow the rituals and join their community in their religious gatherings, this is like being at the gate of the house. When people follow the religious law but ignore why the law was stated in the first place or what purpose it serves, this is like being at front yard. When people understand the law and its purpose as well as the purpose of submission and ritual and apply them into their lives this is like being in the house. When people understand the purpose of God and live it as the real core truth of every thought and action in their lives then they are at the upper floor of that house.  

Every system has energy to it. It is the collective energy of generations of believers who poured their hopes and lives for that system. Undermining any of those systems is a folly and it makes sense to understand that all systems are but paths to one truth.  Like all paths they may become obscure or unclear as the veil of superstitions, fears and worldly thoughts emerge with it. 

One must be clear in their intentions and thoughts when treading the path of the spirit. Intentions are the light that will bring them to the ultimate destination and make them avoid all the bifurcations that may lead them astray.