Jesus' Discourse on True Religion
Jesus addressed the differences between various religions and their expressions. He expressed disappointment in the persistence of primitive worship and emphasized the importance of personal spiritual experience over institutional authority.
Summary
On June 9, 29 CE, in response to a question posed by the Apostle Thomas, Jesus delivered an important discourse on religion to the apostles and the twelve evangelists. Thomas asked: "Master, I would really like to know just what is wrong with the religion of our enemies at Jerusalem. What is the real difference between their religion and ours? Why is it we are at such diversity of belief when we all profess to serve the same God?" In this memorable discourse on religion, Jesus revealed essential truths regarding the expression of religious devotion. He explained that while the world's religions have two origins, natural and revelatory, at any given time and among any given people, there are three distinct forms of religious devotion. The three manifestations of the religious urge are: Although the Master did not intend to undermine the religion of the physical senses and the superstitious fears of people, he expressed his dismay at the enduring presence of this primitive form of worship in the religious practices of the more intelligent human races.