World Religions

Lesson 3 Comparison Exercises Solutions

Write whether you AGREE or you DISAGREE with the following statements and then, briefly, in a few sentences, explain why or why not (5 points per item)
1.. There is only one true religion, mine.
2.. An eye for an eye.
3.. The Gurus and Spiritual Masters who are in the world are only students, themselves.
4.. In matters of faith, the Pope is infallible.
5.. Gautama attained enlightenment just by meditating.
6.. All men go to heaven when they die.
7.. If we only knew how to pray, all our requests would surely be granted.
8.. Simply choose the best alternative or the least evil.
9.. The physical yoga exercises increase spirituality.
10.. A man not tempted is not proved.
11.. No soul shall bear the burden of another.
12.. A priest is, of course, spiritually superior to other men.
13.. The different religions represent the different aspects of the One Truth.
14.. Each person's understanding of the divine truths can only correspond to his own level in the order of evolution.
15.. Monogamy is, of course, the best form of marriage for everybody.
16.. Patriotism is a positive spiritual trait.
17.. Sex is bad for the soul.
18.. Old Testament teachings are valid even today.
19.. All that we will ever need to know are already written in the Holy Scriptures.
20.. We should not add or detract from what is written in the Bible.


After you have given thought to what the answers might be, you may want to scroll down to find the recommended Solutions.

World Religions

Lesson 3 Comparison Exercises Solutions

5 points per item
1.. There is only one true religion, mine. D. Every religion is specially suited to its followers, helping them to pass on to the next stage of their development. Each has its own differences in approach and emphasis but all of them have certain qualities and teachings that every student can benefit from.

2.. An eye for an eye. D. This Old Testament teaching during the days of our youth and ignorance has already been superseded by the teachings of Jesus Christ. He said, "Don't judge, Return love for hate, and Love your enemies."

3.. The Gurus and Spiritual Masters who are in the world are only students, themselves. A. They may be advanced and very much ahead of us but they, too, have their own lessons to learn.

4.. In matters of faith, the Pope is infallible. D. No one on earth is infallible even if he is divinely inspired. Everyone here is subject to error.

5.. Gautama attained enlightenment just by meditating. D. Enlightenment comes as a consequence of a high level of spiritual attainment. Through meditation, we are able to transcend the mind and access or recall that which we have already learned in our past lives. However, our degree of enlightenment can only correspond to the level in the order of evolution to which we have arrived.

6.. All men go to heaven when they die. D. Only those who have lived according to the divine will of God can merit heaven. However, there are "many mansions" or graded levels of heaven. We go to the plane we deserve depending on our own thoughts and deeds.

7.. If we only knew how to pray, all our requests would surely be granted. D. The granting of our prayer requests depends on spiritual considerations, whether it will be helpful or harmful to our spiritual development. That considered, everything useful and helpful comes to us whether we pray for them or not.

8.. Simply choose the best alternative or the least evil. A. On earth, many of our choices and alternatives are far from ideal. It is enough that we choose the best from the lot or the least harmful.

9.. The physical yoga exercises increase spirituality. D. Physical yoga pertains only to the physical body. Spirituality relates to character, righteousness, loving and serving our brothers.

10.. A man not tempted is not proved. A. This is an Islamic teaching which tends to explain why we undergo trials on earth. Here, we are examined to prove our worthiness. In addition, the proof of learning is in the doing. He who doesn't do proves that he doesn't really know.

11.. No soul shall bear the burden of another. A. This is another teaching of Islam which simply restates the principle of personal responsibility.

12.. A priest is, of course, spiritually superior to other men. D. There is the presumption that the guide is ahead of those he is guiding. However, this is not necessarily true in every case. Even priests and even prophets are undergoing training and development in their line of work. And false guides are with us to teach us how to discern and decide wisely concerning the things of life.

13.. The different religions represent the different aspects of the One Truth. A. The Truth is so all-encompassing. To better comprehend it, it is broken down into smaller, easy to learn parts. But all the religions are parts of the whole Truth.

14.. Each person's understanding of the divine truths can only correspond to his own level in the order of evolution. A. No one can really understand unless he has personally experienced the fact and the teachings. Our capacity to understand then depends on how much we have learned from our accumulated experiences, including those that we have learned from all our past incarnations.

15.. Monogamy is, of course, the best form of marriage for everybody. D. What is good for one person is not necessarily good for another. To the Muslims, having just one wife is less than desirable. God gave everyone a free will and the right to decide for oneself. Provided that all of the principal parties are in agreement, then nothing is wrong. All such circumstances and relationships are merely lessons and experiences provided us so that we may learn from them.

16.. Patriotism is a positive spiritual trait. D. Patriotism is a grade higher than self-interest but falls short of true spiritualism. True spirituality puts the interests of the whole above that of self and realizes its oneness with the Divine. All men, regardless of their nationality, are brothers.

17.. Sex is bad for the soul. D. Sex is natural, normal and necessary for spirits who are at a certain stage of development. Sex must be fully learned, experienced and enjoyed before one can advance to higher levels of development. The rule is for as long as we have a need, that need must be satisfied.

18.. Old Testament teachings are valid even today. D. Many of the Old Testament teachings are no longer applicable to us. In fact, many have already been amended. The blind obedience of Abraham, an eye for an eye, the vengeful and jealous God of Moses and the blood of the lamb (Christ) as an acceptable sacrifice - All these were actually upgraded and superseded by the teachings of Jesus.

19.. All that we will ever need to know are already written in the Holy Scriptures. D. Jesus himself said, "There is so much more I want to tell you..." There are many new teachings which are only now being made available but they can be received only by those who are ready for them.

20.. We should not add or detract from what is written in the Bible. D. We really have no recourse but to do so. Depending on what we have already experienced, we add to or detract from the teachings in the Bible. Our own personal experiences are the only true bases from which we may be able to discern which is true or false and true from that which is only half-true.

More Mazda Stories

I think they will stop producing rotary engines by this year unfortunately but will start building diesel for some Mazda models yung mga tsikot hindi yung mga modelong iniisip ninyo na pwede rin ma DEMO ride yaaaaaaan.

Wankel engine, Wow!. That's the only rotary engine ever produced for cars (the others are rectilinear). I believe it had a higher RPM and hp for its size and weight. It must have been very sporty. Can anybdy tell if Mazda was the only factory ever to produced the Wankel? They must have stopped production - the mechanics complained. They said they had a hard time looking for the cylinders and pistons, whenever I asked for an overhaul.

Mazda Stories

Did you know a lot more women drove on RX7's than men.

While stationed in Rota,Spain serving the US Navy I was privileged to own a 1980 MazdaRX7 Aura White with 1146cc twin-rotor Wankel Rotary engine.. To my belief was the first one in Spain at that time.. I had a blast driving this car all over Spain and some parts of France and Italy.. Boy.. it was worth paying the premium price considering the countless Espanolas who rode it... A young lieutenant in the Navy bought it before transferring to US.

I am happy to hear that I hope you will continue to patronize Mazda we have a new Mazda 5 2012 model it is a small minivan that seats 6 but look's sporty. Bagong trend brod.

I have driven a Mazda MPV for more than 100,000 miles without any mechanical problem. it was made in Hiroshima. My son-in-law drove his Mazda MPV for more than 300,000 miles and is still running.

Christ is coming!

Some questions:

Is religion dynamic? Can it change like Science? Can you compare Religion with Science? Maybe that is the wrong analogy? When does an Ism become a no-ism?

The applicable term is progressive, not dynamic. Truth does not change. It is our individual awareness of Truth that deepens and progresses as we proceed with our spiritual development.

Science requires physical proofs. Since science still does not have the instruments capable of discerning things spiritual, therefore its findings cannot be complete. Since science cannot verify, then traditional science must deny the existence and truth of spiritual realities.

All the religions take up different aspects and levels of the same divine truths, not all. And not everything known and taught there are true. But nevertheless, they all lead to the same God and the One Truth. However, while we still lack the sufficient knowledge and experience to fully comprehend the divine, we are enjoined in the meantime to believe on faith. The knowledge comes after the studies. Learning comes in stages, the simple before the complex, the elementary before the advanced. But in the end, all will be known. And all the aspects and levels will merge and unite as one.

We are likened to mountain climbers positioned at different heights along the path ascending to the top of the mountain. At each position, East, West, ground level or higher, we can only see as far as the surroundings allow. But after we reach the summit, then only can we see all aspects, all sides and learn ultimately that all are connected and related as one.

If it changes with new discovery then what happens to the old souls that followed certain rules that are now obsolete?

We just adapt or upgrade. Nothing is lost. We build on those we already learned.

Can we assume that no Religion has a monopoly and in fact each Religion has its truths and untruths?

Yes. All the different religions take up different aspects and levels of the same divine truths but nevertheless lead to the same God and Truth. The Truth was not entrusted to any one person or group alone but was parceled out to everyone in part according to what we deserve. To know the whole Truth, we must draw from the others the part entrusted to them.

At some point in time, can a person, with his limited knowledge and grasp of the real GOD, be able to arrive at a conclusion as to his relationship with God and the Universe?

We only comprehend the Truth and enter the plane of being at the level in the order of evolution that we have arrived. To go higher, we will need to comply with all the requirements at our target level.

Is GOD singular or the collection of all "Kindred Spirits"?

God may be defined as Infinite Intelligence. Imperfect as we are and still greatly influenced by matter, we are unable to completely understand the true exact nature of God. Finite minds cannot comprehend the infinite. In addition, our vocabulary is so poor that we are unable to more satisfactorily define God. While we may attribute to God certain very desirable and positive characteristics, we should never feel that God is confined to such attributes. To do so would be to limit God, Who is unlimited. However, we will be able to know and comprehend God more fully just as soon as we become totally freed from earthly influences and approach the righteousness that is God according to His ethical teachings.

There is only One Supreme God. While we are all in God, part and parcel of God, our goal remains to be in complete at-one-ment with God. Life is a never-ending quest for perfection in our thoughts, words and deeds.

Do we exists in some kind of a Matrix where souls indulge in artificial existence in the process of cleansing themselves until they are elevated into another Matrix, ad infinitum, until they are pure and ready to join the Supreme Collective ?

I too was struck by the veiled depiction of reality in 'The Matrix' movie series. In any of the material, physical planes, yes, based on the New Teachings. This is why our world is termed 'The World of Illusion' where things are not what they seem as explained in the concept of "Maya" in the Eastern teachings. In contrast, the Spirit Worlds (the next immediate plane is the Astral Plane), higher Mental, Nirvanas and more Spiritual planes are the Real Worlds.

After we complete the human stage of our development in the lower worlds, then we enter into the Real World where we can enjoy the life of happiness, peace and contentment that God has prepared for all His creatures.

As described in the 'Orders of Spirits':

"Pure Spirits have passed through every degree of the scale of progress and have freed themselves from all the impurities of materiality. Having attained the sum of perfection of which created beings are susceptible, they no longer have to undergo either trials or expiations. Being no longer subject to reincarnation in perishable bodies, they enter on the life of eternity in the immediate presence of God. They are in the enjoyment of a beatitude which is unalterable, because they are no longer subject to the wants and vicissitudes of material life; but this beatitude is not the monotonous idleness of perpetual contemplation."

What was / is the purpose of the exercise?

Perfection through our own exertions.

If the Spirits were already "one" at the onset, why were they dispersed only to suffer the rigors of material existence and then eventually reunite?

In the beginning, we were created perfect seeds that God intended are to develop to perfection through our own exertions. While we were endowed with eternal life, everything else in life that we can be entitled to enjoy must be based on personal merit. In the Spirit Reality, there are no free gifts. Everything must be earned.

I may be one of those lost Souls (Spirit, Being, Entity : are these all the same or each has its own category?).

Spirit is our true nature. We are spirits, not men. Humanity is simply a stage in the order of evolution that we spirits must hurdle. No one is a lost soul. We here on Earth are all developing spirits at different levels of evolvement. But the term is usually applied to discarnate and wandering spirits (dead and out of the body) who are still unable to ascend to the Spirit World momentarily because they need to complete some unfinished lessons and serve some spiritual purpose in the process.

An entity pertains to a particular spirit being.

I must admit I stopped searching but when I encounter some new stuff, my curiosity gets the best of me and then I start trying to understand.