Theosophy and the wisdom tradition
Theosophy sees all religions as equally important and as peculiarly adapted to the varying cultures in which they are
found. Each one-from the austere elegance of Zen Buddhism to the emotional ecstasy of Caribbean voo-doo - is a partial expression of one Truth and serves the needs of its adherents.
Every religion has both an outer and an inner side. Although both are natural and necessary, the two sides are very different
from each other. The outer or exoteric side of a religion is what is usually thought of as the religion itself. It includes church
organizations and clergy, doctrines and beliefs, rites and practices, and everything that marks one religion as obviously different from another. Those who know only the exoteric side think of it as the only true faith and its distinctions as of paramount importance. To be 'saved' one must believe in Jesus, or acknowledge Mohammed to be the only Prophet, or walk the path of Buddha.
The more extreme believe that all other religions are evil, inspired by the devil, or that they spring from the ignorance of barbarians. The more tolerant hold that other beliefs are either mistaken or limited to a lesser portion of the truth. But whether those who know only the outer side are tolerant or narrow-minded they are unaware that their religion has also a vital inner side.
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