Sameness in the Inward Path can aid in the differences in the Outward Path

The terms and parables defining the God-Within may be somewhat different in each religion but there is a definite ecumenism suggested between the religions, with similar ascetic ways to reach or experience the God Within or the Light Within, all involving blocking the desires of the flesh. Masters such as Ravindra, Bebe Griffiths, Maharaj Singh and many others have pointed out that the term “Son of God” does not mean only one son of God. This has not been suggested merely to elevate one religion or devalue another, it is done to bring forward the truth seen by all saints. For example, the gospel of Jesus Christ was written years after his crucifixion often by those who did not know him and phrases could be easily transposed, a few word-changes can make a big difference. It is vital to see that the Inward God has been known and experienced by great masters from all the great religions West and East. The teachings of Jesus Christ regarding the God Within or the Father Within are much the same as the teachings of all the Saints of all the religions.

Once the ecumenical nature of the great religions is understood then we can move on to the next stage of the Twofold Path, where we may recognize that the God Within is a symbol or metaphor for the God Without, which is reached by material and supermaterial evolution---not by blocking material desires but by refining desires in higher evolution toward Godhood. Here the general ecumenism of the great religions can be helpful in establishing cooperative competition between different groups, as we evolve toward Godhood in the Outward Path---differences may be recognized and affirmed as evolution moves in its natural way, with variety, toward Godhood in the cosmos. The Twofold Path and the theological materialism of the Evolutionary Christian Church have the added value of bringing religion and science, the spiritual and material together, after being separated and at odds for so long.