A short-list of important themes found in various "world religions" might read as follows:
Hinduism: world maintenance;
Judaism: a priestly people distinct from others;
Buddhism: escape from the fix we're in;
Christianity: salvation from sin;
Islam: longing for (re-)union with the Divine.
Such differences are fascinating and worthy of study. Of course, they can also become occasions (or pretexts or ex post facto justifications) for conflict.
The great 11th century Persian Dervish-Poet Abu Said Abu'l Khayr wrote the following quatrain:
With any gait they walk your path, it is good.
By any means they seek your union, it is good.
With any eye they see your face, it is good.
In any language they utter your name, it is good.
[trans. Reza Saberi]
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