Is it correct to say that all religions have the same goal?

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*This is my most recent response to a question for The Anniston Star's "Religion Roundtable."*

The short, simple answer to this question is “no.” Frankly, it’s hard (if not impossible) to say what ALL religions believe and practice. Given my experience with other religions, however, I would say that in some ways many religions do in fact share the same goals of worship, service, and proclamation (sharing their faith with others).
Of course, the fundamental difference among religions is the divinity they worship, serve, and proclaim. As a Christian, I put my faith in the Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), made manifest in the person of Jesus Christ. As a Christian, it is my goal to worship, serve, and proclaim God to other through both my words and my actions. My friends of other faiths share similar goals, though they may put their faith in a different deity or understand God differently than I do. We have similar religious goals, but our source of faith and understanding may be completely different.
Then again, many religions share the same goal of making the world a better place, striving to feed the hungry, care for the sick and poor, and bring about peace in our world. Many religions share the core principle summed up in the “golden rule.” With that in mind, I think it is important to be true to our respective faiths and seek to serve one another, despite whatever differences there may be.

CPT

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