True wisdom, by its very nature, transcends the boundaries of individual belief systems and compels us to think and act in ways that serve the greater good. It encourages us to look beyond our own immediate interests and to consider the welfare of the whole, whether that whole is defined in terms of our local community, our nation, or the entire human family, writes Dr Adis Duderija of Griffith University in New Age Islam.
“For Wisdom to be recognized as such it must have an appeal beyond the teachings of a particular tradition. Wisdom is by its essence, as well as following historical precedent, a universal phenomenon.” – Alon Goshen-Gottstein
In a world often divided by competing religious and ideological factions, the call for wisdom as a unifying force is a profoundly important one. As Alon Goshen-Gottstein eloquently expresses, true wisdom transcends the specific forms of religious expression, pointing us instead to the ultimate source from which all faith traditions spring – God Himself.
This sentiment is a crucial counterbalance to the worrying trend of religious and cultural silos, where adherents of different belief systems often talk past one another, reinforcing their own rigid orthodoxies rather than seeking common ground. In an age of increasing polarization, Goshen-Gottstein’s vision of wisdom as a bridge between the universal and the particular is a beacon of hope, reminding us of the profound unity that underlies the diversity of human spiritual experience.
At the heart of Goshen-Gottstein’s argument is the idea that wisdom is not the exclusive property of any one tradition, but rather a manifestation of the divine that permeates all genuine religious expression. By refusing to be confined to the particular forms of religious belief and practice, wisdom becomes a unifying force, “preventing our individual traditions from closing in on themselves” and “keeping them open to the broader divine vision.”
This is a critically important point, for in a world where religious conflict and intolerance have led to untold suffering, the recognition of a common wellspring of wisdom underlying the world’s faiths can provide a much-needed antidote. Too often, adherents of different religions have viewed their own tradition as the sole repository of truth, demonizing and rejecting the beliefs of others. Goshen-Gottstein’s vision of wisdom challenges this exclusivist mentality, inviting us to transcend the boundaries of our own particular affiliations and to seek the universal truths that connect us.
In doing so, Goshen-Gottstein is not calling for a simplistic syncretism or a bland homogenization of religious traditions. Rather, he is advocating for a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the relationship between the universal and the particular in the realm of faith and spirituality. Each religious’ tradition, he suggests, is a unique manifestation of the divine wisdom that flows through all creation, and by recognizing this, we can celebrate both the diversity of human spiritual expression and the essential unity that underlies it.
This is a profoundly important insight, one that has the power to transform not only our understanding of religion, but also our approach to some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity. For in a world beset by conflict, inequality, and environmental degradation, the recognition of a shared wellspring of wisdom can provide a foundation for collective action and collaborative problem-solving.
Indeed, one could argue that the need for such wisdom has never been more urgent. As we grapple with the complex, interconnected crises of our time – from climate change to social and economic upheaval – the temptation to retreat into narrow, tribal identities is ever-present. And yet, it is precisely in these moments of great challenge that the wisdom Goshen-Gottstein describes becomes most vital.
For true wisdom, by its very nature, transcends the boundaries of individual belief systems and compels us to think and act in ways that serve the greater good. It encourages us to look beyond our own immediate interests and to consider the welfare of the whole, whether that whole is defined in terms of our local community, our nation, or the entire human family. And crucially, it invites us to see the divine spark that animates all of creation, fostering a sense of reverence and stewardship for the natural world that sustains us.
In this way, the wisdom that Goshen-Gottstein celebrates has the power to transform not only our individual lives, but also the trajectory of human civilization. By drawing us out of our narrow, partisan mind-sets and toward a more expansive, holistic vision, this wisdom can inspire us to collaborate across ideological divides, to seek innovative solutions to complex problems, and to cultivate a deeper sense of our interconnectedness with all of life.
Of course, this is no easy task. The pull of tribalism and sectarianism is strong, and the forces that seek to divide and conquer are often formidable. But the alternative – a world increasingly fractured by religious and cultural conflict – is simply unacceptable. And it is here that the wisdom Goshen-Gottstein describes becomes not just a philosophical ideal, but a practical necessity.
For in a world where the stakes are so high and the challenges so daunting, we cannot afford to be bound by the limits of our own particular traditions. Instead, we must be willing to transcend those boundaries, to seek out the universal truths that unite us, and to harness the collective wisdom of humanity in service of the greater good.
This is no small undertaking, to be sure. It will require a deep commitment to self-reflection, humility, and a willingness to engage with perspectives that may challenge our most deeply held beliefs. But it is a task that is both urgent and essential, for the future of our species and the planet that sustains us hangs in the balance.
And so, as we grapple with the complex and often daunting realities of our time, let us take inspiration from Goshen-Gottstein’s vision of wisdom as a unifying force. Let us embrace the profound truth that, beneath the surface of our religious and cultural differences, there lies a wellspring of divine wisdom that calls us to something greater – to a world of greater understanding, compassion, and collective flourishing.
In doing so, we may just find that the solutions to our most pressing problems are not to be found in the dogmas and doctrines of any one tradition, but rather in the shared wisdom that flows through them all. And in that realization, we may discover not just a path forward, but a glimpse of the divine unity that transcends the particular and points us toward the limitless possibilities of the universal.
A decades old patron of New Age Islam, Dr Adis Duderija is a Senior Lecturer in the Study of Islam and Society, School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science; Senior Fellow Centre for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue, Griffith University | Nathan | Queensland | Australia. His forthcoming books are ( co-edited)- Shame, Modesty, and Honora in Islam and Interfaith Engagement Beyond the Divide (Springer)
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