Skip to content

I often say that I'm a Buddhist-Episcopalian. I say that…

“I often say that I'm a Buddhist-Episcopalian. I say that partly to annoy people.I like to annoy people who think that a religion can contain the whole truth. No religion, it seems to me, contains the whole truth. I think it's mad to think that there is nothing to learn from other traditions and…” quote by Ninian Smart
Download Open image
“I often say that I'm a Buddhist-Episcopalian. I say that partly to annoy people.I like to annoy people who think that a religion can contain the whole truth. No religion, it seems to me, contains the whole truth. I think it's mad to think that there is nothing to learn from other traditions and civilizations. If you accept that other religions have something to offer and you learn from them, that is what you become: a Buddhist-Episcopalian or a Hindu-Muslim or whatever.”

Ninian Smart

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker argues that no single religion holds all truth and that learning from multiple traditions enriches personal belief.

In simple terms: No religion has all truth; learn from many.

Key Takeaway

Embrace multiple traditions for broader understanding.

Themes

religious pluralism open‑mindedness interfaith dialogue

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal spiritual growth
  • academic study of religion
  • interfaith events
  • educational curricula

Key Concepts

syncretism humility cultural learning

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you integrate insights from different faiths?
  • What challenges arise when blending traditions?
A Different Perspective

May overlook deep doctrinal differences that cause conflict.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Ninian Smart

Explore all 18 Ninian Smart quotes

More Accepting quotes

Browse all 6,788 Accepting quotes