Wisdom as Universal Phenomenon
By Adis Duderija, New
Age Islam
13 June
2024
“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.
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To learn more about Dr. Adis Duderija academic
and public scholarship visit his website: www.dradisduderija.com
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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)
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/wisdom-universal-phenomenon/d/132500
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