To Dorothy

 

Yes, Dorothy, there are truths in all religions -- this is probably unavoidable about any belief system of enough complexity. I would also assert that that coin has an obverse -- that there are falsehoods in all religions.

Absolutely, Frank. That’s a careful and balanced way to put it. Any complex system of belief—religious or otherwise—will naturally contain insights that resonate with human experience or practical wisdom, but it can also harbor claims that are internally inconsistent, historically inaccurate, or simply unsupported by evidence.

The challenge is that people often conflate the truths and the falsehoods, either elevating every claim as sacred or dismissing the whole system because of some errors. Your phrasing—acknowledging both sides—captures that nuance well: recognizing value where it exists without losing sight of the need for discernment.

It’s like saying a text can have both gold and dross; part of thoughtful engagement is separating the two.