Question :
In reference to this question and your answer pertaining to animal sacrifice, I would like to point out that in the Old Testament of the Bible, not only was Abraham instructed by the Lord to perform animal sacrifice, the Lord provided Abraham with an animal to sacrifice. Also, the apostle Paul was given the revelation by the Lord, that the dietary laws practiced by the Hebrews were no longer required, that all food, including meat, was clean to eat. Are these examples not clashes between Judaism/Christianity and the Vedas?
(Ref: Q) It is always mentioned that the Supreme God is Lord Krishna. People who know about Vedas or about Indian culture can understand and accept this. How can a man of a different religion or a different region accept this? How can we convince others that everybody in the universe is governed by the laws of Vedas?
Answer by Romapada Swami :
[Ref: Answer: There are many apparent discrepancies in teaching found amongst diverse religious traditions, but a deeper study and a scrutinizing eye will often catch the ultimate non-difference, in systems of religion that are actually bona fide. For example see Caitanya-caritamrta Adi Lila Chapter 17.153-171 for a discussion on the apparent basis of animal sacrifice and eating meat in the Koran. There are many similar examples. Ultimately, we will find congruity, not clash.]Based on the time, place and circumstance, based on the particular need of the people, apparently different teachings may be presented in different systems of bona fide religions. We do not deny the existence of such instances of contradictions, but that does not indicate a fundamental difference.
The underlying principle found in all religion is mercifulness. There may be instances of animal sacrifice or recommendation to eat meat in a particular circumstance. Even within the Vedic literatures there might be such isolated instances of contradiction. But there is also the consistent teaching and injunction that one should refrain from killing and should be merciful to all beings, is it not so? No bona fide religion recommends unrestricted eating of meat; there is always prohibition, which points to the higher principle of abstinence. And certainly no bona fide religion encourages maintaining organized slaughterhouses to regularly kill millions of innocent animals. All bona fide religions teach progressive cultivation of mercifulness. Thus, ultimately there is no clash.
