WHAT IS THE STANDARD OF AUTHORITY IN RELIGION?

In every phase of human activity, we constantly see the need for recognizing a standard of authority. In time, weights, and measures, we accept certain standards. Otherwise, there would be confusion. Our honesty and sincerity is not sufficient when it comes to determining the time of day or how much we should pay or receive for an undetermined amount of merchandise. We do not insist on our watches being the standard, but instead we set our watches by that which is recognized as the standard. When our watches show a variation in time, we do not argue that "one watch is as good as another". Neither do we insist that our watches are right because we are sincere, or that it was the watch that our parents used etc. The difference in the time shown by our watches can easily be solved by each one of us accepting a common authoritative standard. This same principle, when applied, will certainly solve many our major differences in the realm of religious activity. If we are ever united religiously, it will be because we have accepted and obeyed the same rule or standard as being authoritative. (to be continued)

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