13 Tensions
Tensions Graph
Where the traditions genuinely disagree. These are not "different emphases" — they are mutually exclusive claims on questions each tradition considers decisive. Held, not smoothed.
#1 The Self
What is the nature of the self/soul?
#2 The Ultimate
Is the ultimate reality personal?
#3 The Goal
What is the ultimate fulfillment?
#4 Grace vs Self-Effort
How is liberation attained?
#5 The Incarnation
Did God become human?
#6 Origin of Evil
What is the source of evil/suffering?
#7 Time
Is time linear or cyclical?
#8 World Orientation
Renounce or affirm the world?
#9 Meta-Claim
Are religions one or distinct?
#10 Anthropology
Is human nature good, fallen, or conditioned?
#11 Authority Locus
Where does binding authority sit?
#12 Non-Harm Scope
How far does non-harm extend?
#13 Independent Investigation
Received authority or personal inquiry?
These tensions are not problems to solve. They are irreducible disagreements that a honest cross-tradition map must preserve. A union compass speaks from convergence and about these divergences — never resolving them by fiat.
Read the full Divergence Map →