e followed, and He insisted that they should be
maintained. Among the Ten Commandments is one which says: "Do not worship
any picture or image."(132) At present in some of the Christian churches
many pictures and images exist. It is, therefore, clear and evident that
the Religion of God does not maintain its original principles among the
people, but that it has gradually changed and altered until it has been
entirely destroyed and annihilated. Because of this the manifestation is
renewed, and a new religion established. But if religions did not change
and alter, there would be no need of renewal.

In the beginning the tree was in all its beauty, and full of blossoms and
fruits, but at last it became old and entirely fruitless, and it withered
and decayed. This is why the True Gardener plants again an incomparable
young tree of the same kind and species, which grows and develops day by
day, and spreads a wide shadow in the divine garden, and yields admirable
fruit. So it is with religions; through the passing of time they change
from their original foundation, the truth of the Religion of God entirely
departs, and the spirit of it does not stay; heresies appear, and it
becomes a body without a soul. That is why it is renewed.

The meaning is that the Buddhists and Confucianists now worship images and
statues. They are entirely heedless of the Oneness of God and believe in
imaginary gods like the ancient Greeks. But in the beginning it was not
so; there were different principles and other ordinances.

Again, consider how much the principles of the religion of Christ have
been forgotten, and how many heresies have appeared. For example, Christ
forbade revenge and transgression; furthermore, He commanded benevolence
and mercy in return for injury and evil. Now reflect: among the Christian
nations themselves how many sanguinary wars have taken place, and how much
oppression, cruelty, rapacity and bloodthirstiness have occurred! Many of
these wars were carried on by command of the Popes. It is then clear and
evident that in the passage of time religions become entirely changed and
altered. Therefore, they are renewed.

44: EXPLANATION OF THE REBUKES ADDRESSED BY GOD TO THE PROPHETS

Question.--In the Holy Books there are some addresses of reproach and
rebuke directed to the Prophets. Who is addressed, and for whom is the
rebuke?

Answer.--All the divine discourses containing reproof, though apparently
addressed t