I love that thought at the beginning. What if we put as much (if not more) energy on commonality as about to differences? Well said.

The focus on contradictions and the conception of religions as closed systems has become the norm (and I think there are many more factors in this discussion than simple differences in belief; political, economic, and culture wars probably helped fuel the combativeness).

Your piece is a breath of fresh air amidst the hostility. Thanks!

A further question to explore:

Can any one system of thought fully articulate "truth" or an absolutely correct moral configuration (rationally speaking, is it even possible)?

Also:

Do the differences in religions/systems of thought reflect cultural stimuli or pure, philosophical differences?