I happen to read this text from the _Buddhist Catechism_ (which was written by Olcott, published 1881): > Q. What striking contrasts are there between Buddhism and what may be properly called "religions?" > > A. Among others, these: It teaches the highest goodness without a creating God; a continuity of life without adhering to the superstitious and selfish doctrine of an eternal, metaphysical soul-substance that goes out of the body; a happiness without an objective heaven; a method of salvation without a vicarious Savior; redemption by oneself as the Redeemer, and without rites, prayers, penances, priests or intercessory saints; and a summun bonum, i.e., Nirvâṇa, attainable in this life and in this world by leading a pure, unselfish life of wisdom and compassion to all beings. But any recent texts I read about Buddhism all make it appear as if Buddhism is no different from any other dogmatic religion. I understand that Buddhism also underwent a lot of changes due to local cultures and competition from other religions. What I want to learn is the original core message of Buddhism before it was made into a religion. Where can I find texts for understand this message.

>According to the suttas Are human beings capable of discerning what dhamma is outside of the suttas? Is it possible to know enough from the suttas and then make use of the Abhidhamma? What about the mere possibility that a dhamma practitioner could make use of Jesus's teachings, Hindu teachings, Sufi teachings or sutras outside the the official Theravada context? When is it appropriate to be more closed minded? When is it appropriate to be more open minded?