How did the Vedanta Society promote religious unity?

The Vedanta Society, established by Swami Vivekananda, promoted religious unity by advocating for a humanistic and inclusive interpretation of Vedanta philosophy.12

Vivekananda emphasized the concept of universal oneness and actively eschewed dogma and superstition, which often serve as barriers between different faiths. His approach was rooted in the belief that all religions could coexist in harmony rather than through competition or destruction. In his historic addresses, such as at the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions, he championed the ideals of "help and not fight," "assimilation and not destruction," and "harmony and peace and not dissension".12

Furthermore, the society promoted unity by focusing on service to humanity—particularly the poor and needy—as a noble endeavor and a path to divine realization, regardless of religious background. By emphasizing these shared humanistic values and the underlying unity of all spiritual paths, the Vedanta Society sought to foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect among the world's diverse religious traditions.12