An alternative method is to question a follower of the religion, but you will
almost certainly find that precisely the same inconsistency in the views expressed
appears, if you go on to question another follower. Sooner or later any serious
investigator into a religion must examine the texts which the followers of the religion say
they are taking as the basis for their religion. He must see how far
what the texts say and what the followers do coincide, i.e. he must measure the difference
between precept and practice.