I too read this many years ago. I find its impact no less that when I first read it. It is an excellent example of a science fiction short story pithy, well wr

I too read this many years ago. I find its impact no less that when I first read it. It is an excellent example of a science fiction short story pithy, well written with a fantastic premise and a great ending. The details of which religion it is don't matter, the impact would be the same if it was the Catholic Church or a some Hindus. The facts may not quite fit but they don't change the story's point. Also the reason Clark put the the discussion of religious doctrine in there is to shift the reader's view point IMO. Make the Lama and his monastery seem a bit silly, especially in the light of the modern world. This makes the impact of the end of the story all that more poignant.