I have a close friend, who I've known for years, that is a very strong atheist. Lately we have been having some interesting discussions about God. As crazy as it sounds, I'm enjoying the discussions. This is not because I like to fight with people about God. It's because I am enjoying looking for ways to research my faith and strengthen what I believe.
The other day, my friend asked me "How can God be real if so many people call him by different names, claim to have different holy books, and believe in different ways of living? I have to admit, it's a good question. It is something I've wondered about for some time.
In my opinion, all religions do serve the same God.(Note: It's an opinion. I don't really know this for sure or have facts to back it up.) I have no doubt that when a Christian prays to Jesus, a Muslim prays to Allah, or a Jehovah's Witness prays to Jehovah that we are all being heard by the one and only God. I honestly believe that he hears all prayers, no matter what you call him. (Keeping in mind that you aren't calling him Bob or something. Ha!)
As far as holy books go, I feel that the Bible is God's word. This is why I'm a Christian. I think that many people interpret the Bible too literally (Atheists have fun with this one.) or that they interpret it to mean what they want. However, it is God's word.
I'm not a stickler for different versions of the Bible. My Dad is adamant that the only true version of the Bible is the King James Version. I don't know if it really matters what version you use. I can read the KJV all day and never understand a word of what I read. I don't think it hurts to read the NIV (or whatever) in order to make it easier to comprehend. As far as the Qur'an goes. I've never read it. It could be a holy book. Who knows? But if it is, I think it would be in addition to the Bible. Not to replace the Bible.
I am not naive enough to think that my religion is 100% correct. I don't think any religion truly is. I am not going to stand up and claim that only Catholics or only Baptists (insert other religions here) are going to Heaven. The only person who knows that is God. A person's relationship with God is between them and their maker. With that being said, as a Christian, I know that Jesus is the son of God and is the only hope for salvation.
I suppose what I'm trying to say is that God loves all of his children. He listens to your prayers no matter what religious organization you choose to follow. God's know your heart and whether you are sincere. Yet, he also has rules to salvation that must be followed to inherit the kingdom of God. Does that make any sense?
What are your opinions on this?
4 comments:
Yes this makes perfect sense! I am surprised to have met someone with almost identical views about religion and God. Everything in this world has been tampered with in some way shape or form by us "intelligent" humans. So it is fare to say that we may have the wrong understanding of who God really is and what he wants us to do (ie different religions and practices). I would like to invite you to participate in our community for People of God. It is still brand new and could use some of your fresh perspective :) Hope to see you there. (the link) http://POFG.org
-Paul
I tend to disagree that God hears all prayers.
Lam 3:44 You have covered Yourself with a cloud, That prayer should not pass through.
In my opinion also, all religions do not serve the same God.
Phil 3:19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.
Isaiah 56:11 Yes, they are greedy dogs Which never have enough. And they are shepherds Who cannot understand; They all look to their own way, Every one for his own gain, From his own territory.
This is the religion that is 100% correct.
James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
And what is their religion?
1 Cor 1:2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
God will judge each person according to His beliefs. If a person acts according to the teachings of his accustomed religion, then God will definitely hear his prayers. If we read the holy books of other religions, all of them point the way to God. But God revealed only one true way to salvation, and that is through Jesus Christ. If one is a Christian, he must hold on to his Christian beliefs as embodied in the Bible. God will not judge him by the teachings of other religions. Even the Koran teaches the way to God but some misguided Muslim fanatics misinterpret their own holy book and espouse the way to violence. There are teachings of other religions that are diametrically opposed to Biblical teachings like the beliefs of Buddhists and Hindus regarding reincarnation, karma and evolution. This is belied by Hebrews 9:27 that says, "It is appointed for man to die once and after that judgment." Both religions are also polytheistic in nature as both gods and demons adorn their temples. This is also directly opposed to Christian- Judean teaching of monotheism or belief in one God. Both Buddhist and Hindu religions believe in evolution that is why they reverence all forms of life and would never trample even the lowly ants and other insects. With this in mind, it is best to respect the beliefs of others for God will judge them based on their own beliefs. But we, who are cognizant of the truth must hold on to God's teachings as written in the Bible. That is why the Gospel is preached to all nations in the world before the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible says, "you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). Thanks for the post. God bless you always.
Well, I can't speak for all of the world's numerous religions; but, I do know a thing or two about The Sacred Scriptures. If you believe in them [ even a little bit ], then you ought to check out this faith building article, entitled simply: " The Prophecy Of Daniel Chapter 11 - is scripturally verifiable proof of ' The End Times ' being already upon us! [ Part 1 ] "
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