The greatest single skill of communication, particularly writing, is to create a context in which other people can think. The Bible is an excellent example of creating contexts, situations and examples, that can help people think through ideas, concepts and ultimately the decisions one can make about life choices.
Development in thinking is a gradual process requiring plateaus of learning and just plain hard work. It is not possible to become a critical thinker simply because one wills it to be so. Changing one’s habits of thought happens over years, not weeks or months. The essential traits of a critical thinker require an extended period of development. That’s why God recommends that we be in His word and learn to meditate on it... day and night.
How, then, can we develop as critical thinkers, sorting through the vast array of opinion and untruth that exists in our world? How can we help ourselves to practice better thinking in everyday life, especially in the context of God’s Word –– His Purposes and His Truths?
One context that baffles many people is a thorny question... Are All Religions Good?
One context that baffles many people is a thorny question... Are All Religions Good?
WE LIVE in a world of staggering religious diversity. One recent survey identified 19 major faiths and some 10,000 smaller religions worldwide. There are almost as many studies on the topic of religion as there are religions. The variety of religions offers people unprecedented religious choice. So does it matter which religion you choose?
Some people say that different religions are like different roads leading to the same destination. For them, it does not matter which road one chooses, since all roads lead to the same place. They reason that there is only one Almighty God, so all religions must ultimately lead to him. So religious choice becomes a matter of personal preference with the ultimate outcome being the same for all religions.
Do all roads [religions] lead to God? What did Jesus Christ, one of the most respected religious teachers in history, say on this subject? “Enter through the narrow gate,” he told his disciples. Why? “For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13, 14, NIV.
Was Jesus suggesting that some religions could lead “to destruction”? Or was he teaching that only “unbelievers” are on the broad road, whereas those who believe in God no matter what their religion are on the narrow road that leads to life?
Immediately after stating that there are only two roads, Jesus said: “Be careful of false prophets. They come to you looking gentle like sheep, but they are really dangerous like wolves.” (Matthew 7:15. Later he said: “Not everyone who calls me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only those who do what my Father in heaven wants them to do.” (Matthew 7:21. If someone is called a prophet or claims that Jesus is his “Lord,” it is reasonable to say that he is a religious person, a practitioner of Christianity, not an unbeliever. Clearly, then, Jesus was warning that not all so-called religions that use his name, claiming to be followers of Christ or Christians, are good and following truth. That leads us to consider the vast number of Christian denominations, or types of Christian religion, and the doctrinal interpretations they follow and teach... can they or should they be trusted?
Can you identify the Narrow Road? Since it is reasonable to conclude from the context Jesus presented, that not all roads lead to God, how can we find among the thousands of options the narrow road that leads to life?
Consider this illustration: Imagine that you are lost in a big city. You decide to ask for help. One person confidently tells you to go east. Another urges you to head west. Yet another suggests that you choose whatever direction feels best to you. Finally, a fellow traveler takes out a reliable map and shows you the correct route. He then gives you the map so that you can refer to it along the way. Which one would you trust? Would you not feel more confident following the one who gave you the map with precise directions for reaching your destination?
So, too, when it comes to choosing the right religious path, we need a reliable spiritual road map. Does one exist? Yes, it does. That map is the Bible, which declares: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16, KJV. The Bible is like a reliable road map that can help a person find the correct path for following Christ the right way.
Keep in mind Jesus’ words regarding how we can distinguish good religion from bad. He said: “A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit.” (Matthew 7:17, 18. That perspective sounds reasonable does it not?
So HOW does one know for sure that the religion they embrace is the true one? Quite simple really.
It is natural that none of us want to be misled. But how can you avoid it? How can you know for sure that your Christian denomination is following biblical truth? Dig into the context of the denominations doctrinal teachings – its creeds and how much of God’s Word has been reworked by the interpretations of men. Are the teachings supported by God’s Word, which Jesus said is the truth. (John 17:17)
So the test is a relatively easy one to make. If a religion, denomination of Christianity, is not in harmony with what the Bible teaches, then it is not in harmony with God’s revealed truth. It is not a true religion. (Romans 3:4)
You have nothing to fear in examining your beliefs by the standard of God’s Word, for if you have the true religion you can only be reassured by your investigation.
And if what you believe is not in keeping with the Bible, then you should welcome truth, and work hard to find it. Truth sets you free... Truth leads to eternal life.—John 8:32; John 17:3.
