Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Are All Religions Equal? by Martin Wiles

Series: Hey God…I Have a Question

For the past fifteen years, frosted chocolate pop tarts have been my breakfast of champions. Ironically, I’ve never cared for the most popular brand name manufactured in the United States. I’d rather have a particular store brand. Then I discovered this retailer wasn’t the only one manufacturing this style of pop tart. Several other retailers also had identical store brands. Shape, consistency, taste, ingredients. All the same. Probably one company manufacturing all of them and attaching different labels depending on which retailer they’re destined for. My eyes and taste buds pronounce these dissimilar labeled pop tarts as equal. 

When questioned, Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. (John 14:6 NLT) Does this mean that like pop tarts all religions are equal? Does not each one take me to a Supreme Being? 

World religions have many common denominators. Most if not all religions have a moral code of conduct…even the ones that teach killing those who oppose their religion or attempt to teach an alternate one. Things such as murder, lying, stealing, and worshiping false gods are considered wrong. Having a moral code means all religions recognize humans have flaws. 

All religions point to a higher being…whether one or more. From the earliest of times, humans have recognized something or someone more powerful than they were. Many make images to represent their god or gods. Furthermore, all religions encourage harmony by promoting the unified worship of their higher beings.

Despite what all religions have in common, Christianity stands alone as unique. All others are misrepresentations or alterations of this one true religion. Christianity promotes worship of One True God, creator of heaven and earth, and his son Jesus who died for the sins of humanity. Only by identifying with him can re-connection with holy God be attained. 

While all religions may appear equal—and while we might wish all roads led to God, they aren’t. Jesus said he was the only way. Are you approaching by the only acceptable method?

Prayer: Thank You, merciful God, for making it possible for us to come to You. 

Enter to win a free copy of my newest book, Grits & Grace & God. Visit the following link and sign up: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/99040-grace-grits-god-manna-from-heaven-served-up-southern-style

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