The one true religion

[Godwilling]

Even the most staunch believers have "one true religion" and denounce all other religions as false.
That amounts to everyone being atheist to all religions but their own. If we ask people their opinion on all religions and calculate a mean (in colloquial terms people call the mean, "average"), our calculations would reveal that the majority would find all religions as false.

Are there people that believe in all religions, or most religions, or are all religions, or most, mutually exclusive? Or is there a one true religion, and which is it?

 

[Caladan]

Even the most staunch believers have "one true religion" and denounce all other religions as false.
That amounts to everyone being atheist to all religions but their own. If we ask people their opinion on all religions and calculate a mean (in colloquial terms people call the mean, "average"), our calculations would reveal that the majority would find all religions as false.

Are there people that believe in all religions, or most religions, or are all religions, or most, mutually exclusive? Or is there a one true religion, and which is it?

Religions are there. they have evolved out of environment and people. they have a long historical and demographic baggage which spans ethnic groups and religious sub groups, or even larger divisions.
before people speak about enigmatic topics such as 'true' or 'false'. they best, start making a general picture of what these major religions are, the sphere of politics and economical realities they are part of. their place in the world, and other relevant and major issues than topics such as 'one true religion'. if people don't know the physical reality and significance of these religions in the contemporary world and in history, they stick to these romantic and spiritual ideas.

here is a post I made in a similar 'one religion' thread, the thread asked if all religions share the same enlightenment:

Major religions may include global instinctual truths 'enlightened' men and women think of in various societies and cultures across the globe. simple things like the golden rule, be kind to others because it makes sense, don't provoke a powerful enemy- this is one thing both Jesus and some of the Jewish prophets have agreed on.
however, when it comes to 'spiritual' and fundamental truths. no I don't really believe that for the most part.
for example, Jesus might have said many things I agree with. but not because he was holy for saying it, but because its something any decent Jewish man would say and think anyway. Christian dogma as a whole though is something I have pretty much an instinctual knee jerk reaction to, it stands against everything my instincts tell me.
Ironically, while Islam today is the rival of people who carry the Jewish tradition, the basic wisdom of Islam is something that is engraved in my instincts whether I can fight it or not. things like hospitality and manners, passion and respect. however I'm guessing that when it comes to the 'big universal truths' me and the Prophet would not see eye to eye on most things. and that's OK. Saladin, the most legendary Muslim ruler had Maimonides, perhaps one of the most legendary Jews as his court's physician, Maimonides criticized Islamic dogma and justified Jewish one day in and day out.
as long as the alliance and friendship are strong, there is no need to share the same religious dogma.

 

[Quiddity]

They don't have to be mutually exclusive. One could accept parts of all religions in different degrees and I'm fairly certain this is how most see people of faith see it. When they say you've got it wrong, that could mean you've got 98% right and missed it by 2% percent. Now, using percentages is probably not a good idea but without going into details it's best I could come up with at the moment.

 

[outhouse]

is there a one true religion, and which is it?

in my opinion NO

They were all created from mans imagination for what he did not know, but wanted.

Most religions were created about the same time that civilization started writing and recording what little they knew in a mythical fashion.

There will never be a true religion, most are nothing but imagination, want, and desire and sadly today money making enterprises.

 

[Dirty Penguin]

My signature sums it up......

 

[Katzpur]

Even the most staunch believers have "one true religion" and denounce all other religions as false.

Are there people that believe in all religions, or most religions, or are all religions, or most, mutually exclusive? Or is there a one true religion, and which is it?

Saying that there is "one true religion" is not necessarily the same as "denouncing all others as false." While it might appear that way on the surface, I think the reality is a little more complicated. Also, I believe your question assumes the existance of "absolute truth," so I will answer it as if the existance of "absolute truth" was a given.

Let's say a teacher gave a multiple choice test containing 100 questions. This test was administered to 200 students. Of the 200 students, only one answered all of the questions correctly. There were a handful of students who got fewer than 10% of the questions right and say 50 or so who scored somewhere between 90% and 99% correct. While only one student got a perfect score, that doesn't mean that the other 199 failed it. With respect to religion, I'm not saying there is or isn't any one religion that is 100% "true," but even if there was, that would not imply that all of the others were 100% false. They might be 90% true, 95% true, or 99% true. On the other hand, it would be mathematically impossible for there to be more than one that was 100% true because no two religions are teaching 100% identical doctrines. Of course, it is also possible that no existing religion is 100% true.

 

[Rafique]

"Or is there a one true religion, and which is it?"
A church, a temple or a kaba stone,
Quran or Bible or a martyr's bone,
All these and more my heart can tolerate,
Since my religion now is love alone.-(Abul Ala)

I think this is the true religion.

 

[dyanaprajna2011]

Even the most staunch believers have "one true religion" and denounce all other religions as false.
That amounts to everyone being atheist to all religions but their own. If we ask people their opinion on all religions and calculate a mean (in colloquial terms people call the mean, "average"), our calculations would reveal that the majority would find all religions as false.

Are there people that believe in all religions, or most religions, or are all religions, or most, mutually exclusive? Or is there a one true religion, and which is it?

The Buddha taught that one should not demean or denounce another religion other than Buddhism simply because it's not Buddhism. I, for one, believe that all religions are valid, and will ultimately lead to transcendence. I think a good majority of Buddhists feel this way as well, but I'm not entirely sure on that. All religions are valid, and have value. All lead to transcendence. Each individual religion is simply a different interpretation of the transcendental, ultimate truth, which is inevitably incomprehensible to the human mind, so we do the best we can. Each religion is therefore a part of this ultimate truth, a different viewpoint on that truth. That's what I believe.

 

[Madhuri]

I don't think that any 'religion' is true. Religions are social institutions that are constantly changing.

However, is there a true belief? An actual divinely inspired scripture?
I think you can find truth in all religions. Some more than others. I personally think that Hinduism holds the greatest volume of wisdom, also the deepest. All other religions hold but a tiny portion of that wisdom.

 

[kylixguru]

Are there people that believe in all religions, or most religions, or are all religions, or most, mutually exclusive? Or is there a one true religion, and which is it?

First, in what context do you mean it is 'true'?

If you are speaking of it in terms of it being 'legitimate' or it exhibits 'self-integrity' then there can be many true religions. I view Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Mormonism all as being 'true' in the sense that they repersent a progressive unfolding of the God of Abraham's efforts to manage His brood.

Unfortunately, as best as I can tell, none of these any longer pass the 'self-integrity' test. So, I would have to conclude they are now all false religions.

 

[Rainbow Mage]

Even the most staunch believers have "one true religion" and denounce all other religions as false.
That amounts to everyone being atheist to all religions but their own. If we ask people their opinion on all religions and calculate a mean (in colloquial terms people call the mean, "average"), our calculations would reveal that the majority would find all religions as false.

Are there people that believe in all religions, or most religions, or are all religions, or most, mutually exclusive? Or is there a one true religion, and which is it?

Hey that's not true. Sure I think my religions are true for me, but other ones are true for other people. They're all "true".

 

[dyanaprajna2011]

Hey that's not true. Sure I think my religions are true for me, but other ones are true for other people. They're all "true".

I think this is a correct statement. All religions are true in some sense, whether that be relative truth, or ultimate truth. All religions have the same goal, transcendence and liberation, but each have their own ways of getting there. It's like we're all in a house, each one of us looking out a different window. The views are different, some windows might be a bit dirtier than others, but the point is to get outside. Some might just open the window, some might break it, some might find a door, or go through another window.

 

[Katzpur]

Hey that's not true. Sure I think my religions are true for me, but other ones are true for other people. They're all "true".

So, define "true." I'm assuming you believe truth is relative. If I'm wrong, please correct me. Otherwise, could you please elaborate. I'm not trying to argue that my religion is true and yours is false, so let me make sure that's understood at the outset. But what I'm thinking is this: Suppose you say that there is a Higher Power of some sort, but that this higher power is simply a spiritual force of some kind that is incorporeal and does not interfere in the affairs of human beings. Suppose I say that there is a Higher Power of some sort, and this higher power is a corporeal being that is personally interested in us and intervenes in our lives from time to time. Now we both could be absolutely wrong in what we believe. Maybe there is no Higher Power of any kind. Are both our beliefs "true" or are they both "false"? On the other hand, maybe my understanding of who and what this Higher Power is is accurate right down to the most minute detail. If this were the case, how would your religion (or in this case, one component of it) continue to be "true"? How does "false" translate into being "true"? (Obviously, the same question would exist if your understanding of this actual Higher Power were accurate and mine was way out there in left field somewhere.)

 

[BruceDLimber]

Even the most staunch believers have "one true religion" and denounce all other religions as false.

Simply false!!

I quote the Baha'i scriptures:

"There can be no doubt whatever that the peoples of the world, of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly Source, and are the subjects of one God. The difference between the ordinances under which they abide should be attributed to the varying requirements and exigencies of the age in which they were revealed. All of them, except a few which are the outcome of human perversity, were ordained of God, and are a reflection of His Will and Purpose. Arise and, armed with the power of faith, shatter to pieces the gods of your vain imaginings, the sowers of dissension amongst you. Cleave unto that which draweth you together and uniteth you."

—(The Proclamation of Baha'u'llah, p. 114;
also Gleanings, CXI, pp. 217-8)

So the vast majority are legitimate and of God!

Q. E. D..

Bruce

 

[Breathe]

Are there people that believe in all religions, or most religions, or are all religions, or most, mutually exclusive?

I'm a religious syncretist: my spiritual beliefs cross multiple religious paths. Generally, I'm somewhat of a religious pluralist: I believe people can attain enlightenment with a large number of religions. This doesn't mean I believe every religion is easy for one to obtain enlightenment in though, there are some I think are more difficult than others, but not impossible. It depends upon the person and the practise more than the belief.

Or is there a one true religion, and which is it?

I'm doubtful of the claims that some people have. I doubt any religion is capable of holding the whole truth. "One true religion" doesn't seem to make sense to me, either.

My two cents.

 

[waitasec]

First, in what context do you mean it is 'true'?

i guess if you don't understand the meaning of the word "true" one would have to come up with their own version...

If you are speaking of it in terms of it being 'legitimate' or it exhibits 'self-integrity' then there can be many true religions. I view Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Mormonism all as being 'true' in the sense that they repersent a progressive unfolding of the God of Abraham's efforts to manage His brood.

Unfortunately, as best as I can tell, none of these any longer pass the 'self-integrity' test. So, I would have to conclude they are now all false religions.

:areyoucra
and what is the criteria you hold to be true integrity?

 

[openyourmind]

If you take all religon as it is today and put them together you come up with contradiction. If you want to find one true religion you should start at the begining. Any religion or religous person that truely accepts and loves all people without judgement, and doesn't denounce god. Is holy but no more holy than any other we are all created imperfect and must learn to accept our flaws as well as those of others. We don't have to refer to the "One" by the same name or discription. By any measure, any name, any count or desciption 1 will always be 1. Before 1 there is nothing no matter how far you go back everything started from nothing. If anyone would like to prove a different value of 1 I'd love to hear it.

 

[kylixguru]

i guess if you don't understand the meaning of the word "true" one would have to come up with their own version...

Indeed! Context is key.

and what is the criteria you hold to be true integrity?

When a religion strays from it's original 'spirit' and morphs into something entirely foreign to that of its founder's intent, then a person can no longer say it is a 'true' religion.

What that group could do, in order to restore their integrity, is say we are no longer religion abc because we have made unauthorized alterations. Thus, we are now religion xyz.

For example, Jesus taught us not to even be angry with one another, let alone go out and kill one another. Any group systematically killing anyone under the banner of Christianity is not 'true'.

Another example, Jesus taught other advents of Messiah would come and admonished all of His believers to be watchful and mindful as the advents would be as They were a thief in the night. He said greater things would be done than what He would do. He indicated it was these future advents that would "teach us all things, even hidden" as well as "bring all things to your remembrance" regarding what Jesus taught, implying they would be forgotten. He taught that the Father would come to establish God's Kingdom here on earth in the future, which obviously is the purpose of these future advents. However, when the Father came to teach all things and bring the things Jesus taught to the remembrance (restoration), Christians vehimenantly rejected it outright. They took offense that someone claimed to be establishing the kingdom and that there were additional necessary things to be taught. They were especially offended that greater things to accomplish yet remained and were claimed as such. Thus, because careful watchfulness was not exhibited upon these claims and they were dismissed outright, Christianity went "out of integrity" and shall be "beaten with many stripes" because they rejected their King and beat his manservants, etc.

Luke 12
34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;
36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.
37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat [teach all things via additional scripture], and will come forth and serve them.
38 And if he shall come in the second watch [As Adam who dies-Holy Ghost], or come in the third watch [As Adam redeemed-Father], and find them so, blessed are those servants.
39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.
40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
41 Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? [Additional scripture pertaining to the Kingdom's establishment]
43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. [Those who receive Adam and support Him shall be made joint-heirs and kings.]
45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will [Christians who claim to believe the Bible], and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will [Christians who were not watchful as admonished], shall be beaten with many stripes.
48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
​

I wrote and example of how Judaism has also gone way out of integrity. This is the thread here: http://www.religiousforums.com/forum/religious-debates/110729-one-reason-why-jesus-has-not.html

 

[waitasec]

Indeed! Context is key.

When a religion strays from it's original 'spirit' and morphs into something entirely foreign to that of its founder's intent, then a person can no longer say it is a 'true' religion.

you and i both know this is not the intent of this thread...

or are you saying their are many paths to god?


when someone asks what is the one true religion, they are not asking if that religion hasn't morphed into something else...

one can say mormonism has evolved and didn't stay on the intended track joseph smith invented...
after all you did say he himself would be excommunicated by todays mormon standards.

 

[Jacksnyte]

I'll simply quote Crowley to illustrate my stance on this subject:
"We place no reliance on virgin or pidgeon, our method is science, our aim is religion"