All those religions throughout the world there are countless examples. The vast majority might best be described as local, to a specific group of people. All those religions throughout the world there are countless examples. The vast majority might best be described as local, to a specific group of people. Read All Those Religions… Which One is True? Part One
There are countless belief systems, some based on history or events, others based on myth. Yet others are created, not to draw people to God, but to control them.
How to separate truth from fiction is difficult, especially on a post-truth society, where the loudest lie on the television or internet becomes a fact. Therefore you don’t need believe anything in this blog, but please research it for yourself.
The next question… Does reason matter?
Does my ability to reason have any bearing on the truth of a religion? Yes, very much so. In doing our detective work, we need to separate the claims of some religions and put them to the test. This will help to rid the table of false claims. Logic is necessary and a critical tool in determining truth.
Truth is truth and opposing views of truth are not equal in value. Only one is true. I read an article on Echo Global (an excellent source of information and truth) that separates the world’s three biggest religions. Judaism and Islam both state that Jesus is not God. The New Testament says He is.
Logic is critically important
Logic suggests that a claim cannot true and not true at the same time. Jesus is God or He is not. You can’t have it both ways. If Christianity is right, the other two are wrong. Logic demonstrates that contrary claims cannot both be true. It also shatters the argument that “what’s true for you may not be true for me.” That is like saying, “you may believe in God, but there is no God.” If I make a claim “A” to be true, then “not A” cannot be true.
Logic also pours cold water on the belief that all roads lead to heaven. Religions deal with this issue. That is another reason for you to use your reason. Logic is an important element in the search. There may be a lot of dead end roads in your search, so it’s more like a maze, not a pathway.
Even if religions have some similarities, the end of the search is radically different because their core doctrines are different. An example of this is the relationship between Judaism and Christianity. Christians will affirm every word in the Jewish Bible, the Old Testament. They differ however in the real identity of Jesus of Nazareth. He is the Messiah or He isn’t.
Logic and reason are your tools. If you have doubts, ask questions. If you have concerns, ask questions. Be careful to gather reliable sources. Again, don’t take my word for it. Form your own conclusions. You might just find the journey enjoyable and rewarding.
The Nicene from 325 AD
For Christians this a full statement of the truth:
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father by whom all things were made.
Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life; who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.
And I believe one holy catholic and apostolic church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.
Amen