Is it ok to part-take in two or more religions?

curious mike said:

Here's what I am thinking guys, that hindus, muslims and christians pray to the same one god who is an invisible force which governs the universe just that they all worship that same one god in different ways. I am going to join a hindu forum now and will report back on what they say, thanks.

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What you are saying is that they unknowingly are all praying to the same god...because there is only one God. However, when each faith defines the god that it prays to, we see that it's not just a matter of the names of these "gods" being different, but that they definitely are not alike, don't have the same nature, characteristics, standards of justice, intentions, etc.

If, therefore, you or I define our God totally differently from the next person and his god, can it correctly be said that they are praying to the "same" God? No.

And, BTW, this is a secondary consideration. Your question asked it if would be all right to participate in the other person's religion. As far as Christians and Muslims are concerned, that's not right, even if we were to accept the theory that everyone is praying to the same God without knowing it.

curious mike said:

Here's what I am thinking guys, that hindus, muslims and christians pray to the same one god who is an invisible force which governs the universe just that they all worship that same one god in different ways. I am going to join a hindu forum now and will report back on what they say, thanks.

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Mike, to be blunt, you have yet to understand, much less know, the one true God of Christianity. If you knew him, you'd know he is a jealous God and will not share his position with anything or anyone. The natural response to knowing him is to fear him, worship him, and esteem him above all else in existence. Does the following passage sound like someone that's okeydokey with being lumped together with a menagerie of false gods"

curious mike said:

Alright guys, just got this cleared up, bottom line, the Hindu God is not the same as our Christian God, this is their explanation:

After considering this question a lot, I don't believe it is the same God. The Hindu God doesn't punish or reward us by heaven or hell. The Hindu God has many forms and is formless, and is essentially genderless. The Hindu God is totally a God of love ... for all mankind, not just those who adhere to a particular path or book. The Hindu God emanates the universe as an extension of Himself.

I don't believe this describes the Christian God at all, at least by the way most Christians have described their God to me.

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curious mike said:

I also know a person who takes part in Jehovah's Witness, Catholic and Hindu ceremonies, he believes in one God which is the same with all 3 religions mentioned,.

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Actually, Hinduism has over 3 million deities.

DaveW-Ohev said:

Actually, Hinduism has over 3 million deities.

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Yeh, we used to say that, but they now respond that those are lesser deities and that there is one great one who is identified with the workings of the whole universe (or something like that). Anyway, it's not unusual to have a Hindu say that he's a monotheist, even if we find that to be odd.

Simple biblical answer... you can only serve one master. If you partake in other religious things, then your not serving our Master. God.

Some common sense must operate too. The Eastern essentially non personal view of God is incompatible with the Christian Trinitarian God, seeing Jesus as a mere prophet or great moral teacher does not adequately take into account the history given to us in the NT. Seeing the material world as an 'obstacle' to spirituality as in some Eastern religions is contrary to The Christian view of God as the Creator.

John
NZ

curious mike said:

Hey guys, does the bible mention anywhere that it's wrong for a person to take part in tow or more religions? Reason asking is a friend who is not really religious told me on Saturday that he is Hindu but uses the name Jesus. I also know a person who takes part in Jehovah's Witness, Catholic and Hindu ceremonies, he believes in one God which is the same with all 3 religions mentioned,. They all believe in the same God but is it right to take part or support two and more religions?

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your profile indicates that you're a Christian, but that word means different things to different people; so let me say what i think that word means, and if you agree, i'll answer your original question with scripture from the KJV Bible:

a Christian is someone who recognizes that God came to earth in a flesh body named Jesus ('Emmanuel') by a virgin birth, lived a sinless life, offered Himself as the final sacrifice to pay for the sins of the entire world for all time, was crucified, died a physical death, buried in a tomb, and rose from the dead three days later to sit at the right hand of the One and Only Almighty God; and this Man Jesus has made the Christian a new creature and has given the Christian eternal life as a free gift, and made the Christian a joint-heir to God Himself - made the Christian a Son of God; in appreciation, the Christian has made Him the Lord and Master of the Christian's life.

are we on the same page so far?

Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (in John 14:6) So, Jesus is the only way to God, and Jesus is a Person . . . God's own Son . . . no less than our Father's own best. So, God wants us to have His very own best. And the Holy Spirit is given to us "who first trusted in Christ" > Ephesians 1:12 >

"Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:5)

So, God through Jesus has given us His own Holy Spirit of His very own love shared with us "in our hearts". So, this is how personal our salvation is > we do not only practice different things and believe a group of ideas, but "in our hearts" we intimately share with our Heavenly Father in His very own love . . . not some second best lesser blessing than His own self.

Because Jesus has brought us "to God" Himself; and Jesus sent our Apostle Paul to minister this to us Gentiles >

"'"to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me."'" < Acts 26:18.

Jesus says we are ministered to so we are turned "from the power of Satan to God". So, yes we have been brought "to God" Himself, and Paul also says >

"But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him." (1 Corinthians 6:17)

So, being brought to the one living true God means each of us is now "one spirit with" God Himself in us, in His very own love.

And our calling as Christians includes how we obey God in His very own peace >

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

So, "in one body" every one of us has this basic calling > to submit to how our Father personally rules each of us with His own peace in our "hearts". So, this is basic, for every child of God. And I see how this is not only trying to get myself to do things of a certain religious group, but submitting to how God Himself personally rules me in His own peace in me, and praying this for others, caring about others being blessed also.

So, Mike I think you can see for yourself that a number of non-Christian groups are not at all giving their main attention to submitting personally to God in His own peace, all the time. Plus, I think you will find that some number of people claiming to be Christians also do not first give and call attention to personally submitting to God and obeying how He rules us in His peace while sharing His very own love with us "in our hearts" (Romans 5:5).

So, I would say trust in Jesus to save you from your sins and yourself, if you have not already gotten started with Jesus, so you are forgiven and brought to God Himself, and learn to constantly be guided by God > "continually" Isaiah 58:11 does say. And share with people who help you to live like this.

"For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." (Romans 6:10)

So, we are not saved by religious practices and ideas, but "we shall be saved by His life."

We have no less than Jesus Himself and His own life.

There are groups who do not even name Jesus, never mind depend on Him and His grace. And even certain ones claiming to be Christians do not keep our attention with God through Jesus and personally being corrected (Hebrews 12:4-11) and personally guided "continually" (Isaiah 58:11) by God in us working all He desires with us >

"for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation" (in Philippians 2:13-16)

"'Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'" (Matthew 11:29)

So we trust in Jesus to do all He is able to do, and we do not depend on ourselves for what we are able to do

curious mike said:

I myself do understand that Hospes, just that I like to hear different views from different people, since we are discussing other religions, wouldn't it be fair to at least give them a fair chance to express their views? It certainly doesn't mean that I myself will ever take part in any two religions, just curious.

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I think it's fine to listen respectfully and engage other's religions. The way you were writing sounded a bit like you were going beyond that and entertaining the idea all religions are really one. All religions I am aware of to any extent do have elements of truth, but the core truth contained in the Gospel of Jesus Christ is unique and absolutely necessary for the reconciliation of sinful people to a holy God, i.e. salvation.

BTW, your well-worded response to my earlier bluntness is pretty commendable. Thanks for not taking bluntness as being against you; it was meant for your good. Not everyone handles it as well.

...thinking the OP has left the building, but just in case.... subscribing

NO!!

As repliees have stated....

Exodus 20:3King James Version (KJV)
3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

And.....

Exodus 20:5King James Version (KJV)
5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

And...

1 Timothy 4:1 - Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

And....

2 Peter 2:1 - But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

And...

Romans 16:17King James Version (KJV)
17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

And...

John 14:6King James Version (KJV)
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:6 says it all. I have consistently repeated this on many occasions. Only by belief/faith in JESUS as the son of GOD the heavenly father shall a person be saved. This is the Christian principle...JESUS the son of GOD is the high priest of the one true church, and gave his life for us a perfect sacrifice for sins for he LOVED GOD, and was obedient and he LOVED us as he was commanded.

Additionally.....

Matthew 7:12-25King James Version (KJV)
12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

Praise be to GOD the heavenly father and his son lord JESUS CHRIST forever>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Hi Mike.
It's an old chestnut, really, that we all 'pray to the same God'.

Not really accurate.

The God of the Bible makes it clear that there's one way to him- and one way only. And that's through Jesus. If another religion isn't pointint us to Jesus as the only way- then it's a religion we shouldn't be dabbling in, basically.

Have a look at these:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John chapter 14 v. 6)
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12)
“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe” (Romans 3:22)
“Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17:3)

Obviously, that's a teeny- tiny taster (try saying that three times really fast!!!) of what the Bible has to say.

That's always our standard to test ANY faith- what does it say about Jesus? Does it contradict what God imself says?
Here's a quote that sums it up from a Muslim guy: (It's a direct copy and paste from another site- so the spellings etc are as written)

'hello the Brother and Sisters, i'm Muslim. i just wana let you's know for thos who say 'Jesus ( peace be upon him) is the god or son of god. Jesus ( Peace be upon him) he HIS is 'NOT' the god or a son of god, ' DO NOT WORSHIP HIM', in 'Islam we do not worship him ' jesus ( peace be upon him) in islam we dont say his the son of God or the god. we only say he is the messenger of god.'

Think aboit it- if Christians worship Christ as the Son of God (and the Bible makes it absolutely, totally crystal clear on that) then how can we also claim to practise a religion that is directly opposed to the very centre of our faith? How can the same God say that Jesus is His Son (God's actual words!) and also hold that Jesus is just a prophet and NOT to be worshipped as His Son?

If in doubt- measure it against what it teaches about Jesus.

NO.

People do church surf looking for somewhere the word is preached in a way that resonates with them, but once they've found a place they tend to stay in one place or should.

In the world we believe we can sit on the fence but nothing presented in the Bible is done half-heartedly.

There were Jews who converted to Christianity as that was the starting point for those who now walk with Christ.

Jews are still waiting for the messiah, Christians believe he came, died and all can be saved through his sacrifice.

Jesus is mentioned by most of the world faiths but they believe he was a prophet and would reduce him to a mere man rather than what Christians know him to be and that's the son of God.

When I say Christians I don't mean people who rock up to a church on Sunday or Saturday depending on where they got the story twisted; I mean people living what the Bible teaches and striving to be more like Christ.

When you speak to people who profess faith and are dancing in the wind because they can't make their mind up, you find that their God is really themselves plus some other things they like the sound of; like being nice to people and thinking they're going somewhere nice when they leave here because they go to a large ornate building once a week.

I have actually been doing this for years and no, there is no conflict and no problem.
First, there is God, the source of all Being, the Source of Life and Love. God is Love. Not all Religions know this, or practice this, but in the End, One must see the Love of God at work in the faithful.

Second, all religions are creations of Man. All of them. And it is a known characteristic that religions are generally intolerant of each other. So in this respect, religions will teach intolerance, whereas God teaches love.

Third, I have found no conflict with the ones in which I have been involved. Not to suggest that any or all will work, or to suggest that what I do works for everyone. It works for me.
So yes, it can be done. I am proof. There is no conflict or problem for me. But as I mentioned, we must focus first on God, seeking first that kingdom of heaven, within, and understanding that the facets of many faces lead back to the Creator.

RickardoHolmes said:

I have actually been doing this for years and no, there is no conflict and no problem...So yes, it can be done. I am proof.

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Yes, it "can" be done. But the OP asked if it was "right" to do and whether the Bible says that it is. Those two have to be answered in the negative.

It works for me.

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This we cannot dispute.