If truth is absoluute then why are therre so many different religions?

[smaneck]

It is my own belief that human beings can naturally discern that truth and goodness form a path that leads toward a unifying source for them both (i.e., what I would call "God"), and that religion is an attempt to follow that path. Some religions may do a better job of following that path than others (by being closer to the truth, say), but all of them are attempts to follow it.

Most religions are revealed, not naturally discerned.

 

[cloudyday2]

I've noticed that claims of answered prayers, miracles, changed lives, and so on are present in many different religions. Those claims are where I personally would search for evidence of God, but they are present in religions with contradictory theologies.

It seems that either God exists and doesn't care too much about our particular choice of religion, or God doesn't exist in any way that is relevant to humans. If God doesn't care, then atheism makes the most sense to me. Of course most religions don't share my opinion.

 

[Arthra]

I've noticed that claims of answered prayers, miracles, changed lives, and so on are present in many different religions. Those claims are where I personally would search for evidence of God, but they are present in religions with contradictory theologies.

It seems that either God exists and doesn't care too much about our particular choice of religion, or God doesn't exist in any way that is relevant to humans. If God doesn't care, then atheism makes the most sense to me. Of course most religions don't share my opinion.

Well I'd say God is merciful and compassionate...and He sends His Prophets and Messengers to us for guidance from age to age...

 

[Job8]

Having read and/or studied a number of different religions (own books of/by LDS, JWs, Islam, New Age [Eastern religions revamped], Bibles, and some info on a few others) I am perplexed as to how we got to where we are today.

You should not be perplexed at all. Just as there is ABSOLUTE TRUTH there are ABSOLUTE LIES. All these lies come from Satan, who is called "the Father of Lies". On the other hand Jesus is "THE TRUTH, THE WAY, AND THE LIFE". Since you follow the facts, follow this fact and all your perplexity will be resolved.

 

[Crandaddy]

Most religions are revealed, not naturally discerned.

Why should the two be mutually exclusive? Why can't natural discernment give way to revelation?

 

[willubraptured2]

I've noticed that claims of answered prayers, miracles, changed lives, and so on are present in many different religions. Those claims are where I personally would search for evidence of God, but they are present in religions with contradictory theologies.

It seems that either God exists and doesn't care too much about our particular choice of religion, or God doesn't exist in any way that is relevant to humans. If God doesn't care, then atheism makes the most sense to me. Of course most religions don't share my opinion.

I'm confused by your statement that "atheism makes the most sense to you". Could you elaborate on how you came to this conclusion?

 

[cloudyday2]

I'm confused by your statement that "atheism makes the most sense to you". Could you elaborate on how you came to this conclusion?

Most religions have problems in history, theology, lifestyle, etc. As far as I know, there is no credible evidence that God exists. Everything can be explained as emotionalism, confirmation bias, coincidence, and so forth. Even if I decided there is a God, what religion would I choose? The only religion that is remotely believable for me is Buddhism, but it hardly seems worth the bother. In contrast, atheism fits the evidence nicely and has no problems in history, theology, or lifestyle. I have an instinctual feeling that there must be something spiritual in the world, but that is all. So atheism makes most sense.

 

[willubraptured2]

Most religions have problems in history, theology, lifestyle, etc. As far as I know, there is no credible evidence that God exists. Everything can be explained as emotionalism, confirmation bias, coincidence, and so forth. Even if I decided there is a God, what religion would I choose? The only religion that is remotely believable for me is Buddhism, but it hardly seems worth the bother. In contrast, atheism fits the evidence nicely and has no problems in history, theology, or lifestyle. I have an instinctual feeling that there must be something spiritual in the world, but that is all. So atheism makes most sense.

Would you agree that Communism is an atheist ideology? And yet the Communist countries of the world are responsible for some of the most atrocious acts on humanity ever recorded. eg. Stalin, China, North Korea, Pol-Pot (I believe was Communist, but could be mistaken), etc. So, it would seem that atheism does have some issues, just like the rest of the religions. You seem like a very intelligent person and have given the issues a lot of thought. It seems to me that nature, in it's very essence, speaks to the existence of God. As I consider the intricacy of creation, the human body with it's nervous system and ability to heal itself, for example, it is very difficult for me to accept that we are the result of random chance. That is what would be necessary if there is no God. You stated that you "have an instinctual feeling that there must be something spiritual in the world". The Bible says that we are all created with this instinct, so I believe you are closer to a belief in God than you may admit to yourself. I don't know you and I am surely not trying to win some kind of debate. But I am concerned for you and where you spend eternity. It may seem like a waste of time, but believe me it is well worth it. Just ask God into your heart with what ever amount of faith you can muster and see what happens. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

 

[John 1:1 GodCZU]

There is one God, in the beginning was the word and the word was God.

When there's only one there can be no else but one truth.

Having read and/or studied a number of different religions (own books of/by LDS, JWs, Islam, New Age [Eastern religions revamped], Bibles, and some info on a few others) I am perplexed as to how we got to where we are today.
For example, we all know that there is absolute truth (many of us don't want to acknowledge it always)- 1+1 always equals 2. Gravity will affect you in a seriously adverse way (even if you don't 'feel' or think it will) if you jump off a building.

But how did we get to hundreds, or thousands, of gods? Are there really that many gods or is there just one? And why are there so many different teachings and beliefs about God? Where did all of these gods come from? What is the absolute truth about God and how do we find it? Or can we find it? Is there any proof that there are numerous gods, one god, no god?
Is this even an issue worth discussing- bcuz of its possible ramifications for some, or all, of us? That may be the biggest question here.

I propose (my opinion) that we can know the answers to these questions. But do we dare take the leap and want to learn the absolute truth (if there is absolute truth about God)? What happens after I hit post will determine the outcome of my questions and the understanding we, each, have to face up to. However, in closing this first post, I want to say that, for me (one of my Mottos), there is a way, a clear way, to know -
1. 'If' there is a God
2. How many gods there are
3. Who is God
4. 'Why' he is God
5. Is there evidence for God
My Motto: I follow the facts- whatever they say, wherever they lead.
And,
The truth has nothing to lose or fear by being investigated (if it was true then it is true. If it isn't true then it never was true).
Let's see where this takes us. What say you?

 

[Zoness]

There is one God, in the beginning was the word and the word was God.

When there's only one there can be no else but one truth.

"Prove it"

See? This can go on forever. There's nothing offered here than can't be found, and re-hashed anywhere else.

 

[John 1:1 GodCZU]

That it can go on forever is proof.

 

[Zoness]

That it can go on forever is proof.

The discussion going on "forever" is proof of a Christian God? Huh? A lot of years have been spent debating a great number of philosophies in the world so what does that prove? At any rate, this argument doesn't make any sense.

 

[John 1:1 GodCZU]

God is the word long before the word Christian came along.

 

[WeAreTheChristianGems]

Humans in their hearts don't want to admit Jesus is Sovereign Lord.
That's why this could go on forever. The Truth VS what you want to be the truth

 

[Zoness]

Humans in there hearts don't want to admit Jesus is Sovereign Lord.
That's why this could go on forever. The Truth VS what you want to be the truth

Question One: What's with the page-long signature?

I'm pretty sure the reason I do not believe in the Christian God is that I do not have compelling evidence he exists. But rather than have the same argument for the hundredth time on this site where Christians just throw the book at me anyways, I think I'm going to call it quits here.

Carry on.

 

[WeAreTheChristianGems]

I'm sorry about my signature. I made it a long time ago and I didn't realize still had it. I'm on mobile and my computer broke, so the site is really iffy for me.
Back on topic, what kind of evidence are you looking for? I'll help you find it. In fact, the reason I'm not an atheist is that there's not enough evidence for that side.

 

[Zoness]

I'm sorry about my signature. I made it a long time ago and I didn't realize still had it. I'm on mobile and my computer broke, so the site is really iffy for me.
Back on topic, what kind of evidence are you looking for? I'll help you find it. In fact, the reason I'm not an atheist is that there's not enough evidence for that side.

Ah I see you removed it, thanks!

This is a conversation I may be willing to do under a private channel but it isn't worth it in a public venue, thanks.

 

[WeAreTheChristianGems]

You're welcome!
I'm willing to answer any questions you might have. Feel free to message me!

 

[cloudyday2]

Would you agree that Communism is an atheist ideology? And yet the Communist countries of the world are responsible for some of the most atrocious acts on humanity ever recorded. eg. Stalin, China, North Korea, Pol-Pot (I believe was Communist, but could be mistaken), etc. So, it would seem that atheism does have some issues, just like the rest of the religions. You seem like a very intelligent person and have given the issues a lot of thought. It seems to me that nature, in it's very essence, speaks to the existence of God. As I consider the intricacy of creation, the human body with it's nervous system and ability to heal itself, for example, it is very difficult for me to accept that we are the result of random chance. That is what would be necessary if there is no God. You stated that you "have an instinctual feeling that there must be something spiritual in the world". The Bible says that we are all created with this instinct, so I believe you are closer to a belief in God than you may admit to yourself. I don't know you and I am surely not trying to win some kind of debate. But I am concerned for you and where you spend eternity. It may seem like a waste of time, but believe me it is well worth it. Just ask God into your heart with what ever amount of faith you can muster and see what happens. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

It's true that some bad things have happened in atheistic societies.

On asking God into my heart, I have tried that numerous times throughout my life. I honestly think God doesn't care if we believe in Him (if He exists). In fact, I think God prefers for people to make the most out of their lives and not waste their time on religion. That doesn't mean God wants us to be hedonists, but He wants us to be free of fear and do what we truly want to do with our lives. That is the atheist lifestyle IMO. So either way, I'm covered.

 

[WeAreTheChristianGems]

That's what Jesus came to Earth and destroyed religion.
So we could have freedom
But we can't just do whatever we want
What God wants is a personal relationship with us
If you Love God with your whole heart, then you're covered