Truly, I mean no disrespect to anyone in organised religion. But I'm somewhat confused as to how the big?

Question

religions operate. 1- is it true they all believe in the same God?
Because if they do, I can't see what all the fuss is about. It was suggested to me that they all intepretate the teachings of the Holly Books to suit their own ends and this is why they can't agree with each other, hence all the many wars commited in it's name over the millenia.
To me that sounds too simplistic. Maybe some of you could clue me, but please don't make long quotations from your Holly Books, I'd like to hear what your heart tells you.

Another thing I'm confused about. Do they all, in someway, teach ever lasting life? What a boring existance that would be, at least for me.If I'm a Christian, will I have to singing my praises to Christ for eternity, being in spirit form what else would there be to do?
If a Muslim fanatic do I spend my time having sex with virgins if I blow myself up taking as many innocent Muslims, Jews and Christians with me, I mean, where are they going to go?
Yes simplistic

Answer 1

Don't focus on religion,focus on your own personal beliefs.Its better for you.
1-nope
2-usually

Answer 2

You'll get a different answer to this with every person you ask. It is generally the mystics and liberals within a religious tradition who believe that their God is the same as the God of the other religious.

A great story, attributed to the Sufi (Islamic Mystic) Rumi is the story of the blind men and the elephants. Different versions of this story are available here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blind_Men_and_an_Elephant

I was brought up in the Christian tradition and I consider myself to be a Christian. My heart tells me that a loving God could not send anyone to eternal torment in hell. Therefore, if there is a heaven, everyone will go there. From a Christian perspective, I understand this as Christ dying to save the sins of all people, whatever their religion.

Different religions will have different understandings of the afterlife, and many religious people will say that theirs is the 'true' religion and that their God is the only 'real' God.

Best of luck in your search.

Answer 3

Good question. Basically most religions operate on the hope that if we do certain stuff we'll get on the right side of God. Christianity is realistic in that it faces up to the fact that we have all sinned and fall short of God's glory. And yet in Christ, God has provided a way that we can be saved. If I try and get happiness for myself in life- I'm bound to end up unhappy- because I'll be a selfish so and so who no one will like! But if I get to know God he is the one I rejoice in and serve. Serving myself is going to get me to hell, trusting in God is going to make me part of his family and have a nice big family get-together for eternity with none of the stuff that makes family get to gethers on earth a bit strained.

So I don't know. You've just experienced my stream of thought so its not very coherent. Ah well!

Answer 4

My heart tells me this - I believe in an eternal afterlife (a spiritual life after I die) It will be spent somewhere! Jesus speaks of the second death, which is being cast into the lake of fire and brimstone if your name is not found in the book of life. I believe these things, therefore I study to prove myself worthy to escape all these things. I am a member of a Pentecostal church, which put simply means that we worship God in Spirit (for He is Spirit) and Truth.He is truth,also. Satan is The Enemy of our souls, and the father of all lies and liars, but even Satan serves God's purpose. God's will shall be done. I believe all these things to be the truth. It is hard for a man that doesn't serve God in the spirit to understand anything about spiritual things. Where you say 'they all' interpret, you are speaking of religions! Religions WILL NOT SAVE YOU! There are many religions. There is only one truth! If you are a serious Christian, the Bible NEEDS no interpretation! Do you not know truth when you hear it? Why is it that you listen to TV news(which is very biased and full of lies) and you will believe anything they say, even though journalists are the biggest liars on the face of the planet? They will say anything to further their careers and earn more money, yet everyone believes what they say! And the Word of the Living God, who has no career to further for monetary gain, but sent his Son here to die for the remission of sins, you will not believe? And as for all of the different religions, it says there will be many false teachers in the last days, and many antichrists. God's vengeance will fall upon them. You need only to seek Him with all your heart, mind and strength to find Him. Those not willing to do that are not worthy of Him, and will suffer the second death in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone. And the part that unsettled me was 'there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' These punishments are for terrorist Muslims, Jews that wouldn't accept Jesus as the messiah, idolaters, fornicators, whoremongers,people that serve Self instead of God and ALL LIARS. That is the belief of my heart! But that's just me, a forgiven sinner trying to do better. Does that explain, or help at all? If not, I'm sorry.

Answer 5

I can't answer for all the other faiths, but I became a Christian only when I met Jesus, this was the most mind-blowing experience of my life. Once I'd met him I had to study the faith because I wasn't raised in it, and it just makes sense, and when I try to look at other faiths they don't. Got nothing against other people, it's just that's what happened to me.

Answer 6

There is only ONE God, and only Christians worship Him.

All other religions worship false Gods.