How can I objectively determine which, if any religion is correct?

Question

There are a multitude of religions on this planet, not to mention those who subscribe to the idea that all religion is wrong. How can I determine which is th correct viewpoint, without first accepting any single one of them as the truth?

In other words, what objective standard can I use to determine where I should be?

Adam's Rib ...
You said that the Bible tells one how to know if a religion is true; How does one know that the Bible is true?

Answer 1

You can't. You can only believe that which makes sense to you.

People will tell you that they know the 'truth'. that's impossible. They will say they know because the book they believe tells them. That's not proof of any kind because a different book (or a different translation/interpretation of the same book) says a different thing.

Go with your heart and mind, not someone else's 'truth'.

Answer 2

Well, there is no single One True Religion, and any religion that claims to be the One True Religion automatically gets a strike against it in my book. All religions contain various degrees of Divine Inspiration and Human Interpretation. All religions are man-made (don't let anyone tell you any different), though all religions at least started out with some core mystical experience or divine revelation. But mostly, that original truth gets buried under politics, cultural expectations, and social control. So all are both true and wrong.

How do you determine which is correct? Investigate all with an open heart and a skeptical mind. If a religion claims to be the only Truth, it is false. If a religion rejects the findings of modern science, it is false. If a religion teaches hate or prejudice against other religions, races, or any other form of intolerance, it is false. If wars are waged in the name of a particular religion, it is false.

Find your own way. Let Spirit speak to you directly. Learn from each of them, but choose wisely. Religion is a powerful thing -- and much harm, as well as much goodness, comes out of it.

Answer 3

I say this a lot around here, but it does bear repeating. Either that, or I can't stop repeating myself, lol.

At any rate, here's what I think: "correct" or "true" are the wrong questions. Given that none of us can truly know what the afterlife holds, or even if there is one---no matter WHAT anyone claims to the contrary---the question becomes, "where can I best find spiritual growth and fulfillment? Which belief system is best for ME?"

MY feeling is that those answers are most often found in the ways of your own ancestors. Every culture had, at one time, a rich spiritual tradition, reflected in a unique mythology through which the values of its people were taught and transmitted. Because those are the stories which shaped your culture . . . they may just strike a deep and resonant chord with you.

Look to the ways of your pre-xian ancestors; the traditions and practices they kept for literally thousands of year. Chances are . . . you'll find they're "home" for you, as well.

Answer 4

There is no objective standard, select by subjective standards. Think of the various religions as ships all basically headed for the same port. The question is now which ship will take you there in the manner most suited to your needs. Maybe the best answer is to visit the ships, speak with the crew, and the passengers. Even Goldilocks had to try two beds before she found one that was just right.

Answer 5

Religion should unite all hearts and cause wars and disputes to vanish from the face of the earth; it should give birth to spirituality, and bring light and life to every soul.
If religion becomes a cause of dislike, hatred and division it would be better to be without it; and to withdraw from such a religion would be a truly religious act.
For it is clear that the purpose of a remedy is to cure, but if the remedy only aggravates the complaint, it had better be left alone.
Any religion which is not a cause of love and unity is no religion.
.

Answer 6

You can research the denominations and their respective platforms. All of Christianity started out Catholic. So that would be a good place to start. Check out the history of the Church.

Check the Internet for information.

But honestly, the only real way is to pray and ask God to lead you. That's what I did...and he led me to Catholicism. No one was more shocked then me.

But once I began to accept this path...wow...talk about amazing! I have found Christ in the Eucharist and the Mass is beautiful. I've learned more in the 10 years I've been Catholic then in the 35 that I was Methodist.

Answer 7

When I was growing up, I was forced into the Christian religion. To me it didn't feel right. So I started doing research over every religious practice that I could find. Through the time of research I was able to figure out what was best for me. There is no right or wrong religion. There is what makes you feel better and feel like you belong. Do not worry about simple things like what family or friends will think. Make the decision for yourself.

Answer 8

One very good book I have read is The Skeptic's Search For God by Bruce Muncaster. There are many others out there but that might be good place to start.

Next, keep asking questions and searching for the truth yourself. Always look for the source and then pursue the source until you are convinced it is sound and unbiased.

Finally, look at what society is doing and accepting and do the opposite.

Answer 9

You have to search for your own truth.... whatever that may be. Start reading about different beliefs, religions, etc. Make your own conclusions. Seek and ye shall find. You'll know "your truth" - it's your highest, grandest, clearest thought. Personally I'm not sure I believe in religion (because there no one religion can hold the monopoly on truth) - but I definitely believe in spirituality. A universal God. Not a Chrisitan, Muslim, Jewish, Mormon, etc. God. Religions teach you seek God outside yourself, spirituality teaches you to seek God INSIDE yourself.

There is an awesome series called "conversations with God" all about this exact thing.

Answer 10

Religions are devised by men that have no choice but to include a little something of them selves and their world into these doctrines they create. This is not a crime, but we as observers tend to judge a religion by the garnish, rather than by the meat.

There is a single underlying truth. When choosing a religion for the message it conveys, you must identify that truth and judge on the religions presentation of it. When choosing a religion for the people that follow it, you must, of course, seek the people that you identify with most. When choosing for the garnish, however... well... who am I to tell yo how to select garnish.

Whatever you do, don't give up on religion alltogether. It brings good people together in hopes of inspiring them to do good things. Lord knows that we could use a little more of that.

Adder_Astros
Powerful Member of the House of Light.
[]xxxxx[];;;;;;;;;;;;;>.
adder-astros.com is down for renovation.

Answer 11

One which is one of the oldest
One in which there is unchanged scripture from all those years ago ,and Manuscriptual Evidence to prove it.
One in which prophecies were made and EVERYONE was fulfilled.Never a miss or mistake.
One which predicted a deliverer,for thousands of years,and then He showed up ,right on time.
One that has changed lives for the better ,delivering people from Adultery,alcoholisim,drug addiction,homelessness,pornography etc etc.
Let's see that lets out all but Judao/Christian ethics.
And now let's narrow that deliverer down to Christianity.
That's what I think.