If all religions, faiths including pagans believe in a higher power?

Question

then who is to say who is right and who is wrong? and can't everyone be right since it is all faith based? Also the bible refers to "Us" many times when "God" speaks. Also, I do not want the whole Jesus died for our sins answer, but open minded answers, Thank you.

What I mean by Pagan is those that believe in the Gods that were believed in before the Roman movement.

Answer 1

You're essentially correct, young Lady. All religions agree that there is some type of higher power in the universe, but they disagree on that that power's Name is. That's what all the fighting seems to be about (that and the dogmas of the certain faiths).
I became an eclectic Pagan long ago when the Christian church wasn't doing what it said it was : love they neighbor as thy self. No church goes by the words of Jesus, they all go by Paul. Fine; I left. Bye bye.... After studying for awhile the different religions I found that most of them were essentially the same but just different.
And they're all fighting over the Name of the Divine. Somewhere on the World of ours a brother is killing another over the Name of God. Sad. No one can tell us why, not even the one who's doing the killing. He'd answer "Just because he's not the same faith as me" or "Because of the jihad, the crusade, the whatever..."

When God speaks we hear. It's our choice to put it into actions that are right or wrong. I choose to be kind to people as often as I can because that's what I've chosen to be my service to God. Whatever you choose for your service, may it be as gentle.
Blessings.

Answer 2

There are many religions that don't specifically believe in a Deity. However, religion is often defined as the human relationship with the Mysterious Tremendum. "Mysterious Tremendum" is a term used that encompasses Gods, Goddesses, the Atman, Buddha, the flow of the universe, etc...

Anyway, to answer your question, no one really can say who is right and wrong. Personally, I believe that there is some universal truth within most religions, and all religions are flawed since we are human!

Modern Pagans, as well as ancient Pagans, don't discredit the beliefs of others. Each Pagan can go about religion in his/her own way, and it's okay that not everyone sees religions exactly the same. When I studied Greco-Roman religions for my degree, I learned that the concept of monolarity allowed for people to worship different Deities in different ways. Also, ancient religious groups (including the Israelites) would adopt different religious stories and views of Mysterious Tremendum. New Gods and Goddesses were even adopted into local worship.

Answer 3

It isn't a matter of who is right and who is wrong, it is a matter of which is right for you. Although all religions generally believe in a higher power the dogma of each religion can differ greatly. The differences between Pagans and Christians is akin to the difference in how a bird and a fish breath. They both breath (worship) but in completely different ways, and the birds (Christians) cannot see how the fish (Pagans) can breath that water and that they are completely wrong for trying to do so because it is impossible. And they believe if everyone is not careful they will fall (go to hell) where as we know it takes no effort to remain afloat in the world.

To understand some of the differences, Pagans do not believe in the "original sin" which is what separates us from the Abrahamic faiths (Christianity, Jewish, Muslim). We do not believe in Heaven nor Hell. And we do not blame outside beings for events (the devil made me do it, or it is Gods will).

But yes it is a matter of faith and unfortunately not everyone is willing to let others follow their own path.

Blessed Be )O(

Answer 4

Those people who really look into it in an academic and experiential way will find that most religions are basically the same but have certain differences based on culture, geography, and history. Most people have absolutely no sense of history or any insight about the development of spiritual, mystical, and philosophical constructs, and so they do not have an understanding of their religion--much less someone else's-- in an historical or cultural (or even theological) context. Their beliefs are based on faith, transpersonal internal experiences (sometimes), emotional needs, and cultural programming (brainwashing, if you will), not on knowledge.

It is also a matter of human nature to form groups and "tribes" that pit themselves against each other, which is where the "I'm right, your wrong, and I must either convert or destroy you" mentality comes in regarding religion, among other things.

Some religions are more tolerant of other faiths, seeing them as different ways of expressing the same truth; other religions see themselves as pitted against everyone else. This is not about God or spirituality--it is about something neurotic within the human psyche.

A famous line from an ancient Hindu texts states: "Truth is one, the wise know that is goes by many names."

Answer 5

Exactly.... You hit the nail right on the head. All religion is basically the same. There is a diety of some sort and there is right from wrong and worship of that diety.

But why do we do this. Its a comfort thing. If we have "faith" and worship "god" it gives us comfort in the unknown. Death. Also its a governments way of maintaining order and control.

Some religions even use fear to gain followers. But I dont' believe that anyone is right or wrong. Its a matter of personal preference because when it all boils down to it we are all trying to do the same thing. We all want to follow the right religion and faith is all we have.

Answer 6

I feel as though no matter who or what you believe in, that if that is your faith or religion you should follow that and not push it off on anyone else, nor should you judge those that have different beliefs than you. This world has been made up of different beliefs and religions for centuries, and if there really was just one, I think that would have been decided centuries ago. Therefore, I feel as though no one is wrong, and believe what you feel is right for you, and it will get you through this life time.

Answer 7

I have spent most of my, rather lengthy, years researching universal commonalities in all the belief structures on which I could get information. One universality I have found is the distortion of facts to satisfy human egos in all belief structures. Few people can accept they have chosen a belief structure that may not be any better than all others.

There is no right or wrong in religion, only an infinite amount of possibilities.

Answer 8

You are exactly right,at least thats the way I see it also. I have also questioned who god was reffereing to as "US". TheTen Commandments says "Thou shalt have no other Gods before me" therefore is it not admitting that there are other Gods ? I believe that there are many possibilities as to the truth, and am a curious person that will always be asking questions. The best "answer" I can give is to respect all religions as people see them, and find the path that best suits you and hope for the best.

Answer 9

Fireball explain this then... If christianity is so loving that god gave up his only begotten son... Yes, maybe so, giving up a demi god is one thing.

The norse gave up most of their gods in the fight to save the world and humanity. Odin himself swallowed by Fenrir, Loki's son, the great wolf.

christianity is not the only thing with 'sacrifices' so please, learn to read about some historical religions...

As for the question, nobody can tell another who is right or wrong, as none of us (and i mean NONE, no "but jesus came to our aid" ****) are gods, and as such we don't know the truth. People believe themselves to be right, then human nature does the rest.

Humans have always had a "i am right, you are wrong" look on life and only those who are strong enough to split from the common garden sheep move away from it. Yes, we all have holier than thou attitudes at times, but in the grand scheme of things, the human mind is a pitiful thing.. We seek to remove from our mind that which we cannot fathom.

Answer 10

I'm sure lots of people agree that all faiths have truths and not one is 100% right or another is 100% wrong. You do not have to believe in something if you do not agree with it. According to many religions, humans have free will. I don't think free will excludes the topic of religion! Study all cultures and religions, you may suprise yourself! And don't let the people who tell you that you will go to "Hell" discourage your personal growth!