Is it possible to find "truths" in religions other than your own?

Question

If so, does that suggest to you that your own religion does NOT have all of the answers? Does that mean it may be acceptable to follow more than one religion? Or, should we borrow a little from each faith to create a religion of many truths?

If not, how are you sure you've chosen to worship in the correct way? What are your criteria for a "correct" faith?

common_sense . . . You raise an interesting issue. You say: "The REAL issues are forgiveness of sin and salvation of the eternal soul. If these issues are missing, then it's a false god. THAT'S how you can be sure you're on the right path to God." However, this becomes a circular argument. Your religion teaches salvation--others don't, necessarily, because they do not start from the assumption that there is anything to be "saved" from in the first place. You see? The necessity of salvation is only true if we pre-suppose damnation is inevitable, so you're proving your conclusions by your assumptions. Is there anything else that leads you to conclude you've made the correct choice?

Answer 1

I have personally found valid ideas in religions and philosophies other than my own. I feel that if an idea is presented that seems to be worthwhile and true, it's worth paying attention to, regardless of the source. Sometimes, other belief systems can phrase ideas in a certain way that may also be echoed somewhere within your own religion, but you simply haven't encountered that concept yet. It's definitely beneficial to do some studying, and to look around at other ideas.

Answer 2

The many false gods mix a bit of truth with a lot of lies, deceit and deception.

It is the bit of truth that lures people in...away from the love and mercy of the one true God.

So, yes, you can find "truths" in other belief systems. These are all generally "small stuff" truths.

The REAL issues are forgiveness of sin and salvation of the eternal soul. If these issues are missing, then it's a false god. THAT'S how you can be sure you're on the right path to God.

Answer 3

You might be commiting a logical fallacy, although I personally don't subscribe to the ideas of logical fallacies.

It is definitely possible to find true ideas in other religions, or religious scriptures. I personally think at least 50% of the revelations in the Bible is God's words.

But that doesn't mean those truths are not present or not endorsed by my own religion. The Holy Quran contains brief answers of the questions of mankind, and the Sunnah of the Prophet (SM) elaborates these answers so that we can all understand it perfectly.

These two are enough for a Muslim to lead his life honestly in the path of truth and justice, and what is not answered in the Holy Quran (regarding spiritual facts) is not required to be known by us Muslims.

My religion has all the answers I (or we) need, but it is difficult to say that there are answers in other religion that are not present in my religion. If so, it doesn't matter, because if a religion can answer only the questions I desperately need to solve than it is enough for me.

A correct faith should be one which promotes ideal and virtuous character, which promotes welfare and service to humanity, which denounces violence and promotes peace, which respects peaceful people of other religions and whose religious scripture is compatible with established scientific facts and does not contain fabrications and misconceptions.

Answer 4

When it comes right down to it, I honestly don't think any religion has ALL the answers. Even during the time I was a devout Christian I still drew teachings from works of Buddhism and Hinduism, and many others. I think the point is to find a set of ideas that you feel deep in your soul to be right, and follow those ideas to make a happy and charitable lifestyle. As long as you feel that what you are doing is right, and it isn't hurting anyone else, you'll be happy and the people around you will be better for it. Plus, there's really not many ways to indicate that your faith is the one true correct way for absolutely everyone.

Answer 5

Knowing the absolute TRUTH.. you will see the "likeness" in EVERY religion out there that Believes in God.

God is Creation...

Everything leads to God because he is "the beginning and the end".

It's IMPORTANT to find your way.. whether you put a little bit of an "oceanremix" on it or not. But if you are taught your entire life to believe in something, then find yourself and your heart KNOWING something else... I would listen to your heart more so.

God communicates to "individuals" BECAUSE we are all of God. If God only wanted you to know ONLY one way to know God, then God wouldn't be that mighty.

Discovering the TRUTH through different religions and beliefs are ACCEPTABLE!

Those who choose to be on one path should be able to follow that path %110. If for some reason you have the smallest doubt to follow one path.. then broaden it... until you can narrow it again.

Just like ALL research and development you should be thorough in what you believe.

I have a law that I came up with called "Ocean's Law (that's me) #1" = concept, principal and morale

those 3 things in my first law I try to keep to ALL the time in every avenue I come across...

I have more teachings here..
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/oceanremix
or
http://geocities.com/oceanremix/linesoftruth.html

Answer 6

Well, as far as I know "truth" is an absolute. We all physically die - a truth. If a truth is absolute, we should find it in any religion we seek. Religion is a very subjective "thing". It is a way to find truth, a methodology. As we speak, we speak from imperfection because we must do so through our imperfect senses and we each have an imperfect view of what we deem as truth, so we can argue that no religion, 'cuz it's perceived imperfectly can show, tell, etc. us the "truth". Faith goes beyond the senses, it requires a, so to speak,"soul" to (can't find a word for it- maybe understand, see, smell, touch, acknowledgment) it.

A good profound question. Let me know if you find the "right" answer?

Answer 7

Religion is a very personal thing. As most of it is based on faith, where there is no set evidence one way or another, then a lot of it is based on individual discretion. There are some things that religions share, and I think recognizing those similarities is the first step towards ending faith-discrimination.

The only way to know you've chosen the correct way to worship is if it makes you happy. From what I know of God, he loves you so much that he wouldn't want you to worship him in a way that doesn't make you happy.

Answer 8

I 'm an atheist. I don't think any religion is an explanation of reality or that the supernatural has basis in fact.

However, I can enjoy some aspects of religion for their aesthetic value. I love the Bhagavad Gita, and I've read many parts of the Bible and some of the Koran. I only take issue when people think that modern life and science should conform to these ancient belief systems, or they expect every person to follow their gods.

It's a free country, and our understanding of the universe has increased far beyond the dictates of blind faith.

Notice some of the proselytizing posts. When one religion is practiced as indicative of reality, it becomes a force for exclusion and brings out some of the worst human temperaments.

Answer 9

All religions contain truth, but I believe the one I go to contains the fullness of the gospel. There are things not as focused on because they arent as essential to our salvation, that church just doesnt focus on. There are ways other churches put things or word things that might make someone understand a concept better. If it is truth then you will be enlightened because of it regardless of where you hear it. Some people arent in a place in their life to accept or hear the entire gospel plan. Some people learn truth better in a different format.

Schools and education teaches you a lot of things that are important to know, but arent taught in church.

A correct faith to me is one revealed to me, thru personal revelation, as truth. I cant really prove it to anyone else.

Answer 10

There are some truths in all religions. But some truths are not going to get you into Heaven or save you from a burning torment in hells fire. To know the truth, one must apply first, common sense. Next one must apply, peace, forgiveness, mercy, love, and kindness. Simple principals applied to everyday living, and worshiping a true loving God. Only one religion does this that I know of, Jesus Christ.