How do you tell the difference between true and false spiritual teachings?

Answer 1

Truth is relative when it comes to religion. Religious teachings cannot be proven to be true or false but must be accepted on the basis of personal faith. You are basically believing in the unseen and the invisible. Think of religious teachings as thoughts: one accepts and believes in conceptual ideas such as "love" and "hate" even though "love" and "hate" do not exist tangibly in the real world in the same way that "fire hydrants" or "mail boxes" do.

Answer 2

For Christians, the Bible is the measuring stick for all teachings. In Acts 17:11, the writer Luke records the following: "Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." All teachings ("spiritual" or not) need to be validated and tested. There are many well-meaning and sincere popular authors, teachers, preachers, pastors, and self-help gurus who think they know what they are talking about but they are merely speaking from worldly wisdom.

Answer 3

If you want a rule of thumb regarding true for false spiritual teaching, just remember, "If you have to work for it--it's bondage. If its a gift of grace and mercy--it's of God."

However, if you want to know what is really going on, remember that spiritual teachings are part and parcel to the weapons within spiritual warfare. In warfare, you can be killed or wounded by an enemy bullet, or friendly fire. Everything rests on your training for battle. The rules of engagement and manual for spiritual warfare can be found within the pages of the Bible. More specifically, Ephesians and Corinthians.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds - 2 Cor. 10:4

You must start with a foundation. That foundation is Christ and NO other according to 1 Cor. 3:11. So to be prepared spiritually, you need a personal walk with Jesus Christ. You then put on the armor for warfare...

Ephesians 6:14-17
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Answer 4

There are many theory's roaming about the earth these days, so many that there's no way you can investigate them all in your lifetime.
This is what the devil wants; that in the mess you won't be able to find the truth anymore!

But if you honestly, truthfully, and uprightly seek the truth, then the truth shall find you!

The bible says: "Seek, and you shall find"; if you haven't found yet, then keep on seeking; because all those who honestly seek God, shall see Him!

One of the ways you can recognise false teachings, is that you'll be less free.
For the bible says: The truth shall set you free!
In other words the more of truth you'll see, the more free you'll become; this is what you where made to be!

As for the beginning? I wouldn't focus on details much!
Just the basics.
Every person somehow knows in their heart what is right, and what is wrong.
In many cases, if your heart is pure and clean, search your heart; for it will tell you where to go.
If your heart has been defiled, and you find pleasure in things that aren't really good; then your eyes will be shaded to see the truth.
For the truth is simple. Anyone can see the truth who is willing to search for it, and love it!

Answer 5

True spiritual knowledge is consistent with scriptural theologies 100% of the time. False spirits are inevitably self serving. Deception can occur however in time the truth eventually emerges. Gods word is not used in vain and seeing that all things work together for good (for his own), then spirituality of all sorts work for the glory of God.

Answer 6

If a religion tells you to respect the earth and your fellow man, to live a good life and provide for the ones you love. Im gonna say thats a true spiritual teaching, when someone 'interprets' a religion to their own ends (like Waco or Gateway or Alqaeda), Im gonna take a stab false teachings there.

Answer 7

Compare religions with the Bible, history, origins of beliefs. 1 Thess. 5:21, Acts 17:11, 1 John 4:1.

Check their Bible dictionaries and such which often admit beliefs and customs are not biblical, but of pagan origin.

Debbie
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Answer 8

I don't know if you can tell who is right or wrong. I go but how it makes me feel. When I found my church I felt at peace and where I should be just by walking in the door. I believe ( a feeling in my gut) what they are teaching is the truth. Check out different religions and see if your beliefs are the same.

Answer 9

See how well the spiritual teaching fit with your own beliefs. Ask your self questions like, "Does this make sense?", "Will this give you a greater peace of mind?"

Answer 10

Those that make the most accurate predictions and have the most supporting evidence are most likely to be true. Unfortunately, I can't find spiritual teachings that make accurate predictions and have supporting evidence, so I don't think any of them are all that correct.