If I'm starting to think their may be a God, how would I know which religion is closest to the truth (if any)?

Question

I've been agnostic and atheist all of my life.

But what if I'm starting to be convinced that their is indeed a God? HOW can I know which religion (if any of them) is closest to the truth?

Please, if your answer is "faith" tell me HOW I would know where to put that faith.

Thanks in advance.

Um, thanks everyone for your opinions, but no one's really answering the HOW part.

I really don't seem to get a response during prayer, so that doesn't really work.

My mother and father are agnostic and atheist (respectively).

Everyone who is just telling me to pick which one seems right, that does not seem to reasonable.

What if God is not what I envision him to be?

There are thousands of Gods and religions out there, how do I even get started?

Answer 1

I would carefully and critically scrutinize the religious books of the major religions, in terms of archaeological support, historical support (places etc) and any prophecies that might have been made in it. Since most claim to be inspired by God, all should welcome this examination. Plausibility would be a factor, as well as the development of the religion after its origin. After careful contextual analysis, if there is one true book, it should stand out head and shoulders above the rest in all of the above mentioned aspects. The lives of the prophets should be as thoroughly examined as evidence will allow.

Answer 2

I am Christian, and therefore believe that Christianity is the religion that preaches truth. The tough thing about religion is that there isn't really a concrete way to know which one is closest to the truth. As nice as it would be to have a voice from the sky say "that's the one," it doesn't happen like that. Religious people do have very strong convictions, of course, but you won't find anyone who is able to say "God came over for tea and told me I was doing well." That kind of conviction comes from (and I know this will be a frustrating answer) faith, and lots of questioning.

Now, that's not to say that you just need to pick blindly and throw yourself into something. Look into the teachings of different faiths. Read the holy books. Talk to people of different faiths - ask them why they believe what they do. And ask God. I know prayer can be difficult, but I also firmly believe that God will reveal Himself to those who are seeking. Even if you don't believe that, it can't hurt to inquire, can it? Don't be afraid to ask the hard questions - find people who are willing to engage you in debates or discussions. Faith is a long journey, one that requires a lot of work. Being religious myself, I am of course biased, but the center of Christianity is a relationship with God, and like any human relationship, that takes time.

If I can make another biased recommendation, read some of C.S. Lewis. His apologetics are amazing, and I particularly like "The Screwtape Letters."

Your depth of thought is already revealed in the fact that you're actually searching and questioning. I sincerely commend you for not being content to just sit and accept what you've always believed. I wish you all the best.

Answer 3

Hi, allow yourself to Research and Pray. Becoming A Christian is Having a relationship with God and you start with Prayer...Christianity is not a religion.

Find a Church that TEACHES and Not just preaches the Gospel...go to Bible Study and find a minister who is willing to talk to you and find out what they Believe and explain in detail. If the minister is unwilling to talk to you or explain his or her position, Leave...Run... you have located someone who either does not know or is just taking up space. Be honest about Who you are and where You are coming from and Take notes... There are No perfect Churches or people that attend church! You should be focused on the message and the validity of the Messenger. Learn how to Pray above all and Psalms is a good place to Start. God will help you....

Answer 4

Read this very carefully and consider it.

And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment. Heb. 9:27

We are judged by the Ten Commandments.

Ever told a lie?
Ever hated anyone? See 1 John 3:15
Ever lusted after someone? See. Matt. 5:27-28
Ever blasphemed?

For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. James 2:10

Lawbreakers go to hell.

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Cor. 6:9-10

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things WILL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD. Gal. 5:19-21

But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Rev. 21:8

This is clear and humbling. However God made a way so we wouldn't have to go to hell. Jesus (God in flesh) came to earth, lived a sinless life, and was crucified on our behalf. He rose three days later defeating death and in turn giving us an escape route from hell. But Jesus did command us to repent. That means to turn from sin to God. The perfect example of repentance is found in Psalm 51.

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15

I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Luke 13:3

Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

You see when you repent God gives you a new heart and new desires and they are desires to serve Him. As a result you are biblically born again! That my friend is good news!

There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death. Prov. 14:12

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matt. 7:13-14

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Jn. 14:6

Answer 5

Follow the evidnec where it leads.

I would highly recommend Dr. Antony Flew's "There is a God" book, recently published. Dr. Flew is a renowned former agnostic or atheist.

I would suggest, based on the historical evidence, that the God of the Bible is the only God. I would recommend Protestant Christianity as a good starting point.

Answer 6

No one can tell you that, ou have to figure that one out for yourself. It's going to take a lot of research and soul searching on your part. I've been where you are, and I've come to my own conclusions, but those are mine and may not be right for you. Look at today's religions and the old ones which are coming back, but go into your research with an unbiased opinion and you'll find your faith.

Answer 7

I am a Christian, and I feel like that is the way, but I could never be for sure. I live by what God tells me to do, and I don't
let the world bring me down. I feel very SECURE in what I believe, and I love Jesus with everything inside of me. I hope that through all the confusion, that you'll get alone and talk with God, and He will show you what to do. I'll be praying for you.

Answer 8

One of the things I did was look for spiritual truths. In studying different religions, I reasoned that if something was a spiritual truth it would be in most, if not all religions. I also learned to listen to God. Meditation is a great way to practice this. The goal is to not think, but listen. Also if I read something that I think is a spiritual truth, it probably is. I have determined that the most important spiritual truth I have discovered is to love God with all my heart with all my soul and with all my strength, and to love my neighbor as I love myself. If you can agree with this, you have a great start. Love is the foundation as far as I can see.
peace

Answer 9

If you put your faith in the finished Crosswork of Christ, then God will save you.

If you rely on a "religion" or the traditions of men, you will be very "religious", but not saved.

Christ and the Cross are central to anyone being saved according to what God has set as HIS criteria today.

He died for YOUR sins, was buried and raised again from the dead for YOUR justification. BELIEVE it and be saved. He will take up residence IN you and lead you thru His Word, the Bible, rightly divided, into all you need to know.

If you wish to talk more about this life changing decision, please feel free to visit www.graceteacher.com. We have FREE material to send you to help you in making that decision.

Addition after YOUR comments: There is but ONE true God and He revealed Himself as Jesus Christ, who died for your sins. There is no having a relationship with the ONE TRUE God without coming thru what Jesus Christ accomplished on the Cross.

There is ONLY One God who died for your sins. ONLY ONE God who rose again for your justification.

ALL other gods are dead and gone. God never called you to a RELIGION...but to HIMSELF.

Put your trust in the ONE true God. Then study His Word to find out how to let Him live HIS life in and thru you.

Answer 10

religion is a man made term; follow the message given to us by Jesus, clear concise and easy to follow; don't let man interfere with your relationship with God; faith is that you are open to let God into your heart, life and his plan; it is as easy as just asking that and then be patient; he hears you and he does answer prayers in his way and his time; the rest will fall into place. Merry Christmas