Overall, Would a Single World Religion be More Beneficial than Not?

[Quintessence]

I don't really get to the question of whether or not a single world religion would be more beneficial because I recognize this outcome is an impossibility until technology is developed and deployed to make humanity a hive-mind collective. I'm just gonna borrow from Beckett as to the reasoning behind this:

"Every one of us is a unique individual with our own needs and desires. Part (though far from all) of what it means to be human is to participate in our own journey of self-discovery and self-determination.

But how can we do that if there’s only one religion? Not only will there not be any readily available alternatives, history shows that one of the reasons religious monopolies become corrupt and oppressive is that they start worrying about maintaining their monopoly status. They demand orthodoxy, they start inquisitions, and from there it’s a short walk to burning heretics.

When there are many religions, each one can set their boundaries as their tradition demands, knowing that if someone doesn’t belong there they can kick them out in good conscience. If there is only one religion, the only way to truly remove someone is to kill them."
From - A World With Many Religions is Better Than a World With Only One​

 

[Trailblazer]

I had one friend on a forum who told me he was not raised to believe in God but he came to believe in God with no religion because it made more sense to him than God not existing, partly because it explained how the universe came into existence for him.

As effective as science might be at providing answers for how the universe works, there are still and will always be questions that science is not yet capable of answering. And people get comfort out of thinking that they have answers. Unfortunately he’s just deluding himself into thinking that he has an answer for how the universe came into existence, since simply claiming that God did it doesn’t actually provide us with any information about how the universe came to be… all it does it propose an even bigger mystery.

That’s true and that would not be a reason for me to believe in God, since nobody can prove that God created the universe and there are other possible explanations. Baha’u’llah did provide some explanations about the beginning of creation but that flew right over my head.

I think some people don’t need evidence because “God exists” just makes sense to them.

And I suspect that many if not most people who claim to believe in a god say so simply because they were raised to believe in a god. In reality most people don’t even think about whether or not they have evidence to support the notion or if the entire concept really makes any sense.

As I said before, I agree that the primary reason people believe in God is because they were raised to believe in God and I also agree that most people don’t even think about whether or not they have evidence to support their belief in God.

 

[capumetu]

Overall, would a single world religion be more beneficial than not?

What if one of its norms/commandments/principles was that @SalixIncendium had to hire a personal fashion consultant and follow their directions, rather than attempt to pull together a wardrobe himself?

Certainly Sun it would. The Bible indicates that all religion with the exception of God's people will soon be destroyed.

 

[Trailblazer]

Certainly Sun it would. The Bible indicates that all religion with the exception of God's people will soon be destroyed.

Who are *God's people?* How do you know who *God's people* are?

 

[capumetu]

Who are *God's people?* How do you know who *God's people* are?

Great question maam. Obviously God would not require something from someone without instructing them how to do it. He identifies the faith, and these scriptures should identify it beyond a reasonable doubt:
10 ways to identify the one faith
One faith Eph 4:5

1. The one faith would worship the God Jehovah exclusively. (Matthew 4:10) Jesus said to him: “Go away, Satan! For it is written: ‘It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to Him alone you must render sacred service.’” (It was written at Deut 6:13).

2. The one faith will not participate in war. Paul stated: (2 Corinthians 10:3) . . .For though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage warfare according to what we are in the flesh. . .

3. The one faith approaches Jehovah through Jesus, Paul said:
(1 Timothy 2:5) . . .For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus. . .Jesus said: (John 14:6) . . .Jesus said to him: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. . .

4. Jesus said the one faith would be known by the love of its adherents:
(John 13:34, 35) . . .I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are my disciples—if you have love among yourselves. . .
It’s adherents would imitate Jesus,
Peter said: (1 Peter 2:21) . . .to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you to follow his steps closely. . .

5. The one faith will preach the good news of the Kingdom of God, as mankind’s only hope, not a worldly government, Jesus stated:
(John 18:36) . . .“My Kingdom is no part of this world. . . .
He told us to: (Matthew 6:33) 33 “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.
Jesus stated the main reason he came to earth: (Luke 4:43) . . .“I must also declare the good news of the Kingdom of God to other cities, because for this I was sent.”
He assigned his followers to: (Matthew 28:19) . . .Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations,. . ., 20 teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.

6. The one faith accepts the Bible as the inspired message of God, Paul said:
(2 Timothy 3:16) . . .All Scripture is inspired of God. . .

7. The one faith would appear to be formed in the last days, it’s adherents would be highly educated through instruction, and would live the teachings in their lives: Isaiah wrote: (Isaiah 2:2, 3) . . .In the final part of the days, The mountain of the house of Jehovah Will become firmly established . . .And to it all the nations will stream. 3 And many peoples will go and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, To the house of the God of Jacob. He will instruct us about his ways, And we will walk in his paths.

8. The one faith would not set men on high, with religious titles, Jesus said: (Matthew 23:8-10) 8 But you, do not you be called Rabbi, for one is your Teacher, and all of you are brothers. 9 Moreover, do not call anyone your father on earth, for one is your Father, the heavenly One. 10 Neither be called leaders, for your Leader is one, the Christ.

9. The one faith does not allow unrepentant sinners to remain among them,
Paul stated: (1 Corinthians 5:11-13) . . .I am writing you to stop keeping company with anyone called a brother who is sexually immoral or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man. . .“Remove the wicked person from among yourselves.”

10. The one faith does not practice interfaith with other “Christian” faiths. All teach the same thing, and have the same line of thought: (2 Cor 6:14) For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have?
(Phil 2:2) make my joy full by being of the same mind and having the same love, being completely united, having the one thought in mind.
(1 Corinthians 1:10) Now I urge you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you should all speak in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you may be completely united in the same mind and in the same line of thought.
Jesus said: (John 17:20) . . .“I make request, not concerning these only, but also concerning those putting faith in me through their word. . .in order that they may be one just as we are one.

I hope that helps. Thanks for asking

 

[Trailblazer]

Great question maam. Obviously God would not require something from someone without instructing them how to do it. He identifies the faith, and these scriptures should identify it beyond a reasonable doubt:
10 ways to identify the one faith
One faith Eph 4:5

1. The one faith would worship the God Jehovah exclusively. (Matthew 4:10) Jesus said to him: “Go away, Satan! For it is written: ‘It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to Him alone you must render sacred service.’” (It was written at Deut 6:13).

2. The one faith will not participate in war. Paul stated: (2 Corinthians 10:3) . . .For though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage warfare according to what we are in the flesh. . .

3. The one faith approaches Jehovah through Jesus, Paul said:
(1 Timothy 2:5) . . .For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus. . .Jesus said: (John 14:6) . . .Jesus said to him: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. . .

4. Jesus said the one faith would be known by the love of its adherents:
(John 13:34, 35) . . .I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are my disciples—if you have love among yourselves. . .
It’s adherents would imitate Jesus,
Peter said: (1 Peter 2:21) . . .to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you to follow his steps closely. . .

5. The one faith will preach the good news of the Kingdom of God, as mankind’s only hope, not a worldly government, Jesus stated:
(John 18:36) . . .“My Kingdom is no part of this world. . . .
He told us to: (Matthew 6:33) 33 “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.
Jesus stated the main reason he came to earth: (Luke 4:43) . . .“I must also declare the good news of the Kingdom of God to other cities, because for this I was sent.”
He assigned his followers to: (Matthew 28:19) . . .Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations,. . ., 20 teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.

6. The one faith accepts the Bible as the inspired message of God, Paul said:
(2 Timothy 3:16) . . .All Scripture is inspired of God. . .

7. The one faith would appear to be formed in the last days, it’s adherents would be highly educated through instruction, and would live the teachings in their lives: Isaiah wrote: (Isaiah 2:2, 3) . . .In the final part of the days, The mountain of the house of Jehovah Will become firmly established . . .And to it all the nations will stream. 3 And many peoples will go and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, To the house of the God of Jacob. He will instruct us about his ways, And we will walk in his paths.

8. The one faith would not set men on high, with religious titles, Jesus said: (Matthew 23:8-10) 8 But you, do not you be called Rabbi, for one is your Teacher, and all of you are brothers. 9 Moreover, do not call anyone your father on earth, for one is your Father, the heavenly One. 10 Neither be called leaders, for your Leader is one, the Christ.

9. The one faith does not allow unrepentant sinners to remain among them,
Paul stated: (1 Corinthians 5:11-13) . . .I am writing you to stop keeping company with anyone called a brother who is sexually immoral or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man. . .“Remove the wicked person from among yourselves.”

10. The one faith does not practice interfaith with other “Christian” faiths. All teach the same thing, and have the same line of thought: (2 Cor 6:14) For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have?
(Phil 2:2) make my joy full by being of the same mind and having the same love, being completely united, having the one thought in mind.
(1 Corinthians 1:10) Now I urge you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you should all speak in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you may be completely united in the same mind and in the same line of thought.
Jesus said: (John 17:20) . . .“I make request, not concerning these only, but also concerning those putting faith in me through their word. . .in order that they may be one just as we are one.

I hope that helps. Thanks for asking

Thanks for your response. What immediately came to mind is how many verses there are in the Bible:

There are 23,145 verses in the Old Testament and 7,957 verses in the New Testament. This gives a total of 31,102 verses, which is an average of a little more than 26 verses per chapter. John 11:35 ("Jesus wept") is the shortest verse in most English translations.

Chapters and verses of the Bible - Wikipedia
So what that means is that anyone could find verses and make a list of ones they believe indicates what God wants His people to do or be. So the next question is why did you pick certain verses over other verses?

The other problem -- and this is a huge problem -- is that verses can be interpreted in different ways, thus they can have more than one meaning. Who is to say you (or any particular Christian) has interpreted the verses correctly? Jesus did not give anyone authority to interpret the Bible.

What I think happens with Christians is that they select verses that support their particular beliefs. By selecting verses that support their position (what they want to believe) anyone can make the Bible say whatever they want it to say in order to say to suit their preferred position. In other words, they can use those verses to support what they already believe, which is what they want to believe because that would mean their particular church or sect of Christianity would be the one true one and the others would be false. However, this goes against what Jesus and Paul said, that Christians should be one body of believers. But how is that possible, when Christians do not all have the same beliefs and they disagree about their beliefs?

Finally, in order to do justice to God's Word, one has to look at all the verses rather than creating a religion around a select number of verses that say what they already believe and support that belief.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Another issue I see is that I do not believe that the Bible is the only scripture that is God's Word, and that only Christians are God's people, because that would mean that 71% of the world population have been abandoned by God. It makes absolutely no sense that a loving and just God would abandon that many people. The typical Christian response is that those people all have a choice to come to Jesus, but that does not compute because they can say the same thing about the religion they follow.

That brings me to my next point, which is that Christians have no more proof that the Bible is the only revealed scripture than other religions have and some other religions that came after Christianity have much more authentic scriptures than the Bible.

That Jesus is the only way to God based upon one Bible verse....

John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

does not cut the mustard, because:
(a) it is only one verse (cherry picking) and it is not supported by other Bible verses, and
(b) other religions have verses that say that their Prophet/Messenger is the best way to relate to God and know Him.

So how can you say that only the Bible is God's Word? What proof do you have?
Moreover, how can you say that the New Testament supersedes the Torah?
How can you say that certain verses in the Torah/Old Testament refer to Jesus? Obviously, Jews do not believe they refer to Jesus.

 

[Trailblazer]

Certainly Sun it would. The Bible indicates that all religion with the exception of God's people will soon be destroyed.

Really what you are saying is that your interpretation of the Bible indicates that all religion with the exception of God's people will soon be destroyed. The logical problem is that there are many different interpretations of the Bible and not all Christians interpret the Bible to mean the same things. Obviously, not all Bible interpretations can be correct if they contradict each other, so who is to say which ones are correct?

Regarding understanding what the Bible means, I will remind you of these verses, the following verses indicate that the true meanings of the Word will be sealed up until the time of the end.:

Daniel 12
King James Version

4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

8 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?

9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.

11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.

12 Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.