Do All Religions Lead To God?

[Hobie]

It gets very confusing with all the different religions and claims that this or that belief or ideas from various movements that they have the path that leads to God, so is it. But when you hear a Christian religious leader or teacher claim that all religions lead on a path to God, that raises questions. Scripture is clear that is not the case. We find it in John 14...

John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Jesus declares that the only way to God is through Him.

https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=5fd0...cmVsaWdpb25zX2xlYWRfdG9fb25lX2dvZC5odG0&ntb=1

 

[Rella]

All religions have a higher power they believe in. But not all lead to our Heavenly Father and certainly not through God the Son that is in our bible.

 

[Hobie]

So lets take a look and see, maybe the leader of millions of Christians misspoke or was misquoted, lets take a look..

"What Francis said was: Tutte le religioni sono un cammino per arrivare a Dio. “All religions are path[way]s to reach God.” ...https://www.catholicworldreport.com...-francis-say-about-religions-as-paths-to-god/

Well, what can I say...looks pretty clear to me...

 

[Rella]

So lets take a look and see, maybe the leader of millions of Christians misspoke or was misquoted, lets take a look..

"What Francis said was: Tutte le religioni sono un cammino per arrivare a Dio. “All religions are path[way]s to reach God.” ...https://www.catholicworldreport.com...-francis-say-about-religions-as-paths-to-god/

Well, what can I say...looks pretty clear to me...

I know that. But I really did not think you had converted....... LOL.

I never heard him say that Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism all believe in reincarnation, are included.... especially as their views on God differ. Hinduism and Sikhism are generally monotheistic, while Buddhism does not focus on a creator god, and Jainism emphasizes a more pluralistic view of divine beings without a singular god.

If all of these are pathways to reach God, and Jesus is not needed... then in my next life I hope to be a human and not a bug.

 

[atpollard]

There is a sense in which all religions lead to God (sort of):

• Romans 1:19-20 [ESV] For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

However, this universal revelation that there IS a God is only the first stepping stone on a journey. It is easy to follow the "many" along a wide road to destruction. Only the "narrow" path leads to life and Jesus is the gate through which one must pass to enter the narrow path.

 

[John Bauer]

Taken at face value, that statement from Pope Francis in September of 2024 (Catholic News Agency 2024) was not consistent with the preconciliar magisterium (e.g., Cantate Domino, 1442) and postconciliar clarifications (e.g., Dominus Iesus, 2000). While Vatican II softened the language a little, it retained the dogmatic structure of that firm historical stance; sections 15 and 16 of Dominus Iesus, for example, say that non-Catholics and even non-Christians “may” be saved, but only because “whatever truth and grace is found among them” is a participation in what “subsists” in the Roman Catholic church (RCC). In other words, elements of truth in other religions can be used by God to draw individuals toward Christ and the RCC.

I think using a careful qualification (which ends up doing all the work) is how Roman Catholic apologists reconcile the pope’s statement with the long-standing position of the RCC. For example, one might seize upon the term “path” (cammino) and suggest that he meant it as subjective search, not objective means. “Religions,” Francis said, “are like languages that try to express ways to approach God.”

That would put his remarks in the vein of Act 17:27, which says of the nations “that they would search for God and perhaps grope around for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.” I don’t think that reinterpretation works because that isn’t what the words themselves say, but that is certainly one possible route.

But the historical magisterium used far more precise language to avoid exactly this confusion. The Council of Florence (1442) declared in the decree Cantate Domino, “The holy Roman Church firmly believes, professes, and preaches that none of those existing outside the Catholic Church … can have eternal life.”

That’s pretty clear.

 

[JesusFan]

Taken at face value, that statement from Pope Francis in September of 2024 (Catholic News Agency 2024) was not consistent with the preconciliar magisterium (e.g., Cantate Domino, 1442) and postconciliar clarifications (e.g., Dominus Iesus, 2000). While Vatican II softened the language a little, it retained the dogmatic structure of that firm historical stance; sections 15 and 16 of Dominus Iesus, for example, say that non-Catholics and even non-Christians “may” be saved, but only because “whatever truth and grace is found among them” is a participation in what “subsists” in the Roman Catholic church (RCC). In other words, elements of truth in other religions can be used by God to draw individuals toward Christ and the RCC.

I think using a careful qualification (which ends up doing all the work) is how Roman Catholic apologists reconcile the pope’s statement with the long-standing position of the RCC. For example, one might seize upon the term “path” (cammino) and suggest that he meant it as subjective search, not objective means. “Religions,” Francis said, “are like languages that try to express ways to approach God.”

That would put his remarks in the vein of Act 17:27, which says of the nations “that they would search for God and perhaps grope around for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.” I don’t think that reinterpretation works because that isn’t what the words themselves say, but that is certainly one possible route.

But the historical magisterium used far more precise language to avoid exactly this confusion. The Council of Florence (1442) declared in the decree Cantate Domino, “The holy Roman Church firmly believes, professes, and preaches that none of those existing outside the Catholic Church … can have eternal life.”

That’s pretty clear.

Rome itself h though has held the Baptism of Desire doctrine that especially people of the Abrahamic Faith such as Jews and Muslims can all be saved IF they are sincere believers and followers of their faiths, and and ignorant to what the Catholic Church actually teachings

 

[John Bauer]

Rome itself though has held the Baptism of Desire doctrine that especially people of the Abrahamic Faith such as Jews and Muslims can all be saved IF they are sincere believers and followers of their faiths, and ignorant to what the Catholic Church actually teachings

That is NOT what the baptism of desire (baptismus flaminis) is about. This refers to (a) an explicit desire for baptism, (b) joined to imperfect contrition and faith in Christ, (c) when sacramental baptism is physically impossible (e.g., catechumens who die before baptism).

If you think the Roman Catholic Church holds that Jews and Muslims can be saved if they (a) sincerely believe and follow their faith, and (b) are ignorant to what the RCC actually teaches (invincible ignorance), then you’re going to have to show me where. As far as I know, that contradicts their long-held position.

 

[Arial]

I know that. But I really did not think you had converted....... LOL.

I never heard him say that Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism all believe in reincarnation, are included.... especially as their views on God differ. Hinduism and Sikhism are generally monotheistic, while Buddhism does not focus on a creator god, and Jainism emphasizes a more pluralistic view of divine beings without a singular god.

If all of these are pathways to reach God, and Jesus is not needed... then in my next life I hope to be a human and not a bug.

I want to be a dog who belongs to the reincarnated me.

 

[By the Book]

Speaking for myself, I believe that only Jesus can lead us to the Father, as I cannot find that path on my own.

Sadly, numerous denominations in Christendom hold the view that a pathway will be provided only after man cooperates with God first, mirroring the practices of virtually every other religion throughout history.

 

[Paul]

It gets very confusing with all the different religions and claims that this or that belief or ideas from various movements that they have the path that leads to God, so is it. But when you hear a Christian religious leader or teacher claim that all religions lead on a path to God, that raises questions. Scripture is clear that is not the case. We find it in John 14...

John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Jesus declares that the only way to God is through Him.

https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=5fd0...cmVsaWdpb25zX2xlYWRfdG9fb25lX2dvZC5odG0&ntb=1

Christ is how the one true God chose how to forgive sin. And it's not for man to choose how to forgive sin

So Jesus is the only way one may be reconciled to the Father. Apart from Him/Jesus there is no reconciliation.

As is taught, "be reconciled to God"

No excuses will be accepted. Though God may have mercy on the very young who die apart from Christ as He judges by "His" righteousness. I believe though those young are not sinless God would view them as blameless.

 

[Rella]

I want to be a dog who belongs to the reincarnated me.

Very good.

 

[JesusFan]

That is NOT what the baptism of desire (baptismus flaminis) is about. This refers to (a) an explicit desire for baptism, (b) joined to imperfect contrition and faith in Christ, (c) when sacramental baptism is physically impossible (e.g., catechumens who die before baptism).

If you think the Roman Catholic Church holds that Jews and Muslims can be saved if they (a) sincerely believe and follow their faith, and (b) are ignorant to what the RCC actually teaches (invincible ignorance), then you’re going to have to show me where. As far as I know, that contradicts their long-held position.

The Catholic Church teaches that while salvation ultimately comes through Jesus Christ and His Church, sincere Jews and Muslims can be saved if, through no fault of their own, they do not know Christ but sincerely seek God and follow their conscience, acknowledging shared roots in the faith of Abraham and worshiping the one God. Vatican II documents highlight common ground with Muslims, recognizing their monotheism, and the Church holds that all people can receive God's grace, but emphasizes that the fullness of salvation means recognizing Christ

 

[Paul]

The Catholic Church teaches that while salvation ultimately comes through Jesus Christ and His Church, sincere Jews and Muslims can be saved if, through no fault of their own, they do not know Christ but sincerely seek God and follow their conscience, acknowledging shared roots in the faith of Abraham and worshiping the one God. Vatican II documents highlight common ground with Muslims, recognizing their monotheism, and the Church holds that all people can receive God's grace, but emphasizes that the fullness of salvation means recognizing Christ

Excuse the interruption.
Does the head of the body of Christ, Christ Jesus, state one may reject Him for any reason and live? Choose whom you will follow for you cannot serve two masters.

 

[Hobie]

I know that. But I really did not think you had converted....... LOL.

I never heard him say that Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism all believe in reincarnation, are included.... especially as their views on God differ. Hinduism and Sikhism are generally monotheistic, while Buddhism does not focus on a creator god, and Jainism emphasizes a more pluralistic view of divine beings without a singular god.

If all of these are pathways to reach God, and Jesus is not needed... then in my next life I hope to be a human and not a bug.

Are they religions? I think the answer is clear where this comes from, the origin is not hard to find. Why did Christianity borrow from pagan traditions?

 

[Hobie]

Taken at face value, that statement from Pope Francis in September of 2024 (Catholic News Agency 2024) was not consistent with the preconciliar magisterium (e.g., Cantate Domino, 1442) and postconciliar clarifications (e.g., Dominus Iesus, 2000). While Vatican II softened the language a little, it retained the dogmatic structure of that firm historical stance; sections 15 and 16 of Dominus Iesus, for example, say that non-Catholics and even non-Christians “may” be saved, but only because “whatever truth and grace is found among them” is a participation in what “subsists” in the Roman Catholic church (RCC). In other words, elements of truth in other religions can be used by God to draw individuals toward Christ and the RCC.

I think using a careful qualification (which ends up doing all the work) is how Roman Catholic apologists reconcile the pope’s statement with the long-standing position of the RCC. For example, one might seize upon the term “path” (cammino) and suggest that he meant it as subjective search, not objective means. “Religions,” Francis said, “are like languages that try to express ways to approach God.”

That would put his remarks in the vein of Act 17:27, which says of the nations “that they would search for God and perhaps grope around for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.” I don’t think that reinterpretation works because that isn’t what the words themselves say, but that is certainly one possible route.

But the historical magisterium used far more precise language to avoid exactly this confusion. The Council of Florence (1442) declared in the decree Cantate Domino, “The holy Roman Church firmly believes, professes, and preaches that none of those existing outside the Catholic Church … can have eternal life.”

That’s pretty clear.

They change what they say they believe, then claim is was not "from the chair" (Latin: ex cathedra) or was just their 'personal view.'.??....
Purgatory is a process, not a place, pope says
Pope Benedict 'closed' Limbo and no one complained
Pope Francis: There Is No Hell, You Just Disappear

 

[Hazelelponi]

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[Arial]

So lets take a look and see, maybe the leader of millions of Christians misspoke or was misquoted, lets take a look..

"What Francis said was: Tutte le religioni sono un cammino per arrivare a Dio. “All religions are path[way]s to reach God.” ...https://www.catholicworldreport.com...-francis-say-about-religions-as-paths-to-god/

Well, what can I say...looks pretty clear to me...

In reading this link it seems that those who were the most upset about Francis' remark was the Catholic church itself. And here is why.
"Basically, Christianity is true: All salvation is through Christ, alone, and the Church that Christ founded teaches everything necessary for salvation; other religions attain at best a partial and distorted understanding of God and the universe." (Christopher R Alteri quoted from link) Emphasis mine.

The Catholic church considers itself the only Church that Christ founded. In essence it teaches that it and the edicts of the pope, and their traditions applied to a person by one of their priests, are the only way of salvation. So, they are as wrong as any religion that teaches there is more than one path to God.

 

[Arial]

Are they religions? I think the answer is clear where this comes from, the origin is not hard to find. Why did Christianity borrow from pagan traditions?

What are you referring to?

 

[JesusFan]

In reading this link it seems that those who were the most upset about Francis' remark was the Catholic church itself. And here is why.
"Basically, Christianity is true: All salvation is through Christ, alone, and the Church that Christ founded teaches everything necessary for salvation; other religions attain at best a partial and distorted understanding of God and the universe." (Christopher R Alteri quoted from link) Emphasis mine.

The Catholic church considers itself the only Church that Christ founded. In essence it teaches that it and the edicts of the pope, and their traditions applied to a person by one of their priests, are the only way of salvation. So, they are as wrong as any religion that teaches there is more than one path to God.

The true church of Christ would not be the Church of Rome though, per Francis Schaffer, so that would be the part that got Rome really mad