So in essence what they are saying is that no matter what you believe, if you are Muslim, Hindu, a Buddhist, or other believing person (irregardless of the beliefs - and some would include the belief systems of an atheist or agnostic,) that all are equivalent in their beliefs, and that none is superior or inferior to the other. Others have a variation on this theme, believing that only various Christian religions or denominations are o.k., but those who believe otherwise are not o.k. Some take it so far as to say that only those of their particular denomination or faith are o.k., and all others are not o.k.
The thinking goes along the lines that God is good, and full of love, and He loves each of us, and a good God couldn't condemn those whom He loved to any type of damnation, punishment, etc.
Well, we can't all be right? Can we? For if we all are correct, in believing different things including things that are in opposition to one another, then there is no such thing as a right path or a wrong path or a right belief or wrong belief, or right articles of faith or wrong articles of faith.
How do we learn then what the truth is? I suggest that we look at the scriptures and see what God has to say about this.
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6
So from this we learn that we HAVE to have faith in order to please Him (God). And that if we who want to come to God MUST believe that He Is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. God is not going to leave you hanging, desperately seeking the answers but unable to find them! But you cannot come to God nor please Him without faith, without believing that He is, and that He will reward you if you seek after Him.
What else does the Bible say about this? Can we all be right? Are there many ways or paths to God?
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6
So in this verse Jesus himself claimed that He was the way and the truth and the life. You cannot come to the Father except through Him. There are no other paths. Period. There are no other methods that will work, no solutions outside of Jesus. If you simply believe that Jesus was a prophet, you must consider these words. If you believe that the scriptures are God's inspired word you must also consider these words.
That kind-of limits things a bit, doesn't it? O.k., so now we must therefore consider that if Jesus spoke the truth, and if the scriptures are true, than this is true. That all other paths that are outside of Jesus are not effective, practical, or true.
So, is it possible to have a Loving, Kind, and Good God, that would limit or put prerequisites on the paths and ways in which one can come to God? Evidently it is.
What else does the scriptures have to say? How do we know if we are approved of God?
For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
2 Corinthians 10:12,18
Here we learn that we are not to compare ourselves or measure ourselves amongst ourselves, or against those who commend themselves and think that they are in good shape. We learn that the one who commends himself is Not approved, but only those whom the Lord commends.
So we cannot look at one another and measure ourselves that way. We cannot say to ourselves "I'm alright," either, and commend ourselves, because it is not our commendation that matters, only the commendation and approval of God. No one else is going to approve you or commend you either. If you do it - if you commend yourself or seek the approval of others - you are not in line with how God says things are, and you are "not wise" (that's God's judgement, and what He calls it).
So to wrap up, we need to believe that He (God) is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (diligence mentioned here in this context implies that God does not expect some lackadaisical, half-hearted effort). We have also learned that there is only one way to the Father - through Jesus. We also learned that we cannot approve of ourselves, compare ourselves to others, or seek the approval of others as if that is what matters, for these do not. Only God's approval matters.
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