Is There Only One Right Religion?

Some find the question unsettling. With so many faiths across the world, many think that claiming to possess the one truth reflects either narrow thinking or pride. It can seem reasonable to believe that most religions contain something good, or at least some do. Perhaps you see it that way.

At times, allowing for different opinions makes perfect sense. Take health, for instance. Someone might be convinced that a specific diet is best for them. It would not be wise for them to insist everyone else must follow the same plan as the only route to good health. It usually makes sense, and shows humility, to accept that what helps one person might not work the same way for another.

Does this approach work for religion? Are all religions equally right, depending on culture or personal outlook? Or is there a single set of religious truths that applies to everyone? To answer that, you need to consider whether finding religious truth is even possible. If it is not, searching for one true faith would have little value.

Can You Find Religious Truth?

Before he was executed, Jesus spoke to the Roman governor called Pontius Pilate. He said,, “Everyone who is on the side of the truth listens to my voice.’

Pilate’s reply was sceptical: ‘What is truth?’ (John 18:37, 38

Jesus, though, spoke plainly about truth. He showed no doubt. Look at these four statements that Jesus made on separate occasions:

• ‘For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth.’ (John 18:37)
• ‘I am the way and the truth and the life.’ (John 14:6)
• ‘God is a Spirit, and those worshipping him must worship with spirit and truth.’ (John 4:23, 24)
• ‘If you remain in my word, you are really my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ (John 8:31, 32)

If Jesus spoke about truth in such clear terms, does it not make sense to at least look at whether religious truth exists and if it is possible to find?

Does Absolute Truth Exist?

You likely accept that there are some things you can know for sure. You know you exist. You know the world around you is real—the trees, the sun, the mountains—these are not just in your mind. While a few may argue about the reality of these things, most people do not share this extreme view.

Natural laws are another example. You do not doubt that if you step off a high ledge, you will fall. If you stop eating, you will feel hungry, and if you go long enough without food, you will die. These rules do not change from one person to another. They apply to everyone and are called universal.

The Bible points to such a law when it asks,

‘Can a man rake together fire into his bosom and yet his very garments not be burned?’

At the time this was written, it was always true that fire would burn clothing. In context, though, this proverb points to a wider truth:

‘Anyone having [sexual] relations with the wife of his fellowman will suffer adverse consequences.’ (Proverbs 6:27, 29)

Is this an absolute truth? Some would disagree. They suggest morals are a personal matter shaped by upbringing or culture. Yet, consider the Bible’s view of certain conduct. The Bible warns against adultery (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10). Many dismiss this, but even those who do often experience guilt, divorce or emotional pain as a result.

God also warns against drunkenness (Proverbs 23:20; Ephesians 5:18). People who ignore this advice often lose their job, harm their health or damage their family life. These problems can happen whether or not they believe drunkenness is wrong. Does the effect of these actions depend on personal belief, or do the results show there is a standard?

There are also Bible commands to show love and respect in marriage, and to treat others kindly (Matthew 7:12; Ephesians 5:33). When people follow these, their lives usually improve. Few would argue that such advice is good only for some people but not for others.

Whether or not people follow the Bible’s moral rules, real results follow. This shows these moral laws are not just one opinion among many. When people act according to them, good things tend to happen. Ignoring them often brings harm.

Now think about what this means. If the Bible’s moral standards work for everyone, should the same not be true for its teachings about worship, life after death, and the hope for an eternal future? Logically, these beliefs would also hold true for all people, with results that go far beyond those who simply accept them.

Truth is possible to find. Jesus said that God’s word, the Bible, offers truth (John 17:17). Yet, with so many religions claiming to teach what the Bible says, the search can feel difficult. Do you have to limit yourself to just one religion? Could parts of the truth be scattered among several? These are questions worth considering carefully.