What is the Bible's view on other religions?

WHAT IS THE BIBLE’S VIEW ON OTHER RELIGIONS?

THE SUPREMACY OF THE ONE TRUE GOD

Scripture presents God as the sole Creator and Sustainer, declaring that no other deity compares. Deuteronomy 4:35 says, “The LORD is God; there is no other besides Him.” This foundational principle shapes how the Bible regards other spiritual systems. It frames all competing deities as false gods or idols lacking real power.

OLD TESTAMENT WARNINGS AGAINST IDOLATRY

The Old Testament repeatedly warns Israel against embracing the gods of surrounding cultures. Exodus 20:3 instructs, “You shall have no other gods before Me.” When nations around Israel worshiped deities like Baal or Molech, biblical narratives condemned these practices. Archaeological findings at sites such as ancient Carthage show evidence of child sacrifice linked to Molech worship, reinforcing the Bible’s portrayal of pagan practices that oppose God’s moral law.

NEW TESTAMENT EMPHASIS ON EXCLUSIVITY IN CHRIST

In the New Testament, Jesus is presented as the unique way to salvation. John 14:6 states, “No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Similarly, Acts 4:12 affirms, “There is no other name under heaven…by which we must be saved.” This stance declares all other paths inadequate for reconciling humanity to God. Researchers of early Christian texts, including the papyri manuscripts (e.g., P45, P66), confirm that these exclusive claims are consistent in the textual tradition.

RECOGNIZING HUMAN RELIGIOUS DESIRES

The Bible acknowledges that humans have a built-in longing for the divine (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Yet it teaches that pursuing this longing through false systems leads away from truth. Romans 1:25 indicates that people “exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped…created things rather than the Creator.” Behavioral scientists often note the universal instinct to worship something, aligning with scripture’s claim that everyone seeks a higher purpose. However, the Bible maintains that only worship directed toward the one true God is valid.

COMMAND TO LOVE OTHERS, CALL THEM TO TRUTH

Although Scripture advocates the exclusive worship of God, it commands love for people of all backgrounds (Matthew 22:39). Believers are encouraged to share truth with gentleness and respect. The biblical worldview does not endorse hostility toward non-believers; rather, it urges persuasion founded on love. Historically, encounters such as the Apostle Paul’s address at the Areopagus (Acts 17) demonstrate respectful engagement with those of different beliefs.

ILLUSTRATIONS FROM BIBLICAL ACCOUNTS AND HISTORY

Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18) provides a vivid picture of God’s supremacy over false deities. Outside biblical literature, Ugaritic texts reference Baal worship, confirming that Scripture accurately depicts the religious landscape of the ancient Near East. This consistency between biblical accounts and ancient documents strengthens trust in the Bible’s historical reliability.

MISPLACED WORSHIP AND ITS CONSEQUENCES

From a biblical standpoint, other religions misdirect the devotion that belongs to God alone. The account of King Solomon shows how idolatry gradually led him astray (1 Kings 11). Likewise, 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 warns believers not to unite themselves with what is not of God, emphasizing the stark contrast between Christ and idols.

HOPE AND SALVATION FOR ALL WHO TURN TO GOD

The Bible also teaches that anyone, regardless of religious background, can find forgiveness and salvation in Christ. Romans 10:13 declares, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” This inclusive invitation extends to all nations, upholding God’s desire that every people group turn from false worship and come to know Him.

CONCLUSION

Scripture presents a clear position on other religions: God alone is worthy of worship, Christ is the only Savior, and any other path to the divine is ultimately inadequate. Still, the biblical call includes welcoming all peoples with love, urging them to turn from idols to the living and true God. By pointing to history, manuscript evidence, and archaeological discoveries that confirm biblical events and teachings, the message remains consistent: in all matters of faith, “the LORD is God; there is no other besides Him” (Deuteronomy 4:35).