The world’s population predominantly adheres to seven major religious traditions: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, and Baha’i. Each religion has unique beliefs, practices, and cultural impacts, shaping civilizations and influencing global history.
The Bible acknowledges the existence of many beliefs and religious traditions, yet it consistently points to God as the only true God. In Acts 17:22–31, Paul addresses the Athenians, recognizing their religious diversity while proclaiming the one true God, who "does not live in temples made by man" (Acts 17:24). This passage highlights the coexistence of multiple belief systems but emphasizes God’s call for all people to turn to Him.
The Bible also warns of the spiritual dangers of idolatry, which often accompanies non-biblical faiths. Isaiah 44:9–20 critiques the futility of worshiping man-made objects, pointing to the Lord as the only true God. Similarly, Jesus’s statement in John 14:6—"I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me"—reinforces the exclusivity of salvation through Christ alone.
While Scripture commands believers to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19), it also encourages respect and engagement with those of different faiths, promoting dialogue and understanding, rather than conflict (1 Peter 3:15), so all would know that He is God and calls them to come to Him.
Understanding the world’s major religions equips believers for effective evangelism and meaningful dialogue. Each faith system reflects humanity’s search for meaning and connection with the divine, often rooted in rich cultural contexts. Recognizing this shows our desire to respect and understand others’ perspectives while trying to share God with them. Despite other religions’ rich and deep ties to cultural contexts, the Bible teaches that true peace and salvation come only through Jesus Christ.
Christians are called to engage respectfully with others in our highly pluralistic world, sharing the gospel with both clarity and compassion. This includes addressing misconceptions about Christianity while learning about others’ beliefs to find common ground for discussion. As we engage with people of other religions, believers must rely on the Holy Spirit for wisdom and boldness in sharing their faith. By seeing the similarities and distinctions between Christianity and other faiths, Christians can better articulate why Jesus alone fulfills humanity’s deepest spiritual needs.