Additional specifications and requirements

¶ … Religion

There can be many paths to religions because there are so many religions. If there is one true Holy Spirit, God, or Almighty One being that governs all, it is entirely possible that this being meets cultures where they are and presents him or herself to them in such a way that is appealing to them. We are all different and many cultures respond to faith in different ways. Because we are so diverse, we need different forms of religion for all to have a chance to attain salvation. Culture, behavior, and the nature of God should be taken into consideration when we begin to believe in only on true religion.

When considering the entire world and all of it inhabitants, we must look at different cultures and how long what they believe has been around. For example, Islam is a religion that has been in practice for thousands of years and it would not be fair to say that just because these people were not exposed to another religion, such as Christianity, are not living a life or practicing a faith that leads to salvation. In fact, it would be extremely narrow-minded to think this way. These people are just as good, pray just as much as others do, and believe as sincerely as anyone else.

In addition to culture influencing individuals, we must also look at a person's behavior. No one individual can decide if a Jewish person does not attain salvation if he or she has lived a good life, studied the law, prayed to God for salvation, and believed that he or she received that salvation. It would be just as ludicrous to deny that a Christian that has prayed for salvation through Jesus and believe he or she received it did not receive it because they eat meat. Personal behavior is essential for salvation and no religions can guarantee it just as none can take it away. The person should stand alone before their God and their behavior will trump their religion.

It should also be considered that those who believe in a Holy Spirit, or God, should give that spirit some freedom in reaching others. Perhaps the Great Spirit moves in different religions according to customs and cultures. Many may think this idea is far-fetched but it is the human mind that cannot grasp the notion. If there is a Great Spirit or Eternal One, can that being not move in ways that humanity cannot grasp because of its limited scope of imagination? Perhaps the Almighty has a clear understanding of how to reach billions of people in ways that most appeals to them and their culture. Humankind would certainly be the last to understand this theory because it is single-minded in its nature but humanity should not limit the power of God to its simple minds.