In a world full of different beliefs and spiritual practices, the question "Do we all believe in one God?" is both deep and complicated. Brother Eli Soriano's teaching on this topic sheds light on the reality of our religious landscape and challenges the notion that all faiths ultimately leads to the same divine being.
Brother Eli begins by asserting a bold truth: we do not all believe in one God. this statement may seem controversial at first, but as he explains, the proof is clear when we examine the various religions around us. Even without delving into the Scriptures, we can look at significant differences in belief and practice that basically point to fundamental different concept of God.
Take as an example the divide between religions that accept Jesus Christ and those who do not. Or the fact that some Christian denominations reject the writings of the Apostle Paul. These differences are not minor; they represent core disparities in belief system. Brother Eli futher illustrates this factor by highlighting how several religions have dietary restictions mandated by their gods, while others permit the consumption of a wide variety of foods, including animals such as snakes and dogs.
These contradictions do not make it possible to reconcile the idea that each of the religions worships the same God. As Brother Eli points out, the one true God of the Bible teaches a single, consistent doctrine. The God who spoke to figures like Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Noah does not present contradictory teachings.
The reality of more than one god in different religions complicates the picture. Hinduism, as an example, has a pantheon of deities numbering in the thousands. Other religion worship figures such as Buddha, Srivastava or Bahá'u'lláh. In our search for truth, we should acknowledge these many beliefs rather than ignore them.
Brother Eli emphasizes an important point from Scripture: lack of knowledge about the true God makes one susceptible to false gods. He references historical contexts such as ancient Roman Empire during the time of Jesus and the apostles, which believed in more than one god such as Jupiter, Saturn and Mercury. Similarly, the ancient Egyptian religion identified several deities, all of which the Bible considers to be false gods and goddesses.
This teaching reminds us of the importance of discernment in matters of faith. While many people believe in different gods, the Bible speaks of one true divinity, referred to in Greek as "theotase" and in English as "Godhead" or divinity.
As we reflect on Brother Eli's message, we are called to critically examine our beliefs. The situation requires us to look past the superficial similarities between religions and understand the essential differences in how different faiths conceive of the divine. This understanding is critical not just for theological discussions, but for fostering genuine interfaith discourse and respect.
In a world where religion diversity is often celebrated, Brother Eli's teachings serve as a reminder that true unity do not come from ignoring differences, but from seeking the truth with an open heart and mind. It encourages us to delve deeper into our faith, to question and try to find the one true God with sincerity and dedication.
As we navigate the complex landscape of the world's religions, let us bring with us the wisdom to discern, the courage to question, and the humility to know well that the path to understanding the divine is surely one of continuous learning and revelation.
