No Monopoly On Truth

. . . And to add to that, how can one even be sure that the Bible itself has a monopoly on truth? How does one know that the Tripitaka, or the Quran, or other holy books dont also contain some of it as well, unless one sincerely examines them all? And how many of us have actually done that? Even the IDEA of taking on that task is overwhelming to me. Perhaps this question of truth - specifically of disproving that any one book or religious group really has a monopoly on it - can only be answered by someone who has done just so.

Isnt "God's word" exactly the issue? What EXACTLY is God's word or truth saying? Isnt this question at the core of almost all of the issues in Christendom, that we cant all seem to come to a consensus about what exactly the meaning of God's word is? Does anyone agree that the Bible can at times be ambiguous? That it is very easy to proof text?: that is, to interpret it in such a way so as to fit whatever point you may be trying to make at that moment? Many claim that it is a harmonius book and that you can use it to explain itself. But that seems to be a characteristic imposed on it by man i.e. where does the Bible claim ITSELF to be harmonious? How do you know that it definately ISNT a book meant to be read by anyone who cares to in order to get from it whatever they can? I think this question of a monopoly is about a group of people believing that they are the only ones who understand it's meaning and how it should be applied, and who are absolutely convinced that only one meaning can be derived from it, and who scoff at any other understanding's and application's. How can anyone be so confident that there is only one right way to understand and apply it?

Even though everyone seems to have a personal opinion and thinks they have things figured out, often we find that there is at least one other factor that we didn't consider. But the creator of the universe does not have such limitations. That is why Jesus said to him? "Your word is truth." That truth is in the Bible. Timothy wrote: "All scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for reproving, setting things straight, disciplining in righteousness so that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work." God does not want us to grope in ignorance; he has said that his will is for us to come to an accurate knowledge of truth.
This being said: The people who have a monoply on truth would be those that closely follow and apply what God's word or truth says.
Most religions today teach doctrins of man and man made traditions instead of God's word.

The Lord says he will do nothing unless He reveal it to His "Prophets". The last of those in biblical days was John the Baptist.

We must remember, "Baptist" was John's profession. He baptised people. It was not a church, nor a faith. The Word of God has always been the truth. And his people the "Church".

God has a monopoly on the truth, and those who embrace the truth's of God, do just that. The God of the bible says the man that teaches man against his law is a liar and there is no truth in "Him".

So, find the man who is teaching the "Laws" of God and you've found the man who is of God. That man will not teach of monopolies, nor the doctrine of men, but the Word of God.

He will also teach that men have to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. Know that God is all.

Remember, God's words "Doeth evil come upon a city and I not send it?" also, Jesus heals and wounds, giveth and taketh. Remember also, that satan had to ask permission of God to touch Job.

Jesus also called the end from the beginning, so everything that transpires, doesn't happen without his knowledge. So, who holds everything in balance.

God's plan far exceeds anything we can imagine.

LETS HEAR IT FOR INCLUSION, TOLERANCE AND HUMILITY!
YAY REVEREND!

I think you are on to something here. To your point we each must think our approach to God is true. To me, the vitriol on this blog is all the evidence we need that Christianity is true, that we are all "fallen" human beings. For now, all of our views of truth will be "as in a mirror, dimly". All Christians do the truth injustice when we don't approach others with gentleness and respect. May we be content to place this, with all of our other troubles, in the hands of our loving creator, and pray that His will be done.

If I didn't believe that my religion was true, wouldn't I be wasting my time attending?

I wonder if Jesus Christ or the Apostle Paul thought they had the monopoly on truth?

How about Buddha? Mohammed?

The fact that there have been no comments following this article is, I think, proof of its validity.

But I feel like I should round it out a little, lest the atheists among us take it as a pronouncement of religion.

The arrogance that Gardner mentions is by no means tied to religion. And those of us who doubt religion need to be careful not to display our own brand of the Monopoly on Truth:

Science, Reason, Rationality. I think a lot of atheists are tempted to claim that they own these things, and that practitioners of religion are somehow below them. Believe me - As an agnostic, I've definitely gotten into trouble.

Just a thought.