Topical Bible: Religions

◄ Religions ►

Jump to: Topical • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of religion in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing the worship of the one true God as well as the acknowledgment of false gods and idolatry. The Bible presents a clear distinction between the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel, and the practices of surrounding nations, which often involved polytheism and idolatry.

Monotheism and the Worship of Yahweh

The Bible consistently emphasizes the worship of Yahweh as the one true God. In Deuteronomy 6:4-5 , the Shema, a central declaration of Jewish faith, states: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This passage underscores the monotheistic foundation of the Israelite religion, calling for exclusive devotion to God.

The Ten Commandments, given to Moses on Mount Sinai, further reinforce this monotheistic belief. Exodus 20:3-5 commands: "You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God."

Idolatry and False Religions

Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites are repeatedly warned against idolatry and the adoption of foreign religious practices. The prophets often rebuke the people for turning to false gods. For instance, Jeremiah 10:2-5 warns: "Do not learn the way of the nations or be terrified by the signs in the heavens, though the nations are terrified by them. For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman. They adorn it with silver and gold and fasten it with hammer and nails, so that it will not totter."

The New Testament continues this theme, with the Apostle Paul addressing the issue of idolatry in his letters. In 1 Corinthians 10:14 , Paul advises, "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry." The early Christian community was called to remain distinct from the pagan practices prevalent in the Roman Empire.

The Role of Religion in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the focus shifts to the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies through Jesus Christ. Christianity emerges as the continuation and fulfillment of the Jewish faith, with Jesus as the Messiah. The early Christians are depicted as followers of "the Way" (Acts 9:2), emphasizing a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

James 1:27 provides insight into the nature of true religion: "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." This verse highlights the ethical and moral dimensions of religion, focusing on love, compassion, and holiness.

Religious Pluralism and the Christian Response

The Bible acknowledges the existence of other religions but consistently calls believers to remain faithful to the teachings of Christ. In John 14:6 , Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." This exclusive claim underscores the Christian belief in the uniqueness of Christ as the sole mediator between God and humanity.

The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:19-20 , instructs Christians to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This mandate reflects the call to share the gospel with all people, regardless of their religious background.

Conclusion

The Bible presents a comprehensive view of religion, emphasizing the worship of the one true God and the rejection of idolatry. It calls for a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ and highlights the ethical implications of true religion. The Christian faith is portrayed as the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, with a mission to share the message of salvation with the world.

Topical Bible Verses

Exodus 20:3
You shall have no other gods before me.
Topicalbible.org

Psalm 4:2
O you sons of men, how long will you turn my glory into shame? how long will you love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
Topicalbible.org

Amos 2:4
Thus said the LORD; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have despised the law of the LORD, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after the which their fathers have walked:
Topicalbible.org

Greek

2409. hiereus -- a priest
... Spelling: (hee-er-yooce') Short Definition: a priest Definition: a priest, one who
offers sacrifice to a god (in Jewish and pagan religions; of Christians only ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2409.htm - 7k

Library

The Book of Religions
The Book of Religions. <. The Book of Religions John Hayward.
Table of Contents. Title Page. PREFACE. INDEX. LUTHERANS ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/

Indian Religions.
The Book of Religions. <. ... INDIAN RELIGIONS. "Lo, the poor Indian!
whose untutored mind Sees God in clouds, or hears him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/indian religions.htm

What Say You, O Fathers of New Religions, and Powers? do You Cry ...
... Book IV. 11 What say you, O fathers of new religions, and powers? Do you cry
out? What say you, O fathers of new religions, and powers? ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/11 what say you o.htm

The Book of Religions
The Book of Religions. <. ... Title Page. The Book of Religions Comprising
The. Views, Creeds, Sentiments, or Opinions,. Of All The. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/title page.htm

Of Noah the Inventor of Wine, who First had Knowledge of the Stars ...
... Book II. Of the Origin of Error. Chap. XIV."Of Noah the Inventor of Wine, Who First
Had Knowledge of the Stars, and of the Origin of False Religions. ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xiv of noah the inventor.htm

Of the Patience and Vengeance of God, the Worship of Demons, and ...
... the divine institutes. Book II. Of the Origin of Error. Chap. XVIII."Of the Patience
and Vengeance of God, the Worship of Demons, and False Religions. ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xviii of the patience and.htm

In what Interest the Princes of the Nations Wished False Religions ...
... Book IV. Chapter 32."In What Interest the Princes of the Nations Wished False
Religions to Continue Among the People Subject to Them. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 32 in what interest the.htm

Groping in the Dark.
... The very heathen religions themselves are the crying out, in the night, of men's
hearts, after something they haven't, and yet need so much. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/groping in the dark.htm

Introduction
... Christianity should in this respect be compared with the other religions that have
attained prominence. ... Such religions have made no appeal to the individual. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/brittain/women of early christianity/introduction.htm