What Does the Bible Say About Other Religions?
The Bible presents a nuanced perspective on other religions. While acknowledging that all human cultures and faith systems reflect some truth because of God’s common grace, Scripture also teaches that all religions, including institutional Christianity, stand under God’s judgment. The Bible consistently warns against idolatry and false worship, while also recognizing that fragments of truth may be found in other faiths.
This article will explore what the Bible says about other religions by examining their origins, evaluating their truth claims, and considering how Christians are called to respond. We will look at both the Old and New Testaments, showing how God’s Word directs us to approach other religions with clarity, humility, and a Gospel-centered conviction that salvation is found only in Christ.
1. The Bible’s View on the Origin of Other Religions
According to the Bible, the existence of other religions stems from humanity’s fall into sin. God created people to know and worship Him alone, but idolatry entered the world as humanity exchanged the truth of God for lies (Romans 1:21–23). From this rebellion, false worship systems developed, often mixing remnants of truth with error.
The Old Testament identifies the worship of other gods as a serious offense (Exodus 20:3–5; Deuteronomy 6:14–15). These other religions were not merely cultural differences but spiritual distortions that pulled people away from the covenant God of Israel. Even so, because God’s image remains in all people, elements of truth can still be found—though they are insufficient for salvation.
2. Condemnation of Idolatry in the Bible
The Bible’s most consistent critique of other religions is their connection to idolatry. Idolatry is not only the worship of physical statues but any devotion given to something other than the true and living God.
In the Old Testament, Israel is repeatedly warned not to adopt the religious practices of surrounding nations (Leviticus 18:3; Deuteronomy 12:29–31). In the New Testament, Paul and the apostles confront pagan worship directly, calling people to turn from worthless idols to the living God (Acts 14:15).
The Bible makes clear that idolatry is spiritually destructive, enslaving hearts and minds, and ultimately leading people away from the Creator who alone gives life.
3. Finding Common Ground Without Compromise
While the Bible condemns false worship, it also models respectful engagement with followers of other religions. Paul’s speech at the Areopagus in Athens (Acts 17:22–31) is a key example. He began by acknowledging the Athenians’ religious devotion, quoting their poets, and affirming truths they already believed. Yet, he did not stop there—he moved from common ground to proclaiming the risen Christ as the one true Lord.
This approach shows that Christians can recognize truth in other religions, but must use it as a bridge to share the Gospel. The goal is never to affirm all religions as equally valid, but to point to Christ as the only way of salvation (John 14:6).
4. The Uniqueness of Salvation in Jesus Christ
The Bible’s ultimate message regarding other religions is that salvation is found exclusively in Jesus Christ. Peter declared before the Sanhedrin, “There is salvation in no one else” (Acts 4:12). Jesus Himself claimed to be “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
While other religions may contain moral teachings, spiritual insights, or noble traditions, the Bible insists they cannot save. The Gospel is not one religious option among many; it is the announcement of God’s decisive work in Christ to reconcile the world to Himself.
5. How Christians Should Respond to Other Religions
The Bible directs Christians to hold two commitments in tension when engaging with other religions:
Truth without compromise – affirming the exclusive claims of Christ and rejecting any teaching that contradicts the Gospel.
Love without hostility – showing kindness, patience, and humility toward those of other faiths, recognizing that legal and social tolerance allows for peaceful coexistence.
This response reflects the character of Christ, who came “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). It also aligns with the church’s mission: to proclaim the Gospel to all nations, calling people out of idolatry into the worship of the living God.
Conclusion
The Bible’s teaching on other religions is both clear and complex. While acknowledging that other faiths may reflect certain truths because of God’s common grace, Scripture condemns idolatry and warns against embracing beliefs that lead away from Christ. Christians are called to engage followers of other religions with both conviction and compassion, always holding forth the Gospel as the only hope for salvation.
In the end, the Bible’s vision is that people from every nation and background will turn from false gods to serve the living and true God, joining in the worship of the Lamb who is worthy of all glory.
Bible Verses About Other Religions
Exodus 20:3–5 – “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image…”
Deuteronomy 6:14–15 – “You shall not go after other gods… for the Lord your God in your midst is a jealous God.”
Joshua 24:14–15 – “Choose this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
1 Kings 18:21 – “If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.”
Psalm 96:4–5 – “For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols.”
Isaiah 45:5 – “I am the Lord, and there is no other; besides me there is no God.”
Jeremiah 10:10–11 – “The Lord is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King.”
Acts 14:15 – “Turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.”
Acts 17:22–31 – Paul’s address at the Areopagus, recognizing religious devotion but proclaiming Christ.
Acts 4:12 – “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
