Question:  Why do you think there are so many different types of religions?  Isn’t it as simple as “treat others like you would want to be treated?”  But, there’s all these different types that believe different things and it gets confusing.  Thanks.  (A.L. from Fort Wayne)

Answer by Don Wismer, Pastor @ Connexion Church, Fort Wayne:  Good question A.L. If by your question you mean many different Christian denominations I think a good practice to keep is to remember what John Wesley the founder of Methodism always said, quoting the early church father Augustine, "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity."

For the most part Christians of all denominations agree on certain foundational truths; divinity of Christ, His death and resurrection, etc. Churches can have differences over other matters such as how to interpret the book of Revelation or how to express themselves in worship style. There are just some things not worth having division among us.

If you are asking about totally different religions like Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, etc. having different beliefs that's true. You mentioned treating others as you want to be treated - the golden rule. That premise is found in many of the worlds faith traditions and is something that we can all agree on. There are many such commonalities and beautiful truths that we could be in agreement over but there are also many serious differences. All the worlds religions are not basically the same and therefore they can't all be equally true. For instance, Christians believe that Jesus was the son of God and that He was equal with God. Judaism says Jesus was a good man and good rabbi but not the son of God. Islam says He was a prophet but was not divine.

In a recent message at The Connexion about these things pastor Craig Groeschel said that Buddhists do not believe in a god or an eternal final existence. Hindus do believe in a god who isn't personal and that this god can be accessed through sub deities, idols and statues. Muslims believe in a personal god with no secondary deities, and have a total ban on idols. Buddhists and Hindus can't promise forgiveness of sin and that no supernatural help is available for living; one just has to go on karma. Christians do believe in forgiveness of sins through Christ and that there is supernatural help available to us through a personal God. If you would like to see this message go to http://www.lifechurch.tv/message-archive/watch/trueish/3 and watch message #3 of the True[ish] series.

C.S. Lewis said that when it comes to Jesus, the choices are that He was a either a Liar, a lunatic, or He is the Lord. It's a decision we all have to make.

We should all respect people of other faiths and work together where we can to make the world a better place. As Christians we should also stand sure in our faith and share the love of God with all people everywhere. Hope that helps.

Grace & Peace to you! - Don