AboutRev C.Brian Ross Expertise I am happy to offer answers to anyone with a question that refers to the Christian Faith in its widest possible sense. I believe that the Bible is the living Word of God, and seek to base all of my life on its teaching. I also have some knowledge of some of the cults, and of Islam and Judaism. Of course, my answers are just one man's thoughts, and I would always advise a questioner to check with others, and with the Word of God.
Experience Served as a full-time parish minister in Scotland for about six years, and then spent the last thirty as a teacher (now 'retired') of Religious Education in Secondary Comprehensive schools (ages 11-17) while continuing my own preaching and teaching ministry. I also believe that learning is a life-time process, and have recently completed a Master's degree in Divinity.
Organizations Former Presenter on Revival FM - a local Christian, community radio station, broadcasting in west central Scotland, and online at revival.fm Involved with a number of organisations that support Christians who are currently suffering persecution in some 70 countries around the world.
Publications Various articles in Christian magazines. I also have two blogsites - www.crazyrev.blogspot.com and (with audio messages) www.revcbross.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials Diploma of The Bible Training Institute, Glasgow;
Licentiate in Theology of the University of Glasgow;
Associateship of The Philosophical Society of England;
Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in History from The Open University;
Post-grad Certificate of Education - Religious Education and History;
Post-grad Cetificate in Learning and Teaching;
Post-grad Diploma in Management and Learning in Education;
Master of Science Degree from the University of Strathclyde;
Master of Divinity Degree (Hons) from Trinity College and Seminary (accredited by the University of Liverpool)
Question If it truly says in the Bible that we are to worship no other God but him why are there different religions?
To me that makes God sound like a dictator. And if so why were we given the right to think freely?
Answer Dear Michelle,
Thank you for your very interesting question – indeed, series of questions.
The Bible certainly makes it clear that we are to worship the one true God. The Children of Israel were given this command in what we know as the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3). This instruction was repeated in the Book of Deuteronomy (Deut.5:7, 6:13), and is implicit throughout the prophetic books.
In the New Testament, we find the Lord Jesus Himself emphasising this truth (Matthew 4:10, Luke 4:8), while Paul made the same point to the people of Lystra when, after he and Barnabas had been instrumental in the healing of a lame man, they themselves had become objects of worship (Acts 14:15). The beloved disciple John, while in exile on the Isle of Patmos, was ready to worship the angel who was helping him to understand something of the wonders that were being revealed to him. But the angel instantly corrected him – “Worship God!” (Revelation 19:10). A similar situation is recorded in Rev.22:18.
However, God is not a dictator, in the human sense of the word. He is the One Who created mankind to enjoy fellowship with Him. So we learn that, in the primeval Garden of Eden, mankind had an intimacy of relationship with the Creator that could be described as “walking with God” (see Gen.3:8-10), but that was destroyed by mankind’s disobedience. The freewill about which you ask was given because God wanted us to love Him freely, not as robots, unable to do anything else! I obviously don’t know anything about you, but I am very happily married, and have two wonderful daughters. My wife and my daughters each loves me, and that thrills me. However, if I knew that the only reason that they love me was because they had been programmed to do so, and could not do anything else, then my appreciation of their love would be greatly diminished!! I would reverently suggest that God is no different in that respect.
If we are to use a human term for God with regard to His ultimate authority over us, it would have to be “benevolent despot”. That is the term that historians use to describe a ruler who had absolute power, but who endeavoured to use that power for the benefit of his/her subjects. I am preaching, tomorrow (Sunday 18th) on Jeremiah 18 – and part of the message is that God’s authority is incontestable. He is, plainly and simply, God!!
So, why are there so many “religions”? I would suggest that it is because mankind, in general, has rejected the true God. However, what we are unable to do is destroy the desire to worship, and this is manifest in our worship of that which we ourselves have created. The Bible shows the futility, and stupidity, of such a course of action – see, for example, Isaiah 40: 18 ff; Rev.9:20.
Indeed, one of the great differences between Christianity and the other belief-systems is that they are no more than man-made religions, while it is a relationship based on faith in the Sovereign Lord of the Universe, Who dwells outwith the time-space continuum that is our present experience, and Who loves each one of us with a love that is beyond our comprehension!
I trust that what I have written will have been of some help to you, and that you will know that love of God, that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39).
Yours, in the Master’s service,
C. Brian Ross (Rev)
