Exclusiveness of Truth

Why do most monotheists demand that they have a monopoly on truth?

It seems that all of the major monotheistic religions have a central tenant saying that their god, religion and concept is the only version of truth, and all other belief systems are false. Hence, we have Christians denouncing Muslims, Jews denouncing Buddhists and Mormons denouncing Taoists. It’s even odder that the Buddhists and Taoists don’t denounce the monotheistic religions in return.

I would speculate that they claim hold to their exclusiveness of truth due to fear. The major monotheists tend to use the fear of death as a weapon—hence their promise of eternal life in heaven in response to devotion today. Though most monotheistic organizations recognize the benefits of being within their organized religion, the main club is that of eternal life.

In fact, if you examine that more closely, think of the absurdity: Monotheists can’t really offer much more then the opportunity to thank their god. Muslims prostrate themselves in awe and respect daily. Christians are constantly thanking their deity, and offering apologies for their sins. What does this do to that individual’s self esteem? But most of all, the promise is that of life after death. An intangible benefit that’s difficult, at best, to be proved to actually happen. It’s a system that is totally dependent upon having faith in the unknown. And, quite frankly, life after death, in heaven or otherwise, is pretty unknown.

But I don’t mean to pick on their theology. After all, it’s the same component of faith that I just mocked that forms the strength of their belief. And I truly believe that their faith is what powers their theology. What I do question, though, is their intolerance of other belief systems. If we don’t jump on their bandwagon, then we’re going to be left in the dust.

That’s fine with me—but don’t treat me like I’m some kind of moralistic cripple. I can see the truth in your theology; why can’t you see the truth in my philosophy?

Comments

[Jim]

This a late response but I've only just started reading the blog...

I've come to feel that 'True Believers' cannot afford the luxury of acknowledging the truths in someone else's philosophy because doing so undermines their own belief. The New Testament, after all, claims that there is no path to "The Father" except through "The Son". You cannot believe that and also believe that it may not be true.

It's this lack of theological wiggle room that keeps from seeing eye-to-eye. It's also why, after a lifetime of Christian upbringing, I had to give it up.