One True Religion

"Jesus said that there is one way"

So does that infer that there is one distinctive religion? No! Jesus certainly wasn't endorsing a specific religion or club, he was re-enforcing the fact that God is the gatekeeper and there is no other ways around.

It really disturbs me when I hear religions using this as evidence that their religion is the only ticket. As if their interpretations, practices and beliefs are the one and only accredited terms accepted by the almighty. They might as well keep a club card.

Do we really select religion?
The fact is, many, if not most people are in their respective religions for very simple reasons:

• parents/family inherited, blood relation
  
• limited options in the geography
• only one which they are really familiar with

With the exception of highly un-ethical religions; nobody can rightfully assert that their religion is superior to others. They can think that their way is better, but when it comes down to practice, the religion is just better or more convenient for them. Even then, an individual might make such claims, but it is highly irresponsible for the religious body to slander another.

Jesus said that he is the only way; live like him, follow his teaches. More generally: love each other, forgive your enemies. These are pretty basic ethical values: treat others as you would have them treat you.

Conversion is good if...
It is invited. If you encounter a lost soul, it is a moral obligation to guide them (or have them guided) towards to the right path. If you were that lost soul, you'd probably invite that. But that opening is the key.
Unless you are inviting other theological beliefs into your life, you shouldn't be barging into theirs.

Conclusion
Don't go telling a Mormon|Muslim|Jew|Protestant|Christian that they should change their life unless you're prepared to understand their beliefs, background and willing to hear why you should potentially renounce your religion. After-all there are Mormon|Muslim|Jew|Protestant|Christian that practice love, kindness and forgiveness of their enemies. Unless I'm willing to accept their Book for a moment, I cannot ask them to accept mine.

Even if you are a theological scholar, you cannot go around denouncing a religion you believe is wrong. Even the most intelligent human is still a human. In so far as someone is living in an ethical manner, you cannot condemn their beliefs or practices.

Ethical Religion

How ethical is your religion? With the multitude of options in religion throughout the world, a basic test should be performed. In asking these questions, I'm primarily interested in how the religion itself applies its principles to its members, the community and the world. In this view; I'm aiming to categorize individual congregations, groups, and followings that are not always aligned with the overall religion. This is not delving into the theological beliefs and practices, moreover an overall view of the existence of the group from 30,000 ft.

Ethics
The definition of ethics I most understand is that defined by Kantian philosophy. Ethics is a mixture of rationalization and wisdom; it is based upon morals, metaphysics, the science of right and other principals of humanity. It is very simply, yet complex in detail. I highly recommend learning philosophies of ethics; it has taught me how to better understand and appreciate the differences and similarities in people worldwide.

Ethical Religion
A religion is ethical if it:
A) Treats its members as an end, not as a means.
A religion should establishes a framework for its members to share and gain spiritual enlightenment. There should not be an assumed or implied tribute back to the establishment such as a monetary contribution, preaching, or volunteering. Members of a religion may be giving of themselves and their resources, however it is secondary to their personal spiritual enlightenment.

• Is your financial contribution expected? Could you stop and no-one would say or think otherwise?
• Are you expected to tell others about the religion - especially by name (church, temple)?

B) Preaches humane virtues equally to family, friends and enemies.
The members should be taught to apply their values both inside and outside their social circles.

• Does your church accept everyone, or only those who believe in its followings?

C) Encourages serenity in the community
The religion, as an entity, should assert its power to help those in need. However it should be sensitive to not disturb the free will of others. As society issues evolve from external bodies (such as government or catastrophic events); the religion should get involved in a manner which establishes a commonly objective.

• Is your church genuinely interested in accomplishing good works or just converting more to its cause?
• Is your church consistently pointing out the flaws in other religions?
  

Most religions are thought to meet these guidelines, but many won't; particularly at their individual place of congregation.

How does yours rank; what do you think of others?

Extremes
A purely ethical religion probably cannot exist; it would be completely interested in the spiritualities of its members and loose sight of spreading the message about itself. On the other end of the spectrum is a religion which is overtly interested itself and not its individual members. It might mean the difference between a religion of just faith and a cult following.