When I had time, I used to answer questions about religion on a message board. This is the "Important Postscript and Disclaimer" that I almost always added when I included my opinions about religion.
As you read and study, be open to all points of view. It is my opinion that every religion worships the same God even if we don't yet know it. If an "expert" in one religion tells you that a second religion is wrong, remember that statements about religion are based on belief and faith, and not based on fact and proof. Read all materials with an open mind. If you don't like something that you read, don't let stop you from reading. If you keep reading, you will find things that you agree with that you will be able to add to your personal system of belief.
My personal upbringing and my evolving system of belief are highly reflected in my answers. My father was a Lutheran Minister who was more than willing to worship in other churches and synagogues. I have held memberships in multiple faith systems, including Lutheran, Quaker, Presbyterian, Methodist and Jewish (these last two were simultaneous while I was married to a Jewish woman). I have participated in other religious ceremonies, including a Lakota Sioux Sweat Lodge (Purification Ceremony). I am still active in my faith, occasionally serving as worship assistant at a Lutheran Church, singing solos in various places, and actively reading to broaden my horizons. I have found God's Truth in Buddhist writings, Christian writings, Jewish Writings, Theosophical works, and in many other places. I now call myself a "Multidenominational Cafeterealist" (a term that I invented).
All of this, however, may not necessarily make my beliefs and responses any more correct than another person's. Other believers and their replies will very often differ -- and that is part of the beauty of our world, "Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations."
Read all sides of each issue that interests you, then decide for yourself what is right for you today. Remember, when you go to a cafeteria, you have many choices. Just because you don't take the spinach doesn't make the spinach wrong. The spinach might be right for you on a different day, and it is certainly right for someone else today. Also remember that 70% of the world is not Christian. It is certainly possible that God has a plan for those people that we do not understand. That's another good reason to try to understand other believers.
Feel free to ask me to clarify any comments that I might make.
John Knoderer, [webmaster (at) mazes.com] and [webmaster
(at) GodLovesEveryone.org]
www.MAZES.com
www.GodLovesEveryone.org