No. Multiple religions cannot all be absolutely true for the simple reason that they hold conflicting cosmological, moral, and theological beliefs. Consider just one belief: that of the nature of deity, as held by the following eleven religions and belief systems:

	Atheists have no concept of a supernatural God.
	Strong Atheists assert that God does not exist.
	Agnostics remain uncertain about the presence of God. They believe that there is insufficient proof of either God's existence or non-existence. Some suggest that a proof can never be found.
	Christian denominations, with a few exceptions, teach that God is a Trinity of three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who together form a single entity.
	Hinduism is a henotheistic religion. Its followers believe in a single deity, Brahman, but also recognize other gods and goddesses as facets or manifestations or aspects of that supreme God.
	Islam and Judaism are monotheistic religions; Muslims and Jews believe that God is a unity, a single personality, without internal divisions. The belief that God is a Trinity is considered a serious sacrilege. However, they differ with respect to God's names, attributes, and expectations of humans.
	Santeria is a polytheistic religion. They recognize Olorun, as the "owner of heaven," and in a group of other guardians, called Orisha. Their deity structure is similar to the Pagan religions of ancient Greece and Rome.
	Wicca, and many other Neopagan religions are ditheistic; they teach that God is dual: consisting of a male God and a female Goddess. Bitheistic and duotheistic are synonyms for ditheistic.
	Zoroastrianism is also ditheistic. The believe in two deities of approximately equal powers: one wholly good and the other wholly evil.

Obviously, a maximum of only one of the above religions that believe in a deity can be absolutely true according to the Law of Non-contradiction. ₁ The vast majority are factually false.

Yes. One can recognize the validity and worthiness of other religions, even though they are very different from our own. For example:

	We can recognize that followers of other religions often consider their faith to be absolutely true. Different cultures have different fundamental beliefs about deity, humanity and the rest of the universe. From these foundational beliefs, religions and systems of morality are derived, which their followers consider to be true.
	We can realize that other religions successfully motivate their followers to be more spiritual, loving and ethical. For example, many Muslims and Roman Catholics appreciate the importance that the other group assigns to close family bonds, personal ethical behavior, etc.
	We can often find individual beliefs that we hold in common with other religions. For example, almost all religions have an Ethic of Reciprocity. This is called the Golden Rule in Christianity: to do onto others as one would wish to be treated in return.
	We can acknowledge the dedication with which the followers of other religions follow their religious faith. As an example, a Christian can appreciate the sincerity and dedication with which Muslims observe fasting during the lunar month of Ramadan.
	One can recognize the worth of each human being, and the importance of guaranteeing fundamental human rights to all. This includes the freedom by which individuals can follow their own spiritual and religious path. Valuing the rights of other people to hold diverse beliefs can lead to an appreciation of their beliefs.
	As we study other religions, we will probably find resonances there that help us to gain a deeper understanding of our own faith. We can value other religions for the contribution that they can make to our own spiritual path.

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Copyright © 2001 to 2007 by Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Originally written: 2001-MAY-20
Latest update: 2007-NOV-02
Author: B.A. Robinson

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