How easy it is to start accepting a term/phrase we read, without really evaluating it. “Redeem the other religions” is one of those; we’re hearing it more and more often. Look for the good in the world religions, we’re told. Redeem them. Yes, there happen to be bits of truth in any belief system. But does the Scripture say anything about redeeming other religions? It says not to be curious about them, not to practice them, not to mix them in with true faith (Deuteronomy 12:1-4, 29-32, for example). Dabbling in false religions draws us away from, not toward, the Lord. Perhaps that’s why he describes the practices as “detestable” (Deuteronomy 12:31; 20:18; 1 Kings 14:24) and “evil” (Judges 2:19; 3:7; 2 Kings 17:17).
The whole Bible is about staying away from such things. There is no other God (Exodus 20:1-3; Isaiah 45:5). And the Lord’s way is the only true way. (Isaiah 2:3; John 14:6)
What he redeems are PEOPLE, redeeming them out of those false religions. All people are invited “out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9)
