Fox News online reported today (Sep 1) that President Obama had some encouraging remarks to America's Muslims at a celebration of the start of the month of Ramadan (supposedly the month when Muhammad began receiving the Koran. "The contribution (sic) of Muslims to the United States are too long to catalog," he said, not cataloging any at that time. He was joined with several politicians and diplomats to pay tribute to what he called "a great religion and its commitment to justice and progress."

Then later in his speech, the president quoted that well-known theologian, ah, boxer, Muhammad Ali, to explain the similarities between all religions.

"A few years ago," Obama said, "he explained this view—and this is part of why he's The Greatest—saying, 'Rivers, ponds, lakes and streams—they all have different names, but they all contain water. Just as religions do—they all contain truths."'

The fact that he was stating this viewpoint in a country where Christianity has provided the basis for religious freedom and not in Teheran or Riyadh is telling. Of course it is true that many religions do contain some measure of truth or people would not follow them. It is in this way, said the Apostle Paul, that the angel of light beckons the undiscriminating to their doom.

"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works" (2 Cor 11:13-15).

As has been observed, it's a bit like rat poison: it's 98% good; but it's the 2% that kills you.

Many religions offer other ways ("we have turned every one to his own way") but only one belief introduces the Perfect Son of God who is The Way. Many religions may have some truth, but one one belief offers a living relationship with the One who is The Truth. Many religions give instruction on how, in your own strength, you should live your life, but only the gospel of Jesus Christ reveals One who is The Life and can rightly promise: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believes on Me has everlasting life" (Jn 6:47).

The river of belief parts ways at the Great Rock, and humanity must choose the narrow or wide channel: "He that believes on the Son has everlasting life: and he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him" (Jn 3:36).