Omnism is the recognition and respect of all religions. The term is derived from the Latin word ‘omnis’ meaning all. An omnist believes that no single religion has a monopoly on the truth. Rather, an omnist sees value in the teachings of all religions and seeks to incorporate wisdom from diverse spiritual traditions.
The Bible does not explicitly discuss omnism, as the concept arose in more modern times. However, there are several biblical principles that relate to an omnist perspective:
1. God reveals Himself to all people
The Bible teaches that God desires all people to know Him. In ancient times, God primarily revealed Himself through the nation of Israel. But there are instances in Scripture where God makes Himself known to non-Israelites as well. For example, Melchizedek was a Canaanite priest who worshipped the true God (Genesis 14:18-20). The Magi who visited Jesus were likely Zoroastrian astrologers from Persia (Matthew 2:1-12). And Cornelius, a Roman centurion, was what the Jews would have considered a “God-fearer” (Acts 10).
The Bible says that God has placed knowledge of Himself within every human being: “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made” (Romans 1:19-20). Therefore, an omnist would argue, it is not surprising that religions around the world have grasped something of God’s truth.
2. There is value in moral teachings across religions
Most world religions share core ethical values like kindness, honesty, and respect for life. An omnist acknowledges that there is wisdom to be gained from studying moral principles across faith traditions. Several biblical passages endorse this idea:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8).
“Test everything. Hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29).
While an omnist would see limits to truth claims in non-Christian religions, they would also acknowledge shared moral wisdom that aligns with biblical values.
3. God judges the heart, not outward religious affiliation
The Bible’s criteria for salvation is faith in Jesus Christ, not alignment with any particular religion. Jesus told the religious leaders of His day that prostitutes and tax collectors would enter God’s kingdom before them (Matthew 21:31). Likewise, Christians believe that a righteous Buddhist or Hindu who responds to the light given them may be saved, while a hypocritical churchgoer may not. As Peter said, “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him” (Acts 10:34-35).
An omnist finds biblical precedent in the idea that sincere seekers in diverse faiths can find salvation. Biblical Christianity hinges on the heart and motivations of individual believers, not their professed religion.
4. No one has a complete grasp of God
Due to humanity’s finite perspective, no religion can fully comprehend the infinite God. The Bible itself acknowledges the limits of human religious understanding:
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” (Romans 11:33).
“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).
An omnist sees value in diverse religions wrestling with spiritual questions from their cultural vantage points. While affirming biblical Christianity as uniquely revealed truth, an omnist also acknowledges that no religion has a complete grasp of the Divine.
5. God accepts true worship, regardless of its source
The Bible contains examples of non-Israelites worshipping God appropriately within their religious paradigms. For instance, Jesus commented that a Roman centurion had greater faith than anyone in Israel (Matthew 8:10). The book of Hebrews affirms that Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah and others were commended for their faith long before the establishment of biblical religion (Hebrews 11:1-12:2).
These examples indicate that God accepts sincere worship from those outside formal biblical faith. As Jesus declared, “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). An omnist argues that worship characterized by humility, love, mercy and reverence can come from diverse religious traditions.
6. Human interpretations of religion are flawed
Due to imperfect human interpretations, no religion has flawless doctrines. The Bible itself recognizes imperfections within biblical religion. For example, Paul had to rebuke early Christians for taking the Lord’s Supper in an “unworthy manner” and becoming “weak and ill, and some have died” as a result (1 Corinthians 11:27-30). Jesus criticized Jewish religious leaders for encumbering people with extra-biblical traditions (Mark 7:6-8). He further noted hypocrisy and hidden sin among outwardly righteous religious people (Matthew 23:25-28).
An omnist acknowledges that human religious institutions inevitably have flaws, and no single religion has a perfect understanding. Therefore, wisdom may be gained by drawing from diverse religious traditions to obtain a broader picture of spiritual truth.
7. Christians should treat all people with love and respect
While Christians believe that salvation only comes through Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12), they are also commanded to love others unconditionally. Jesus said the second greatest commandment is to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39), and He modeled this by showing love to those rejected by the religious establishment. The Bible further teaches believers to “do good to everyone” (Galatians 6:10), “live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18), and “always [be] prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15).
An omnist strives to embody these biblical principles by engaging people of all faith backgrounds with compassion. They seek to understand different belief systems and share Christ’s love with both their lives and their words.
8. Christians should avoid false teachings
While recognizing truth across religions, Christians must be discerning and avoid false teachings. The Bible warns of deceptive doctrines that lead people astray (2 Peter 2:1), as well as false Christ figures (Matthew 24:24). Christians are exhorted to hold fast to biblical truth while rejecting ideas that contradict Scripture:
“Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals….See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition” (1 Corinthians 15:33, Colossians 2:8).
“Test the spirits to see whether they are from God….Every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God” (1 John 4:1-3).
An omnist may appreciate truths in varied faiths but recognizes clear limits from a biblical perspective. They avoid proper teachings that undermine the gospel.
9. Interreligious dialogue can have value
The book of Acts records several examples of the apostle Paul engaging with those of other religious backgrounds. While making a case for Christianity, he taught in synagogues (13:5; 14:1; 17:1-4; 18:4; 19:8), and engaged the Greek thinker Epicureans and Stoic philosophers (17:18). Other biblical figures like Jesus, Paul and Stephen consistently interacted with Jewish, Roman and Samaritan cultures. They translated biblical truths in ways outsiders could relate to.
An omnist sees wisdom in respectful interfaith exchange, as modeled in Scripture. Diverse perspectives can enrich spiritual understanding and provide opportunities to share the gospel.
10. Christians should prioritize relationships over debates about religion
Jesus did not come primarily to promote a religious system, but to offer Himself in relationship to the world. Though fully God, Jesus lived in human flesh as Emmanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). The hallmark of Jesus’ life and ministry was walking closely with people – from His disciples to tax collectors to the sick. The apostle John emphasized knowing Christ intimately, not just knowing about Him (1 John 1:1-4). Paul declared his focus was knowing “Christ and the power of his resurrection” above all else (Philippians 3:10).
Likewise, an omnist prioritizes relationship over religious quarreling. They focus on living and sharing biblical truths, not just proving theological points. An omnist strives for Christlike connection and grace, while affirming the limits of human perspectives on eternal truths.
In conclusion, while the term “omnism” comes from modern religious pluralism, the Bible does contain principles relevant to an omnist perspective. These include God revealing Himself to all people, truth existing in many faiths, the limitations of human religion, and the priority of relationships over disputes. An omnist can find some biblical grounds for respecting all faiths while maintaining discernment. Most importantly, they can model Christlike love. Omnists resonate with Paul’s declaration: “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).