Hello all. I'm curious to know the response to the following argument. Sorry it's long, but please read it in its entirety. I think most facts are self evident, but I can provide evidence if needed. I tried to be conservative.

FACT: There are many religions in the world.

FACT: Not all religions can be true.

CONCLUSION/FACT: Some religions must be fabricated by man.

FACT: Christians believe the Bible is the word of God.

FACT: The Bible was written by men though Christians believe these men were inspired by God himself.

FACT: Christians cannot universally agree on what the Bible means or even agree on which books are actually in the Bible. There are different denominations with different beliefs and even inclusion of different books.

CONCLUSION/FACT: The Bible is ambiguous.

FACT: Any given denomination is a minority religion. As an example, evangelical Christians make up 10% of religious individuals worldwide.

FACT: Many religions demand money of some sort (e.g. Tithing)

FACT: Religious officials are in a position of some power.

FACT: Some men are greedy. Some men lie.

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Given that premise, I feel one of the following is true:

Man, who is often greedy and clearly known to fabricate religions, created a minority religion called Christianity which demands money and/or power like several other religions.

OR...

Of many world religions, a minority religion where an all powerful god created an ambiguous book to determine your eternal fate used men, who are know to be lying and greedy, as his vessel of truth while other similar religions are false.

The logical part of me is more inclined to believe that man, who is known to be lying and greedy, probably created religion (including Christianity) to obtain power and/or money.

All counter arguments are appreciated. However, because this is a logical debate please:

- Do not quote the Bible as truth without fist rationally establishing your version of the Bible as in fact true in its entirety.

- Do not debate specific parts of this argument without addressing the whole. If you'd like me to clarify any of the listed facts, please specify and I will respond.

I'm looking forward to your responses.

Clarification I'm not saying religion started with a devious intent. Just because the founders of a government aren't corrupt doesn't mean that government can't become corrupt over time. Same with religion morphing over time.

Edits

"FACT: All religions cannot be true." changed to "FACT: Not all religions can be true" This was changed for clarity.

Clarification section added.