Why do people seem to trust in religion, but are reluctant to trust in God?

on Sep 9, 2025

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 01: Head of the White House Faith Office Paula White sings as she stands next to U.S. President Donald Trump and other religious leaders during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House on May 1, 2025 in Washington, DC. The National Day of Prayer is a congressionally recognized observance that calls on people of all faiths to participate in a day of prayer and reflection. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: It is interesting to watch politicians lean on their religion when trying to convince the public that they are good people, and it doesn’t matter much to them whether they are Muslim, Christian or Hindu. They all hope that it will cause people to trust them. Why do people seem to trust in religion, but are reluctant to trust in God? – R.B.

A: Few terms in the language of man have been so distorted and misunderstood as that of “religion,” meaning different things to people. It can mean the sadistic symbolism of the occult; it can also suggest quiet meditation within the comforting walls of a church.

Some people say rather proudly, “I’m not very religious.” Others attach themselves to a religion, hoping it will earn trust from others. The truth is that man is a religious being. The Bible, anthropology, sociology, and other sciences teach us that people long for some sort of religious experience.

Religion can be defined as having two magnetic poles, the biblical and the naturalistic. The biblical pole is described in the teachings of the Bible. The naturalistic pole is explained in man-made religions. In humanistic systems, there are always certain elements of truth. Many of these religions have borrowed from Judeo-Christianity; many incorporate their own fables. Other religions have in fragments what Christianity has as a whole.

False religions cut away parts of God’s revelation, add ideas of their own, and come out with various viewpoints that differ from God’s revelation in the Bible. Natural religion does not come from God, but from the natural world. God’s original design has always had imitators and counterfeits. Anyone who desires God’s truth can find it through Jesus Christ, who is truth. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6, NKJV).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)