There are so many religions out there, the cashiers in Latin America told me. She stated that she guessed that she was Catholic because she was born in a Catholic country. She continued, that she didn't go to church and really didn't understand religion. She had studied with several different religious groups, and didn't notice a difference between them.
I didn't have much time with her, she was working. I didn't want to get her in trouble. I suggested to her that there is only one difference between all the religions. You can discern each one based on where the disciple goes to learn about God.
Most groups have their hired holy man who will speak for God. He will attach himself to a recognized authority, such as a traditional deity, or even the Bible. They may even use the Bible, but their approach is to use the Bible to teach what they want their followers to hear. Others go to ancient or even modern manuscripts to discern who God is, and what they have to do to be in fellowship with Him. I explained to her that the Catholic church recognizes the Bible as an authority. However, they also use their tradition and their leadership which contain equal authority as the Bible according to what they teach. I am so thankful that they use the Bible, and that many of their traditions have the right message. My purpose is not to bash any group, but rather share the core differences as I see them.
He has given us His word. His word was written over a span of 2000 years, has over 600 prophesies concerning a coming savior. These prophesies were very specific, and completed 100%. There are 66 books that my family and I recognize. While Catholics add 5 extra books, the simple message of salvation is still there. Again, to be fair to my Catholic friends, my goal is not to bash. I have lots of friends who are Catholic, and we recognize and respect each other. Noting these differences with the cashier was my attempt to help her make sense of all the churches in her neighborhood.