How do we know if the Bible is trustworthy if there are many contradicting religions who base their beliefs on the Bible?

Answer 1

There is a fallacy at the root of your question. It seems to suggest that we must doubt everything from which contradictory beliefs have been derived. We can see that this is false by considering some hypothetical examples: Astronomy --> Astrology -- We know that Astrology is a pseudoscience based on Astronomy...does that make Astronomy incorrect? Of course not! Currency --> Counterfeits -- in any given country there is an established, agreed-upon currency which is legitimate, and numerous counterfeits which purport to have value, but are more likely to get the user put in jail than to prosper him/her.

So trustworthiness is not established via lack of contradicting heresies thereof, but rather via correspondence with reality.

Answer 2

The more important something is the more controversy develops.

What is important is what Catholics call The Hierarchy of Truths.

I will bet most of all the Christianity that has ever existed does subscribe to the Hierarchy

These five foundational truths of revelation are invoked throughout the Catechism and provide a framework in which all doctrine finds its proper context. They are:

1. The Blessed Trinity: God is an eternal loving communion of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
2. The Person of Jesus: A divine person who took on human nature in the Incarnation
3. The Paschal Mystery: the suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ
4. The Dignity of the Human Person: made in the image and likeness of God
5. The Church: the Body of Christ brought to life in the Holy Spirit

Answer 3

I totally agree with Steve. There are many cults derived from the Bible. But in almost every case, it is because of teaching derived from a Non-Biblical source. Or taking one passage out of context and basing your entire belief system on that. The Bible is the Word of God. It is without error, and preserved to now and forever. That does not mean; unfortunately , that people won’t use and abuse the Bible for their own gain.