I learnt from this video by Master Sheng Yen that:
- Buddhism in Shakyamuni Buddha’s time was very open-minded
- Apart from Buddhism, there were a total of 62 other recognised religious beliefs (as listed in the sutras).
- At that time, Shakyamuni Buddha was open minded about all of them
- In regard to the existence of other religions, Shakyamuni Buddha didn’t advocate their abolition nor did he denounce them as demonic
I think this is a good reference point for ourselves in viewing other religion and beliefs now.