Christianity and World Christianity and World ReligionsReligions

John Oakes June, 2007John Oakes June, 2007

One Point of View:

“Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” -Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 7:13-14)

I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Jesus of Nazareth (John 14:6)

God

Islam

Buddhism

Mysticism

Ba’hai

Another Point of View: Different Paths to the Same Goal?

OutlineOutline

► Theology: ideas about GodTheology: ideas about God

► World View: What is man’s place in the World View: What is man’s place in the world?world?

► Scripture: What is the source of authority?Scripture: What is the source of authority?

DefinitionsDefinitions► Animism: Anima = spirit. A religious system which Animism: Anima = spirit. A religious system which

includes the belief that spirits inhabit inanimate objects includes the belief that spirits inhabit inanimate objects and phenomenaand phenomena

► Polytheism: Poly = many. A belief that the universe is Polytheism: Poly = many. A belief that the universe is governed by many gods.governed by many gods.

► Pantheism: Pan = all. A belief that a spirit fills the Pantheism: Pan = all. A belief that a spirit fills the universe. God is the universe, and we are part of God.universe. God is the universe, and we are part of God.

► Dualism: A belief that the universe is governed by Dualism: A belief that the universe is governed by nearly equally matched forces of good and evil. nearly equally matched forces of good and evil. (Zoroastrianism)(Zoroastrianism)

Biblical TheologyBiblical Theology

► In the beginning God created the heavens and the In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.earth.

Genesis 1:1Genesis 1:1

► By faith we understand that the universe was formed By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Hebrews 11:3out of what was visible. Hebrews 11:3

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son….son….

HINDUISMHINDUISM

► The principle religion of India.The principle religion of India.

► Approximately 900,000,000 Approximately 900,000,000 adherents.adherents.

► Began as animism/polytheismBegan as animism/polytheism

► Evolved into Evolved into polytheism/pantheismpolytheism/pantheism

► Syncretistic. Hinduism is not Syncretistic. Hinduism is not really a single religion.really a single religion.

Ganesh: a Hindu deity

God of wisdom and intellect

Principle gods of HinduismPrinciple gods of Hinduism► Brahma Chief god of the pantheon.Brahma Chief god of the pantheon.

► Shiva God of destruction. Worshipped Shiva God of destruction. Worshipped as a male phalus.as a male phalus.

► Vishnu Preserver and protector. Vishnu Preserver and protector.

► Krishna The eighth emanation of Vishna.Krishna The eighth emanation of Vishna.

► Rama Seventh incarnation of Vishna. Hero of the Ramayana.Rama Seventh incarnation of Vishna. Hero of the Ramayana.

► Devi Chief female deity. The power (shakti) that animates Devi Chief female deity. The power (shakti) that animates the cosmos.the cosmos.

► Lakshmi Female consort of Vishnu. Godess of prosperity.Lakshmi Female consort of Vishnu. Godess of prosperity.

Lakshmi

BuddhismBuddhism► Principle religion of Korea, Japan, Principle religion of Korea, Japan,

Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Burma Sri Lanka and China?Burma Sri Lanka and China?

► 400,000,000 adherents.400,000,000 adherents.

► A reaction against the rigid A reaction against the rigid priestly system of Hinduism.priestly system of Hinduism.

► Pantheistic, or arguably non-Pantheistic, or arguably non-theistic. A philosophy, a theistic. A philosophy, a psychology.psychology.

JainismJainism

► Founder: Mahavira Founder: Mahavira ~600-540 BC~600-540 BC

► Last of 24 gurus. Parshva 750 Last of 24 gurus. Parshva 750 BC?BC?

► Location: India mostly.Location: India mostly.

► About 5,000,000 practitionersAbout 5,000,000 practitioners

► A reaction to worldly, priestly A reaction to worldly, priestly HinduismHinduism

Jaina Theology Jaina Theology ► Very strong emphasis on asceticismVery strong emphasis on asceticism

► Siddhartha may have been a follower Siddhartha may have been a follower before finding a middle way.before finding a middle way.

► We are souls trapped in a body. The goal: We are souls trapped in a body. The goal: escape the body to reach nirvana through escape the body to reach nirvana through ascetic practices.ascetic practices.

► ReincarnationReincarnation

► KarmaKarma

► PantheisticPantheistic

The Svastikaa symbol of samsara(rebirth)

Sikh Teaching and TheologySikh Teaching and Theology► Reject polytheism but keep Reject polytheism but keep

ideas of maya (illusion), ideas of maya (illusion), samsara (reincarnation), samsara (reincarnation), karmakarma

► Reject priestly system. All Reject priestly system. All are equal before the “True are equal before the “True Name.”Name.”

► Opposition to idolatry and to Opposition to idolatry and to asceticism.asceticism.

► Sikhs do not try to escape the Sikhs do not try to escape the world, but to participate in it.world, but to participate in it.

► Works salvation: “Sin and Works salvation: “Sin and sorrow are destroyed by sorrow are destroyed by hearkening.”hearkening.”

The Golden TempleAmristar, India

TaoismTaoism (Daoism)(Daoism)

► Founded by Lao Tzu—a contemporary of Confucius.Founded by Lao Tzu—a contemporary of Confucius.

► Scripture: The Tao Te Ching. Tao = way Te = power Ching Scripture: The Tao Te Ching. Tao = way Te = power Ching = teaching= teaching

► Basic doctrine: Through non-involvement and withdrawal, Basic doctrine: Through non-involvement and withdrawal, we come to know god/deity. Emphasis on self-interest. we come to know god/deity. Emphasis on self-interest. “The religion of selfishness.”“The religion of selfishness.”

► Pantheistic. Experience God by contemplating nature.Pantheistic. Experience God by contemplating nature.

► Emphasis on mysticism and magic.Emphasis on mysticism and magic.

“ “He would not pluck so much as a hair out of his head for He would not pluck so much as a hair out of his head for the benefit of his fellow man.”the benefit of his fellow man.”

Ba’hai TheologyBa’hai Theology

► Salvation through keeping the law as handed down Salvation through keeping the law as handed down by Baha-Ullahby Baha-Ullah

► Emphasis on good deeds, helping the poor, Emphasis on good deeds, helping the poor, educationeducation

► Jesus did not die for our sins, because he did not Jesus did not die for our sins, because he did not have to. We are imperfect, but not lost.have to. We are imperfect, but not lost.

► Scripture: The writings of Baha-Ullah. There are Scripture: The writings of Baha-Ullah. There are many!many!

New Age: A Very Confusing ReligionNew Age: A Very Confusing Religion

Is it:Is it:Palm reading?Palm reading?Channeling?Channeling?Seances?Seances?Meditation?Meditation?Reincarnation?Reincarnation?Occultism?Occultism?Gurus?Gurus?Paganism?Paganism?Gnosticism?Gnosticism?Mother Goddess worship?Mother Goddess worship?Yes… all the above.Yes… all the above.

So, What is New Age, Really?So, What is New Age, Really?► You are God, I am God, the trees are God, we all are You are God, I am God, the trees are God, we all are

God!God!

► New Age is Western pantheismNew Age is Western pantheism

► New Age is a syncretistic blend of Gnosticism, New Age is a syncretistic blend of Gnosticism, Hinduism, Spiritualism, Mysticism, Buddhism and Hinduism, Spiritualism, Mysticism, Buddhism and Paganism.Paganism.

► New Age is Monism! God is everything I am God!!!New Age is Monism! God is everything I am God!!! “ “Once we begin to see that we are all God, then I think the whole Once we begin to see that we are all God, then I think the whole

purpose of life is to re-own the God-likeness within us.”purpose of life is to re-own the God-likeness within us.”

Islamic TheologyIslamic Theology

► Like Christianity and Judaism, Islam is monotheisticLike Christianity and Judaism, Islam is monotheistic

► But there are several differences in the theology of But there are several differences in the theology of these religions.these religions.

► In Islam God is more like the neo-Platonic idea of In Islam God is more like the neo-Platonic idea of God—very distant and removed from man.God—very distant and removed from man.

Islamic TheologyIslamic Theology “ “Surely good deeds take away evil deeds” Surely good deeds take away evil deeds”

(11:114).(11:114).

Kabira Kabira (big sins)—murder, adultery, drunkenness, (big sins)—murder, adultery, drunkenness, disobeying parents, neglecting Ramadan or Friday disobeying parents, neglecting Ramadan or Friday prayers, gambling, dancing, shaving the beard, prayers, gambling, dancing, shaving the beard, forgetting the Koran after reading it, usury… forgetting the Koran after reading it, usury… Forgiveness with repentance.Forgiveness with repentance.

SaghiraSaghira (little sins)—deceit, anger, lust. Forgiveness if (little sins)—deceit, anger, lust. Forgiveness if greater sins are avoided and good deeds are performed.greater sins are avoided and good deeds are performed.

ShirkShirk—association (of other gods—association (of other gods with Allah). No with Allah). No forgiveness.forgiveness.

Salvation by own effort Salvation by own effort (40:9, 39:61, 7:43)(40:9, 39:61, 7:43)

Charity atones for sinsCharity atones for sins (2:271,277)(2:271,277)

►Earn grace.Earn grace.►Earn favor of Allah.Earn favor of Allah.►Earn salvation.Earn salvation.►Earn paradise.Earn paradise.

Islam: Salvation is earned through the efforts of those who were pre-selected by Allah to inhabit a very sensual paradise.

Christianity: Salvation is granted by the grace of a loving God to those who, through faith and repentance and baptism accept that love.

A Question: Who reaches out to whom?

InitiativeInitiative

Human approachHuman approach Truth Truth

God God GodGod

Mankind Mankind Mankind Mankind

Works Salvation: Man reaches out to God.

IslamHinduismJainaSikkhismGnosticismNew AgeBuddhism?

Salvation by Grace: God reaches out to man.

JudaismChristianity

World View: What Is My Place in the World View: What Is My Place in the World?World?

► What is my purpose?What is my purpose?

► What is my relationship with creation?What is my relationship with creation?

Definitions (cont.)Definitions (cont.)

► Asceticism: a belief that enlightenment, or a close Asceticism: a belief that enlightenment, or a close relationship with deity is obtained by an extreme relationship with deity is obtained by an extreme denial of worldly pleasures and possessions. denial of worldly pleasures and possessions. Associated with monasteries, monks, nuns, and the Associated with monasteries, monks, nuns, and the like.like.

► Mysticism: a belief which has been incorporated in Mysticism: a belief which has been incorporated in all world religions which sees enlightenment and all world religions which sees enlightenment and spiritual powers coming through spiritual powers coming through contemplation/meditation/direct experience of God.contemplation/meditation/direct experience of God.

Hindu World ViewHindu World View

► Maya. The physical world is an illusion.Maya. The physical world is an illusion.

► Brahman. Universal soul.Brahman. Universal soul.

► The goal: Nirvana; oneness with the universal soul The goal: Nirvana; oneness with the universal soul which is within yourself.which is within yourself.

► The Hindu world view has man looking inward, not The Hindu world view has man looking inward, not outward.outward.

The eight-fold path to The eight-fold path to bodhi/dharma/nirvana/lack of sufferingbodhi/dharma/nirvana/lack of suffering

► Right viewpoint (the four noble truths).Right viewpoint (the four noble truths).► Right values.Right values.► Right speech.Right speech.► Right actions.Right actions.► Right livelihoodRight livelihood► Right effortRight effort► Right mindfulnessRight mindfulness► Right meditationRight meditation

The Four Noble Truths of SiddharthaThe Four Noble Truths of Siddhartha

► Suffering is not getting what one wants.Suffering is not getting what one wants.

► The cause of suffering is desire which leads to rebirth.The cause of suffering is desire which leads to rebirth.

► The way to end suffering is to end desire.The way to end suffering is to end desire.

► The way to the end of desire and of suffering is the The way to the end of desire and of suffering is the eight-fold path.eight-fold path.

► Buddhism encourages dispassion, not compassion.Buddhism encourages dispassion, not compassion.

Jaina WorldviewJaina Worldview► A very strange cosmology. The universe is an infinitely A very strange cosmology. The universe is an infinitely

repeating pattern of cycles of time.repeating pattern of cycles of time.► One of the gurus lived 70 trillion years and was 3000 ft. tall.One of the gurus lived 70 trillion years and was 3000 ft. tall.► The earth is the center of the universeThe earth is the center of the universe► The universe has existed forever.The universe has existed forever.

► Five Mahavrata or rules of ascetic livingFive Mahavrata or rules of ascetic living Ahimsa. Non-harming (fly-whisk, strain liquids, etc…)Ahimsa. Non-harming (fly-whisk, strain liquids, etc…) Satya. TruthfulnessSatya. Truthfulness Asteya. Non-stealingAsteya. Non-stealing CelibacyCelibacy Non-attachmentNon-attachment

Islamic Worldview:

God is very distant from mankind

In Islam, Allah determines everything, even who will choose to follow him.

2:142, 6:39 6:125

Inshallah God willing. It is God’s will that people suffer..

The Biblical World ViewThe Biblical World View

► The physical world is real and it is good. Genesis The physical world is real and it is good. Genesis 1:311:31 Only Islam agrees with this conclusion.Only Islam agrees with this conclusion.

► This world is not our home.This world is not our home.

► But, compassion… James 1:27 Micah 6:8But, compassion… James 1:27 Micah 6:8

► Christian groups are responsible for virtually all the Christian groups are responsible for virtually all the world’s efforts to deal with poverty and human world’s efforts to deal with poverty and human suffering in general and to work for social justice.suffering in general and to work for social justice.

Scriptures of World ReligionsScriptures of World Religions

► And we also thank God continually because, when And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God. 1 Thess 2:13but as it actually is, the word of God. 1 Thess 2:13

Important conceptsImportant concepts

► Scripture: The list of primary authoritative writings Scripture: The list of primary authoritative writings for a particular religion.for a particular religion.

► Inspiration: The belief that a particular writing, Inspiration: The belief that a particular writing, edict or tradition comes by direct communication edict or tradition comes by direct communication from divinity, and is therefore perfect and from divinity, and is therefore perfect and authoritative.authoritative.

► Myth: A story, presumably fictionalized, about a Myth: A story, presumably fictionalized, about a divine interaction with human beings which teaches divine interaction with human beings which teaches an important religious truth.an important religious truth.

Scriptures of HinduismScriptures of Hinduism► Vedas Poems. Ritualistic, priestly. 1500-1000 BC. Include Vedas Poems. Ritualistic, priestly. 1500-1000 BC. Include

the Brahmanas.the Brahmanas.

► Upanishads Highly philosophical essays about brahman, Upanishads Highly philosophical essays about brahman, atman, transmigration of atman, karma and so forth. 800-atman, transmigration of atman, karma and so forth. 800-600 BC.600 BC.

► Epics (Ramayana, Mahabarata, Bhagavad Gita) Mythic Epics (Ramayana, Mahabarata, Bhagavad Gita) Mythic adventures of Rama, Krishna and others. adventures of Rama, Krishna and others.

► Puranas Largely local legends, myths, many local deities. Puranas Largely local legends, myths, many local deities. AD 400-1000. This is the “scripture” of most local Hindus.AD 400-1000. This is the “scripture” of most local Hindus.

► Tantras Religious discussions/teachings.Tantras Religious discussions/teachings.

Buddhist ScriptureBuddhist Scripture► The Tripitaka Three sets of the supposedly The Tripitaka Three sets of the supposedly

original sayings and teachings and philosophy of original sayings and teachings and philosophy of Buddha. These were oral only for about 400 years.Buddha. These were oral only for about 400 years.

► Disputes over the content of the Tripitaka led Disputes over the content of the Tripitaka led eventually to the Theravada, Mahayana and other eventually to the Theravada, Mahayana and other sects.sects.

► Jatakas Mahayana stories of previous incarnations Jatakas Mahayana stories of previous incarnations of Siddhartha Buddha. Buddhism is a striving of Siddhartha Buddha. Buddhism is a striving through many lives to come to a bodhisattva state.through many lives to come to a bodhisattva state.

Buddhist Cosmology

Scriptures of SikkhismScriptures of Sikkhism

► The Adi Granth Compiled by the fifth guru Arjun in The Adi Granth Compiled by the fifth guru Arjun in 16041604

► The Ganth of the Tenth King: Written by the last of The Ganth of the Tenth King: Written by the last of the ten great gurus of Sikhism Gobind Singh.the ten great gurus of Sikhism Gobind Singh.

► The Janamsakhis Legends. Obviously mythical The Janamsakhis Legends. Obviously mythical accounts of the life of Nanak, including miracles. accounts of the life of Nanak, including miracles. (Nanak never claimed to be a miracle worker).(Nanak never claimed to be a miracle worker).

Works salvation: “Sin and sorrow are destroyed by Works salvation: “Sin and sorrow are destroyed by hearkening.”hearkening.”

The Qu’ran; the Scripture of The Qu’ran; the Scripture of IslamIslam

Based on “revelations” from Gabriel to Based on “revelations” from Gabriel to Mohammed.Mohammed.

Compiled in the 7Compiled in the 7thth century AD (the 600s). century AD (the 600s).Contains 114 chapters, or suras, arranged Contains 114 chapters, or suras, arranged

from longest to shortest. Quite from longest to shortest. Quite repetitive.repetitive.

About 80% the length of the New About 80% the length of the New Testament.Testament.

• Early Period in Mecca. Muhammad sees himself as following tradition of Judaism. Muslims pray toward Jerusalem.

• Early Medina period. Mohammad begins to be politically powerful. The idea of Jihad introduced.

• Later Medina and Meccan period. Muhammad strongly opposed to Jews and Christianity. Islam definitely a distinct religion.

Historical errors in the Historical errors in the Qur’anQur’an

► Ishmael = IsaacIshmael = Isaac 37:10237:102► 2 trees in Eden = 1 tree2 trees in Eden = 1 tree 20:12020:120► Noah’s 4th son drownsNoah’s 4th son drowns 11:4311:43► Zechariah silent 3 days (not 9 months)Zechariah silent 3 days (not 9 months) 3:41 3:41► Pharaoh’s magicians repentPharaoh’s magicians repent 20:7020:70► Judges 7 / 1 Sam 17 conflatedJudges 7 / 1 Sam 17 conflated 2:2492:249► Jesus’ childhood miraclesJesus’ childhood miracles 3:49, 5:110, 19:303:49, 5:110, 19:30

Scientific errors in Scientific errors in Qur’an (I)Qur’an (I)

23:14—23:14—Creation from the clot of bloodCreation from the clot of blood““Then we made the sperm into a clot of Then we made the sperm into a clot of

congealed blood; then from that clot we congealed blood; then from that clot we made a lump; and we made out of that made a lump; and we made out of that lump bones and clothed the bones with lump bones and clothed the bones with flesh.”flesh.”

18:86—18:86—Traveling west…Traveling west…“… “… till, when he reached the setting-place till, when he reached the setting-place

of the sun, he found it setting in a muddy of the sun, he found it setting in a muddy spring.”spring.”

Scientific errors in Scientific errors in Qur’an (II)Qur’an (II)

21:33—21:33—Sun and stars orbit the earthSun and stars orbit the earth

12—12—11 planets11 planets

34:9, 52:44—34:9, 52:44—Piece of sky falls and kills Piece of sky falls and kills someonesomeone

36:4, 23:14 Man deposits child into the 36:4, 23:14 Man deposits child into the mothermother

Christianity: The Inspiration of the Bible Christianity: The Inspiration of the Bible is Confirmed By:is Confirmed By:

► Historical AccuracyHistorical Accuracy► Fulfilled ProphecyFulfilled Prophecy► Scientific AccuracyScientific Accuracy► Internal Consistency. Many authors, one theology.Internal Consistency. Many authors, one theology.► Types, prefigures and foreshadows in the Old Types, prefigures and foreshadows in the Old

Testament which are fulfilled in Jesus ChristTestament which are fulfilled in Jesus Christ► The public miracles of Jesus which confirm his The public miracles of Jesus which confirm his

claimsclaims► The resurrection of Jesus from the deadThe resurrection of Jesus from the dead

For Example: Fulfilled Messianic For Example: Fulfilled Messianic ProphecyProphecy

► PsalmPsalm

Isaiah 53:1-13:

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, familiar with suffering. (v. 3)

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. (v. 5)

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. (v. 7)

Micah 5:2But you, Bethlehem Ephathrah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient times.

Isaiah 9:1,6In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan…. For to us a child is born… And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Psalm 22:16-18Dogs have surrounded me;

a band of evil men have encircled me,

they have pierced my hands and my feet.

I can count all my bones; (John 19:3-37)

people stare and gloat over me.

They divide my garments among them

and cast lots for my clothing. (John 19:23,24)

Zechariah 11:12,13

I told them, “If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it.” so they payed me thirty pieces of silver. (Matthew 26:14-16)

And the Lord said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—the handsome price at which they priced me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the Lord, to the potter. (Matthew 27:3-8)

Daniel 9:24-26

Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy.

Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, until the Anointed One, the ruler comes, there will be seven ‘sevens’ and sixty two ‘sevens’

Decree of Artaxerxes (Ezra 7:12-26) 458 BC

458 BC + 490 years = AD 33!!! (no zero BC)

According to the Old Testament, the Messiah must:According to the Old Testament, the Messiah must:

► Be born in BethlehemBe born in Bethlehem► Be raised in Galilee near NazarethBe raised in Galilee near Nazareth► Be despised and rejected by menBe despised and rejected by men► Be meek and silent before his accusersBe meek and silent before his accusers► Be “pierced”Be “pierced”► Be crucifiedBe crucified► Have his garments divided and gambled overHave his garments divided and gambled over► Be betrayed for 30 pieces of silverBe betrayed for 30 pieces of silver► Come to Jerusalem to make atonement for sin in about AD 33Come to Jerusalem to make atonement for sin in about AD 33► And many more….And many more….

Was all this an accident, or did God plan all along for the Passion Was all this an accident, or did God plan all along for the Passion of the Christ for forgiveness of sins? What do you think?of the Christ for forgiveness of sins? What do you think?

SummarySummary► The theologies of world religions are fundamentally The theologies of world religions are fundamentally

and diametrically opposed to one another. Many and diametrically opposed to one another. Many paths to the same God is a ludicrous philosophy.paths to the same God is a ludicrous philosophy.

► The world view of Christianity is radically different The world view of Christianity is radically different from any other religion. They cannot both be right!from any other religion. They cannot both be right!

► The truth of the Bible is confirmed byThe truth of the Bible is confirmed by Clear evidence of inspiration (fulfilled prophecy, types and Clear evidence of inspiration (fulfilled prophecy, types and

foreshadows, historical accuracy, scientific evidence, etc…) foreshadows, historical accuracy, scientific evidence, etc…)

Public miracles worked by Moses, Elijah and others, and Public miracles worked by Moses, Elijah and others, and especially by Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:3,4).especially by Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:3,4).