Published by Apostle on 20 Oct 2006 at 05:18 pm
When there are so many religions in the world, how can Christianity claim to be the only way to God?
Although there are numerous groups in every major religious tradition, there are relatively few major religious traditions. Probably the oldest religious tradition is that of Animism, found mostly among the so-called “primitive” peoples of the world. Animism teaches that the world is populated by a myriad of spirit beings that can be appeased and manipulated through ritual and magic.
The Hindu religion has its center in India. In the form of Buddhism, it has spread all throughout East Asia. This ancient tradition teaches that all living beings are caught up in a cycle of reincarnation. It maintains that the only way to achieve salvation is to be freed of one’s burden of “karma.” Only then can one escape the cycle of reincarnation, lose one’s individuality, and merge with the Being of God like a drop of water in the sea.
Islam is the religion of Muhammad, a warrior/prophet who was born approximately 700 years after Jesus Christ. Islam is similar to Judaism and Christianity in some respects, upholding the authority of the Old and New Testaments and believing in one God. Its holiest book is the Koran. Like Judaism and Christianity, Islam despises idolatry and believes in the reality of eternal punishment or eternal reward in the next life.
The only other great religious traditions are those of Taoism in China and Shintoism in Japan. These religions are pantheistic like Hinduism, but they also have a number of animistic characteristics.
Although there are elements of truth in all of the religious traditions, the Bible teaches that there is only one way that we can be saved. In John 3:13 Jesus stated clearly, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” In Romans 10:9 we read, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” ( John 14:6 ). We know that all salvation is accomplished through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ and His atonement for the sins of the world.
See article, Do Christians believe that everyone who hasn’t heard of Christ will be damned to suffer eternal agony in hell?
Source: RBC
perfume_02 on 21 Oct 2006 at 10:54 am #
The real question is: On what basis can we claim that Christianity alone brings people into right relationship with God? The answer is simple: Only the gospel provides a true antidote to the problem of sin.We must therefore ask on what basis the deity offers forgiveness. Muslims and Jews do their best and hope for mercy. Hindus patiently bear their lot, hoping for a better life next time around. Buddhists seek for an ultimate nirvana. But none of these faiths provides a definite and certain answer.What separates Christianity from every other religion is not so much the moral teaching of Jesus, or even the moral example of Jesus, but rather the fact that Jesus, the divine Son, took our place. He paid the penalty for our sins, thereby satisfying the justice of God and securing eternal salvation for all who believe.
If there had been any other way for mankind to be forgiven, Jesus would not have died. It is this fact alone — the necessary sacrificial death of the Son of God on the cross — that separates Christianity from all other religions. None of these religions have at their foundation a divine act that is unique and comprehensive for all people.
That’s why Jesus gave us the mandate to go into the whole world and declare the good news of His death and resurrection. And good news it is. No other religion in the world has its equal.
Alex on 21 Oct 2006 at 12:41 pm #
compare like to like, eg apples to apples. how can you compare a son of a carpenter to a so claimed warrior? or a prince? blah
All Jesus’ trying to say is.. listen to the word of God so that you don’t sin.