The Advent of Easter, Part VII by Pamela Christian—Copyright © 2019
Many people take exception to the claim “Jesus is the only way to relate with God”preferring the idea that all religions are equally valid—all roads lead to the same God and heaven, and the religions can therefore be synchronized. Yet, as stated in a previous post, simply claiming a matter doesn’t make it so.
Hinduism is the oldest religious faith that exists. Hindus use the Upanishads as their religious book of authority, with many other written documents also considered sacred. The Hindu faith is a polytheistic faith, with countless number of deities.
Judaism is the next oldest faith utilizing the Tenakh as their written authority. The 24 books of the Tenakh are the same as the Old Testament in the Christian Bible, except in a different order. Judaism worships the same God as Christians and is a monotheistic faith.
Buddhism is third in order of origin. Buddhists rely on the Lotus Sutra—central scripture that reveres the life and teachings of the Buddha Gautama (the individual who founded the religious philosophy) and also the Tripitaka. Buddhists do not believe in any deity.
Christianity was established some 2020 years ago as an extension of the Jewish faith, when people recognized Jesus as the Son of God and Promised Deliverer/Redeemer. (Jews do not recognize Jesus as the Redeemer/Deliverer). Christians believe in the same God as Judaism and is therefore a monotheistic faith. Christianity’s document of authority is the Bible, both the Old and New Testament.
Islam is the next inline chronologically, having been established in the 7th Century, based on the life of Muhammad about 600 years after Christianity. The sacred book for Islam is known as the Quran or Koran. Islam is also a monotheistic faith, however identifying a God much different than the Jewish/Christian God.
Atheism or Secular Humanism’s origin is nearly impossible to determine because it has been accepted through all the ages in various forms and sects. New Age is a modern day off-shoot. The New Age movement spread through the occult and metaphysical religious communities in the 1970s and ʾ80s. However, not all self-professed atheists follow New Age practices. Atheists use the Humanist Manifesto as a guide, whereas New Agers uses the text, A Course In Miracles by Helen Schucman. Atheists deny the existence of God, whereas New Agers claim humans are their own God.
Within the categories above faiths there is a myriad of other religious beliefs (denominations or sects), each with their own distinctions. If all established religions/religious beliefs have their own document of authority and specific beliefs, how is syncretism possible? In two words, it’s not—not unless there was some serious compromises, and which religious faiths would be willing to compromise?
Rather than embarking in a quest to find the “right religion,” I strongly suggest people search to find truth. People should ask: Which religious faith has the most objective, verifiable, evidence in support of its validity?
Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) In response, many claim Christianity is therefore exclusive. However, since Christianity is open to anyone who is willing to place their faith in Jesus, in reality, Christianity is all inclusive.
In this Season of Lent, seek to add to your knowledge so your confidence in Christ can be extended with a deeper and more sure foundation.
Christ stated He came not to abolish the Law but fulfill it. We’ll explore what this means with the next post.
For March 18-19, 2019 read and meditate on the following Scriptures:
John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 1:20
In my book Examine Your Faith! Finding Truth in a World of Lies, I address the claim of all religions being equally valid.
Scroll down below to access earlier posts in this series. To view the entire list of planned devotions, see the Introduction.
For author bio and schedule of posts for The Advent of Easter click here.
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