Comparing Christianity with World Religions: The Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error

Steven Cory; Dillon Burroughs

ISBN 10: 0802482139 ISBN 13: 9780802482136

Publisher: Moody Press, 2007

Synopsis

<DIV><P>The world has always been a melting pot of beliefs, but now more than ever, your neighbor may be part of a differing world religion. </P><P>In <I>Comparing Christ with World Religions, </I>the truths of Christianity are compared to key beliefs of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and tribal religions. This is a most helpful tool in answering questions you or seekers have about other religious beliefs, and a handy overview for sharing your faith with others.</P><P>* Formerly titled <I>The Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error II</I></P></DIV>

About this title

About the Author

<DIV>STEVEN CORY is a former academic editor for Moody Publishers. He is co-author of the pamphlet Comparing Christianity with World Religions.

DILLON BURROUGHS (B.A., Indiana State University; Th.M., Dallas Theological Seminary) serves as a professor of youth and culture at Tennessee Temple University. He has co-authored a number of books, including Comparing Christianity with World Religions and Comparing Christianity with the Cults and he is the author of Generation Hex and The Middle East Meltdown. Burroughs lives in Tennessee with his wife and children.</div>

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Comparing Christianity with World Religions

By Steven Cory Dillon Burroughs

Moody Publishers

Copyright © 2007 The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-8024-8213-6

Chapter One

Judaism

Salvation and the Afterlife

One's eternal existence in the afterlife is determined by actions and attitudes. Although different from the Christian belief of saving grace, Judaism teaches that God always offers even the most evil person the possibility of repentance (teshuva). After such repentance one can atone for one's rebellion against God's ways by positive action.

Traditional Judaism does not highly emphasize the ideas of personal salvation and heavenly existence. Many Jews criticize Christianity for being a "selfish" religion, too concerned with personal eternal rewards.

Jews continue to anticipate the coming of the Messiah. This Messiah will hand out eternal judgment and reward to all. This hope is largely communal. All Jewish people and the entire creation are in view more than the individual.

In the end, the moral lives of people on earth are considered the most proper concerns of humanity. Final judgments are left for God.

Morals

Torah ("to point the way, give direction"), often translated "law," refers in Judaism to a complete pattern of behavior, applicable to all aspects of communal and individual life. It is to be found in the Old Testament as well as in a wide variety of oral traditions, rituals, ceremonies, stories, and commentaries on Scripture.

Jews have often tried to develop rules of behavior to cover each situation encountered in their various cultures. Thus a gigantic literature covering codes of conduct has arisen. From time to time movements have emerged that have tried to cut through those rules and get back to the original meaning of Torah, though legalism has been a perennial emphasis of Judaism.

Most Jewish morality is related primarily to the good of the community. The Jewish prophets were early strong proponents of social justice in the ancient world. Concern for economic justice continues to remain an integral part of Judaism.

Physical possessions are not considered bad in themselves. Even the prophets did not denounce wealth itself but wanted a greater equality among members of the community.

Marriage and children are held in high regard in Judaism. Singleness is generally viewed negatively even for religious leaders (though exceptions exist among Jewish prophets), and much time is spent teaching children the precepts of the faith. Education continues to be a strong value within most Jewish communities.

Worship

Ritual and ceremony remain important within Judaism. Life is sacred and to be shared with God. Jewish writings say that to eat or drink without praying is like robbing God of His property,

The Jewish calendar includes a full range of daily, weekly, and yearly celebrations, based both on the Torah and additional Jewish writings.

A major part of scheduled celebrations is the remembrance of spiritual history. Both biblical and extrabiblical stories relating God's deliverance of Israel are retold countless times.

Devout Jews observe a regular weekly Sabbath day of rest in reverence to God's law to rest on the seventh day as described in the Torah.

Islam

Salvation and the Afterlife

The Koran rejects the belief of redemption. Salvation depends on a man's actions and attitudes. However, tauba ("repentance") can quickly turn an evil man toward the virtue that will save him. Islam does not hold out the possibility of salvation through the work of God but invites man to accept God's guidance.

The final judgment day is described in remarkable terms. On that last day every person will account for what they have done. Eternal existence will be determined on the basis of those actions: "Every man's actions have we hung around his neck, and on the last day shall be laid before him a wide-open book" (Koran, 17.13).

Muslims recognize that different individuals have been given different abilities and various degrees of insight into the truth. Each person will be judged accordingly Every person who lives according to the truth to the best of his or her abilities will reach heaven. Infidels who are presented with the truth of Islam and reject it will receive no mercy.

The Koran provides vivid descriptions of both heaven and hell. It depicts heaven as containing earthly treasures. Hell, in contrast, describes details of pain and torture. Muslims disagree as to whether those descriptions are to be taken literally or not.

Morals

Islam presents a "straight path" of clearly defined duties and commands. Islamic morals are a combination of genuine acts of love and legalistic performances.

Muhammad is pictured in the Koran as a loving person, helping the poor and slow to take revenge. Nevertheless, the firm belief that Muslims possess the one truth and are to spread that truth through "struggle" has led to much violence on behalf of Allah through the ages. While today Muslims in general try to live lives of peace, there has been a resurgence of a more violent form of Islamic fundamentalism among both the Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam.

Although the Koran actually elevated the degraded position of women in Middle Eastern culture at the time of its writing, women are often regarded more as possible temptations to sin for men than as human beings with their own responsibilities.

While some Muslim communities continue the tradition of polygamy, many modern Muslims take the Koran's approval of multiple wives as applicable only to ancient times.

Worship

Allah is worshiped, not Muhammad. Due to strict rules against depictions of human forms in art, there is a strong bias against idolatry or saint-worshiping in Islam.

Allah is revered in hymns that depict his power and majesty. However, even Allah cannot be ultimately trusted for salvation, because salvation is the individual's responsibility. As a result, his guidance in the form of words rather than as a person is emphasized.

Based on this belief, Muslims revere the Koran as a sacred book. Highly studied among devout Muslims, it is arguably the most memorized book in the world.

Acts of worship in Islam are embodied in the Five Pillars: 1) A Muslim must recite the basic creed, "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is His Prophet"; 2) recite prayers of praise to Allah five times daily while facing Mecca; 3) give money to the poor; 4) fast for one month a year (daytime only); and 5) make a pilgrimage at least once to Mecca, the city where Allah revealed the Koran to Muhammad.

Hinduism

Salvation and the Afterlife

The ultimate goal of salvation in Hinduism is escape from the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. That can mean an eternal resting place for the individual personality in the arms of a loving, personal God, but it usually means the dissolving of all personality into the unimaginable abyss of Brahman.

Four yogas, or ways of reaching such salvation, are described: (1) Jnana yoga, the way of knowledge, employs philosophy and the mind to comprehend the unreal nature of the universe; (2) Bhakti yoga, the way of devotion or love, reaches salvation through the emotional worship of a divine being; (3) Karma yoga, the way, of action, strives toward salvation by performing works without regard for personal gain; and (4) Raja yoga, "the royal road," makes use of meditative yoga techniques. Raja yoga is usually viewed as the highest way. However, for the majority of people who cannot become wandering monks, the other ways are considered valid.

Most Hindus believe that they have many incarnations ahead of them before they can find final salvation, although some sects believe that a gracious deity will carry them along the way more quickly.

Morals

Because of the vast number of reincarnations, Hinduism recognizes that the lack of spiritual maturity among the average person means they must lead normal lives. However, as a person develops, he or she can come closer to the goal of full rejection of the personality. The pursuit of wealth and love of the opposite sex are considered proper to certain stages of life, but when people grow old they often leave behind their worldly possessions to pursue the life of a wandering monk.

"Renouncing the fruits of your labors" is the supreme law of morality. Hindus seek to remain conscious of the illusory nature of this world and progressively deny themselves, at least in thought, all forms of material, emotional, and even spiritual rewards and property.

For centuries the notions of reincarnation and karma have been used to support the cruelties of the Indian caste system, relegating the majority of people to poverty and subjection. In the twentieth century the caste system was substantially altered, although the idea that all human suffering is deserved is still used by some to justify great injustice.

Worship

Since God is one but many, Hindus have a magical and legalistic notion that one can attain spiritual "points" through contact with holy objects or people. Among many, an image of a family god is kept in the home.

Villages also have a selected local icon. Animals such as cows, monkeys, and snakes are considered sacred. Certain rivers, especially the Ganges River, are held as holy. Bathing in them supposedly improves one's karma.

Even among more intellectual Hindus, certain portions of scriptures are memorized and chanted, sacred stories are acted out in plays and songs and gods are prayed to in an ecstatic manner.

Holy men are highly revered. In serving them Hindus hope that some of their holiness will be passed along and assist them to salvation.

Buddhism

Salvation and the Afterlife

Buddhism views ignorance rather than sin as the roadblock to salvation. Belief that the world and self truly exists keeps the illusory wheel of existence rolling. Only destruction of this belief will end the flawed course of the world.

Its doctrine is summed up in the Four Noble Truths: 1) Life is basically suffering; 2) the origin of that suffering lies in craving, or grasping; 3) the end of suffering is possible through the ending of craving; and 4) the way to end craving and to escape continual rebirth is by following Buddhist practice, known as the Noble Eightfold Path.

Original Buddhist teaching and the Therevada places emphasis on the individual monk working through self-control and a series of meditative practices that progressively leads a person to lose a sense of craving.

The Mahayana school began with the insight that the ideal of the monk striving only for their own salvation was selfish and did little for the majority of humanity. Mahayanists eventually came to suggest a vast number of Buddhas and bodhisattvas, "heroes of the faith" who reached the point of nirvana but refused to enter it until the rest of humanity could be brought along with them. In various ways, these heroes can graciously assist in salvation to those who petition them.

Nirvana literally means "blowing out," as with the flame of a candle. The idea is of a transcendent, permanent state of Enlightenment.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).

We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8).

Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt (Daniel 12:2).

Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out-those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned (John 5:28-29).

For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power (1 Corinthians 15:22-24).

Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind (Isaiah 65:17).

But the cowardly, the unbelieving ... their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death (Revelation 21:8).

Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 5:5).

How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? (Hebrews 2:3).

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

Morals

Buddhist laity are urged to follow the Five Precepts, which prohibit killing (including animals), stealing, sexual immorality, wrongful words (including gossiping), and drugs or alcohol. They are also expected to support the community of monks.

Monks and nuns follow a path of moderate asceticism, involving strict celibacy and the loss of all personal property. Buddhist religious leaders are often involved in education and charity, including politics. Other leaders separate themselves within their monasteries, contacting the public only to gain funding.

Therevada teaching indicates that a Buddhist can help others only by showing them an example of dedication to meditation and self-denial. mahayana teaching emphasizes "compassion," which involves aiding people in all areas of their lives, even though such help does not lead directly toward nirvana.

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing (1 Corinthians 13:3).

But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him (1 John 2:5).

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age (Titus 2:11-12).

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24).

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to rile family of believers (Galatians 6:9-10).

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

Worship

In most cases what looks like worship before a statue or image is really the paying of respects. The Buddha is revered as an example of a saintly life and as the originator of the teachings of Buddhism. Buddhists are taught that they must personally overcome the obstacle of ignorance.

Meditation in Buddhism can focus on ones breathing (important because it is halfway between voluntary and involuntary action), one's own attitudes (such as mindfulness meditation, where a person tries to be clear at all times as to one's true motives for every action), a neutral object, or a bodhisattva. In each case the purpose is to remove one's craving and sense of self.

In some sects it is believed that a bodhisattva can transfer his merit to another person and help them achieve nirvana. In those cases the Buddhist becomes very much like a worshiper petitioning God for grace and mercy.

To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! (Ephesians 3:21).

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased (Hebrews 13:16).

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship (Romans 12:1).

So whether you ear or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God (Psalm 100:1-3).

Therefore God exalted him ... that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11)

It is written: "'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God'" (Romans 14:11).

To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever! (Revelation 5:13).

(Continues...)

Excerpted from Comparing Christianity with World Religionsby Steven Cory Dillon Burroughs Copyright © 2007 by The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago. Excerpted by permission.
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Edition details

• Publisher: Moody Press
• Publication date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0802482139
• ISBN 13: 9780802482136
• Binding: Pamphlet
• Edition number: 4
• Number of pages: 4