Memory ScripturesPhilippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.1 Timothy 4:12Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity

New ScripturesHebrews 10:26-27Hebrews 12:11

Comparative ReligionsPurpose/GoalTo answer questions about man’s existenceWhy?What is our purpose?Dogma vs BeliefsWhat happens to us in the end?

Zoroastrianism and Dualism

Zoroaster6th C. BCOfficial religion of Persia (CyrusAhura Mazda vs. Angra MainyuGood vs. EvilDay of JudgmentSaoshyant – Messianic figure50,000 to 70,000 followers today

Zoroastrianism to Christianity

ZoroasterDualismMagiMan makes choice to do good or evilDay of JudgmentSaoshyant

JesusOne GodNo way but through Jesus John 14:6Blood of Christ leads to Salvation Romans 3:24-25Day of Judgment

Characteristics of IslamMuhammad A.D. 6221.3 Billion followersOne God – AllahQur’an/Hadith (traditions)Salvation through the confession of faith and following the five pillarsParadise or HellMahdi (messianic figure)

Confession of Faith1 – Belief in Allah as one God, the only God2 – Muhammad is the last prophet of God3 – Believe in the resurrection of the soul and body and the coming day of judgment

Five Pillars of Islam1 – Pray 5 times a day facing Mecca2 – Ramadan (a month of fasting from sunup until sundown3 – Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca)4 – Alms (giving of 1/5 of income for charity5 – Do good/prevent bad

Chart Comparing Islam and Christianity

AllahMuhammad last prophetSalvation is through confession of faith and following 5 pillarsDay of Judgment

GodJesus is way to SalvationWorks are a result of grace not a way to SalvationDay of Judgment

JudaismMonotheistic – YahwehAbraham (Semitic people – related to Arab peoples)Jews trace descent through Isaac

Five Important Characteristics of Judaism1 – Absolute obedience to God2 – Covenants3 – Messianic Salvation4 – This World Focused5 – Yahweh is true creator

Evolution of Old Testament

Mosaic Law = TorahProphets = NeviimWritings = Ketuvim

TaNaKh = Tanakh

Judaism to ChristianityYahwehLaw of MosesSynagogueFocus is on receiving reward in this worldStill awaiting Messianic Salvation

GodSalvation through Grace via JesusFocus is on eternityAwaiting the Second Coming and the Day of Judgment

Characteristics of Hinduism

Monotheistic, polytheistic, pantheistic, atheisticOne supreme reality (Brahman) can be manifested in many waysSalvation is obtained by breaking the bonds of ignorance and illusionGoal is liberation from the cycle of existenceDharma – social duties that all must perform in accordance with their class before the withdraw from this world

Chart Comparing Hinduism and ChristianityEclecticSalvation is obtained through meditation leading to a breaking of the bonds of ignorance and illusionMust perform social duties before attempting to withdraw from world

MonotheisticSalvation through JesusWorks are proof of Jesus as Lord, not a way to SalvationMust live in this world while not being of this world

Characteristics of Buddhism

Atheistic there is no god/godsLife has no purposeOnly hope is to escape sufferingDoomed to be reincarnatedSalvation is obtained by becoming non-existentActions have consequences

Chart Comparing Buddhism and Christianity    Buddhism

 No God  Life has no purpose – Humans are trapped in an endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (reincarnation). Every human action carries consequences – good deeds lead to a better life in the next cycle.  

Christianity Personal God who wants man to seek a relationship with him Jeremiah 29:11-14. Man has been given a special purpose Matthew 28:18.  Man cannot save himself through his actions, but only through the blood of Jesus Romans 5:9

 

ConclusionsOnly Christianity allows for Salvation through GraceOnly Christianity shows God reaching out to manOther religions Salvation is earned through obedience to deity, laws, or by works of manOnly Christianity offers a free choice to be saved no matter one’s previous condition. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Sin is forgiven and forgotten