Christianity and world religions

[Grace777x70]

Actually, the story of Phineas, as it concerns him, is all about being zealous for keeping the law.

I heard a theologian Dr. Michael Eaten say that by the time Paul went to Jerusalem in Acts 21...most of the pure gospel had been lost as thousands of Jewish believers had been zealous for the law...it doesn't take long for Judaizers to come in and pervert the gospel of the grace of Christ alone.....Paul said they would come right after he had been to places with their "works-based " gospel..

Acts 21:20 (NASB)
[SUP]20 [/SUP] And when they heard it they began glorifying God; and they said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the Law;

 

[Magenta]

Actually, the story of Phineas, as it concerns him, is all about being zealous for keeping the law.

Numbers 25
4 The Lord said to Moses, “Take all the leaders of the people and execute them in broad daylight before the Lord so that His burning anger may turn away from Israel.” 5 So Moses told Israel’s judges, “Kill each of the men who aligned themselves with Baal of Peor.”

This looks like a condemnation/judgement against idolatry.

 

[oldethennew]

to me the Law doesn't bring or breed hatred, I believe it lives in the hearts of men....
and only by the Grace of God and obedience are we able to over-come this terrible curse....

 

[PeacefulWarrior]

It says to "talk with two or three persons who are not members of your study group. Ask them what their attitude is towards persons of other faiths. Explore with these persons how they came to have these attitudes and opinions toward non Christian faiths.

Sorry to be a part of the three pages of semi-off-topic stuff!

It's a difficult inquiry for me to answer.
I guess my attitude towards everyone is the same, regardless of their faith or lack thereof--I try to treat people with respect and display love in my interactions. Interestingly, anytime I have spoken with someone of a different faith (most recent was a Muslim) the common theme seems to be love.

Usually, when I chat with folks of different faiths, I get a sense that we're not so different. I'm not advocating another gospel here -- I'm just saying that there's more to life than we humans can comprehend.

I am sorry this is probably not much help for your project -- it's really difficult to answer the question: "What is my attitude towards a group of people?"

 

[Yeraza_Bats]

Saturday, I was reading the passage in Galatians where Jesus appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus, and asked: "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" And it hit me like a bolt out of the blue. We, The Mainstream Church, are truly part of the AntiChrist.

Like Paul, we are working hard for God... doing everything righteous and religious that we have made a rule to follow, while actually ignoring Jesus' greatest ministry... That of loving the people He came across on the hiways and biways, every day. Many of us won't even allow a Muslim or an Atheist (sometimes not even a homosexual) to darken our "sacred" church doors.... CERTAINLY NOT a pervert or ........ well, you name it, we often bar them from our churches.

That is against Jesus' will, therefore, "ANTI Christ."

This feels like an accusation to me. Like, coming from the life I came from, every church I have been to, that I had the chance to share about myself, has welcomed me with open arms. Ive also heard testimonies on youtube videos about former Muslims who came to Christ after coming with a Christian friend to church. And they didnt come to accept Him, they came with faith in their god thinking they knew better. But with the help of the Christians in that church, they came to Him.
I used to go to all the gay pride events and festivals here too at one time, and of all the times I went to them, there was only one guy at one event one single time out of all of them holding a sign that said something about how we were all going to go to hell. I havent really seen any extreme prejudice on the side of Christians myself. Even on the internet, I do occasionally see someone who calls themselves Christian on like a youtube debate with Muslims who ends up just throwing out racial slurs and negative stereotypes over giving the gospel, but even still there are many who are just sharing whats in the bible.

Im kinda on alert about people who claim Christians are discriminating against others for following what Christ teaches. I mean yeah there will always be prejudice people, even those who claim to be followers of Christ. But then there is the calling merely standing by Gods word hate and discrimination and even extreme violence.

I work with a lady whos Christian, she was once talking about Mother Teresa, she was praising her in this story about how she told some group of sick hindus that she wasnt gonna try to help them reach Him, and that they should continue to believe in their gods. I dont understand how this is a good thing : / I see alot of that "I believe in Gods word, but Im not gonna share it" thing, I dont believe thats the right thing to do at all.

 

[tanakh]

I think I see them more as Jesus did, than as "Christians" do. His word tells me He loves them equally as much as He does me or you... and that he came to save them from destruction too.

Since it is totally impossible for most of them, down through history, to have ever even heared the English word, "Jesus", then He must have some way I have no idea of for how He touches their hearts.

He said "there is no Jew or Gentile." To maintain the "Them vs Us" attitude that dominates the RELIGION of Christianity, it only stands to reason that we have really gotten SOMETHING seriously wrong.

I see this attitude as a sign of weakness. If an individual is firm in the faith of Christ learning about other peoples
beliefs shouldn't be a problem. I have done some study of Judaism, have a little knowledge of Buddhism and Islam
but remain uncircumcised, have a reasonably full head of hair and remain beardless up till now.

 

[FreeNChrist]

My Christ care group is reading a book with that title by Adam Hamilton.

Our hw assignment was to talk to 3 Christians about their views about people of other faiths....specifically Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism.

So anyone want to help me with my homework?

Hard to find people in real life willing to discuss other religion and the Bible. They normally only want to talk about one or the,other.

My view of people who are not Christians is that they need Jesus, just like we all do.

Christianity is not like any of those religions. In all of the world's religions, you can take away the founder and still have the religion. You can take Buddha out of Buddhism and still have the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-fold Path. You can take Mohammed out of Islam, and still have the Five Pillars of Action and the Six Articles of Belief. And yes, tragically, you can take Christ out of that misnomer of "Christian religion," and still have the doctrines and the programs and the organizational machinery that masquerade as the “church".

Genuine Christianity, on the other hand, requires the presence and function of the life and Person of the living Lord Jesus. Christianity IS Christ. Jesus Christ is not just the historical founder of a "Christian religion” who has left us “teachings” to live by. He is the spiritual essence of Christianity, functioning within those who are living by faith in Him.

 

[Ariel82]

I think, for me, that I made the mistake probably most of us make in just accepting what I was first taught. As the years went by, and the usual doubts arose, I didn't take one of the usual two paths most follow...... that of either digging in, and blindly, stubbornly "believing", no matter what, or that of turning my back on religion.

I felt there had to be more to this stuff, so I began reading. Voraciously. But, I didn't just read of those things I felt might be right to some extent. I have always read (at least 20%) books that I already had prejudices against. And, I taught myself to make no judgments on the particular book in my hands until after I could honestly say that I felt I understood, and, to an extent, sympathized with the author's point of view. It's made a world of difference on how I see other people, and even their religions.

Thanks for responding that is very insightful.

 

[Ariel82]

Sorry to be a part of the three pages of semi-off-topic stuff!

It's a difficult inquiry for me to answer.
I guess my attitude towards everyone is the same, regardless of their faith or lack thereof--I try to treat people with respect and display love in my interactions. Interestingly, anytime I have spoken with someone of a different faith (most recent was a Muslim) the common theme seems to be love.

Usually, when I chat with folks of different faiths, I get a sense that we're not so different. I'm not advocating another gospel here -- I'm just saying that there's more to life than we humans can comprehend.

I am sorry this is probably not much help for your project -- it's really difficult to answer the question: "What is my attitude towards a group of people?"

Not a problem, since it does touch on the topic thread and y'all do eventually answer.

I understand and have spoken to people of many faiths and I think if you are grounded in Christ than there is no threat or fear of conversion to those faiths and one can find common ground in moral principles.

However there are distinct differences and the major one for me is the Gospel of Christ death in the cross as a propiatiton for our sins.

Conversation on what does God's grace and love mean in the context of various religions is interesting. It's hard to see the lies mixed up with the truth and I believe that these strongholds that war against God's wisdom are found in the mind of Chritians as well as people of other religions.

Pride, selfishness, works salvation and wisdom of the world...

 

[Ariel82]

My view of people who are not Christians is that they need Jesus, just like we all do.

Christianity is not like any of those religions. In all of the world's religions, you can take away the founder and still have the religion. You can take Buddha out of Buddhism and still have the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-fold Path. You can take Mohammed out of Islam, and still have the Five Pillars of Action and the Six Articles of Belief. And yes, tragically, you can take Christ out of that misnomer of "Christian religion," and still have the doctrines and the programs and the organizational machinery that masquerade as the “church".

Genuine Christianity, on the other hand, requires the presence and function of the life and Person of the living Lord Jesus. Christianity IS Christ. Jesus Christ is not just the historical founder of a "Christian religion” who has left us “teachings” to live by. He is the spiritual essence of Christianity, functioning within those who are living by faith in Him.

Very true...without the Holy Spirit in your life, you may claim to be Christian but you're still dead inside and have not been born again.

God changes out hearts and minds to be a reflection of His light and love....

 

[Ariel82]

So what helped shape your views?

 

[Yeraza_Bats]

Not a problem, since it does touch on the topic thread and y'all do eventually answer.

I have a friend who had this same assignment, actually. He told me about it after he did it a little.

Apparently the people he talked to were basically wiccans, they believed in pagan gods and practiced magic and all those things. They had a leader of their gang who talked to my friend, and something he had to deal with from this guy was listening to him tell him what God actually said, as if my friend who is faithful to Him needed his lesson : p

He told my friend that there is no verse in the bible that tells us we are saved by grace, that the bible tells us we must be sinless to be saved. He tried to tell him that anyone who does not follow the law perfectly cannot be saved. (even though outside the Gospel there are many verses about coming back to God and God forgiving the sins of Israel, like in Jeremiah 3 : p)

So I guess be careful of those who will take this chance to mislead you on His word, and be sure to check anything they try to teach you with the bible, and dont let yourself be deceived : p Im sure your strong in faith to Him and all, its just something Ive heard about, and thought I should warn you about : p

 

[Ariel82]

Even Satan quoted scripture to tempt Jesus to sin in the desert.

I think if we God's people are able to show the Bible verses about God's grace and forgiveness and how the Gospel is by grace not works of the law. Then maybe that person might take a step back and break free of the lies and misconceptions they have about God and the Bible.

 

[Ariel82]

*For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— - Ephesians 2:8 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians2:8&version=NIV

 

[Ariel82]

We do not war against flesh and blood, but seek to tear down the spiritual and mental strongholds in people's minds and lives built upon lies and hurt that keep people from God and His forgiveness and love.

We need to be able to help people see the truth from the,lies found in other religions and sometimes we need help to see the,lies that keep us from doing God's work.

I think everyone struggles with feelings of unworthiness or pride. Often I need to remind myself, it's not important how I feel or how. I see myself. Even if I feel unworthy God calls me His beloved child and how arrogant am I to tell God He is wrong about me?

If God forgives, then who can cast that stone?

 

[justababe]

I believe that the following passage explains how other religions came to exist and how God feels about the people caught up in those other religions.

Romans 1:18-23New King James Version (NKJV)
[SUP]
18 [/SUP]For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, [SUP]19 [/SUP]because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. [SUP]20 [/SUP]For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, [SUP]21 [/SUP]because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. [SUP]22 [/SUP]Professing to be wise, they became fools, [SUP]23 [/SUP]and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

God's testimony is written into creation in such a way that no one is without excuse. The fact that so many have seen these attributes of God in creation and made up their own stories and their own idols is evidence that God's invisible attributes are there to be seen by all. Jesus is the only way and His sheep recognize His voice and come to Him.

 

[justababe]

I believe that the following passage explains how other religions came to exist and how God feels about the people caught up in those other religions.

Romans 1:18-23New King James Version (NKJV)
[SUP]
18 [/SUP]For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, [SUP]19 [/SUP]because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. [SUP]20 [/SUP]For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, [SUP]21 [/SUP]because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. [SUP]22 [/SUP]Professing to be wise, they became fools, [SUP]23 [/SUP]and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

God's testimony is written into creation in such a way that no one is without excuse. The fact that so many have seen these attributes of God in creation and made up their own stories and their own idols is evidence that God's invisible attributes are there to be seen by all. Jesus is the only way and His sheep recognize His voice and come to Him.

Sorry. I tried to edit my post. It should say that no one has an excuse instead of saying no one is without excuse. Clearly, ignorance will not be an excuse on judgement day. God can and does make himself known to all of us. I've heard some people claim that we are all worshipping the same God, however, based on the passage I quoted, all religions would have to look almost exactly like Christianity for that to be true. According to Paul, even the eternal Godhead is visible in creation for all to see and know. We all have access to the same God, but we are not all worshipping the same God and ignorance will not be an excuse on judgement day.

 

[tanakh]

The whole point of preaching the Gospel and sending Missionaries round the world is to let people know about Christ and salvation through him. Paul was right in saying that people know there is a God, but we are not born with a Bible in our hand. I think a lot of his attack concerned Israel. They did have the written word, they had Prophets to teach them and eventially Christ himself yet they willfully turned their backs on God and worshiped idols. In another place Paul talks about concience accusing and sometimes excusing us. Everyone has a moral compass. People who do not know Christ will be judged on the light they have. All religions around today have a strong moral content and followers of them believe that their salvation in whatever form depends on their moral performance. It is true that certain people namely Athiests ignore evidence of God within nature, others just ignore their concience and live immoral lives. It is they who have both external and internal evidence of a creator and judge who will be severely condemned.

 

[Ariel82]

I don't think calling people fools will open an honest and heartfelt dialogue.

I prefer starting the conversation with Paul's address to Athens....

 

[Ariel82]

*Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; *for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription:TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: *“God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. *Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. *And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, *so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; *for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ *Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. *Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, *because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” - Acts 17:22-31 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts17:22-31&version=NIV