Zemirah Loc: Sojourner En Route...

Are not all religions basically the same?

How, then, can Christianity be uniquely different?

After all, no matter how each religion arrives there, the end result is theoretically the same: there is a higher power, deity or force of some kind to be venerated, or appeased; our human life has value; world peace is preferable to violence; something occurs after death; etc., etc. There may be some contradictions in the details, between one and another, but most religions hold forth these same general beliefs as universal truths.

Many world religions have a creation story, a flood story, a rescued-people story, and so forth. There’s also usually some kind of key person in each religion to be exemplified.
Imperfect as people are, each religion presents at least one person who “got it all right.” This/these person(s) become our earthly model; everyone else must strive to imitate them. Each major world religion is similar in declaring itself unique in some way.

How, then, can Christianity differ in any significant manner from all other religions?

The radical claims of Christianity set it completely apart. These bizarre claims render Christianity as either ridiculously unhinged and to be avoided at all cost, or the world's most indispensable possession, to be fervently seized and savored above all else.

As the famous atheist-turned-Christian C. S. Lewis once stated: “Christianity is a statement which, if false, is of no importance, and, if true, is of infinite importance. The one thing it cannot be is moderately important.”1

The Claims of the Leader

The difference between Christianity and all other religions is rooted in the differences between Jesus and other religious leaders.

It is undeniable that Jesus of Nazareth was a real person who lived two thousand years ago, so Jesus’ existence is not an issue. It is the claims that Jesus made about Himself, that ignite debates about him.

Unlike all other spiritual leaders, Jesus openly declared that he was one with God, according to the earliest Christian writers.2 To see him, Jesus said, is to see God the Father.3 Jesus went about forgiving people for their sins4—something only God could do—performing miracles that involved thousands,5 and healing the sick, all the sick, everyone brought to Him, regardless of their condition.6

For these and other reasons, the earliest followers of Jesus began to realize that He was more than a mere human being. They began to believe his claim of divinity, and these followers of Jesus began to understand that he was indeed God in the flesh.7

Those of other faiths, or of no faith at all, easily accept as fact that Jesus was a good man, a wise prophet, and even that he died at the hands of his enemies. Only Christians, however, also believe that Jesus was not only good and wise but that He was also fully human and fully divine. These beliefs were reinforced by the eye witness reports of his resurrection. Thus, Christians today are convinced that Jesus’ life and His claims have cosmic implications for them, and for the earth and the earth's people.

Christians believe that the most profound of these implications lies in the issue of personal salvation. Salvation, as taught by many of the world’s religions, is a type of deliverance from the physical and spiritual adversity of the world, as well as a rescuing from suffering or punishment in the afterlife.

Buddhists believe that to reach Nirvana, a transcendental state of bliss, a person must follow the Noble Eightfold Path. This process of personal effort and discipline will end suffering for the individual. Hindus believe that one reaches Moksha—freedom from this world and the cycle of death and reincarnation—by practicing self-sacrifice, meditation, and certain levels of self-realization. Muslims believe that Allah grants Paradise to those who live a life of moral uprightness, using the Five Pillars as their basic guidelines.8 If killed in a Jihad (Holy War), however, they are assured of Paradise.

This is another area in which Christians depart from the norm. In essence, other religions state, “You need to do these things and live this way in order to earn your way to salvation.” But Christianity says, “What is necessary in order for you to know God and receive salvation has already been done for you by Jesus Christ.” You need but believe in Jesus and accept His gift.

At its core, Christianity is the joyful news that Jesus lived and died to open the way to God for each of us. In this act, Jesus saved us from the eternal death sentence imposed upon us by our own sins, which were eternally isolating each of us from God — and offers us forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life in relationship with God, and in His presence.

Christianity says that Jesus has done everything necessary for people to have the kind of relationship with God that leads to peace of mind through peace with God in the present, and an assured hope for the future.9

For many, this seems too good to be true, but it is not.

Many atheists, agnostics, deists, and devout followers of other religions are very "good" people by earthly standards. They live good lives and do good things. Many are honorable people, and their contributions to humanity across religions and borders are much needed.

Whenever we are honest with ourselves, we all know that sometimes we do things we regret; we all make mistakes; we all suffer from egocentric selfishness; we all fail. And what if this “good outweighs the bad” mentality isn’t enough to satisfy God's standard?

According to Christianity, God took the pressure off us by sending Jesus to live a perfect life for us. In Christian understanding, salvation is a gift: “for it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”10

For Christians, Jesus is more than a teacher or a role model. He is the means by which people can find freedom from their burdens and baggage and make real changes that improve their lives and the lives of those they love. Christians believe that because salvation is already available to those who believe, sheer joy in that realization and thankfulness for a personal relationship with God prompt right actions and righteous living as described in the Bible.

The Christian does this from a position of gratitude, faith, and humility—not burden or obligation. In one sense, it is the purest form of motivation, because the actions are not being done for personal gain. The reward has already been given and received.

The personal claims of Jesus and the espoused implications of His life, death, and resurrection stand in sharp contrast to other religions. This is what Christians through the years have called the gospel — which literally means “good news.” The gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news that everything has already been paid in full for you. Accept Jesus' offer, and you begin with a clean balance sheet with God, a "0" debt owed.

Every other religion allows you to work your way into God's acceptance through your own efforts.

Every other religion allows you to furnish your own ladder into heaven, and to climb it alone, under your own strength and ability.

Incredible? Yes. Outrageous? Yes. Hard to believe? Yes.

But, is it true? Yes.


C. S. Lewis “Christian Apologetics,” God in the Dock (London: Collins: 1979).
The Holy Bible, New International Version © 2011, John 10:25-30.
Ibid., John 14:5-9.
Ibid., Mark 2:1–12, for example.
Ibid., Mark 4:35–41, for example.
Ibid., Matthew 15:21–28, Mark 8:22–26, Luke 4:40–41, and John 4:43–54.
Ibid., John 1:1-14.
The Qur’an, Surah 23:102 John 1:1-14–103, 5:9.
The Holy Bible, John 14:6, 16:33; Romans 5:8, 6:23, 8:1, 8:6, 10:9–10, 10:13; Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:8–9, 2:14–16, Galatians 5:22–23, Philippians 4:7.
Ibid., Ephesians 2:8–9.

Peewee Loc: San Antonio, TX

I loved it, thank you!

Zemirah Loc: Sojourner En Route...

Thanks, Peewee,

I hope you're on your way to having a healthy, happy, productive day.

Fodaoson Loc: South Texas

Christianity is not just a religion; it is following the teachings and example of Jesus. Jesus is unique. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit to a virgin, lived a sinless life and was raised from the dead, all according to prophecy

TexaCan Loc: Homeward Bound!

In other religions their leaders are dead! Jesus Christ LIVES and will return to live amongst us in the near future!

Thank you for another inspiring message!

MARANATHA

Peewee Loc: San Antonio, TX

Yep, going to the grocery store soon to try and find food that I can eat without spiking my sugar, it's always a challenge but fun, if I can read the labels. Gotta remember to take my magnifying glass. 49% kidding. Now the important question, how are you doing? I hope you are having healthy, happy, and productive days. Your post was really enjoyable! Reminded me of a book I read years ago called "So what's the difference". That book gave me the strength to walk down the aisle and my life has never been the same. No turning back, no turning back, got to finish the race! Not as many laps to do as when I started and I'm feeling good, like getting my second wind. If I didn't have to check my sugar every day I wouldn't know anything was wrong with me. Last time I went shopping I accidentally picked up cinnamon rolls instead of biscuits. Every time I open the freezer they say, eat me. If I don't throw them out soon I'm going to eat them. Temptation comes in all kinds of packages. Elvis just started singing Peace in the Valley in my head, so I better get moving before I get tired and weary.

Zemirah Loc: Sojourner En Route...

This book, "So What's the Difference? : A Look at 20 Worldviews, Faiths and Religions and How They Compare to Christianity," by Fritz Ridenour

Initially, I thought you meant that the book had inspired you to "walk down the aisle" to marry...

Who knew reading every ingredient on every food label would become a primary concern?

I check for gluten free, I check for salt-free, I check for Vitamin K free, etc., etc., etc.

Throw out those cinnamon rolls before you have a 4:00A.M. case of the munchies, and succumb to temptation.

Zemirah Loc: Sojourner En Route...

Absolutely, Fodaoson, thank you.

Christianity is included in the world's list of major religions, however, and in the eyes of the world it always will be.

Very often, I include the phrase, "Christianity is not a religion, it is a personal relationship with the living God," whenever writing with ample space to then explain why it is not a religion.

In telephone directories, newspaper ads, and news in general, Christianity is grouped with Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Taoism Buddhism, and Confucianism.

Unlike Biblical Christianity, world religions are all manmade concepts with ceremony, rites and rituals, but, because there are enormous institutions that are classified as Christian, that, over the centuries, have incorporated such paraphernalia into their worship services, the explanation can become longer than the intended article.

Zemirah Loc: Sojourner En Route...

Thanks, TexaCan,

You are so wise.

Jesus Christ is alive.

The founders of all other "world religions" are implanted in the soil, and returning to the dust from whence they came!

What a great gettin'-up-morning that will be when Jesus returns for us from His seat in heaven, next to God the Father, from whence He came to earth the first time to be born of the virgin, Mary.

I hope your weather is spectacular today!

We've got snow, a veritable winter wonderland outside.

Peewee Loc: San Antonio, TX

I think that's the one, read it when I was 12.

I only look at sugars and sodium, don't have celiac disease.

Women, always trying to tell me what to do, my brain works just fine thank you, it fits my skull like it was made for it.

Plus, cinnamon is good for diabetes, it's the bread and icing that's bad. Ummm, I can almost smell them. It's one of those short cans only five rolls in it. Did I ever tell you my stepmom was the cafeteria lady and brought home leftover cinnamon rolls once a week? It would be like going down memory lane.

Gotcha, as soon as I got home I tossed them out and when I sat back down at my computer the trash man was emptying my dumpster.

TexaCan Loc: Homeward Bound!

Oh Zemirah!

You are so kind. Forrest Gump said, “I know what Love is!” I say, “I know who my Lord and Savior is!”

The weather is absolutely wonderful! We have our patio door open and every once in awhile the breeze will make the wind chime gently chime.

I love the snow. We spent a year building a home and horse barn in the mountains near Cloud Croft , NM. We stayed in our RV on the job site and I spent lots of time walking in the snow. I was so amazed at the quiet when I was walking while it was snowing! I would love to get to experience that again!

Zemirah Loc: Sojourner En Route...

Our memories are one of our most priced possessions, for after a lifetime spent creating them, we can replay them at will.

I loved ice skating on a frozen pond in winter when I was a teenager. Now, I am content to admire the winter landscape through the windows while seated at my computer desk, or the birds who remain year round rather than migrating south, at the bird feeder through the kitchen windows.

Thank God for our memories.

bahmer

Amen and Amen an excellent article there Zemirah as usual.

Zemirah Loc: Sojourner En Route...

Thanks, bahmer,

When God's Word is proclaimed, Jesus said that we, His sheep would recognize His voice.

Armageddun Loc: The show me state

Amen and Amen. Another great post. I tell people that religion is man looking up and telling God what they have done for Him. Christianity is God pointing to the cross and saying look at what I've done for you. While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. We love Him because He first loved us.

You need to thank us here in Misery for yer beautiful winter wonderland. hahahahahahaha