2. One Point of View:
“Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and
many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that
leads to life, and only a few find it.” -Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew
7:13-14)
I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except
through me. Jesus of Nazareth (John 14:6)
4. OutlineOutline
► Theology: ideas about GodTheology: ideas about God
► World View: What is man’s place in the world?World View: What is man’s place in the world?
► Scripture: What is the source of authority?Scripture: What is the source of authority?
5. DefinitionsDefinitions
► Animism: Anima = spirit. A religious system which includesAnimism: Anima = spirit. A religious system which includes
the belief that spirits inhabit inanimate objects andthe belief that spirits inhabit inanimate objects and
phenomenaphenomena
► Polytheism: Poly = many. A belief that the universe isPolytheism: Poly = many. A belief that the universe is
governed by many gods.governed by many gods.
► Pantheism: Pan = all. A belief that a spirit fills the universe.Pantheism: Pan = all. A belief that a spirit fills the universe.
God is the universe, and we are part of God.God is the universe, and we are part of God.
► Dualism: A belief that the universe is governed by nearlyDualism: A belief that the universe is governed by nearly
equally matched forces of good and evil. (Zoroastrianism)equally matched forces of good and evil. (Zoroastrianism)
6. Biblical TheologyBiblical Theology
► In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1Genesis 1:1
► By faith we understand that the universe was formed atBy faith we understand that the universe was formed at
God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out ofGod’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of
what was visible. Hebrews 11:3what was visible. Hebrews 11:3
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and onlyFor God so loved the world that he gave his one and only
son….son….
7. HINDUISMHINDUISM
► The principle religion of India.The principle religion of India.
► Approximately 900,000,000Approximately 900,000,000
adherents.adherents.
► Began as animism/polytheismBegan as animism/polytheism
► Evolved intoEvolved into
polytheism/pantheismpolytheism/pantheism
► Syncretistic. Hinduism is notSyncretistic. Hinduism is not
really a single religion.really a single religion.
Ganesh: a Hindu deity
God of wisdom and
intellect
8. Principle gods of HinduismPrinciple gods of Hinduism
► Brahma Chief god of the pantheon.Brahma Chief god of the pantheon.
► Shiva God of destruction. WorshippedShiva God of destruction. Worshipped
as a male phalus.as a male phalus.
► Vishnu Preserver and protector.Vishnu Preserver and protector.
► Krishna The eighth emanation of Vishna.Krishna The eighth emanation of Vishna.
► Rama Seventh incarnation of Vishna. Hero of the Ramayana.Rama Seventh incarnation of Vishna. Hero of the Ramayana.
► Devi Chief female deity. The power (shakti) that animates theDevi Chief female deity. The power (shakti) that animates the
cosmos.cosmos.
► Lakshmi Female consort of Vishnu. Godess of prosperity.Lakshmi Female consort of Vishnu. Godess of prosperity.
Lakshmi
9. BuddhismBuddhism
► Principle religion of Korea, Japan,Principle religion of Korea, Japan,
Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, BurmaCambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Burma
Sri Lanka and China?Sri Lanka and China?
► 400,000,000 adherents.400,000,000 adherents.
► A reaction against the rigid priestlyA reaction against the rigid priestly
system of Hinduism.system of Hinduism.
► Pantheistic, or arguably non-theistic.Pantheistic, or arguably non-theistic.
A philosophy, a psychology.A philosophy, a psychology.
10.
11. JainismJainism
► Founder: MahaviraFounder: Mahavira ~600-540 BC~600-540 BC
► Last of 24 gurus. Parshva 750 BC?Last of 24 gurus. Parshva 750 BC?
► Location: India mostly.Location: India mostly.
► About 5,000,000 practitionersAbout 5,000,000 practitioners
► A reaction to worldly, priestlyA reaction to worldly, priestly
HinduismHinduism
12. Jaina TheologyJaina Theology
► Very strong emphasis on asceticismVery strong emphasis on asceticism
► Siddhartha may have been a follower beforeSiddhartha may have been a follower before
finding a middle way.finding a middle way.
► We are souls trapped in a body. The goal:We are souls trapped in a body. The goal:
escape the body to reach nirvana throughescape the body to reach nirvana through
ascetic practices.ascetic practices.
► ReincarnationReincarnation
► KarmaKarma
► PantheisticPantheistic
The Svastika
a symbol of
samsara
(rebirth)
13. Sikh Teaching and TheologySikh Teaching and Theology
► Reject polytheism but keepReject polytheism but keep
ideas of maya (illusion),ideas of maya (illusion),
samsara (reincarnation), karmasamsara (reincarnation), karma
► Reject priestly system. All areReject priestly system. All are
equal before the “True Name.”equal before the “True Name.”
► Opposition to idolatry and toOpposition to idolatry and to
asceticism.asceticism.
► Sikhs do not try to escape theSikhs do not try to escape the
world, but to participate in it.world, but to participate in it.
► Works salvation: “Sin andWorks salvation: “Sin and
sorrow are destroyed bysorrow are destroyed by
hearkening.”hearkening.”
The Golden Temple
Amristar, India
14. TaoismTaoism (Daoism)(Daoism)
► Founded by Lao Tzu—a contemporary of Confucius.Founded by Lao Tzu—a contemporary of Confucius.
► Scripture: The Tao Te Ching. Tao = way Te = power Ching =Scripture: The Tao Te Ching. Tao = way Te = power Ching =
teachingteaching
► Basic doctrine: Through non-involvement and withdrawal, we comeBasic doctrine: Through non-involvement and withdrawal, we come
to know god/deity. Emphasis on self-interest. “The religion ofto know god/deity. Emphasis on self-interest. “The religion of
selfishness.”selfishness.”
► Pantheistic. Experience God by contemplating nature.Pantheistic. Experience God by contemplating nature.
► Emphasis on mysticism and magic.Emphasis on mysticism and magic.
““He would not pluck so much as a hair out of his head for the benefitHe would not pluck so much as a hair out of his head for the benefit
of his fellow man.”of his fellow man.”
15. Ba’hai TheologyBa’hai Theology
► Salvation through keeping the law as handed down bySalvation through keeping the law as handed down by
Baha-UllahBaha-Ullah
► Emphasis on good deeds, helping the poor, educationEmphasis on good deeds, helping the poor, education
► Jesus did not die for our sins, because he did not have to.Jesus did not die for our sins, because he did not have to.
We are imperfect, but not lost.We are imperfect, but not lost.
► Scripture: The writings of Baha-Ullah. There are many!Scripture: The writings of Baha-Ullah. There are many!
16. New Age: A Very Confusing ReligionNew Age: A Very Confusing Religion
Is it:Is it:
Palm reading?Palm reading?
Channeling?Channeling?
Seances?Seances?
Meditation?Meditation?
Reincarnation?Reincarnation?
Occultism?Occultism?
Gurus?Gurus?
Paganism?Paganism?
Gnosticism?Gnosticism?
Mother Goddess worship?Mother Goddess worship?
Yes… all the above.Yes… all the above.
17. So, What is New Age, Really?So, What is New Age, Really?
► You are God, I am God, the trees are God, we all areYou are God, I am God, the trees are God, we all are
God!God!
► New Age is Western pantheismNew Age is Western pantheism
► New Age is a syncretistic blend of Gnosticism, Hinduism,New Age is a syncretistic blend of Gnosticism, Hinduism,
Spiritualism, Mysticism, Buddhism and Paganism.Spiritualism, Mysticism, Buddhism and Paganism.
► New Age is Monism! God is everything I am God!!!New Age is Monism! God is everything I am God!!!
““Once we begin to see that we are all God, then I think the wholeOnce we begin to see that we are all God, then I think the whole
purpose of life is to re-own the God-likeness within us.”purpose of life is to re-own the God-likeness within us.”
18. Islamic TheologyIslamic Theology
► Like Christianity and Judaism, Islam is monotheisticLike Christianity and Judaism, Islam is monotheistic
► But there are several differences in the theology of theseBut there are several differences in the theology of these
religions.religions.
► In Islam God is more like the neo-Platonic idea of God—In Islam God is more like the neo-Platonic idea of God—
very distant and removed from man.very distant and removed from man.
19. Islamic TheologyIslamic Theology
““Surely good deeds take away evil deeds”Surely good deeds take away evil deeds”
(11:114).(11:114).
KabiraKabira (big sins)—murder, adultery, drunkenness,(big sins)—murder, adultery, drunkenness,
disobeying parents, neglecting Ramadan or Fridaydisobeying parents, neglecting Ramadan or Friday
prayers, gambling, dancing, shaving the beard, forgettingprayers, gambling, dancing, shaving the beard, forgetting
the Koran after reading it, usury… Forgiveness withthe Koran after reading it, usury… Forgiveness with
repentance.repentance.
SaghiraSaghira (little sins)—deceit, anger, lust. Forgiveness if(little sins)—deceit, anger, lust. Forgiveness if
greater sins are avoided and good deeds are performed.greater sins are avoided and good deeds are performed.
ShirkShirk—association (of other gods—association (of other gods with Allah). Nowith Allah). No
forgiveness.forgiveness.
20. Salvation by own effortSalvation by own effort
(40:9, 39:61, 7:43)(40:9, 39:61, 7:43)
Charity atones for sinsCharity atones for sins
(2:271,277)(2:271,277)
►Earn grace.Earn grace.
►Earn favor of Allah.Earn favor of Allah.
►Earn salvation.Earn salvation.
►Earn paradise.Earn paradise.
21. Islam: Salvation is earned through the
efforts of those who were pre-selected
by Allah to inhabit a very sensual
paradise.
Christianity: Salvation is granted by
the grace of a loving God to those who,
through faith and repentance and
baptism accept that love.
24. Works Salvation: Man
reaches out to God.
Islam
Hinduism
Jaina
Sikkhism
Gnosticism
New Age
Buddhism?
Salvation by Grace:
God reaches out to man.
Judaism
Christianity
25. World View: What Is My Place in the World?World View: What Is My Place in the World?
► What is my purpose?What is my purpose?
► What is my relationship with creation?What is my relationship with creation?
26. Definitions (cont.)Definitions (cont.)
► Asceticism: a belief that enlightenment, or a closeAsceticism: a belief that enlightenment, or a close
relationship with deity is obtained by an extreme denial ofrelationship with deity is obtained by an extreme denial of
worldly pleasures and possessions. Associated withworldly pleasures and possessions. Associated with
monasteries, monks, nuns, and the like.monasteries, monks, nuns, and the like.
► Mysticism: a belief which has been incorporated in allMysticism: a belief which has been incorporated in all
world religions which sees enlightenment and spiritualworld religions which sees enlightenment and spiritual
powers coming through contemplation/meditation/directpowers coming through contemplation/meditation/direct
experience of God.experience of God.
27. Hindu World ViewHindu World View
► Maya. The physical world is an illusion.Maya. The physical world is an illusion.
► Brahman. Universal soul.Brahman. Universal soul.
► The goal: Nirvana; oneness with the universal soul whichThe goal: Nirvana; oneness with the universal soul which
is within yourself.is within yourself.
► The Hindu world view has man looking inward, notThe Hindu world view has man looking inward, not
outward.outward.
28. The eight-fold path to bodhi/dharma/nirvana/lack ofThe eight-fold path to bodhi/dharma/nirvana/lack of
sufferingsuffering
► Right viewpoint (the four noble truths).Right viewpoint (the four noble truths).
► Right values.Right values.
► Right speech.Right speech.
► Right actions.Right actions.
► Right livelihoodRight livelihood
► Right effortRight effort
► Right mindfulnessRight mindfulness
► Right meditationRight meditation
29. The Four Noble Truths of SiddharthaThe Four Noble Truths of Siddhartha
► Suffering is not getting what one wants.Suffering is not getting what one wants.
► The cause of suffering is desire which leads to rebirth.The cause of suffering is desire which leads to rebirth.
► The way to end suffering is to end desire.The way to end suffering is to end desire.
► The way to the end of desire and of suffering is the eight-The way to the end of desire and of suffering is the eight-
fold path.fold path.
► Buddhism encourages dispassion, not compassion.Buddhism encourages dispassion, not compassion.
30. Jaina WorldviewJaina Worldview
► A very strange cosmology. The universe is an infinitely repeatingA very strange cosmology. The universe is an infinitely repeating
pattern of cycles of time.pattern of cycles of time.
► One of the gurus lived 70 trillion years and was 3000 ft. tall.One of the gurus lived 70 trillion years and was 3000 ft. tall.
► The earth is the center of the universeThe earth is the center of the universe
► The universe has existed forever.The universe has existed forever.
► Five Mahavrata or rules of ascetic livingFive Mahavrata or rules of ascetic living
Ahimsa. Non-harming (fly-whisk, strain liquids, etc…)Ahimsa. Non-harming (fly-whisk, strain liquids, etc…)
Satya. TruthfulnessSatya. Truthfulness
Asteya. Non-stealingAsteya. Non-stealing
CelibacyCelibacy
Non-attachmentNon-attachment
31. Islamic Worldview:
God is very distant from mankind
In Islam, Allah determines everything, even
who will choose to follow him.
2:142, 6:39 6:125
Inshallah God willing. It is God’s will that
people suffer.
.
32. The Biblical World ViewThe Biblical World View
► The physical world is real and it is good. Genesis 1:31The physical world is real and it is good. Genesis 1:31
Only Islam agrees with this conclusion.Only Islam agrees with this conclusion.
► This world is not our home.This world is not our home.
► But, compassion… James 1:27 Micah 6:8But, compassion… James 1:27 Micah 6:8
► Christian groups are responsible for virtually all the world’sChristian groups are responsible for virtually all the world’s
efforts to deal with poverty and human suffering in generalefforts to deal with poverty and human suffering in general
and to work for social justice.and to work for social justice.
33. Scriptures of World ReligionsScriptures of World Religions
► And we also thank God continually because, when youAnd we also thank God continually because, when you
received the word of God, which you heard from us, youreceived the word of God, which you heard from us, you
accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, theaccepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the
word of God. 1 Thess 2:13word of God. 1 Thess 2:13
34. Important conceptsImportant concepts
► Scripture: The list of primary authoritative writings for aScripture: The list of primary authoritative writings for a
particular religion.particular religion.
► Inspiration: The belief that a particular writing, edict orInspiration: The belief that a particular writing, edict or
tradition comes by direct communication from divinity, andtradition comes by direct communication from divinity, and
is therefore perfect and authoritative.is therefore perfect and authoritative.
► Myth: A story, presumably fictionalized, about a divineMyth: A story, presumably fictionalized, about a divine
interaction with human beings which teaches an importantinteraction with human beings which teaches an important
religious truth.religious truth.
35. Scriptures of HinduismScriptures of Hinduism
► Vedas Poems. Ritualistic, priestly. 1500-1000 BC. Include theVedas Poems. Ritualistic, priestly. 1500-1000 BC. Include the
Brahmanas.Brahmanas.
► Upanishads Highly philosophical essays about brahman, atman,Upanishads Highly philosophical essays about brahman, atman,
transmigration of atman, karma and so forth. 800-600 BC.transmigration of atman, karma and so forth. 800-600 BC.
► Epics (Ramayana, Mahabarata, Bhagavad Gita) Mythic adventuresEpics (Ramayana, Mahabarata, Bhagavad Gita) Mythic adventures
of Rama, Krishna and others.of Rama, Krishna and others.
► Puranas Largely local legends, myths, many local deities. ADPuranas Largely local legends, myths, many local deities. AD
400-1000. This is the “scripture” of most local Hindus.400-1000. This is the “scripture” of most local Hindus.
► Tantras Religious discussions/teachings.Tantras Religious discussions/teachings.
36. Buddhist ScriptureBuddhist Scripture
► The Tripitaka Three sets of the supposedly originalThe Tripitaka Three sets of the supposedly original
sayings and teachings and philosophy of Buddha.sayings and teachings and philosophy of Buddha.
These were oral only for about 400 years.These were oral only for about 400 years.
► Disputes over the content of the Tripitaka led eventuallyDisputes over the content of the Tripitaka led eventually
to the Theravada, Mahayana and other sects.to the Theravada, Mahayana and other sects.
► Jatakas Mahayana stories of previous incarnations ofJatakas Mahayana stories of previous incarnations of
Siddhartha Buddha. Buddhism is a striving throughSiddhartha Buddha. Buddhism is a striving through
many lives to come to a bodhisattva state.many lives to come to a bodhisattva state.
38. Scriptures of SikkhismScriptures of Sikkhism
► The Adi Granth Compiled by the fifth guru Arjun in 1604The Adi Granth Compiled by the fifth guru Arjun in 1604
► The Ganth of the Tenth King: Written by the last of the tenThe Ganth of the Tenth King: Written by the last of the ten
great gurus of Sikhism Gobind Singh.great gurus of Sikhism Gobind Singh.
► The Janamsakhis Legends. Obviously mythical accountsThe Janamsakhis Legends. Obviously mythical accounts
of the life of Nanak, including miracles. (Nanak neverof the life of Nanak, including miracles. (Nanak never
claimed to be a miracle worker).claimed to be a miracle worker).
Works salvation: “Sin and sorrow are destroyed byWorks salvation: “Sin and sorrow are destroyed by
hearkening.”hearkening.”
39. The Qu’ran; the Scripture of IslamThe Qu’ran; the Scripture of Islam
Based on “revelations” from Gabriel toBased on “revelations” from Gabriel to
Mohammed.Mohammed.
Compiled in the 7Compiled in the 7thth
century AD (the 600s).century AD (the 600s).
Contains 114 chapters, or suras, arrangedContains 114 chapters, or suras, arranged
from longest to shortest. Quite repetitive.from longest to shortest. Quite repetitive.
About 80% the length of the NewAbout 80% the length of the New
Testament.Testament.
40. • Early Period in Mecca. Muhammad sees
himself as following tradition of Judaism.
Muslims pray toward Jerusalem.
• Early Medina period. Mohammad begins
to be politically powerful. The idea of Jihad
introduced.
• Later Medina and Meccan period.
Muhammad strongly opposed to Jews and
Christianity. Islam definitely a distinct
religion.
41. Historical errors in the Qur’anHistorical errors in the Qur’an
► Ishmael = IsaacIshmael = Isaac
37:10237:102
► 2 trees in Eden = 1 tree2 trees in Eden = 1 tree 20:12020:120
► Noah’s 4th son drownsNoah’s 4th son drowns 11:4311:43
► Zechariah silent 3 days (not 9 months)Zechariah silent 3 days (not 9 months)
3:413:41
► Pharaoh’s magicians repentPharaoh’s magicians repent 20:7020:70
► Judges 7 / 1 Sam 17 conflatedJudges 7 / 1 Sam 17 conflated 2:2492:249
► Jesus’ childhood miraclesJesus’ childhood miracles 3:49, 5:110, 19:303:49, 5:110, 19:30
42. Scientific errors in Qur’anScientific errors in Qur’an
(I)(I)
23:14—23:14—Creation from the clot of bloodCreation from the clot of blood
““Then we made the sperm into a clot ofThen we made the sperm into a clot of
congealed blood; then from that clot wecongealed blood; then from that clot we
made a lump; and we made out of that lumpmade a lump; and we made out of that lump
bones and clothed the bones with flesh.”bones and clothed the bones with flesh.”
18:86—18:86—Traveling west…Traveling west…
“…“… till, when he reached the setting-place oftill, when he reached the setting-place of
the sun, he found it setting in a muddythe sun, he found it setting in a muddy
spring.”spring.”
43. Scientific errors in Qur’anScientific errors in Qur’an
(II)(II)
21:33—21:33—Sun and stars orbit the earthSun and stars orbit the earth
12—12—11 planets11 planets
34:9, 52:44—34:9, 52:44—Piece of sky falls and killsPiece of sky falls and kills
someonesomeone
36:4, 23:14 Man deposits child into the mother36:4, 23:14 Man deposits child into the mother
44. Christianity: The Inspiration of the Bible isChristianity: The Inspiration of the Bible is
Confirmed By:Confirmed By:
► Historical AccuracyHistorical Accuracy
► Fulfilled ProphecyFulfilled Prophecy
► Scientific AccuracyScientific Accuracy
► Internal Consistency. Many authors, one theology.Internal Consistency. Many authors, one theology.
► Types, prefigures and foreshadows in the Old TestamentTypes, prefigures and foreshadows in the Old Testament
which are fulfilled in Jesus Christwhich are fulfilled in Jesus Christ
► The public miracles of Jesus which confirm his claimsThe public miracles of Jesus which confirm his claims
► The resurrection of Jesus from the deadThe resurrection of Jesus from the dead
46. Isaiah 53:1-13:
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of
sorrows, familiar with suffering. (v. 3)
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was
crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought
us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are
healed. (v. 5)
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open
his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter and
as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not
open his mouth. (v. 7)
47. Micah 5:2
But you, Bethlehem Ephathrah, though you are small
among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one
who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old,
from ancient times.
Isaiah 9:1,6
In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of
Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the
Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan…. For
to us a child is born… And he will be called Wonderful
Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of
Peace.
48.
49.
50. Psalm 22:16-18
Dogs have surrounded me;
a band of evil men have encircled me,
they have pierced my hands and my feet.
I can count all my bones; (John 19:3-37)
people stare and gloat over me.
They divide my garments among them
and cast lots for my clothing. (John 19:23,24)
51. Zechariah 11:12,13
I told them, “If you think it best, give me my pay; but if
not, keep it.” so they payed me thirty pieces of silver.
(Matthew 26:14-16)
And the Lord said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—the
handsome price at which they priced me! So I took the thirty
pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the Lord, to
the potter. (Matthew 27:3-8)
52. Daniel 9:24-26
Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and your
holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone
for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal
up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy.
Know and understand this: From the issuing of the
decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, until the Anointed
One, the ruler comes, there will be seven ‘sevens’ and sixty
two ‘sevens’
Decree of Artaxerxes (Ezra 7:12-26) 458 BC
458 BC + 490 years = AD 33!!! (no zero BC)
53. According to the Old Testament, the Messiah must:According to the Old Testament, the Messiah must:
► Be born in BethlehemBe born in Bethlehem
► Be raised in Galilee near NazarethBe raised in Galilee near Nazareth
► Be despised and rejected by menBe despised and rejected by men
► Be meek and silent before his accusersBe meek and silent before his accusers
► Be “pierced”Be “pierced”
► Be crucifiedBe crucified
► Have his garments divided and gambled overHave his garments divided and gambled over
► Be betrayed for 30 pieces of silverBe betrayed for 30 pieces of silver
► Come to Jerusalem to make atonement for sin in about AD 33Come to Jerusalem to make atonement for sin in about AD 33
► And many more….And many more….
Was all this an accident, or did God plan all along for the Passion of theWas all this an accident, or did God plan all along for the Passion of the
Christ for forgiveness of sins? What do you think?Christ for forgiveness of sins? What do you think?
54. SummarySummary
► The theologies of world religions are fundamentally andThe theologies of world religions are fundamentally and
diametrically opposed to one another. Many paths to thediametrically opposed to one another. Many paths to the
same God is a ludicrous philosophy.same God is a ludicrous philosophy.
► The world view of Christianity is radically different fromThe world view of Christianity is radically different from
any other religion. They cannot both be right!any other religion. They cannot both be right!
► The truth of the Bible is confirmed byThe truth of the Bible is confirmed by
Clear evidence of inspiration (fulfilled prophecy, types andClear evidence of inspiration (fulfilled prophecy, types and
foreshadows, historical accuracy, scientific evidence, etc…)foreshadows, historical accuracy, scientific evidence, etc…)
Public miracles worked by Moses, Elijah and others, andPublic miracles worked by Moses, Elijah and others, and
especially by Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:3,4).especially by Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:3,4).
