Even though my brother does not espouse the Christian faith our
conversations have long inspired me to examine my faith more deeply and
analytically so I can better know what I believe and why.
Some time back one of the things he unknowingly challenged
me with is the common secular viewpoint that all religions are basically alike…
each believing their religion to be THE right one while all others are wrong. It
goes without saying that I believe this is a grave misconception!
Many Christians also loudly decry the idea that Christianity
is even a “religion,” and instead place it under a separate category then declares it to be a “Relationship.” I can understand why they believe that, and
can also agree… but I realize too that it is also indeed a religion as defined
by our dictionaries.
So what makes Christianity so different that many of us will
deny it’s a religion… while others are declaring it to be no different than
other religions?
Thus my desire to reveal key differences between
Christianity and other religions was born.
While seeking out just the right words to do this, I realized
that by setting up simple contrasts each explains itself in just a few words—and
without using “Christianese!”
Here is the start of my list. Would you like to add to it? Feel free to share your insight
in a comment if you do.
.
The tenets of Christianity are
based on a teacher who proved to be God through his miracles, death and
resurrection, which were witnessed by hundreds (if not thousands) and recorded for history. Other
religions are based on the teachings and unsupported claims of fallible human
beings like ourselves.
With Christianity this same
resurrection makes it possible for His followers to commune and consult with
their teacher who still lives. Since the great teachers who launched other religions
remain dead, this is obviously not possible for their followers.
Christianity centers on God,
religion centers on self and man.
Christianity teaches that God lowered
Himself and came in human form to redeem man so he can share eternal life with
Him. Religion teaches man he can elevate himself so he can achieve a utopian
life.
Christianity is God humbling
himself to man’s level. Religion is man pridefully trying to elevate himself to
God’s level.
Christianity says the way to God is
opened up through His grace and our faith. Religion says it’s solely through man’s
efforts and good deeds.
Christianity tells us it is
possible to gain heaven through what the God-man, Jesus, did. Religion says it
is gained through what man does.
Christianity teaches us to die to
self, other religions teach us to nurture self.
Christianity spotlights to expose
man’s undesirable character traits so they can be battled and conquered, while religion
deflects the light so man can continue keeping those traits hidden and deniable.
Christianity is inclusive. Religion
is exclusive.
I know this last concept seems to be especially challenged
by some. But it is among one of Christianity’s most important ones and so I
list it here. No matter who you are, you
can be accepted by God and included in His eternal plan. It is your free
choice to accept or reject that plan. And you’re responsible only to Him. Christianity
can then only be labeled as being all inclusive.
So what do YOU think?
Are all religious faiths truly the same?
Are your religious beliefs based on God’s revelation, or on
one of man’s religious speculations? (Which by the way can happen in Christian
circles as well as other religions folks!)
We must each decide for ourselves, and live this short life
accordingly.
In historical records there is much proof that Jesus truly was
a God-man who worked miracles, was crucified by arrogant religious leaders and
died. But he surprised all by coming
back to life again and returning to His heavenly home, which loudly declared his awesome identity.
That is why I reject religions born from the minds of
men… but I embrace the one where evidence points to the fact it was born out of
the heart of God.
It is my hope that those who truly believe all religions are
the same will at some point find themselves able to discern the differences and enrich
their lives accordingly.
Being a follower of Christ is an unpredictable journey,
which at times can be challenging yet exciting. And I’m sure most of you have
found the same to be true for yourselves as well. I'm then so thankful we have a LIVING Guide and Teacher!
A fellow traveler…
Evelyn
