A Comparison Of World Religions

In our society today we are being taught a doctrine of tolerance for all religious ideas and beliefs, no matter how far-fetched they may be. The prevailing belief is that we all worship the same God; in other words - all religions are equally valid. Thus, we tolerate everything from aging actresses who are "out on a limb", to loud mouthed and obnoxious lesbian atheists who compare Christians with murdering terrorists.

It is increasingly obvious that the one religion that is not well-tolerated is Biblical Christianity. Evangelical Christians are hated, despised, and made mockery of. In many parts of the world, they are tortured and killed for their religion. Our left-wing media is so biased against Christians, it doesn’t even report these killings and tortures of Christians around the world. Even right here in America, Christians are treated to ridicule and contempt.

While it is true that as Christians we are called to live in peace with one another, and we are to love all mankind, as we know that Jesus died for all, that does not mean that we should not speak out against wrong teachings. Those things that go directly against God's Word need to be dealt with. In fact the Holy Bible instructs us to speak the truth with love. (Eph. 4:15)

This then is a comparison of some of the major world religions. Every thinking person ought to know why they believe what they believe, and should be able to give an explanation for their belief. We are called to "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." (II Tim. 4:2)

Too many people have been and are being led astray by false religions. All false religions have several things in common. First, and foremost, they all deny the deity of Jesus Christ. They may acknowledge Him as a great prophet, or as a good teacher, but they deny that He is God, in spite of the fact that He said "I and my Father are one." (John 10:30)

Second, all false religions teach a doctrine of works: something the believer must do themselves, in order to be saved and go to heaven. Third, they either replace the Holy Bible with some other book, or add to it their own teachings. Many of these replacement books twist Scripture to fit their own dogma, rather than allowing Scripture to interpret itself.

These three things can be considered the 'litmus test' of truth. If a religion or denomination fails in one or more of these areas, we know there is a problem.

In comparing major religions, we want to look at several fundamental points:

• Who started this religion, and when?
• What do they say about God?
• What do they base their teachings on - the Holy Bible, and/or something else?
• Who is Jesus Christ, and what did he do?
• What is sin, and how do they get forgiveness for it?
• What happens when they die?

The following pages are a very minimal examination of one of the world's most complex subjects, offered to help you understand the basic differences between religions. Our beliefs must always be examined in the light of God's Holy Word.

Christianity

Roman Catholicism

Islam

Judaism

Hinduism