Are All Religions Basically the Same?
You've probably heard some form of the following sentiment: When you strip away the rites and rituals, all religions are basically the same.
It sounds nice. Polite. Inoffensive. Politically correct. But, of course, it’s dead wrong.
We evangelical Christians understand this. Our very claim that Christ is the Truth implies that Christianity is unique. But even in academia—where Christian faith is certainly not the norm—the belief that all religions are the same has been largely abandoned. Scholars of comparative religion almost unanimously agree that the world’s major religions differ in important and irreconcilable ways.
For instance, who could argue that Islam and Buddhism are essentially the same? Islam is fiercely monotheistic. Buddhism, on the other hand, has no conception of a god, except as an impersonal force. The central injunction for Muslims is obedience. The goal for Buddhists is enlightenment. Then there’s Christianity. The doctrine of grace—which is central to Christian faith—has no parallel in any other system of belief. Once you start examining religions closely, the differences come to light fairly quickly. In his classic book Christianity and World Religion Norman Anderson writes, “Even the most cursory examination of the theology of different religions reveals far more contradiction than consensus.”
Given the sharp contrasts between religions, I’m always amazed to hear people opine confidently that they are really all the same. Even such comments as “all paths lead to God” strike me as bizarre. How can all paths lead to God when all of those paths define God in radically different ways and some paths don’t even believe in Him!
The tendency to lump all religions together is often what causes people to balk at the exclusive claims of the Christian faith. If all religions are basically the same, why embrace Christianity? Perhaps we need to draw attention to the fact that religions actually differ dramatically and carefully delineate our faith’s unique beliefs. At least then people will not dismiss Christ as just one face in a pantheon of homogenous deities. Understanding the differences, they will see the need to make a choice.
It sounds nice. Polite. Inoffensive. Politically correct. But, of course, it’s dead wrong.
We evangelical Christians understand this. Our very claim that Christ is the Truth implies that Christianity is unique. But even in academia—where Christian faith is certainly not the norm—the belief that all religions are the same has been largely abandoned. Scholars of comparative religion almost unanimously agree that the world’s major religions differ in important and irreconcilable ways.
For instance, who could argue that Islam and Buddhism are essentially the same? Islam is fiercely monotheistic. Buddhism, on the other hand, has no conception of a god, except as an impersonal force. The central injunction for Muslims is obedience. The goal for Buddhists is enlightenment. Then there’s Christianity. The doctrine of grace—which is central to Christian faith—has no parallel in any other system of belief. Once you start examining religions closely, the differences come to light fairly quickly. In his classic book Christianity and World Religion Norman Anderson writes, “Even the most cursory examination of the theology of different religions reveals far more contradiction than consensus.”
Given the sharp contrasts between religions, I’m always amazed to hear people opine confidently that they are really all the same. Even such comments as “all paths lead to God” strike me as bizarre. How can all paths lead to God when all of those paths define God in radically different ways and some paths don’t even believe in Him!
The tendency to lump all religions together is often what causes people to balk at the exclusive claims of the Christian faith. If all religions are basically the same, why embrace Christianity? Perhaps we need to draw attention to the fact that religions actually differ dramatically and carefully delineate our faith’s unique beliefs. At least then people will not dismiss Christ as just one face in a pantheon of homogenous deities. Understanding the differences, they will see the need to make a choice.
posted by Drew Dyck at 2:39 PM
5 Comments:
I've totally experienced people with this idea especially in college. The professors all seemed to think that all religion were just about love. They make no effort to see the important distinctions in belief and how those beliefs change the way people think and engage with the world around them.
Recently I had an opportunity to sit down with a Hindu and Sikh to discuss "Biblical Christianity 101". For several weeks we looked at Scripture and I clearly explained the gospel and the claims of Jesus Christ.
After about the 4th week, the Hindu guy stopped coming presumably because he got the message that "Jesus is the way" and it didn't appeal to his heart or at least he couldn't forsake all to follow Christ.
The other guy never really caught on to the distinctions I made and seemed to want to add Jesus to a slew of other gods.
I started to become frustrated until I remembered the truth of Jesus' words, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him." (John 6:44a)
As Christians who believe that Jesus is the only way to God, we must also remember that it's only because of God and his grace that we ourselves have come to understand the mystery of our faith.
Pierre Eade
www.christiangrowthnetwork.com
It is because they all "think" they are a "good person" yet all of them have lied, stolen, disobeyed their parents and looked with lust.
Most men will proclaim their own goodness - Proverbs 20
I don't why most people think they are going to heaven. Jesus said most of them are going to choose hell.
Many - Broad path to destruction.
There is a muslim in our family. When i ask him why he hated jews or Jesus? He really didn't know, that he was raised that way. Christians he had a hard time accepting because of what they stood for.
When he learned I am not the one who will condmn. 1 Cor. 13, I told him about love true love. He still a muslim, but he no longer hates me.
I agree with Pierre that we must share the Bible's truth with humility. I have given up judging others - what a weight off my shoulders. God loves us all - terrorists, etc, but will hold us accountable. God uses all our actions for his good and perfect plan. I am also researching non-believer's opinions so I can accept my faith because I believe it - not just because I was raised that way. I committed to reading the entire Bible this year for the first time and I have learned so much about God's plan - it isn't a boring book like I've always thought. Also, I recently read "The Case for Christ" and "The Shack". I am presently reading "The Reason for God". I've never read this much in my life, but it is a great way to witness for me. I can mention the Dead Sea Scrolls, suffering, etc. It is tough to research non-believer's opinions (amazon God blogs, or atheism books) but I believe it will benefit me. God bless the seekers for questioning and the believers for their faith.
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