What, if any, is the difference between true Christianity, other religions and false views of....
I’ve often heard that one religion is the same or similar to the next. The recent wars in the Middle East have certainly drawn a lot of attention to Islam. This has made me think more about religion and what it all means. They can’t all be the same since right and wrong is very different in Christianity and Islam. There are widely differing views of Christianity and widely differing views of Islam. I see differences between Buddhists & Hindus too. All religions have their differences. How do you make heads or tails of traditional thinking that tries to convince us all religions are the same? What is the real distinguishing factor?
Posted by Mike Kelly on 03/21 at 08:16 PM
I love to boil complicated issues down to an easy to understand idea. If I had to give the answer to this question in a nutshell the answer would be “works”. All false religious views and all wrong views of Christianity boil down to works versus grace. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
I cannot think of a major world religion that is not based on humans working in some way to merit heaven. Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam teach some kind of works in order to go to heaven. Wrong views of Christianity do the same. Additionally, Christian denominations and or individuals may pay lip service to grace but actually teach works. They sing the hymn “Just as I am” and then when they have you they lay down the law.
I know some are wondering if there is no place for works in the true Christian view. Yes, there is. Works are a result of a person’s conviction after receiving salvation by grace. This is one of those fine line differences. Good works are an obligation of love. Good works cannot merit salvation. It’s that simple.
What are your thoughts?