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Grade 12
Unit 8
BIBLE 1208
COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS
CONTENTS
I. CHRISTIANITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2
THE BASICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VALIDITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TRUE AND FALSE CHRISTIANITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2
4
5
II. WORLD RELIGIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
BUDDHISM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CONFUCIANISM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HINDUISM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ISLAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
JUDAISM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
13
15
18
21
III. THE OCCULT
.........................
26
SPIRITUALISM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PSYCHIC PHENOMENA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ASTROLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE NEW AGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26
28
28
30
GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35
Author:
Barry G. Burrus, M.Div, M.A., B.S.
Editor:
Alan Christopherson, M.S.
Illustrations:
Melissa Evers
Kyle R. Bennett, A.S.
804 N. 2nd Ave. E., Rock Rapids, IA 51246-1759
© MM by Alpha Omega Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.
LIFEPAC is a registered trademark of Alpha Omega Publications, Inc.
All trademarks and/or service marks referenced in this material are the property of their respective owners. Alpha Omega Publications, Inc.
makes no claim of ownership to any trademarks and/or service marks other than their own and their affiliates’, and makes no claim of
affiliation to any companies whose trademarks may be listed in this material, other than their own.
COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS
claims of Christianity itself and compare them
with the beliefs of pseudo-Christian movements,
major world religions, the occult, and the New Age.
Having a general knowledge of the claims of other
religions has a dual value. First, such knowledge is
beneficial when you proclaim the Gospel to
followers of them. Secondly, a knowledge of the
beliefs and practices of other religions shores up
the validity of your own faith. Through this study,
you will see that Christianity is unique, and better
understand why it can undeniably be recognized
as the only true religion.
In 1 Timothy, Paul tells us that God “…desires
all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge
of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one
mediator between God and men, the man Christ
Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:4-5, RSV). Christianity is the
only true religion, but it is surrounded by a vast
number of other systems, including false
Christianity. While there are elements of truth in
other religions, only authentic Christianity obtains
access to God and salvation from His wrath
(Ephesians 4:21).
In this LIFEPAC® you will study the truth
OBJECTIVES
Read these objectives. The objectives tell you what you will be able to do when you have
successfully completed this LIFEPAC.
When you have finished this LIFEPAC, you should be able to:
1. Define basic Christianity.
2. State the guidelines for determining Christianity’s validity.
3. Examine false Christianity.
4. Describe the history, doctrine, and worship of the five major world religions.
5. Define the occult and identify its dangers.
6. Describe God’s commands regarding occultism.
7. Define aspects of New Age spirituality.
Survey the LIFEPAC. Ask yourself some questions about this study. Write your questions here.
1
I. CHRISTIANITY
The doctrinal and practical issues that
distinguish one religious group from another ranges
from slight to extreme. The concern is to clearly
define basic Christianity in order to identify those
who can truly be called Christian and those who
seriously deviate from historic Biblical doctrine.
Those who do not uphold basic Christianity are
more accurately called pseudo or even false
Christians. We love them and pray that God will
give them a clearer knowledge of Himself and the
Lord Jesus Christ.
SECTION OBJECTIVES
Review these objectives. When you have completed this section, you should be able to:
1. Define basic Christianity.
2. State the guidelines for determining the validity of a religious system.
3. Examine false Christianity.
VOCABULARY
Study these words to enhance your learning success in this section.
deviate
incarnate
Note: All vocabulary words in this LIFEPAC appear in boldface print the first time they are used. If you are unsure of
the meaning when you are reading, study the definitions given.
Read John 1:14; Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 28:1-6, and John 14:1-18.
THE BASICS
Christianity consists of specific truth claims
culled from the Holy Bible, both the Old and New
Testaments. The Bible is God’s complete
revelation to man, and therefore any doctrine
contrary to Scripture is non-Christian.
Christianity would not exist. Jesus did not come to
earth to establish a religious system or show us a
way to God; He Himself is the Way. He did not come
to tell us the truth; He is the Truth. Jesus also did
not come to give us life; He is the Life. Christianity
is not primarily a system of worship, it is a person:
Jesus Christ. Christianity’s character is defined by
the worship, honor, and obedience given to Jesus
Christ by those who have faith in Him.
Definition. From the Biblical root word
Christian, Christianity is defined as the collective
movement of those who “believe in Jesus Christ
and follow Him.” Without Jesus of Nazareth,
1.1
✒
Answer true or false.
Being a Christian implies being a follower of Jesus Christ.
1.2
You can believe anything you choose and still label your religion Christianity.
1.3
The Bible is the source document for the Christian faith.
1.4
Jesus Christ was simply a founder of a religious system.
1.5
Christianity is primarily about a person: Jesus Christ.
2
Central Doctrines. Throughout the centuries,
Christians have expressed their basic beliefs in
Creeds, Articles of Faith, and other summaries. For
our purposes, we will incorporate the most
important of these beliefs in seven doctrines basic
to Christianity. An individual or group must adhere
to these beliefs before being considered to be within
the boundaries of Christianity. The following seven
beliefs not only define Christianity, but serve as
guidelines for testing the validity of Christian cults.
1. There is One and only One True God, revealed
to us in Three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit. This is known as the Trinity. The
Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy
Spirit is God. Yet, there is only One God. This
is the starting point of all Christian belief.
2. God the Son became man in Jesus of
Nazareth. Jesus Christ is one with the Father
(John 10:30), both truly God and truly man.
John identifies Him as being the incarnate
Word who was with God the Father “in the
beginning…” “…the Word was with God, and
the Word was God” (John 1:1). “…the Word
was made flesh and dwelt among us… full of
grace and truth” (John 1:14). “…grace and
truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). John
claims Jesus Christ is God.
3. The death of Jesus Christ on the cross was for
the forgiveness of our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3
and 1 Peter 2:24). Out of His love for us, Jesus
of Nazareth, God incarnate, was crucified and
bore the wrath of God in our place (John
3:16).
4. Jesus rose again from the dead (Acts 2:24). In
His Resurrection, Jesus defeats sin and
✒
death. He proclaimed, “…I am the
resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in
me, though he were dead, yet shall he live”
(John 11:25). Paul reminds those who deny
the bodily Resurrection of Jesus that “…your
faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins” (1
Corinthians 15:17). Jesus is physically alive
today, as both Messiah and LORD (Acts 2:36,
Philippians 2:10-11).
5. God sent His Holy Spirit to the earth. Jesus
assured His disciples, “And I will pray the
Father, and he shall give you another
Comforter, that he may abide with you
forever” (John 14:16). Those who do not
believe in the current presence and ministry
of God the Holy Spirit have deviated from
Christianity.
6. Christ will, on some unknown day, return to
earth in Glory to judge the living and the
dead. This belief is central to the New
Testament, based on Christ’s words: “And if I
go to prepare a place for you, I will come
again, and receive you unto myself; that
where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3).
7. That the Bible, both Old and New Testaments,
are the exclusive Word of God to man (2
Timothy 3:16). Jesus is the fulfillment of
God’s prophecies, and Christians await no
further revelation until the Lord Jesus Christ
comes again.
These seven beliefs discern the validity of those
who claim to be Christians. Those who deviate from
any of these essential elements are non-Christian in
their doctrine.
Complete these statements.
1.6
Throughout the centuries, Christians have expressed their basic beliefs in
__________________ , Articles of Faith, and other basic summaries.
1.7
The basic and supreme Christian belief is the doctrine of the
1.8
Seven basic doctrines are essential to
1.9
The guidelines for identifying true Christianity can also he used to discern the
of those who claim to be Christian or followers of Jesus Christ.
✒
1.10
.
.
Complete this activity.
In your own words list each of the seven essential elements of the Christian faith.
a.
b.
c.
d.
3
e.
f.
g.
VALIDITY
Before you study world religions and cults, you
must know what you believe and why you believe it.
Your beliefs must be deeply rooted in the authority
of the Trinity, Scripture, regeneration, and heritage.
faith, and life. “All Scripture is given by inspiration
of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness…” (2
Timothy 3:16). “The law of the LORD is perfect,
converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is
sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7).
The Trinity. The power of God is seen
throughout history and the pages of Scripture. God
created all that is and has sole authority over it.
God loves His creation.
Jesus Christ is the fullest and most definitive
revelation of God to man. After His Resurrection,
He claimed, “…All power [authority] is given unto
me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18).
The Holy Spirit is sent to us to exalt Christ,
regenerate us, sanctify us and teach us to
understand God.
Regeneration. All those who Christ saves are
regenerated, or given the Second Birth, which
changes the direction of the heart toward God.
Anyone who is regenerate can testify to the change
of heart God gave them, from animosity and hatred
towards God, to honoring and loving Him.
Heritage. Since the beginning of the church,
people have passed their beliefs and convictions to
others within their family and community. Your
beliefs and practices are very likely a result of the
influence of your parents. The instruction you
received from your parents you will likely pass on
to your children. Many traditions are passed down
through generations of ancestry, thus proving the
Christian faith is grounded within history.
Scripture. The self-proclaimed God-given
authority of the Scriptures is clearly seen in both
its historical accuracy and the clear fulfillment of
its prophecies within history.
Scripture contains the complete counsel of God
concerning all things for His glory, man’s salvation,
✒
Answer these questions.
1.11
How does the triune God validate the Christian faith?
1.12
Where is the authority of the Scriptures clearly seen?
1.13
How does regeneration give validity to the Christianity?
1.14
How does heritage lend validity to Christianity?
4
Read Luke 9:49-50.
TRUE AND FALSE CHRISTIANITY
Categories exist within Christianity as well as
within many other world religions. The four main
categories are Roman Catholicism, the Orthodox
churches (sometimes called “Eastern Orthodox”
because of their origins in countries east of
Western Europe such as Greece and Russia), the
Anglican churches (Church of England, a unique
1.15
✒
1.16
1.17
✒
form of Protestantism), and Protestantism. Most
believers within these four main categories of
Christians hold to basic Christian doctrine as
explored previously in this section. However, other
groups attempt to convince people that they are
Christian but do not hold to the basic doctrine. We
call these latter groups pseudo, or false Christians.
Choose the correct answer.
Within Christianity, there are different
.
a. theories
c. basic beliefs
b. categories
d. none of these
Most believers in the main categories of Christianity hold to
a. no beliefs
c. strange teachings
b. many different beliefs
d. basic Christianity
.
Those who call themselves Christians but do not hold to basic Christian doctrine are
a. Pagans
c. Pseudo Christians
b. Bhuddists
d. nonbelievers
Complete these activities.
1.18
Name the three of the seven elements of basic Christianity.
a.
b.
c.
1.19
List the four main categories of Christianity.
a.
b.
c.
d.
1.20
What is the greatest difference between true and false Christians?
Denominations and sects. You may have
heard the terms denomination and sect in
reference to certain groups within the Christian
community. The four categories of Christianity
mentioned
above
are
sometimes
called
denominations, but within Protestantism, there
are many different denominations such as
Baptists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, etc. Sects
arise within denominations. Authentic Christian
denominations and sects share central Christian
affirmations and hold to basic Christian doctrine.
Heritage, belief, and practice varies among the
different sects and denominations; but all hold to
basic Christian truth claims.
5
.
Cults. A Cult is a religious group that springs
from a world religion, but deviates from that
religion in critical areas of belief. Christian cults
are those groups that use Jesus Christ as the
center of their faith while denying basic Christian
doctrine. Today, many cults attempt to identify
with Christianity. Among the most prominent are
the Mormons (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
✒
Day Saints), Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Unification
Church (founded by Sun Myung Moon), UnitarianUniversalists, Christian Scientists, and The Way
International. There are many others, and new
ones appear all the time. These groups deny or
greatly distort basic Christianity. As an example,
we will cover the largest of these cults:
Mormonism.
Match these items.
1.21
denominations and sects
1.22
cults
a. spring from world religions but deviate in critical
areas of belief
1.23
Christian
b. one who holds to basic Christian doctrine
✒
1.24
c. share Christian affirmations but have varying
heritages, beliefs, and practices
Complete this activity.
List six Christian cults.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Mormonism. The Mormon Church, or Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) is the
largest modern cult. It has over 14 million
members in about 190 countries, with about half
its members in the United States. Its headquarters
is in Salt Lake City, Utah. In the last few years,
this cult has significantly grown in numbers as it
aggressively sends out missionaries and advertises
in the major media. It attempts to present itself as
an authentically Christian group, mentioning the
name of Jesus Christ prominently in the official
title. However, their beliefs seriously deviate from
essential Christianity.
Joseph Smith started the cult in 1830 in
Palmyra, New York. As a child, none of Joseph’s
family belonged to any organized Christian
denomination (his mother, brother, and sister
eventually became Presbyterians). In order to gain
income from local farmers, Joseph participated in
occultic practices with his father by using magical
seer stones and divining rods to look for buried
treasure and lost items.
Later, Joseph claimed to receive the series of
visions and revelations that ultimately resulted in
the Mormon Church. Among other things, this
included finding a new set of “scriptures” called
“The Book of Mormon”, which later Mormons
claimed to be “another testament of Jesus Christ.”
At first glance, Mormonism appears similar to
Christianity. Although the Book of Mormon talks
about “one God” as “Father, Son and Holy Spirit”
through deeper study, it is shown they have three
separate gods named Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
They teach that each inhabited planet has its
own“god.” The father god evolved from a man, and
that God the Son was created from the father god
and a “Heavenly mother.” Their doctrine is
seriously at variance with the Trinity, where all
persons are co-eternal and uncreated.
They believe Jesus Christ pre-existed as a
“spirit being” prior to being born, created from a
father god and heavenly mother which denies the
Incarnation. Father god conceived Jesus of
Nazareth through a conjugal visitation to Mary,
which denies her virginity. Finally, they believe
Jesus appeared after his Resurrection to people in
the Americas, called the “Nehites and Lamanites,”
citing “The Book of Mormon” as proof. All historical
evidences deny its veracity.
6
Christianity believes the Bible is God’s
complete revelation to man. Mormons use the King
James Version (KJV) of the Bible as their “official”
text, but believe it was not accurately translated
and was “corrupted” in many passages. Therefore,
Mormons use “corrections” made by Joseph Smith
to the text, including the deletion of the “Song of
Solomon.” Mormons claim pure, unadulterated
divine revelation is contained in “The Book of
Mormon”, supposedly translated by Joseph Smith
from “golden plates” found by him buried in a
hillside near Manchester, New York in 1823. They
also believe two other books are divinely inspired:
the Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great
Price. Unfortunately for the Mormonism,
archaeological and historical proofs exclusively
show that much information contained in these
books is false or inaccurate, which is exactly the
opposite case with the Holy Bible. More seriously,
✒
1.25
1.26
Mormonism attempts to add to God’s revelation,
which Paul clearly condemns. “But though we, or
an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel
unto you than that which we have preached unto
you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8).
There are other significant deviations, but the
above aspects are sufficient to show that the
Mormon “church” is a true, clear example of false
Christianity. Although Mormons themselves are
often ethically admirable, value family life, and are
full of missionary zeal, their doctrine is not
Christian.
All false Christian groups vary significantly
and seriously with the central beliefs of basic
Christianity. By having a solid education in
Christianity, you can help people who have
seriously deviated and prevent others from doing
likewise.
Choose the correct answer.
.
The largest Christian cult today is the
a. Mormon church
c. Unification church
b. Bhuddists
d. Tabernacle Followers
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was started by
1.27
a. Chuck Smith
c. Joseph Smith
b. Francis Bacon
d. Sun Myung Moon
There are major and serious
✒
in 1830.
between Mormonism and basic Christianity.
a. parallels
c. activities
b. differences
d. outcomes
Complete these activities.
1.28
What did Joseph Smith claim he had experienced and found prior to 1830 when he started
the Mormon Church?
1.29
List three major Mormon beliefs that deviate from Christianity.
a.
b.
c.
Review the material in this section in preparation for the Self Test. This Self Test will check
your mastery of this particular section. The items missed on this Self Test will indicate specific
areas where restudy is needed for mastery.
7
SELF TEST 1
Match these items (each answer, 2 points).
1.01
Christian
a. the primary object of Christianity
1.02
Jesus Christ
b. a follower of Jesus Christ
1.03
Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant
c. Joseph Smith
1.04
founder of Mormonism
1.05
cults
d. spring from world religions but deviate in
critical areas of belief
e. categories of Christianity
Complete these statements (each answer, 3 points).
religion.
1.06
Christianity is the only
1.07
The basic and supreme doctrine of Christianity is
1.08
Jesus Christ is both true God and true
1.09
The guidelines for identifying true Christianity can also be used to discern the
those who claim to be Christian.
1.010
Those Christians who do not uphold basic Christianity would more accurately be called
or even b.
.
a.
1.011
Regeneration is an evidence to the
1.012
Authentic Christian a.
and b.
Christian affirmations and hold to basic Christianity.
1.013
Unlike true Christians, Mormons hold that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are
.
.
.
of
of the Christian faith.
share central
Answer true or false (each answer, 2 points).
1.014
Denominations, sects, and cults are synonymous.
1.015
Being a Christian implies being a follower of Jesus Christ.
1.016
God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1.017
Christians never disagree with one another on some of the details of the Christian faith.
1.018
A basic belief of Christianity is that the Son of God became man in Jesus Christ.
1.019
The death of Jesus Christ on the Cross was for the forgiveness of our sins.
1.020
The Book of Mormon is another source of God’s revelation.
1.021
To be a Christian, you do not have to believe that the Holy Spirit was sent to earth.
1.022
Your Christian heritage proves your faith is grounded in history.
Choose the correct answer (each answer, 2 points).
1.023
1.024
Which of the following are basic Christian beliefs?
a. The Holy Trinity
c. The Holy Spirit has been sent to earth
b. Jesus Christ is truly God and man
d. a, b, and c
Jesus Christ is
.
a. only a founder of a world religion
c. a man who had good teachings
b. the incarnate Son of God
d. none of the above
8
1.025
1.026
1.027
Jesus is
today, and He is both LORD and Messiah.
a. remembered
c. alive
b. followed
d. noteworthy
, such as Baptists, Lutherans
Within Protestantism, there are many different
and Presbyterians.
a. denominations
c. cults
b. sects
d. categories
The Mormon church is a
.
a. denomination
c. cult
b. true church
d. none of the above
Answer this question (each answer, 5 points).
1.028
What four things prove Christianity’s validity?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Score
Adult check
70
88
9
_______________________
___________________
Initial
Date