The Uniqueness of Christianity

                A common objection to choosing a specific religion is normally a question phrased as “Aren’t all religions basically the same?” I would argue that, at least with the leading religions of today that they are only superficially similar, and fundamentally different; as opposed to the common view of the other way around. One can look at the tenants of each religion and determine this for themselves.

                A religion must also provide answers in four different areas, origin, meaning, morality, and destiny. Origin being the beginning of the world and the historical chronicle of that religion; meaning answering the question of “Why are we here?”; morality providing a good set of ethics, and destiny answering the question of “Where is this all going?” This isn’t everything a religion must do, however. The religion must also answer these four questions in a way that the answers are true, and these answers are coherent with each other when one looks at the big picture. For example of a few failures of this coherency and application of a worldview, the Dalai Lama has stated that he desires the freedom of Tibet. One of Buddhism’s main goals is to extinguish desire, so how can the Dalai Lama justify his desire for the freedom of Tibet, even though this is a noble goal? Historically, the Quran is the only document to deny that Jesus died on the cross. Greek historians, Christian historians, Roman historians, and just about anyone else of good reputation would agree that Jesus died on the cross.

                So is it possible to study every religion and confirm everything is wrong except for Christianity? Unless you make a career in Religion Studies, I doubt it, but I believe that you can make it a little easier to help sort out all the religions out there. You can sort out the worldviews of today into 3 categories. 1. Only the Universe exists. This includes views such as atheism and naturalism. 2. Only God exists. 3. God and the Universe both exist. This is where the Judeo-Christian world view comes in. Now arguments could be made for the existence/inexistence of God to help eliminate either category 1 or 3. One could also do the same thing for the Universe, and decide that we are all a part of a greater consciousness that we know as God. This sounds a little too much like a generic sci-fi film for me, and the universe is real enough for me to doubt its existence.  

                So to make a few notes on the actual uniqueness of Christianity, Jesus was the only prophet in the major religions of today to make the statement that he himself was the earthly manifestation of God. All other prophets of the religions were what they were, men preaching the word of their God. You could take the prophets/founders of any other religion and that religion would survive, but if Jesus never existed, Christianity doesn’t have a leg to stand on. All other religions set up a to-do list for the followers to accomplish before dying so they can achieve Heaven/Paradise, Jesus did all the work for us, all we need to do is believe that He is who He said He is and confess our sins to him and repent. I would hope that if I have convinced anyone to follow Christ and accept Him as Lord and Savior, you would announce it to the world in boldness as we are called to do. God bless and have a good rest of your week.