Defending the Christian Faith: Christian Apologetics and Truth

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you
have.

1 Peter 3:15

Christianity is a Fact-Based Religion

Christianity is grounded in facts and evidence, both historical and scientific. Its claims about God,
Gods creation, Gods plan of redemption, the Bible, the ministry, miracles and above all the
resurrection of Jesus can be objectively verified through evidences by studying astronomy, physics,
molecular biology and genetics, archaeology, history, the Bible and ancient non-Biblical documents.
These claims are not merely imposed as truth by one person through some revelation. Therefore
Christianity (and Judaism) stands on a foundation of evidence completely different from other
religions. In comparison, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and all the other religions of the world largely
rely upon a revelation to one prophet. This prophet subsequently writes a book of his revelations,
which becomes the bible on which the faith of his followers rests.

Jesus, however, never wrote a book, perhaps not even a letter. How did Jesus actually conduct his
three-year campaign and how would it compare to the ways people nowadays try to get their
message across? When we consider the facts about His life, the impact He has had is nothing short of incredible.
Jesus taught his apostles, who after His resurrection took the gospel message throughout the world.
That message is still spread by Christians today. Unlike the approach of most other religions, non-
believers are invited to hear the Word, assess the message themselves and by exercising their free
will, choose to become (and remain) a believer. Unlike Islam, Christianity does not try to insulate its
believers against the influence of other religions; rather it trains its followers to distinguish between
true and false teachings. To do this the Christian believer must research and challenge, then verify
and assess these first principles, the basic truths of the faith. One needs to make up ones own mind
about this. Do not accept something as true just because someone tells you so. Accept only those
truths that YOU, after careful consideration, believe to be TRUTH. Only then you can know these
truths, and honestly accept them as such, grow stronger in your faith, and Stand firm then, with the belt
of truth buckled around your waist (Ephesians 6:14).

The study of the evidences for the Christian faith is called Christian Apologetics. The word
apologetics comes from the Greek (apologia, which means a verbal defense, answer, or
reply). Therefore, Christian apologetics deals with all critics who oppose or question the revelation
of God in Christ and the Bible. Christian apologetics includes complex subjects such as Biblical
manuscript transmission, philosophy, biology, mathematics, evolution, and logic, but it can also
consist of simple answers to questions about Jesus or a Bible passage.

It is important to approach these questions and issues related to Christian apologetics with an open
mind. Try to be objective and judge the information in such a manner. Seek to avoid the bias of
preconceived ideas. Presume innocence until guilt is proved. Position yourself to be the jury in a trial
and insist upon objective evidence. Remember that the faith of Christianity is not afraid of open,
honest inquiry; no truth fears investigation.
The Great Men of History

Ask anybody: Who are the great men in human history? And likely you will near names such as
Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Napoleon, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore
Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy or perhaps even Ronald Reagan. What do these men have in common?
What made them great? They were successful because they were powerful, and with this power they
changed the course of history by their heroic actions, ruling countries or even whole continents.
How different these great men are when compared to the person of Jesus of Nazareth!
Jesus had little of what made these great men of history great: certainly no political clout, no military
machine, no war chest. Most of us know the basic facts about Jesus life and ministry, but still, read
the following summary of the powerful impact of His message, His death and His resurrection:
Jesus was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman.
He grew up in another village where He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty.
For three years He was a traveling preacher. He never wrote a book.
He never held an office. He fathered no family; he owned no home. He didnt go to college.
He never visited a big city. He never traveled more than two hundred miles from the
place where He was born. He did none of the things that usually accompany greatness.
He had no credentials but himself.
He was only thirty-three when the tide of public opinion turned against Him.
His friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies and
went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves.
While He was dying, His executioners gambled for His garments, the only property
He had on earth. When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity
of a friend.
Twenty centuries have come and gone, and today He is the central figure of the human race
All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever
sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man on this earth,
as much as that one solitary life.
How different is Jesus compared to the great world leaders. Alexander the Great and Napoleon were
fabled warriors Jesus never held a sword or led an army. George Washington liberated his people
from foreign occupation Jesus never raised even His voice against the Roman occupiers of His
country. Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan were all
elected to head powerful governments Jesus never ran for office. He never marshaled the power
of government to enforce social changes. Most renowned leaders have been wealthy Jesus owned
little and lived with the poor. And lastly, all great world leaders were famous during their lifetime,
but are dead now Jesus died as a criminal and was executed by crucifixion, but His death was the
birth of Christianity.
Jesus of Nazareth is by far the greatest person in history. He did not pursue the agendas which made
others great, still He towers above them all. He turned the world upside down as no one had done
before or has done after Him. Now one-third of the world population calls themselves His
followers, Christians and even those who do not follow Him, still experience the impact He had, has
had, and will have on the world. This observation alone sets Him aside from all others.
Truth and Absolute Truth

Christianity and Christian apologetics are based on facts and evidences, and it demands nothing less
than truth. Throughout the Bible, Gods word is claimed to be true, as Jesus himself said in John 14:6:
I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Jesus was arrested by the Jews and tried by the Romans. Interrogated by the governor, Jesus
answered, You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world,
to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me. (John 18:37).
Take special note of Pilates reply, asked whimsically: What is truth? Pilate asked. (John 18:38).
Today truth is a very sensitive subject. Many say truth is whatever you declare it to be, and no
absolute truth exists. Any argument for absolute truth is considered a political blunder, a self-
incriminating mark of judgmental intolerance.
Absolute truth does exist, logically proved by the statement: "There exists an absolute truth."
Suppose we claim this to be false, that is, that there is no such thing as absolute truth. By making
that assertion, we claim that the sentence "There exists no absolute truth" is absolutely true. That
statement is self-contradictory, so its negation is true: There exists an absolute truth.
The same concept applies to Christian apologetics and truths. Objective proof that Christianity is
based on true and valid facts implies other religions and/or beliefs cannot be true at the same time.
Modern society calls that intolerant, but it is the logical consequence of absolute truth.
The discussion of truth and absolute truth has filled many books and even fueled long arguments.
For our purpose here, it is important to realize that truth and even absolute truth, does exist, and it
is essential to recognize some characteristics of truth are not always well accepted in our society:
Truth is intolerant: This is a necessary implication. Two plus two adds up to four, and the
answer cannot be three or five. Hence the correct answer is only four and that truth is
absolute. It is not open to various interpretations nor can it be changed to better fit our
politically correct culture. This also applies to Christianity. If claims of Christianity are
true, then conflicting claims cannot be true. Therefore, it is logically impossible to consider
the option that all religions are the same and it does not matter which one you believe as
many people think. Each religion makes claims that conflict with those of other religions,
and such cannot all be true.
Truth does not have to be liked or to be popular to be true: Many people reject God or
Christianity because:
They do not like a God who allows evil and suffering to exist.
They do not like Gods commands.
They do not like a God who ordered innocent children killed and commanded whole
nations be destroyed.
They do not like a God who allows only believers in Christs sacrifice for our sin to go
to heaven.
They think the church is full of hypocrites. And so on.
Disliking the truth does not make it less true! I might not like the speed limit on the
highway or taxes to be paid, but these are still the rules and I must obey them. If I decide
not to do so, these laws are still valid; if I speed I can get a ticket, and if I do not pay my
taxes I will suffer the consequences.
 Truth does not have to be the majority opinion: Truth does not require a majority
consensus. For instance, for a very long time most folks thought the world flat, but we long
since discovered the fallacy of that belief. Fifty years ago the scientific community preached
modern man had been around for more that 1 million years. Now the scientific majority
opinion has shifted to less than 100,000 years, and many believe mankind has been around
even less than 50,000 years. The truth has not changed, only the majority opinion. So we
must be careful as we search for truth to be certain our conclusion is backed by solid
evidence and genuine facts, and that it is not just what the majority wants it to be.
The famous writer G.K. Chesterton summarizes our tendency to dislike the truth:
Truth, of course, must of necessity be stranger than fiction, for we have made fiction to suit ourselves.
Ultimately there are only three reasons why people do not accept and follow truth:

Ignorance: They just do not know about the truth because either they never had an
opportunity to hear about it (like people who live in remote places where the gospel has not
yet been heard) or they were wrongly informed (like Muslims indoctrinated with teachings
that shun honest research and verification).

Rebellion: They have heard the truth but decided not to accept it. Many people in our
society today for self-centered reasons simply like the way they live and do not want to
change their behavior.

Apathy: They just do not care for it. It is simply not interesting to them. They are
indifferent. In our times, this might be the largest (and fastest growing) group of non-
believers as people are more and more occupied with themselves. Day-to-day affairs of the
world distract them so thoroughly that even thinking about truth is not relevant. Such
concerns do not make it on their radar screen, so to speak.

Agnostic-turned-Christian apologist and historian C.S. Lewis summarized the current tendency
towards apathy in the following quote:

The safest road to Hell is the gradual onethe gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without
milestones, without signposts.

Finding truth through Christian apologetics and by studying the evidences, requires one to be open
minded, objective and honest. Only when one is willing to consider all the facts and evidences
without a preconceived conclusion one can find truth. This sounds simple and obvious, but in
practice it is always much harder to apply.
Two Main Arguments against Christianity

Non-believers present numerous vigorous objections against Christianity. Of these, two arguments
are likely the most popular and seem to be the strongest and each addressed by apologetics as well:
The problem of evil: How can a good, all powerful God allow for evil to exist? There is no
easy answer to this. In a way it is not relevant as God does not need our agreement or
consent for the world He created. Good explanations can be found by understanding that:
o Evil comes from man, not from God. It is generally the result of wrong choices by
man.
o Evil is not created by God, but it can be considered the absence of good, like dark is
the absence of light.
o Without evil our world would be meaningless and boring. Evil allows us to
understand what good is and allows us to choose between both.
Science has replaced religion: Science explains much of what once was considered
supernatural and it seems often to conflict the teaching of the Bible. Yes, we have now more
knowledge than ever before, but the facts of modern science do not contradict the existence
of God or the inspiration of the Bible. Actually it reveals more about the unimaginable
design and amazing detail both of the universe and living organisms which all point to the
work of a Creator much superior and more powerful than previously assumed. We will see
many examples of this in the next chapters.

Lifes Big Questions

As far as I can tell, every human being at some point in life struggles with some variation of these
four basic questions:

1. Who am I?
2. Where did I come from?
3. Where am I going?
4. To whom am I accountable?

Throughout human history, people have tried to answer these questions. Science and philosophy are
silent on these questions. Only religion, along with its associated worldview, is able to show purpose
and provide meaningful answers.
Early, more primitive civilizations associated the supernatural with natural phenomena such as the
sun, moon and stars. World religions today center upon three views of God:

Eastern religions (Hinduism, Buddhism) believe God is in everything around them this is
Pantheism (pan means all) and they seek the answer to these questions in each individual.
Judaism, Christianity and Islam recognize the existence of one God generally called
Monotheism.
And Atheism believes the world and mankind are the result of combination of random
processes, chance and a lot of time, and therefore rejects the existence of a divine
power/Creator altogether.
This leads to the following (simplified) overview of the possible answers to lifes big questions:
Pantheism Monotheism Atheism
Who am I? Part of God Gods creation An accident
Where did I come You always existed You were created by God You are a product of
from? chance and time
Where am I going? Endless cycles of Heaven or hell Nowhere, you will cease to
reincarnation exist
To whom am I To oneself, as you are part God Nobody, you can do
accountable to? of God whatever you want.

The Various Worldviews

Clearly these answers vary widely dependent on ones view of God. Therefore, it is only logical to
start our quest for truth with an in-depth analysis to decide if we can find conclusive evidence for
the existence of God.
1. The World Religions (1)
I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
You shall have no other gods before Me.
Exodus 20:2-3

A Politically Incorrect Conclusion

Earlier chapters have presented compelling evidence to demonstrate that a Creator God exists, that
the Bible is historically reliable and trustworthy, and that Jesus is indeed God in human form.
Additionally, the previous section set forth evidence that the Bible also contains numerous evidences
that point to a divine source of inspiration and knowledge. Logically, this had led us to the
unavoidable conclusion that Biblical Christianity (Christianity based on the Word of God as revealed
in the Bible) is founded on fact and truth. Therefore, the Biblical Christian worldview, as far as it is
based on the teachings of the Bible, is true.
This leads to a disturbing conclusion: All religions of the world cannot be equally true. Truth does
not contradict itself. So, if our evidence for Christianity is based on truth, other worldviews must
rest upon error, whatever its source. Quite a bold, somewhat arrogant and definitively politically
incorrect conclusion. In order to test this statement we need to survey the several Christian variants
and the other major world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam.

What Do People Believe?

Lets start with some numbers: Of the estimated 2010/2011 world population of 6.9 billion people,
2.1 billion people call themselves Christian (Roman Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, Eastern
Orthodox and so on: in general followers of and believers in Jesus Christ (more about this later). That is
about 32% of the world population. For the US , according to a 2009 study, this percentage is near
80%. Needless to say, not all denominations are considered fully Christian by others and not all
Christians are equally committed to their faith.

An Overview of the World Religions

The worldwide number of Christians grows about 2.2% per year, almost equal or slightly less than
the estimated annual growth of the world population at 2.3%; so the percentage of Christians of the
worlds population has been slightly falling during the last few decades.
These numbers indicate Christianity is, by far, the largest religion worldwide. However this is
challenged by the growth of Islam, currently with 1.3 billion followers. Islam currently has a
following of around 20% of the world population, but is growing at a rate of an estimated 2.9% per
year in absolute numbers. Therefore, Islam as a percentage of world population grows about 0.7%
per year. If this trend continues, in the lifetime of most readers, Islam will outgrow Christianity as
the most popular religion. Since Islam is more than just a faith, including also a social and legal
system, its continued growth is having and will continue to have even more a major geo-political
effect worldwide.
Traditional Eastern religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism have followings of an estimated 950
million people and 375 million people respectively. Both religions are fairly stable in market share.
Looking at these numbers, do not forget Muslims, just like Christians and Jews, believe in the
existence of God. About 90% of the worldwide population believes in some kind of God. This
number is well above 95% in the USA . In history, more than 90% of people have believed in God.
 What Do Americans Believe?
These are quite serious numbers. They indicate a strong conviction in the average human being that
we are not here by accident.
1. The World Religions (2)
Biblical Christianity
Within the 2.1 billion people labeled Christians, many different groups have disparate
interpretations of the Bible, some embracing other scriptures and revelations. The documentary and
historical evidences presented, established the reliability and truthfulness of the Bible as the source
of Gods revelation and Jesus teachings. I have found no evidence that supports claims of additional
gospels and writings, or any revelation or inspiration from God to other persons. Therefore, I am
compelled to accept the Bible alone as the source for my knowledge about God and His plan of
redemption through Jesus Christ. In that respect I call myself a Biblical Christian.

Biblical Christians are, in my definition, those who search seriously and carefully for the meaning of
the Bible on its own terms, not changing its meaning to fit the times or culture. They are like the
ancient Bereans described in Acts 17:11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the
Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what
Paul said was true. The Bereans searched the Scriptures to verify that what was taught was confirmed
by the Scriptures. They did not want to believe the gospel because it sounded nice and appealing
(like a health and wealth gospel or feel good message), but they wanted to accept only the truth.
It is likewise with Biblical Christians. They search for the truth, and accept it as Gods truth even if
they do not like it. Additionally, Biblical Christians approach the Bible with reverence and respect
and do not believe that other writings are inspired. Neither do Biblical Christians believe in
additional revelation outside the Bible through other sources or individuals. The Bible itself teaches:
the faith was once for all delivered(Jude 3), there are no later or latter day revelations. In other
words, the Bible alone is all we need for our spiritual authority. All the things we need to know, believe and practice
are clearly stated in the Scriptures, which are given by inspiration of God. Anyone with common sense can understand
what the Bible says in order to believe in Christ and be saved.

This definition of Biblical Christianity is not limited to particular denominations, it is more like a
canopy that covers a myriad of churches, denominations and groups, all of whom have beliefs or
interpretations of Scripture which they emphasize. What draws these groups together are the
fundamental agreements best summarized as these beliefs:

The Bible alone contains Gods Word. There is no revelation outside the Scripture.
The atoning death of Christ. His death (and blood shed) was and is sufficient for all past,
present and future sins of mankind.
Salvation cannot be earned through works, it is a gift from God to be accepted through
faith. This faith must be active and lead to an obedient response (Romans 10:17: So faith
comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.).
Christ will one day return and all will be judged according to ones deeds (Revelation 20:12:
Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in
the books, according to what they had done).

Nowadays Biblical Christians are mostly found under the umbrella of Protestants, Evangelical
Protestants, or Born Again Christians. But be on alert, not all (Evangelical) Protestants or Born Again
Christians meet the above definition of Biblical Christians!
Obedience versus legalism
Is following the instructions and teachings of the Bible, especially on politically incorrect topics,
legalism or obedience? Do we need to read Gods Word as a suggestion or a command?
Modern culture clashes at many points with the Bible. Biblical teachings about the submission of a
wife to her husband; permitting men only in the roles of elders, deacons, teachers and pastors;
marriage between a man and a woman; the sanctity of life versus abortion and euthanasia; and so on,
are all more or less in conflict with our secular world and modern way of life. Many will claim
these teachings were from and for a different time and are no longer applicable. Christians who
seek to obey these commands are often called legalists.
However what is legalism? A legalist believes that one can be saved by keeping all Gods commands
to the letter. Basically, he believes he can live without sin, without breaking Gods Law. Therefore,
he does not need Christ, as he is without sin. This attitude of self-righteousness resulting in a
feeling of superiority was what Jesus convicted and condemned in the Pharisees and Teachers of the
Law. We know we all sin. Anyone who reads the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) will realize that it
is not humanly possible to keep all commands, and we all fall short of the glory of God (Romans
3:23: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God). Therefore legalism with the objective to
justify oneself by keeping all Gods commands is doomed to fail.
This does not mean we should not be obedient! Jesus Himself teaches to keep His commands. John
14:15: If you love me, you will obey what I command and John 14:21: Whoever has my commands and obeys
them, he is the one who loves me. Being obedient is not the same as being legalistic. If a father ask his
son to take the garbage out and the son does as he is told, is he legalistic or obedient? Likewise, we
should be obedient to our heavenly Father and do as He asks us to do.
That has nothing to do with being legalistic, but everything with being obedient.
1. The World Religions (3)

Investigating the Other World Views

It is not my intention to offend or demean anyone who is not a Biblical Christian. The only reason
to research other religions is to investigate their historicity and the evidences for their foundations.
Are they based on historical, verifiable evidence? How have their teachings and writings been
preserved and passed on over the ages? What did their founder (if applicable) claim as his source of
revelation? Are their claims about God, their founder, and his teachings consistent with scientific
observations and secular historical sources? To facilitate comparison of various worldviews from an
apologetics point of view, we will discuss the following topics about each of the major world
religions:
 Background. A birds-eye overview of some current statistics, including origins, history and
demographics.
Beliefs about God. What do they believe about Gods existence, nature, and character.
Basic teachings. The core beliefs, values and teachings especially about life, salvation and
the afterlife.
The founder. Historical setting, background, life and teachings of the founder.
The writings. What are the sacred writings, how did they come about, how are they
preserved, are they historically reliable?
Comparing to Christianity. What are the similarities and differences with Christianity?
Conclusions from an apologetics perspective. Are the claims and teachings consistent
with, and supported by, the scientific and historical facts and observations?

The Roots of the World Religions

What about Judaism?

If we think about Judaism we tend to think about Israel . Surely, many adherents to Judaism live in
Israel , however not all Israelites are believing Jews. In fact, Israel is largely a secular state. Although
80% of its 6.2 million inhabitants claim to Jewish, the country is very different than the Jewish
nation described in the Old Testament.
Judaism is significantly small overall; there are perhaps only 15 million Jews worldwide. In the
context of this book we cannot discuss Judaism in-depth. Nevertheless Christians should not forget
that the first Christians were Jews by descent and that the Christian faith is based on Judaism, they
both share the same Old Testament. The difference lays in the person and role of Jesus, the
Messiah. For Jews the Messiah still has not come, for Christians the Messiah completed Judaism.
Lastly, the state of Israel has been and likely will continue to be the central hotspot in the world.
News about the Jewish state will regularly dominate the headlines and news broadcasts.
2. The Flavors of Christianity (1)
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not
overcome it.
Matthew 16:18

One Christ, Many Churches -

The History about Christianity

The official birthday of Christianity is commonly identified as the coming of the Holy Spirit at the
day of Pentecost, fifty days after the Passover on which Jesus was crucified. The event is described
in Acts 2:3-4: They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of
them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Immediately
after the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter spoke to the crowd, and three thousand
people believed the gospel and were baptized (Acts 2:5-41).
Today it is all but impossible to speak of the Christian Church because that immediately raises the
question: which one? About half of all Christians associate themselves with the Roman Catholic
Church, the rest is divided among the Eastern Orthodox Church, numerous Protestant Churches
and various other groups including some vocal Christian cults.
A quick history of Christianity readily explains why we have these so many flavors of Christianity.
It will explain also the history of the denominations of Christianity. Subsequently we will examine
the main flavors of Christianity through the lens of Biblical Christianity. Once again I emphasize
that it is not my purpose to define the true church at the expense of others. We need, however, be
prepared to search for a church that meets the principles of Biblical Christianity.

A Brief History of the Christian Church -

The History of Denominations of Christianity

The book of Acts gives us in-depth insights into the 1st century Christianity history. Studying Acts
and other books in the New Testament, as well as the writings of the earliest Christians along with
secular and historical sources, allows us to understand the history about Christianity and the growth
of the Christian church to the modern age. History teaches how the Christian church has influenced
the world (most times a positive influence, but occasionally negative). It also explains why today
there are three main branches of Christianity: Eastern (Greek) Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and
Protestant, what the differences are, and how they came about.
The Christian movement, initially known as the Way, was like a spiritual explosion. Ignited by the
resurrection and fueled by the Holy Spirit, the church grew in all directions, geographically as well as
socially. It was a unified church with a spiritual vision, a conviction that all Christians should be one
body, thought of as the Holy Catholic Church. The early Church fathers were catholic not protestant.
This is because in the first centuries, the term catholic was widely used of the church in the sense that
the church was both universal, in contrast to local congregations, and orthodox, in contrast to
heretical groups. Jesus sent his disciples into all the world, and Paul had opened the church to the
Gentiles. In a sense catholic Christianity was simply a development of Jesus plans and Pauls efforts.
Up to 313 AD, the church was a non-political movement struggling socially, while expanding in the
aftermath of varying degrees of persecution. That year Constantine became the first Christian
emperor of Rome , and reigned until his death in 337 AD. Christianity became the favored faith,
eventually even the official religion (380 AD) of the Roman Empire . This development had many
advantages for the church as it stopped persecution, facilitated the spread of the gospel, and even
made public funds available for ministry and building churches. However, many think the
detrimental effects on the church, once it became part of the established regime and a player in
political power, far outweigh any benefits. Generally, this move marked the end of the unified
church.
During this unified early age of the church two important statements of faith were agreed upon:
The Apostles Creed (likely dated the second half of the second century); a statement of
fundamental Christian beliefs drawn up to oppose gnostic heresies.
The Nicene Creed (formulated 325 AD at the council of Nicea); an expansion of the
Apostles Creed, additionally addressed the so called Arian heresy (Arius was a bishop who
claimed that Jesus was not God, but only human).
These creeds are still used today in the major branches of Christianity. Often they are seen as the
statement of beliefs that unites believers under the banner of Christianity.

History of Denominations of Christianity

Historians recognize by the early Middle Ages (many say even as early as the Council of Nicea) the
start of a rift between the Roman and Greek elements of the church. Apart from significant cultural
differences between the Greek-speaking East and the Latin-speaking West, political events produced
entirely different situations for both. In the West, the demise of the Roman Empire created a
vacuum into which the church stepped; the papacy emerged with the pope wielding political power.
In the east, the Byzantine Empire continued another thousand years, and its emperors kept a tight
reign on the power of the church. In 1054 AD, the separation of the Eastern Church from the
Western church became official because of the papal claim to supreme authority. A lesser issue
concerned a clause added to the church's creed stating the Holy Spirit came from the Son of God as
well as God.
The next major schism was the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century. During those years
numerous reformers, of which Martin Luther is the best known, recoiled against Roman Catholic
doctrines on salvation, the hierarchical structure, the role of the pope, the role of saints and statutes,
and elevation of church tradition to the same level as that of the Bible. Reformation battle cries such
as Sola Scriptura and Salvation by faith alone summarize the essential conflict. Once the dust settled,
four main groups were identified as Protestantism:
Lutherans, mainly in Germany and the Nordic countries.

Reformed and Presbyterian Churches, mainly in Switzerland , Germany , Holland and

Great Britain , where they were known as Presbyterians and Congregationalists.

Anglicans, originally in Great Britain , but eventually a worldwide communion.

Anabaptists and spiritualistic groups, mainly in Germany , England , and the Netherlands .

All these groups settled in North America, at various times, and further divisions resulted in
numerous independent denominations. Mission activities, largely instigated in the nineteenth
century, led to establishment of churches in Africa, and Asia .
 The Flavors of Christianity
2. The Flavors of Christianity (2)
The Roman Catholic Church
The Roman Catholic Church is by far the largest single branch of Christianity, encompassing more
than one billion believers, about half of all Christians worldwide.
This book cannot adequately examine the doctrines and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
As a former Roman Catholic myself, it certain is not my intent to discredit their beliefs or offend
any Roman Catholic reader. Well limit ourselves to mention some of the main issues that separate
Roman Catholicism and other Christian groups:
The teaching authority of the church. Roman Catholicism insists it has the only accurate
and authoritative source of interpretation of Scripture. Individual believers are not
encouraged to read the Bible and seek its meaning; instead the church will decide that and
teach it to the believer. Over the years this has led to numerous doctrines not found in the
Bible at all, such as the concepts of purgatory, forgiveness of sins by priests, the role of Mary
and the saints, involuntary celibacy of priests, and so on. This has bestowed on the church
an authority superior to Scripture; it has also created the concept of papal infallibility.
Role of the Pope. The Roman Catholics believe in the primacy and supreme authority of
the Bishop of Rome also known as the pope. This person is traditionally regarded as Christ's
representative on earth and successor to the apostle Peter (thought to have been the first
such Bishop of Rome). When defining matters of faith or morals, what the Pope says is
considered to be infallible and binding for all Christians.
Salvation is by faith plus works. Roman Catholics believe the Christian must rely on
faith plus good works. Gods grace is mediated through Seven Sacraments. These
Sacraments (proclaimed by the authority of the church) are:
o Baptism. For infants or adults to erase original sin.
o Confirmation. To complete baptism and give the Holy Spirit in a fuller outpouring,
usually children are confirmed at the age of twelve.
o Holy Eucharist. Also called Holy Communion, the most important sacrament.
During Mass, through transubstantiation, Christ is presented again and again as a
sacrifice for sins.
o Penance (or Confession). Through the ministry of intervention by a priest, a
believer can be forgiven by God for sins committed after baptism. It involves acts
or penances which a believer must do to be forgiven of his or her sins. The priest
assigns a penance that fits the gravity of the sin. Doing penance might involve
repeating a certain number of prayers, fasting, or doing works of love.
o Anointing the Sick (or Extreme Unction). The priest anoints the sick (usually
dying) believer with oil and prays for this individual.
o Holy Orders. The sacrament through which Roman Catholic ministers are ordained
to the three levels of bishops, priests and deacons.
o Matrimony. This sacrament joins a man and woman in a lifelong union. Divorce
and remarriage cut the believer off from Eucharistic Communion, but not from the
church.
 For the Roman Catholic, faith in Christ is the beginning of salvation and lays the foundation
for justification. Then the believer builds on that with good works, because man has to merit
Gods grace of justification and eternal salvation.
Purgatory and indulgences. Catholics believe, that even if they do all the works required
of them, they are not assured of immediate entrance into heaven, but first must face
punishment for their sins in an in-between place called purgatory. This is a special place of
cleansing where believers are made fit for heaven; it is not like a temporary hell, but said to
be a state of joy and a place of suffering. Roman Catholics also believe people still alive can
shorten time for those in purgatory by prayers, offering Mass for them, and doing good
works, which includes acquisition of indulgences. An indulgence can be a partial, or even full
pardon for any sin not paid for during life. Therefore it can reduce or even eliminate time in
purgatory. The indulgences are administered by the church and can be given or sold to
believers. This last practice was widespread at the end of the Middle Ages and helped spark
Martin Luthers initial revolt against the church.
Role of Mary and other saints. Roman Catholics practice veneration, which means that they
pray to canonized saints, who in turn intercede for them before God in every need. The
Gospel of Luke calls Mary highly favored and blessed among women (Luke 1:28), but for
Roman Catholics, Mary alone is elevated over all the other saints and given super-veneration.
Over the centuries, she has gained such a uniquely revered status that the Roman Catholic
Church teaches that her virginity continued after the birth of Jesus and she never gave birth
to additional children. Other doctrines include the Immaculate Conception (which states that
Mary herself was conceived without sin and lived a sinless life, proclaimed dogma in 1854)
and the doctrine of the Assumption (that she was taken up directly to heaven, proclaimed
dogma in 1950).
Roman Catholics point to Matthew 16:18-19 as evidence for their claims of the Pope as the leader of
the church: And I [Jesus] tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of
Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be
bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. According to the Catechism of the
Catholic Church, Jesus Himself appointed Peter the rock beneath His church, gave him the keys,
and made him shepherd of the whole flock. They subsequently claim the Bishop of Rome as Peters
successor, bearing the supreme authority (primacy) over the entire church.
However, careful reading of this passage in the Greek manuscripts shows that the text refers to
Peter as Petros (meaning a small rock) and to this rock as petra (meaning a very large rock).
Many, if not most, of the Early Church Leaders believed the rock mentioned by Jesus was the faith
confessed by Peter and not the man himself. Additionally, the book of Acts shows an important role
for Peter in the early years of the church, but clearly he was not the supreme leader. James, the
brother of Jesus, shared the leadership of the Jerusalem Church with Peter (Acts 12:17 and 15:13)
and Paul clearly did not recognize Peter as an infallible leader representing Christ on earth, as he
opposed him in Galatia (Galatians 2:11-14). Peter was married (see Matthew 8:14), and popes are
forbidden to marry. If the first pope could marry, why later deny that privilege to priests and popes?
Lastly there is no verifiable line of succession to link the current pope to Peter the apostle, there is
not even a record of any apostle appointing a successor after Matthias replaced Judas in Acts 1. The
concept of apostolic succession is found nowhere in the Bible.
As a concluding invitation to others such as myself who come from a Roman Catholic background:
Please read the Bible yourself. The Scriptures are the Word of God. Not only do they not teach the
above mentioned Roman Catholic doctrines, they also teach nothing about special privileges or
additional blessings through priests, bishops, cardinals, or the Pope.
2. The Flavors of Christianity (3)
The Eastern Orthodox Church
There are estimated to be 250 million Eastern (or Greek) Orthodox Christians today. The Orthodox
Church is centered upon four ancient patriarchates with special positions of honor and authority:
Alexandria , Antioch , Jerusalem , and Constantinople . The churches extend across Eastern Europe,
Slavic countries, and the eastern Mediterranean . While each church in each country is self-
governing, the churches also communicate with one another in various ways. In the USA the
Eastern Orthodox Church has as many as four million members.
In many ways, from the Biblical Christian view, the Eastern Orthodox Church stands close to the
Roman Catholic Church as we can see in the following overview:
The Church is in authority of Scripture. As with the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern
Orthodox Church considers itself to possess sole authority over the Scriptures. Believers are
to listen to and obey the churchs official interpretation of the Bible. Since there is no single
office like the papacy, the Orthodox Church depends upon Ecumenical Councils. They believe
that the Spirit of God, living in the church, guides the decisions of the bishops and preserves
them from error.
Apostolic Succession. Like Roman Catholics, the Orthodox members believe in the
apostolic succession of their bishops; however, all bishops share equally in this succession.
Salvation and Sacraments. The Orthodox Church observes the same seven sacraments as
Roman Catholics only with differences as to interpretation and emphasis. The Eucharist is
central to all Orthodox belief. They believe the actual body and blood of Christ are present
in the elements of the bread and the wine. Baptism forgives original sin, with regular
confessions required for personal sins. Priests will hear the confession and often give advice
or assign penance. They believe salvation is attained through the work of deification
(theosis, become like God). Christs death on the cross and Gods grace are the means to
enable man to become God, to obtain theosis.
Veneration of saints and icons. The Orthodox members pray to the saints, particularly
Mary, because these people have achieved deification. They stress that saints, including
Mary, are not mediators but intercessors, and praying to them is not worship but veneration.
An important part of the Orthodox tradition is their use of icons as a symbol of Christ, the
apostles, Mary, or a saint.
2. The Flavors of Christianity (4)
The Protestant Churches
We cannot speak of the Protestant Church, because there are perhaps thousands of varieties.
Diverse groups such Baptists, Lutherans, Reformed, Presbyterian, Anglican, Anabaptists, and so on
all fall under the label of Protestantism. Protestantism is not as much a Church as it is a movement
of Churches. Worldwide, 575 million people associate themselves with a Protestant church. About
85% of all Protestants belong to the 12 largest denominations.
The differences between Protestant groups partly center upon the differences between the
denominations, but perhaps even more upon the differences between individuals: fundamentalists,
conservatives, mainline believers, charismatics, and social activists.
Though Protestants share many core believes with Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox, two
main areas of difference are:
Justification by Faith. The term justification refers to the restoration to the right relationship
with God. Protestants believe this justification, their salvation, is based on faith alone. One
cannot earn salvation by works; it is received as a free gift from God. There seems to be little
difference among the Protestant groups on this issue. However there are huge differences on
the understanding of faith. What does faith mean? Does it mean that merely belief in Jesus
and the Bible justifies one, or does faith need to be active and obedient (the Biblical
Christian view). If saved, are you saved forever; are future sins always forgiven, or can one
lose his salvation? Answers to these questions shape many of the different Protestant
groups.
The Protestant Principle. The Protestant principle is an umbrella term describing the
rejection of all forms of idols or idolatry in the church. The Trinity alone is the focus of the
church; nothing can be allowed to distract a worshiper from God. Therefore all
representations of God such as statues, icons, or paintings are rejected. Also saints (as
recognized by the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches ) and the pope are
considered idols, and hence these too are rejected.
2. The Flavors of Christianity (5)

What About Christians Cults?

Not because of their size, but because of their active presence especially in North American society,
the identity of some Christian Cults should also be discussed briefly.
Cults such as Mormons, Jehovahs Witnesses, Christian Scientists and so on, are considered varieties
of Christianity. Indeed, in their views Jesus plays a more or less important role, but none of these
groups acknowledges Christ as God and/or their savior; therefore these groups are not Christian.
The confusion between such organizations and Christianity, is often a marketing tool used to the
advantage of cultists to improve their image and open more doors as they search for proselytes.
Cults are almost always build upon their founder and his (or in some instances, her) claim to a form
of latter day revelation beyond the Scriptures. After a person joins the cult, he is subjected to an
effective system of indoctrination, policing, and mind control. In general, cults share most of these
characteristics:
 Their founder claims additional, special revelation from God.
They reject the Trinity. They recognize Jesus as a teacher and prophet, but deny His deity.
They believe all Christian churches are wrong, and only they know the whole truth.
They claim to believe the Bible, but distort its teachings or make changes to it.
They deny people can be saved by faith alone, but require good works and strict adherence
to their teachings.
Many times they will use Christian terminology, but assign it a different meaning.

For a brief and very limited overview of two of the largest and most active cults, Mormonism and
Jehovahs Witnesses, see the table below.

Mormonism and Jehovahs Witnesses

Mormonism, Church of Jehovahs Witnesses (JW)
Latter Day Saints (LDS)

Number of 10-11 million worldwide, about 6-7 million worldwide, 1 million in the
followers 5 million in the USA 1[14] USA 2[15]

Founder Joseph Smith, 1823 Charles Russell, 1879

Main Scripture Book of Mormon Watchtower books and magazines

Role of the Bible The Word of God, as far as it The Watchtower translation of the
is translated correctly Bible (the New World Translation of
the Holy Scriptures NWT)

Nature of God A supreme being who acquired God Jehovah is a single being, there
that position by a perfect, is no Trinity. He is not all-knowing nor
righteous life all-present

Jesus Christ One of the sons of God, Michael became man in the form of
Mormons can become like him Jesus. Jesus returned invisibly in 1914
and now rules from heaven

Nature of man Eternal spirits who can become Sinful, no salvation apart from the
gods teachings of the Watchtower

Salvation Through works through the Through works, especially evangelism

LDS church
Life after death Different levels of kingdoms Heaven is reserved for only 144,000
can be attained JWs
2. The Flavors of Christianity (6)

Comparisons and Conclusions

As we highlight the differences among Protestants, Roman Catholics, and Eastern Orthodox
churches, we should not forget the important beliefs they share in common concerning the Triune
God, the Bible, and Jesus of Nazareth. After all, these three flavors of Christianity are all based on
the divine teachings and sacrifice of Christ: God who became man for our salvation. Though
Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox believers think Christs sacrifice needs the addition of
sacraments and works, they still agree only His sacrifice makes salvation attainable in the first place.

We tend to define success in terms of numbers and dollars. That, however, is not Gods economy.
Because a church is considered mainstream does not mean it embraces the true faith. Large numbers
do not determine truth. Only the Word of God is an objective standard for truth. Jesus Himself
already warned multiple times about how easy it is to make a wrong turn: Enter through the narrow
gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the
gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it (Matthew 7:13-14).

The following table attempts to compare the shared beliefs and contrasting main differences
between the three main Christian views and Biblical Christianity.
 A Comparative Overview of the Braches of Christianity

Has Christianity failed? Muslims (and others) will contend that the presence of the many different
groups proves Christianity has failed. They claim that the true God would never allow His people to
be so divided. However, is it not more logical to conclude that Christianity has not failed its
followers, but its followers have failed Christianity?
 3. Hinduism (1)
The ideal of man is to see God in everything. But if you cannot see Him in everything, see Him in one thing,
in that thing you like best, and then see Him in another. So on you go. . . . Take your time and you will
achieve your end.
Swami Vivekananda
Hinduism is shorthand for the philosophy, the religious beliefs and practices, and the way of life of
many of the people in India . For Hindus in India , Hinduism is an inseparable part of their
existence, a complete approach to life that involves social class, earning a living, family, politics, diet,
etc., in addition to the items Westerners view as religious.
The origin of Hinduism is generally connected to the Indus River. Others suggest the term was
invented later by Europeans as a common term to capture the complex diversity of religions found
among the people of the Indian sub-continent. Hindus themselves prefer the term Sanatana Dharma
or Hindu Dharma, which translates into everlasting law or eternal teaching. This indicates the
eternal and revelatory nature of Hindu beliefs.

Background

With an estimated 950 million followers and perhaps more, it is the worlds third largest religion
after Christianity and Islam. It also contends with Judaism for the oldest surviving religion, even
though it has no known founder. The vast majority of its adherents (900 million or more) live in
India where more than 80% of the population is Hindu. Other countries with large Hindu
populations include Nepal , Bangladesh , Indonesia , Malaysia , Sri Lanka , and Pakistan . There
thought to be more than one million Hindus in the USA .
Not traditionally missionary, it has spread through the world as Hindus have traveled and
immigrated. With expanding export of skilled labor from India to Western countries, Hinduism is a
growing phenomenon.
The classical theory of the origins of Hinduism traces the religions roots back as far as 3000 BC to
an ancient Indus valley civilization. Its development was influenced by the many invasions of this
valley. The earliest documented beliefs and practices of the 1500-500 BC era are often called the
Vedic religion. The oldest surviving textual document of Hinduism is the Rigveda, thought to have
originated between 17001100 BC, based on linguistic and philological evidence.
During the second half of the Middle Ages, successive waves of Muslim armies invaded and
established control over North India . Hinduism declined rapidly, and many Hindus converted to
Islam. Some Muslim rulers destroyed Hindu temples and otherwise persecuted non-Muslims, while
others were more tolerant.
Today various concepts of Hinduism have become integrated into Western culture. Examples are
Yoga and Transcendental Meditation. Alternative spiritualities and New Age lifestyles have also
incorporated many aspects of Hindu practices.

Belief About God

Most Hindus believe in a One Supreme Cosmic Spirit called Brahman that may be worshiped in
many forms, represented by individual deities such as Vishnu, Shiva. and Shakti. Hinduism centers
upon a variety of practices meant to help one experience Brahman who is everywhere and in
everything, and to realize the true nature of the self.
This makes Hinduism a pantheistic religion (as the divine is considered to reside in ourselves and
the world around us). At the same time it is also monotheistic (as there is one supreme being,
Brahman) and polytheistic (as Brahman can be represented by multiple deities. Actually there are as
many gods as the Hindu would like.
Is Brahman like God? According to the monotheistic and pantheistic theologies of Hinduism,
Brahman is, in the highest sense, beyond form, infinite, and eternal. He is changeless and is the very
source of consciousness. Brahman is beyond time, space, and causation, and yet he permeates
everything and every being. Brahman is beyond gender. Hindu writings declare Brahman to be
beyond description, understood only through direct spiritual experience.
The goal of Hinduism is to somehow wake up and realize one's own connection to the divine
reality called Brahman. Thus, despite Hinduism's belief in the abstract principle of Brahman, most
Hindus worship Brahman on a day-to-day basis in one of Brahman's less abstract personal forms,
such as Vishnu, Shiva, or Shakti. Some Hindus worship these personal forms of Brahman for a
practical reason: it is easier to cultivate genuine devotion to a personal being than to an abstract
principle. Other Hindus consider the personal forms in themselves to be the highest form of truth,
and worship Brahman as an infinite and yet personal being. It should be noted that superstition
plays a major role in the life of a Hindu.
3. Hinduism (2)

Basic Teachings

Prominent themes in Hinduism include:

Dharma (individual ethics, duties and obligations). A comprehensive ordering of life

according to principles and practices appropriate for ones age and station (caste) in life.
This includes the basics of the Indian caste system, which segments people from birth into
certain levels in society, placing each person in the caste where they will live out their life.
Although the caste system was abolished by national law in 1949, it remains a significant
force throughout India .
Samsra (rebirth or reincarnation). According to the doctrine of reincarnation (Samsra), the
soul is immortal, while the body is subject to birth and death. Many Hindus believe in
reincarnation and they believe the action in ones life can determine ones fate in a
subsequent reincarnation. Virtuous actions take the soul closer to the supreme divine and
lead to a birth with higher consciousness. Evil actions hinder this recognition of the supreme
divine, and the soul takes lower forms of worldly life.
Karma (fate or right action). The doctrine of karma relates to the law of cause and effect. It
states that everything people do (karma) leaves impressions in their mind, which determines
what kind of people they will be in the future, and hence their fate.
Moksha (deliverance from the cycle of birth and death). When the cycle of rebirth comes to
an end, a person is said to have attained moksha. All schools of thought agree that moksha
implies the cessation of worldly desires and freedom from the cycle of birth and death, the
exact definition depends on individual beliefs.

In whatever way a Hindu might define the goal of life and multiple definitions are allowed
several methods (yogas) have developed over the centuries for people of different tastes and
temperaments. Paths one can follow to achieve the spiritual goal of life include: Bhakti Yoga (the
path of love and devotion), Karma Yoga (the path of right action), Rja Yoga (the path of
meditation), and Jna Yoga (the path of knowledge).

The Founder

Hinduism is not really a single religion, but many beliefs that interact and blend with one another.
Hinduism has no known founder, there are no creedal statements of faith, and no agreed upon
authority.

The Writings

Hinduism relies on numerous religious texts developed over many centuries, each containing
spiritual insights and practical guidance for religious life. Among such texts, the four Vedas
(knowledge) are the most ancient, and form the foundation of Hindu philosophy. Other writings
include the Brahamanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads. These are all known as the Vedic literature and
are considered supernaturally inspired.
Hinduism is said to rest upon the accumulated treasury of spiritual laws discovered by different persons in
different times." The scriptures were transmitted orally, in verse form to aid memorization, for many
centuries before they were written down. Through the years teachings were refined by other sages,
and the canon expanded. The great majority of the sacred texts are composed in the Sanskrit
language.
While the Vedas are not commonly read by most Hindus, they are yet revered as eternal knowledge
with sacred sounds that help bring spiritual and material benefits, and more importantly, for the
revelations about the Brahman. The Hindu scriptural canon is not closed; even today Hindus believe
that, because the spiritual truths of the Vedas are eternal, they may continue to be expressed in new
ways throughout the future. New scriptures can continue to be written to express the truths of the
Vedas in ways accessible to people of different times and places. Many Hindus even venerate the
scriptures of other religions, since it is believed that the one divinity can reveal itself in
innumerable ways.
3. Hinduism (3)

Compared to Christianity -

How are Hinduism and Christianity different?

In Hinduism, Brahman has the power to bring things into appearance. However, the pantheistic
component of Hinduism claims God did not create the world: God is the world, along with
everything in it. The world was not created, it always was, just like the soul that always has existed
and will always exist.
Hindus do not believe in a personal, loving God; but in Brahman, a formless, abstract, eternal being
without personal attributes.
The Christian Bible contradicts the Hindu concepts of reincarnation, karma, and moskha. Hindus
believe the soul is uncreated and eternal. This contradicts the teachings of the Bible that each person
is created by God, will die once, and spend eternity in heaven or hell.
Hindus are tolerant to Christianity and to any other religion; many even read the Bible as possible
additional revelation (as their canon remains open). However, Hindus cannot accept Jesus as the
only Son of God. In the words of the great Indian leader Mohandas Gandhi: It was more than I could
believe that Jesus was the only incarnate son of God. And that only he who believed in him would have everlasting
life. Gandhi also said he could not believe there was any mysterious or miraculous virtue in Christs
death on the cross.
Comparing Hinduism Christianity
Hinduism Christianity
Pantheistic, monotheistic and polytheistic Monotheistic
Brahman is impersonal God is personal
Humanity is extended from Brahman Humanity is separated from the being of God
The soul is eternal Each of us is created by God
After death, one is reincarnated in a new body After death, one faces Gods judgment
Salvation through cycles of reincarnation Salvation through forgiveness of sins
Salvation through self-effort Salvation through Gods grace by Christ
Moksha merge into oneness with Brahman Heaven eternal fellowship with God

Comparing Hinduism to Christianity

3. Hinduism (4)

Conclusions From an Apologetics Perspective

Hinduism is not a historical religion like Christianity. Its writings and teachings are philosophical and
spiritual; they do not allow corroboration from archaeology or other sources. Also Hinduism has
evolved with the way of life and culture in India over millennia. It is not clear whether its teachings
controlled the development of the culture, or the other way around. Either way, there is no founder
or a doctrinal statement of faith to verify historically.
Its most important writings, the Vedas, were written between 1500 and 800 BC. They are not tied to
any known person as author, though they were created by an emerging priesthood, the Brahman
caste. The Vedas have been preserved orally as well as in writing, but there are virtually no ancient
manuscripts. At the same time, since these books do not specify historical events or tie themselves
to factual matters, how accurate they are textually makes little difference to its adherents.
As a pantheistic religion, it assumes the supreme being Brahman is a non-personal presence in
everything around us. It is not completely clear if all Hindus believe in an eternal universe, but the
claims of an eternal soul of man seems to indicate such. Science has indisputably proved the
universe is not eternal, but began (scientifically known as the Big Bang) and, therefore, will end. For
that reason all scientific data conflicts the belief in the eternal soul of man and the pantheistic
concept of Brahman.
The Hindu teaching of reincarnation is intriguing and, to many, appealing as a model for eternal life.
However, there is no proof that anybody has ever lived and experienced the reincarnation of an
earlier life. Also it raises vital questions such as: Where do souls come from, and how are more souls
created as the human population continues to grow?
Another problem with reincarnation is an apparent built-in self-contradiction. The idea behind
reincarnation is that over a number of death-rebirth cycles ones soul gradually improves and
becomes wiser and purer, leading to ultimate moskha, the unification with Brahman. In this state of
oneness evil is conquered and all is good. However, Hinduism also teaches that all souls originated
from Brahman. How can it be that when the soul left Brahman and started its cycle of
improvements that it needed any improvements in the first place? The soul was pure and perfect as
part of Brahman, so how could it be imperfect when it left Brahman? This could only be explained,
if the soul committed some evil while united with Brahman, but that would be a contradiction to
Brahmans nature.
In many ways Hinduism baffles the logical mind with its inherent contradictions, and its evident
foundation in pagan superstition.
4. Buddhism (1)

Basic Teachings

Buddhism is in part an extension and in part a reformation of Hinduism. In Buddhism, any person
awakened from the sleep of ignorance by directly realizing the true nature of reality is called a Buddha.
Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, is thus only one among other buddhas before or after him.
Fundamental Buddhist beliefs are:

Reincarnation and Rebirth. Like Hinduism, Buddhism teaches reincarnation; most

individuals pass through many cycles of birth, living, death, and rebirth. A practicing
Buddhist differentiates between rebirth and reincarnation. In reincarnation, a person can
return to life repeatedly. In rebirth, a person does not necessarily return to earth as a human
entity again. Buddha compares it to a leaf growing on a tree. When the withering leaf falls
off, a new leaf will eventually replace it. It is similar to the old leaf, but it is not identical to
the original leaf.
Nirvana. After many such cycles, if a person releases his attachment to desire and the self,
he can attain Nirvana, a state of liberation and freedom from suffering. Buddhism teaches
humans are trapped in a repetitive cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth. One's goal is to
escape this cycle and reach Nirvana. The mind experiences complete freedom, liberation,
and non-attachment. Suffering ends because desire and craving, the causes of suffering,
simply end.
The Four Noble Truths. The Buddha's Four Noble Truths explore human suffering. They
may be described (somewhat simplistically) as:
o Dukkha: Suffering exists, life involves suffering. Suffering is real and almost
universal. Suffering has many causes: loss, sickness, pain, failure, the impermanence
of pleasure, and so on.
o Samudaya: There is a cause for suffering. Its cause is the desire to have and control
things. It can take many forms: craving of sensual pleasures; the desire for fame; the
wish to avoid unpleasant sensations such as fear, anger or jealousy.
o Nirodha: There is an end to suffering. Suffering ceases with the final liberation of
Nirvana. The mind experiences complete freedom, liberation, and non-attachment.
It lets go of any desire or craving.
o Magga: In order to end suffering, you must follow the Eightfold Path.
 The form in which one is reborn, animal or human, in heaven or in hell, depends on karma, an
impersonal ethical law (like Hinduism). One can escape from this process by attaining Nirvana or
enlightenment. Nirvana can be reached by following the Eightfold Path.
The Buddha's Eightfold Path
Panna: Discernment, wisdom that purifies the mind:
1) Samma ditthi: Right Understanding of the Four Noble Truths. Understanding reality as it is, not
as it appears to be.
2) Samma sankappa: Right thinking; following the right path in life.
Sila: Virtue, morality:
3) Samma vaca: Right speech; truthful, criticism, condemning, gossip, harsh language.
4) Samma kammanta: Right conduct; wholesome action, avoiding actions that could do harm.
5) Samma ajiva: Right livelihood; support yourself without harming others.

Samadhi: Concentration, meditation:

6) Samma vayama: Right Effort; Promote good thoughts; conquer evil thoughts, make an effort to
improve.
7) Samma sati: Right Mindfulness; Become aware of your body, mind and feelings .
8) Samma Samadhi: Right Concentration; Meditate to achieve a higher state of consciousness. Be
aware of the present reality within yourself.

The Eightfold Path to Enlightenment

The Founder

I've heard many questions related to Jesus compared to Buddha. Some are: Are Jesus and Buddha
relatives? Did Jesus mention Buddha? Did Jesus and Buddha have a common ancestor? And so on.
The answer to all these questions is very short: No. Jesus and Buddha had nothing to do with each
other. So who was Buddha?
The Buddhist tradition is founded on and inspired by the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama who
lived 566-486 BC. Born a Hindu in the foothills of the Himalaya in modern day Nepal (in those days
Northern India ), Siddhartha Gautama was the son of a local rajan, or chieftain. Siddhartha means
one who has achieved his aim. Gautama was his clan name. He was a member of a privileged and
wealthy family and grew up comfortably.
After receiving four visions (other traditions claim he made four trips) of suffering and poverty, he
was disillusioned with his wealthy life. He left home and adopted the life of a wandering ascetic and
embarked on a spiritual quest.
One night in 535 BC, at the age of 30, he sat in meditation underneath a large tree, later known as
the Bodhi tree, on the banks of the Nairangana in Northern India . He had a profound experience
and he believed he had gained a deep understanding of the nature of suffering, its cause and a way to
stop it. He assumed the title Lord Buddha (one who has awakened; the one who has attained
enlightenment by himself). Lord Buddha then devoted the rest of his life (about 45 years) to
traveling and teaching the way to cease suffering. By the time of his death at about the age of 75, he
had a considerable following and had established an order of monks and a corresponding order of
nuns.
The Buddha did not choose a successor. He believed that the Dharma, his teachings, plus the
Vinaya, his code of rules for the monks and nuns, would be a sufficient guide. It took at least one
and a half century (some say even 250 years) before a council of Buddhist monks collected his
teachings and the oral traditions of the faith into a written form.

The Writings

During his life Lord Buddha wrote nothing. There is a gap of at least 150 years between his spoken
words and the first written records. A gap of that duration (compared to the gospels written within
25-70 years of the resurrection and all by personal witnesses) with multiple generations of oral
tradition is likely to raise serious questions about the reliability of the texts.
An additional challenge is that Buddha taught for 45 years, and a staggering amount of material has
been attributed to him in one way or another. This raises the obvious question of how to discern
what was taught by Buddha and what was added later by his followers.
Buddhist scriptures and other texts exist in great variety. Different schools of Buddhism place
different values on them. Some schools venerate certain texts as religious objects in themselves,
while others take a more scholastic approach. The Buddhist canon of scripture is known as the
Tripitaka. This included a large collection of commentaries and traditions; most are called Sutras
(discourses). Tripitaka literally means three baskets, and refers to the three main divisions of the
canon, which are:

The Vinaya Pitaka, containing disciplinary rules for the Buddhist monks and nuns, as well
as a range of other texts including explanations of why and how rules were instituted,
supporting material, and doctrinal clarification.
The Stra Pitaka which contains the actual discourses of the Buddha.
The Abhidharma Pitaka which contains commentaries or systematic expositions of the
Buddha's teachings.

Buddhism has no single central text universally referred to by all traditions.

 5. Islam (1)
And in their footsteps we sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Torah that had come before him: We
sent him the Gospel: therein was guidance and light.
The Quran, Surah 5:46
Islam is an Arabic word that means submission, said to be the surrender of oneself to the will of
Allah (God), achieving peace and security by doing so. A person surrenders to the will of Allah by
living and thinking in the way Allah has instructed. A Muslim is a follower of Islam. Muslim is an
Arabic word that refers to one who submits to the will of Allah. Islam is more than a system of
beliefs. The faith provides a social and legal system to govern all aspects of life, such as family, law
and order, ethics, dress, and cleanliness as well as religious ritual and observance. The Quran is the
holy book of Islam and considered to contain the unaltered word of Allah.

Background

Islam is the world's second most followed religion and, at present, the fastest growing. It began in its
present form more than 1,400 years ago (founded in 622 AD) in what is now Saudi Arabia. It swiftly
became a world faith, and now has as many as 1.3 billion believers. That is about 20-22% of the
world population, or otherwise said, one in every five people today is a Muslim. In the USA,
estimates reach two million with a increase of more than 100% in the last ten years. Islam actively
seeks converts while its aggressively avoids exposure of believers to other faiths.
Although Islam is a purely Arabic religion, less than 20% of Muslims live in the Arab world. An
estimated 20% live in Sub-Saharan Africa; about 30% in the South Asian region of Pakistan (155
million Muslims), India (130 million) and Bangladesh (125 million). Somewhat surprisingly, the
world's largest single country Muslim population is found in Indonesia (about 210 million Muslims).
There are also significant Muslim populations in China , Europe (fast growing, especially France and
Great Britain ), Central Asia, and Russia .

Islam's three holiest places, the cities of Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem are all in the Middle East.
That Mecca and Medina are so revered is obvious from the role these cities especially Mecca
played in the life of Mohammed. The importance of Jerusalem is somewhat unexpected. There is no
indication that Mohammed ever visited Jerusalem. So why is it so important? Jerusalem s special
position is partly explained by the important role it plays in the rewritten accounts in the Quran
of Old Testament stories about Abraham and David as well as the life of Jesus. More important is
the belief that the site of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem is the place where the prophet
Mohammad was carried into heaven.

As we have seen, Christianity is currently the largest religion in the world. About 32% of the world
population is Christian, a percentage that has remained relatively stable with only a slight decline for
decades. However Islam adherence grows at a rate of an estimated 2.9% per year, that is 0.6% more
per year than the growth of the world population. If this current trend continues, Islam will become
the largest world religion sometime in the mid twenty-first century.
Why is Islam growing so fast on a worldwide basis? It is likely a combination of geopolitics and
demographics. Countries with a large majority of Muslims declare themselves an Islamic state and
adapt Islamic laws, making Islam the only allowed state religion. Usually this is combined with a non
or limited democratic regime. Examples are Saudi Arabia , Iran , Syria , Pakistan , and so on. In these
countries freedom of religion is not allowed, or at best severely restricted, thus forcing Islam on all
its citizens. On the other hand, some traditionally Christian European countries have ex-colonial ties
to many of the countries now predominantly Islamic. These historical ties allow easy entry for
citizens from these former colonies into Europe and the European Union facilitates easy travel
within its borders. Many Muslims make these moves for economic reasons. Through this migration,
increasing numbers of Muslims migrate to these mostly Christian countries and take their faith with
them. The effects of this population shift are multiplied significantly as birthrates decline and family
size decreases among the native Europeans as opposed to the large Muslim families.

5. Islam (2)

Belief About God, Allah vs. Jehovah

There is only one God, called Allah (Al Lah is the Arabic for the divinity, meaning the One True
God. Allah was also the name of one of the gods worshiped by local pagan religions). Allah's last
prophet was Mohammad . Mohammad was not a god or divine in any sense, but he was a man, the
final prophet, the messenger through whom Allah revealed his will. Muslims revere Mohammad, but
they do not worship him. Everything and everyone depends on Allah. All Muslims, whatever their
race, belong to one community: the Ummah.
Allah is described in the Qu'ran (Surah 112:1-4) as: "...God, the One and Only; God, the Eternal, Absolute;
He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him."
Is Allah the same as the Christian God (Jehovah) as described in the Bible? There are similarities
because both religions are monotheistic and also because (as we will discuss later in this chapter)
Islam is, in many ways, an outgrowth of Judaism and Christianity. Apart from the fact that both
Allah and Jehovah are the only God recognized by each religion, both Islam and Christianity also
recognize God as the Creator of the universe; He is sovereign, omniscient, omnipresent and
omnipotent; He has revealed His will and character through prophets, angels, and the written word;
He knows the thoughts and deeds of men; and He will judge the wicked. However, there can be no
doubt to even the occasional reader of the teachings of Islam and Christianity that both refer to a
very different God:
Allah and Jehovah are not descriptions of the same God
Jehovah (God as described in the Bible) Allah
Trinity Singular unity
Heavenly Father Distant, not a father, no children
Loves the lost Loves not the prodigals (Surah 6:142,7:31)
Loves the sinners (not the sin) Loves not those that do wrong (Surah 3:140)
takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel Allah desires to afflict them for some of their sins
33:11) (Surahs 5:49, 4:168-169, 7:179, 9:2)
Holy, demands complete perfection Good deeds must outweigh ones bad deeds
He provided a sinless Savior, who took our sins Sent a messenger Mohammed, who warned of
upon Himself Allahs impending judgment
 Comparing Allah and Jehovah

The above table points out significant differences between Jehovah and Allah, but by far the most
important contrast is the view of sin. God as depicted in the Bible loves the sinner, but hates sin (as
He cannot tolerate it because of His holiness); the Quran teaches that Allah hates the sinners. This
fact alone explains why militant Islam approves the killing of anyone not a Muslim (any infidel).
Anyone who is not a Muslim is a sinner. As Allah hates the sinners, killing an infidel is doing the will
of Allah.
Death to the infidel
A recent illustration of the belief that it is the will of Allah to kill the infidel, is the controversy that
arose on September 12, 2006 when Pope Benedict XVI quoted the following passage: Show me just
what Mohammad brought that was new and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to
spread by the sword the faith he preached.
As a result the whole Islamic world was in uproar as the pope had offended Islam and the prophet
Mohammad. Thousands and thousands of people participated in protests around the world with
many demanding the popes execution. After a few weeks and some vague apologies from the pope
the protests faded, but this incident shows once again how death is the obvious penalty for any
unbeliever.

5. Islam (3)

Basic Teachings of Islam

Islam considers the following six doctrines as the foundation of their faith:

Allah. There is only one true God and His name is Allah. He is omniscient, omnipresent,
and omnipotent.
Angles. Angels are messengers from God. The angel Gabriel brought Mohammed the
revelations now recorded in the Quran.
Scripture. The divine scriptures include the Torah, the Psalms, the rest of the Bible (as
originally revealed, before Jews and Christians corrupted them) and the Qur'an.
Prophets. Islam recognizes a total of 28 prophets, all well known from the Bible (including
Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus). The last prophet for all time is
Mohammed, the greatest of all prophets.
Day of Judgment. On the last day, Allah will judge all persons based on their good and bad
deeds. Allah will decide who goes to heaven or hell.
Predestination. The supremacy of the will of Allah.
There are five duties that every Muslim is obliged to perform, the Five Pillars of Islam:

Shahadah. This is the Muslim profession of faith: "I witness that there is no god but Allah, and
that Mohammad is the prophet of Allah." Muslims must repeat the shahadah in prayer, and non-
Muslims must use the creed to formally convert to Islam.
Salat. A prayer ritual performed five times daily by all Muslims. Each salat is done facing to
(the Kaaba in) Mecca. However, in the early days of Islam, when it was based primarily in
Mecca , Muslims offered salat facing Jerusalem . Salat is very different from praying on the
inspiration of the moment. A precise ritual is followed at separate times of the day set aside
for devotion. While an individual can pray by himself, Muslims prefer to perform Salat with
others, as this demonstrates the unity of all Muslims.

The Kaaba
The Kaaba is a large cubical building in Mecca. In the days of Mohammed, the Kaaba was
considered a shrine, a stone used for various offerings to pagan deities, including a ritual of an
annual pilgrimage to honor these pagan gods. Mohammad was born to a tribe whose duty it was to
keep the Kaaba.
After Mohammad and his army conquered Mecca, he went straight to the Kaaba, removed 360 idols
and declared this to be focal point of the Islamic faith, including the demand for every Muslim to at
least make one pilgrimage to the Kaaba during their lifetime.

Sawm (the holy month of Ramadan). During Ramadan, the ninth Muslim month,
Muslims abstain from all bodily pleasures between dawn and sunset. Not only is food
forbidden, but also smoking and any sexual activity. Muslims must also make sure that they
do not do or even think anything evil.
Zakat. Giving alms to the poor. This is a compulsory gift of 2.5 % of one's wealth, given as
charity to the poor and needy each year in addition to any charitable gifts a Muslim makes.
Giving in this way frees Muslims from the love of money. It reminds them that all they have
belongs to God.
Hajj: The pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Mecca. All physically able Muslims should make this
trip at least once in their life. Mecca is the most holy place. It is the place where Muhammad
lived and gained his prophet status. The government of Saudi Arabia issues special visas to
foreigners for the purpose of the pilgrimage. Entrance to Mecca itself is forbidden to non-
Muslims, and the entire city is considered a holy site in Islam.

The often used term jihad means to strive or struggle in the way of Allah, and sometimes is said
to be the sixth pillar of Islam, although it has no official status. Jihad has a wider meaning in Islamic
literature. It can be striving to live a good Muslim life, praying and fasting regularly, being an
attentive spouse and parent, or working hard to spread the message of Islam. Jihad is also used to
mean the struggle to spread or defend Islam through holy war. Islam teaches that Muslims martyred
during a jihad go directly to heaven and receive special rewards.
The Sharia is the Islamic law, determined by traditional Islamic scholarship. It covers all aspects of
life, from government and foreign relations to issues of daily living.
 5. Islam (4)

The Founder

Muslims believe Islam is based on the ministry of a man named Mohammad, and on the words that
Allah gave to the world through him. They believe that Mohammad did not found Islam. Islam was
created by Allah at the beginning of time; in fact, Muslims regard Adam as the first Muslim.
Mohammad was the final messenger through whom Allah revealed the faith to the world. Earlier
messengers included Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and, of course, Jesus.
Mohammad was not only a religious leader, but a political leader as well. This established the close
relationship between religion and politics that ensured the rapid spread of the faith, and its influence
on the complete way of life in many countries.
Mohammad was born in 570 AD in Mecca , in Arabia , to a family of the Quraysh tribe. His father
died before his birth, and his mother died when he was only six, so Mohammad was raised first by
his grandfather, and later by his uncle. The family was not rich, so Mohammad spent much of his
childhood tending animals for others in order to earn his livelihood. He later managed caravans on
behalf of merchants. He met people of different religious beliefs on his travels, and was able to
observe and learn about Judaism and Christianity. This explains why Mohammad based Islam on
many of the teachings of Judaism and Christianity, its Bible, and its prophets. Muslim often make
very different claims about the origins of Islam and Christianity. However history clearly shows
Christianity was well established before Islam was introduced.
When he was 25, Mohammad married Khadija, a wealthy 40-year-old widow. Mohammad soon
developed an interest in spiritual matters and would spend time on retreat in the cave of Hira on
the Mountain of Light (near Mecca ). In the year 610, Mohammad claimed to have his first
revelation a vision of the Archangel Gabriel, who told him that he was to be a prophet. Khadija
confirmed Mohammad's belief in his mission and declared herself as his first disciple.
Mohammad was mocked at first by people who claimed that God had forsaken him, but the
revelations resumed, and over many years Mohammad received the text of the Quran in a series of
revelations. He proclaimed that the Quran was the last book of God, and that he himself was the
last prophet. With a small group of people who believed what he said, Mohammad began to spread
the message. He publicly condemned local idolatrous beliefs and religious customs, which did not
make him universally popular. In the year 613, Mohammad intensified his public preaching and won
more converts. He and his followers were persecuted, and some of them escaped to Abyssinia . A
long period of difficulty followed, but Mohammad and his followers remained true to the faith and
he continued to preach and convert.
In 622 AD, Mohammad fled to Yathrib (later called Medina ) with 70 followers; this is known as the
Hegira (which means emigration or flight). This event also marks the beginning of the Islamic
calendar. Mohammad formed a tribe from those who accepted him as the Prophet, and gradually
Islam grew in strength and acceptance. He defeated his opposition in battle, conquered Mecca , and
established a strong political and religious base. In the year 632, Mohammad made a final pilgrimage
to Mecca . with over 100,000 of his followers, and gave his last sermon. He died a few months later
(July 6, 632) in Medina .
 5. Islam (6)

The Writings, the Qur'an (or Koran)

Muslims believe that they have one life, after which they are judged. Muslims are guided to follow
Allah's will by:

The holy book, the Qur'an (or Koran), which Muslims regard as the unaltered word of Allah.
The example set by Mohammad's life (recorded in the Sunnah and Hadith).

The Qur'an (recitation) contains the words of Allah. Muslims believe that it was revealed to
Muhammad by the archangel Gabriel. This was originally in oral and written form; they were later
assembled together into a single book, the Qur'an (often spelled "Koran" in English). Muslims
believe that, because of its divine origin, the Qur'an has not been altered in any way since it was first
compiled. Copies of the Qur'an are always treated with the greatest respect.
The only authoritative text of the Qur'an is the original Arabic text. Muslims regard translations of
the Qur'an into other languages as paraphrases or inadequate versions of the original. The Qur'an
consists of 114 chapters (called Surahs and 6616 verses, called ayas), which have names as well as
numbers. Its size is about two thirds of the New Testament.
Muslims believe the text of the Quran, at the time Mohammed received it from Gabriel, was written
on pieces of paper, stones, palm-leaves, shoulder-blades, ribs, and bits of leather; basically anything
on hand, and it was memorized. Most scholars estimate the initial group of believers with
Mohammed was in the order of 75 to no more than 150 people. These people memorized the texts.
However, history also records that during the flight to Medina and the subsequent battles, many of
this groups original believers were killed. So the valid question arises, even if part of the text was
written down, how much of the memorized text was correctly retained by this small group of
surviving Muslims? Records even indicate that until the year 25-30 AH (around 650 AD, that is
about 40 years after Mohammed received the majority of the texts), the transmission of the Quran
was almost completely oral, until the first official version was composed under Uthman (or
Othman), the third Muslim caliph. Since there were wide divergences between the Qurans of Medina
, Mecca , Basra , Kufa, and Damascus , Othmans solution was to canonize the Medinan Codex and order all
others to be destroyed. Therefore, there can be little doubt that the text canonized by Othman was only one among
several types of text in existence at the time. It is this version that has remained uniform and intact, not
the original version that came directly from Muhammad.
As Winfried Corduan summarizes about the texts of the Quran: There is good reason to believe that the
Quran as it exists today is for the most part what Muhammad taught. Unfortunately, there is little opportunity to
evaluate the textual integrity of the Quran any further since Caliph Uthman, third in line as successor to
Muhammad, destroyed all manuscripts he did not consider correct. Muslims generally claim that the present Quran is
pure, but even with Uthmans heavy-handed treatment, there are a few known variants.
Which was written first, the Koran of the Bible? Well obviously the Bible was written many
centuries earlier. The Bible has had an important influence on Islam (or actually Mohammed). For
instance, the Muslim proudly traces his ancestry to Ishmael (the son of Abraham with Hagar, Sarahs
maid). Muslim beliefs about the nature of God, and the resurrection of the body and judgment bear
a similarity to what is taught in the Bible. The Quran even describes the virgin birth of Jesus, but
denies the resurrection (they claim that He did not die on the cross, but somebody else was crucified
on his behalf). For Muslims, Jesus is a prophet superior to Abraham and Moses, but far below
Mohammed.
Secondary to the Quran, the Sunnah and the Hadith are additional instruction to the Muslim. The
Sunnah records events of the life of Mohammed and offers examples for ethics and living. As such,
it is the basis of the legal code and authoritative in ruling among Islamic states. The Hadith are
collections of the sayings of Mohammed. Each Hadith is a narration of the life of the prophet and
what he said, as opposed to a biographical sketch.

5. Islam (7)

Conclusions From an Apologetics Perspective

The evidence for truth of Islam is very limited. Clearly Mohammed was a historical figure, who lived
in Arabia and founded a religion there. However, all claims for the revelations of Allah to
Mohammed are based on Mohammeds personal experiences, subsequently recorded in the Quran.
No one else witnessed or received these revelations.
Muslims often claim Christians corrupted the Bible, but as we have seen the historical,
archaeological and manuscript evidences for preservation of the original texts in our modern day
Bibles are very strong and compelling.
For the Quran however this situation is very different. Where are the original manuscripts? What
ancient writings have been preserved? How certain can anyone be that the first followers of
Mohammed memorized and later recalled all texts perfectly? And compare the process of
canonization of the Quran to the Bible. The Quran was canonized instantly by caliph Uthman
through destroying all other manuscripts. Granted, the canonization of the New Testament endured
some major struggles, but its criteria were based on apostolic authority and Gods inspiration, not
the personal preference of one man.
Additionally, there are no claims in Islam for miracles or fulfilled prophecies or any other facts or
events that can support or prove divine inspiration or revelation.
Lastly, I find it personally intriguing to read about the characteristics usually associated with
Christian cults, like Mormonism and Jehovah Witnesses, and then apply those to Islam. The
similarities are striking, like the cults, Islam claims additional revelation, rejects the Trinity, believe
only they know the whole truth, distort the teachings of the Bible, require works for salvation and
have a system that protects their followers from non-Muslim influences.
Comparing the evidences for Christianity and Islam
Christianity Islam
Scripture The Bible: The Quran:
Manuscript evidence Revealed to Mohammed only
Written by 40 people Claims exact words of Gabriel
Historically reliable No written records for 40 years
Fulfilled prophecies No historical evidences
Consistent accounts No logical structure
Founder Jesus: Mohammed:
Neither worldly nor military Spiritual but also military leader
 Proved His deity with miracles, No evidences for his status as a
prophecies, and resurrection prophet from Allah
Came with a purpose: to complete
Plan of Redemption
Theology God has a complete plan for men to Allah demands worship and submission,
choose Him by free will and be but there is no clear plan for salvation.
redeemed through Christs blood. Allah will judge good versus bad.
Worldview Choose to be a Christian by free will. Submission is enforced. Islam can be an
No demands on social or political enforced dictatorship.
structures.

Comparing the Evidences for Islam to Christianity

6. Christianity and the Other World Religions

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
The Great Commission Matthew 28:19-20
So far, we have examined the differences between the three main branches of Christianity and the
basics of the other three great world religions, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. Obviously, the
survey is brief and far from complete, but still even this limited analysis identified a number of areas
where Christianity is absolutely unique among other worldviews. These unique areas make in my
personal opinion Christianity not just another option, but the only choice.
#1: Christianity is Grounded in History
Studying the Christian Bible is like studying history. It extends from the beginning of the universe
and through the ancient ages described in Genesis. The birth, rise, and glory days of the Jewish
people, all the way to the fall of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah are detailed in other books of the
Old Testament. The New Testament gospels describe the birth and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth
and His death and resurrection. The Christian faith grew from the birth of the church into a world
religion by reaching across and beyond the mighty Roman Empire as seen in the book of Acts. If we
skip Genesis and begin counting with Moses, the Bible covers a period of 1,500 years, that can be
verified by and compared to non-Biblical historical records. This was also the period during which
the authors of the Bible books lived.
Hinduism makes no historical claims. It seems to have developed while riding the waves of various
cultures of the people of India, influenced regularly by invasions from other peoples. Siddhartha
Gautama (Lord Buddha) was no doubt a historical individual. However, neither he nor his followers,
seem to care about their world. Buddhas teachings of suffering and its remedies are in a sense
timeless, but also reveal a complete disconnection from the world.
Mohammed lived from 570 to 632 AD. His life had major historical impact. However, the Quran
records only his revelations; it tells little of his life. These revelations do not resemble the narratives
found in the Bible. The Quran texts are more spiritual and philosophical than historical. On
occasion the historical background is clear, especially when it refers to characters known from the
Bible, but it does not mention places, dates, names of rulers, customs, trade routes, and so on, as the
Bible does. Additionally, Mohammeds revelations started in 610 AD. Before the Hegira of 622 AD
he received the majority of the text of the Quran. Mohammed died 10 years later, so at best the
Quran covers only 22 years, compared to the 1,500 years covered by the authors of the Bible.
#2: Jesus Kingdom Was Not of This World
When asked by Pilate if He was the king of the Jews, Jesus answered: My kingdom is not of this world.
If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place
(John 18:36). All through the gospel we read that Jesus turned the world upside down by what He
did and taught. The beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10) tell how blessed His people are: the poor in spirit,
those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure
in heart, the peacemakers, and those persecuted. They are blessed in the kingdom of Christ , the
kingdom of God . Not in our world. In our world these people may well be considered the losers.
They end up with the short end of the stick. They get the bad deals. In the eyes of Jesus, in the
economy of God, these are the winners, these are the people whom Jesus reaches out to.
Because of this, the Jews missed the Messiah. As we have seen, the Jews were waiting for the
Messiah. They were ready. They knew the Old Testament prophecies and were expecting their
Savior, but they were putting their stock in the world. They wanted to be liberated from the Roman
occupation, reinstating Israel and Judah as independent, powerful kingdoms. So they did not like
Jesus teaching nor His kingdom, and they rejected Him.
In the Eastern religions we see similar teachings by the Buddha and, for instance, by the best known
Hindu, Mohandas K. Gandhi. Like Jesus, they were also uninterested in what the world had to offer
in terms of power and wealth. They did not preach of the kingdom of God ; actually they did not
believe in God, but searched for deeper meanings in the spiritual rather than the materialistic world.
Islams prophet Mohammed taught about spiritual and moral values, as he addressed and attempted
to correct the immoral behavior of his contemporaries. Above all, he was a successful businessman
and a ruthless warlord. His economic wealth and position (through his marriage to a wealthy widow)
helped him gain followers. His army was at first almost destroyed, but ultimately he gained the upper
hand and defeated the armies of Mecca . to take control of the city. He then expanded his military
control to most of Arabia . Completely unlike Jesus, his worldly success enabled Mohammed to
establish his religion. If it were not for Mohammeds success as a military leader we likely would not
be discussing Islam!

#3: Only Jesus Claims to be God

Jesus was not confused about His own identity; He unabashedly claimed to be God. But He also
supported it by facts. Jesus performed many miracles; 35 are recorded in the gospels, including
various nature miracles. One of the most impressive, the feeding of the five thousand, is attested to
in all four gospels. And Jesus fulfilled each of the hundreds of prophecies about the Messiah from
the Old Testament with remarkable accuracy, all but a few outside his own control, and well beyond
any statistical probability of chance.
When it seemed that Jesus was defeated, that evil had won by crucifying and killing the Messiah,
God revealed His greatest miracle of all: The resurrection of Christ. The greatest moment of victory
for the Evil One turned out to be the moment of his complete defeat. By the crucifixion, with His
blood, Jesus purchased salvation for man. By His resurrection He proclaimed in a most glorious way
possible that He was the Son of God beyond the grip of death.
Hinduism had no founder, so there are no claims of deity. Gandhi was a humble man of integrity
and had great care for other people. Yet he never claimed to be God. Siddhartha Gautama (Lord
Buddha) did not claim to be God, nor are there serious claims that he performed miracles during his
lifetime or that there was a resurrection. The original accounts of Buddha never ascribe to him any such thing
as a resurrection; in fact, in the earliest accounts of his death, namely, the Mahaparinibbana Sutta, we read that when
Buddha died it was with that utter passing away in which nothing whatever remains behind.
The prophet Mohammed expressly claimed merely to be the prophet of Allah. Mohammed, also,
fulfilled no prophecies nor is there even a single credible account of a miracle he performed. Many
Muslims protest that the writing of the Quran is the greatest miracle of all. Others argue for some
miraculous accounts about Mohammed deeply rooted in tradition, but these are not supported by
history or reliable scriptures. But even if this was evidence for Mohammeds divine inspiration these
claims look pale next to the miracles and prophecies fulfilled by Jesus. Mohammed died June 8, 632
AD at the age of 61 in Medina , where his tomb is annually visited by thousands of devout Muslims.
Later legends claim that he did not die but ascended to heaven in Jerusalem (at the location of the
modern day Dome of the Rock). However, no credible evidence for this claim has been presented.
Whatever Mohammeds destiny, nobody has ever claimed he rose from the dead.
Christ alone claimed to be God. Christ alone provided evidence to support His claims!
#4: The Bible is a Historically Reliable Document
We have seen that Christianity is grounded in history, but also that the Bible is a historically reliable
book. The accounts in the Bible are not generic stories. They are richly detailed in time, place, and
people. They name cities and nations, mountains and oceans, rivers and valleys, customs and idols,
rulers and families. We can trace the historical record. Numerous confirmations come through
archaeological discoveries of buildings, artifacts and inscriptions. Questions raised by skeptics and
non-believers are not about the historical background of Christianity and its ancient roots in
Judaism. These questions always seem to point to details such as a name or a date. They attempt to
verify or disprove a particular aspect of the account. As we have seen, although we will never be able
to prove through archaeology and history that everything exactly happened as described, no one has
been able to disprove even one Bible account.
Compare this to the sacred books of the other religions. The Vedas and Tripitaka are collections of
teachings and wisdom, wholly generic of nature and neither allowing nor requiring historical
confirmations. The Quran covers some historical ground, but is not even presented as a historical
document by Muslim apologetic scholars.
#5: The Bible was Written by Witnesses, not the Founder
Trick trivia question: How many books did Jesus write? The answer is, none. Jesus did not write even
one book or letter in the Bible. Of all the 66 books in the Old and New Testament Jesus penned
none. He is the indirect subject of the entire Old Testament, as the prophecies prepare for His
coming and the main character in the New Testament as the gospels record about His life and
teachings. The remainder urges readers to follow His example and to obey His teachings. Yet He did
not write any of these books. Is it not amazing that the New Testament is written by nine different
writers? These nine men, all but a few eyewitnesses to the resurrection, did not write their books
while sharing a large room where they could coordinate their stories. Some might have had access to
material of others, but most wrote their accounts independently of one another. They wrote at
different locations and at various times, but they told a solitary story, they gave one consistent
testimony to the deity of Christ, and they preached one plan of redemption.
Islam claims that the Qur'an is not only God's Word, but also the final revelation to man. It comes
from the "mother of all books" (Surah 43:2-4). Muslims maintain that the Qur'an is an exact word-
for-word copy of God's final revelation founded on original tablets that have always existed in
heaven. They believe that the Qur'an is an identical copy of the eternal heavenly book, even so far as
the punctuation, titles, and divisions of chapters are concerned. They claim that the prophet
Mohammed spoke the Quran. He was the sole author (or the medium through which Allah
communicated). These claims can neither be proved nor disproved, and their authority is derived
solely from the Qur'an itself.
It is not known who the authors of the Hindu Vedas were. The Buddhist Tripitaka is claimed to
have been written by the Buddha (and/or later added to by Buddhist monks).
#6: The Bible is the Only Divinely Inspired Book
The Bible claims time and again to be the Word of God. This is not necessarily a unique claim;
other books claim that as well. Only the Bible supports these claims with factual and objective
evidences, just as we have extensively presented scientific revelations, fulfilled prophecies, unity,
transformed lives, and so on throughout the previous chapters.
Neither Hinduism nor Buddhism claim their writings are divinely inspired.
What about the Quran? It also expressly claims to be the Word of God. The Quran asserts this
in even more clear terms than the Bible, as it is supposed to be the actual words of Allah given by
Gabriel to Mohammed. Can it support this claim? Muslims believe that the self-authenticating
miracle is the unity and literal style of the Qur'an itself. Iranian Islamic scholar Sayyid Hossein Nasr
wrote: Many people, especially non-Muslims, who read the Qur'an for the first time, are struck by what appears to
be a kind of incoherence.... It is neither like a high mystical text nor a manual of Aristotelian logic, though it contains
both mysticism and logic.The Qur'an contains a quality which is difficult to express in modern language. One might
call it divine magic.
Some Muslims also claim that the Qur'an is a miracle because Mohammed himself was illiterate. For
someone unschooled and illiterate to speak the Quran can only be mastered by divine powers.
However, it is unlikely that Mohammed indeed was illiterate. In his days writing skills were not
difficult to acquire, and given his economic position and experience it is more than likely that he
could both read and write. Even if he was illiterate, he would have had access to scribes to assist
him.
Therefore the evidence of the divine inspiration of the Quran is limited to the miracle of the
Quran itself. Not convincing, and a pale comparison to the evidences for the authority of the
Bible.
#7: Christianity Offers a Complete Plan of Redemption
Christianity does not leave loose ends. The plan of redemption goes full circle. God is holy and our
sin separates us from Him. Gods justice demands a price to be paid, the price of death by the
shedding of blood. Gods grace allows a substitute to pay the price for us. Gods love dispatched
Jesus, His Son, to earth to pay that price with His blood. By accepting Jesus payment for our sins,
we can be reconciled to God during this lifetime as well as after our deaths, when this reconciliation
is fully realized.
This plan of redemption is what the Bible is all about. It is unveiled and unfolded throughout the
early history of man. It leaves no open ending. If we accept the gift of Jesus by faith, we can be
assured of our salvation. If not, we can be assured of our damnation. Its as simple as that.
Other religions do not offer a similar complete plan.
Hinduism claims that one needs only improve through numerous cycles of reincarnation. Yet the
believer will never know with any certainty how successful he or she is in achieving that objective.
One never knows upon death if the soul will have reached Moksha, or if another cycle of rebirth,
life, and death is required.
The situation with Buddhism is similar. When is one truly free of suffering? How do you measure
that, and how do you know? You die, and then what? Do you disappear into Nirvana or be reborn
as a human being or as some other organism. Like Hinduism, it seems to leave many questions
unanswered.
The Muslim believes that after death he or she will face the judgment of Allah. And the believer will
be judged on the account of his life as an obedient and submissive Muslim and the balance of his
good and bad deeds. Then those whose balance [of good deeds] is heavy, they will be successful. But those
whose balance is light, will be those who have lost their souls, in Hell will they abide (Surah 23:102-3). However,
when are there enough good deeds to outweigh the bad deeds? How does this economy or scale
work? When will you reach a point in life that you can die with the certainty that you will enter
heaven? Muslims will always face that question with uncertainty. The Quran hints that the believer
can be confident of his or her eternal destiny, but there is no guarantee. Even Mohammed himself
was uncertain of his own salvation. So Muslims strive mightily to reach paradise, but they continually
live with the fear that Allah will judge their arrogance and send them to hell. Only Muslims martyred
in a jihad have certainty of heaven.
#8: Divine Accomplishment versus Human Achievement
What does a Christian need to do in order to pay for his or her sins and earn salvation? The answer
is that we do not need to do anything. Salvation is a gift from God. In John 3:16-18 Jesus taught:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have
eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not
believed in the name of Gods one and only Son. Our salvation is not based in the least on our merit, but
entirely on the grace of God. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by
faith from first to last, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith (Romans 1:17). The penalty for sin;
death by the shedding of blood, has already been paid by Christ for all sins in the past, the present,
and the future. Thats why His last words on the cross were: It is finished (John 19:30), meaning the
debt has been paid, paid in full, there is no outstanding balance. The only action left for us to do is
accept this gift of salvation.
The Christian view on salvation seems too good to be true. It seems illogical. How can we get the
most important thing in life, a ticket to heaven, for free? Nothing in life is free and when something
is offered for free there is usually a catch. So what is the catch? There is no catch, because it is free
for us, but it came at a dear price for God. He Himself had to pay the price for our sin by sacrificing
His Son for us. We can not even imagine how much of a sacrifice this was. Perhaps a parent can
imagine how it would feel to have to sacrifice one of their children. So, salvation was secured, not by
human achievement, but by divine accomplishment.
All world religions promise some kind of path to liberation or salvation. Interestingly all these plans
are based on something the believer has to do to earn it. In Hinduism you earn liberation by living
according to certain principles plus meditation, you can improve your next life and ultimately reach
total liberation by achieving Moksha. Buddhists work hard to implement the eight-fold path to reach
Nirvana. Muslims believe that by working hard to do good deeds and adhere to the letter of the five
pillars, they have a chance to tilt the balance in their favor and be judged by Allah worthy of heaven.
But notice, they all have to do the work and are never sure whether they have done enough.
Even Christians struggle with the gift. Therefore, we see pseudo-Christian cults such as
Mormonisms and Jehovah Witnesses adding additional instructions and qualifications one has to
meet in order to earn salvation. We see the same in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox
churches who accept the sacrifice of Christ as a first step, but then demand the addition of works
and sacraments to fully earn and achieve heaven (and limit ones time in purgatory).
God did it all for you! He already did the work; we only need faith in His grace. God already loves
you, you just need to start loving Him.