Tuesday 28 June 2016

Is Christianity Unique?

x Among all the belief systems in this world, Christianity is radically different. How so? Below are just a few of its unique features.

In all other religions, the deity or deities must be placated with meritorious works. If enough sacrifices are offered, the one to whom they are presented just might make something good come to the ones who are sacrificing.

In Christianity, Jesus took the wrath of God on himself for all who would surrender their lives to his rule and turn away from disobeying the Lord. No amount of good deeds and sacrifices can atone for our sins. What we read in the Old Testament regarding sacrifices was just a spiritual I O U until the ultimate sacrificial lamb was slain.

Deities in every other belief system are distant and uncaring. Only God Almighty loved the world so much that he gave his beloved son to die for repentant sinners. As a result, we who give ourselves in obedience to the Lord become a gift to the Son from the Father.

Other religions have a multitude of external rules. In Christianity, there are only two laws, both based on love. Jesus himself said in Mark 12:28-31 (KJV), "And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, 'Which is the first commandment of all?' And Jesus answered him, 'The first of all the commandments is, "Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:" And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength:" this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." There is none other commandment greater than these.'"

I could add other reasons, such as loving one's enemies and not avenging one's injustices on the perpetrators of them, but this post would become too long. Properly practiced, Christianity has greatly benefited the world. That too is a topic I could write at length about.

In my upcoming book, You Think You're Going to Heaven?, I'll deal with these subjects and more. In the meantime, please consider these points I've already made regarding what Christ taught.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Please leave me a comment on this blog. All reasonable comments will be published.