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Campus Life, Nov/Dec 2001
What's the Difference?
the Campus Life Editors
As a Christian, you might feel a little intimidated and confused by beliefs that seem so different from your own. This chart should help. You'll find the basics of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and Islam—the world's biggest non-Christian religions. You'll also learn what Christianity has in common with these religions, and what sets us apart. Finally, you'll learn some practical tips for witnessing to friends who practice these religions.
Hinduism
The Basics
Hinduism is a jumble of many beliefs and gods—as many as 330 million gods! The most significant gods—often viewed as three parts of one whole—are Brahma, the creator; Vishnu, the preserver of creation; and Shiva, the destroyer. Hindu scriptures include the Vedas (the earliest writings) and the Bhagavad Gita (an epic poem). Hindus believe in the unity of all life—that people, gods, nature and animals are all "connected." Hindus believe in a caste system—a "ladder," so to speak, of different social classes. They believe in samsara—remaining trapped in a certain caste level in an endless process of life, death and reincarnation. Karma, the accumulation of good and bad deeds, determines your caste in the next life. Good karma gets you promoted to the next level, and ultimately, over the course of several lifetimes, to being "absorbed into the divine essence." Bad karma gets you demoted to a lower caste, or even to being an animal.
Similarities
Hindus claim Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are three gods sharing the same substance. This three-in-one idea isn't a foreign one to Christians, since we understand God in terms of three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And like Hindus, Christians believe practicing goodness is vital.
Differences
Christians believe in one God—not millions. Our earthly life is a prelude to a heavenly existence, not just one life in a cycle of many. Hindus think each person is part of one great soul or deity; Christians affirm an individual soul in each person. Hindus tend to see deity and the natural world as one and the same (pantheism); Christians make a strong distinction between God and his creation. Finally, Christians view good works as a result of salvation, not a karma-like road to salvation.
Witnessing
Since Hindus believe that many paths lead to God, it can be hard to convince them that Christianity is the one true faith. But it's logically impossible for all religions to be true, because of the conflicting beliefs of different religions; if one faith says only green people go to heaven and another says only purple people go, they can't both be right. Lovingly insist on the uniqueness of Christ and on a personal God who knows every hair on your head (Luke 12:7).
Buddhism
The Basics
About 500 B.C., Siddhartha Gautama found "enlightenment," changed his name to Buddha ("awakened one"), and began teaching others how to become enlightened. Buddhists believe we're all trapped in a life of physical and emotional pain, attached to material goods, consumed by unimportant things. To break free of this existence, one must understand the Four Noble Truths, which explain why people suffer, and the Eightfold Path, a practical set of guidelines for living. Following the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path can result in a state of "non-existence" called nirvana. The main scripture in Buddhism is called the Tripitaka, which includes the teachings of Buddha, oral traditions and the Eightfold Path. Buddhism comes in several different forms. Some Buddhists, for instance, have never heard of the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, or nirvana. Some offer prayers and sacrifices to Buddha, hoping for his favor. Others look forward to a new Buddha, a kind of messiah, to bring enlightenment to the earth.
Similarities
When Buddhists talk about suffering, Christians know where they're coming from. Jesus suffered one of the cruelest deaths imaginable. And the apostle Peter tells us that, as Christ's followers, we should expect to suffer as well (1 Peter 4:12-13).
Differences
While both faiths agree there's suffering in life, Buddhists believe they can end it by eliminating their desires. Christians try to ease suffering, but know they can't completely prevent it because of sin in the world. Suffering began with Adam and Eve, and won't end until Jesus comes back. Also, as Christians, our ultimate goal isn't nirvana. It's a relationship with a personal God and eventually a real existence with him in heaven.
Witnessing
Buddhists say the source of all human suffering is our desires; Christians say it's sin, plain and simple. Since a Buddhist tries to eliminate his or her desires in order to reach salvation, we can lovingly point them to a true salvation that comes not from works, but from grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). What good news!
Judaism
The Basics
Deuteronomy 6:4 reads, "Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one." It's part of the Shema (verses 4-9) that Orthodox Jews say every morning and evening. The Shema reminds Jews to keep God's laws and pass them on to the next generation, and is one reason Jews believe they're God's chosen people. Jews believe God revealed himself in history through prophets and promises a future messiah who will bring a reign of peace. They follow the sacred texts of the Tanakh and the Talmud. The Tanakh is what we call the Old Testament. The Talmud is a huge collection of laws, stories and commentary that guides Jews as they live out their beliefs. But not all Jews still follow the traditional texts and beliefs. In Reformed Judaism, Jews stick to the ethics of traditional Judaism but no longer strictly follow the Scriptures, leaving many of the laws up to personal interpretation. Conservative Judaism is closer to traditional or Orthodox Judaism.
Similarities
Jews and Christians believe in one God (monotheism), and both believe the Old Testament is true. Abraham, Moses and David are key figures for both faiths; the stories of the Old Testament are part of our common heritage. And, of course, Jews and Christians share belief in a messiah.
Differences
Jews and Christians have a different take on some Old Testament writings. For instance, though we both look to a messiah, practicing Jews believe the Messiah hasn't yet come, while Christians believe Jesus is the Messiah. Jews believe the Messiah will set up a powerful, kingly reign on earth and reunite Israel, but Christians see Jesus as both the king and the suffering servant (Isaiah 53) who died on the cross. Christians' hope is not just in this world, but in a future heaven with Christ.
Witnessing
Tell your Jewish friend you appreciate their tradition of faith, and that your faiths really have much in common. Ask questions; everyone likes to be asked their opinion. Questions about Israel, an upcoming Jewish holiday or something from the Old Testament are good places to start. Tell how God has changed you through your relationship with Christ. Answer your Jewish friend's questions with verses from the Bible. Encourage him or her to read the New Testament—after all, it is a very Jewish book!
Islam
The Basics
In A.D. 610, the angel Gabriel allegedly told Muhammad to become a prophet, calling people back to the truth and laying the foundation of Islam—now the world's second-largest religion (after Christianity). Its one billion followers, called Muslims, believe "there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet." Since Allah alone is god, Muslims don't view Muhammad like Christians view Jesus. Muhammad was not a deity, but a prophet with a message from God. For Muslims, actions are more important than beliefs. In "submitting to the will of God" (the meaning of the word "Islam"), they stick to the Five Pillars, requirements including regular charity, praying five times a day, and making at least one pilgrimage to Mecca (Islam's holy city). The Qur'an (or Koran), which Muslims believe documents the visions Muhammad received, is the most important text, although our Old and New Testaments are also significant in Islam.
Similarities
Christians and Muslims share a lot of similar beliefs. Moses, Jacob and David are influential in both faiths. And Muslims have enormous respect for Jesus, seeing him as the second-greatest prophet. Muslims also believe in Jesus' virgin birth and his miracles.
Differences
Muslims don't believe in Jesus' death and resurrection, and they consider the Christian claim of Jesus' divinity blasphemous. In Islam, Muhammad is the greatest and most authentic prophet. While they think highly of the Bible, Muslims think the Qur'an is the true Word of God. Most significantly, the Christian concept of grace is completely absent in Islam. Allah is relatively cold and removed, and the principles of right and wrong, do's and don'ts, form the foundation of the faith.
Witnessing
Since Muslims reject Christ's claims, it's often fruitless to try to "argue" them into Christianity by using apologetics or pointing to Bible verses. The best witness to Muslims is to simply love them and say that the reason for your love is Christ. The Christian God is compassionate and wants to know us, while the Muslim God, Allah, is a cold, distant deity who really can't be known. Also, Christ offers freedom from the legalism of "salvation by works," thanks to his crucifixion and grace.
Adapted from "What You Need to Know About World Religions" by Martin Cockroft.
Copyright © 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Campus Life magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Campus Life.
November/December 2001, Vol. 60, No. 3, Page 44
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