For the Week of Tuesday

For the Week of Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Are All Religions the Same?

Today's thought: Our faith's foundation makes it unique among religions.

I am sure you hear it said from time to time (and maybe you have said it yourself) -- 'All religions are basically the same.' It is a good way to muffle any conversation about faith, but it is simply not true.

The fact is that biblical Christianity is diametrically opposite to every other religion when it comes to the things that truly matter. For example, while most religions are based upon the teachings of its founder, Christianity isn't based upon teachings at all.

That may surprise you. Yes, Jesus' teachings are wonderful and marvelous. The Sermon on the Mount is widely regarded as the greatest moral teaching ever given. The lessons of Jesus' parables continue to unfold with fresh meaning over 2,000 years after they were first uttered--but Jesus' teachings are not the foundation of Christianity.

Instead, Christianity is based upon the person of Christ--not what He said-- but what He did. He was born of a virgin, died an atoning death, and rose again from the dead. That is the basis of Christianity. Think of the Apostle's Creed, which is recited in churches across America. There is not one mention of Jesus' teachings, but much is said about Jesus' life.

Are all religions basically the same? Not a chance! Most offer dry teachings; Christianity offers an encounter with a living Christ--and that makes all the difference! Take time today to meet with the King.

'For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day.' (1 Corinthians 15:3-4a).

Jim Kennedy, Ph.D.
Founder, Center for Christian Statesmanship

P.S. Are you so concerned with the teachings of Christ that you have missed the person of Christ? Perhaps a regular Bible study or some one-on-one discipleship would help. Call us today at (202) 547-3052 for information on how we can be of service to you. Or log on to www.statesman.org and check out our event calendar.

'For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day.' (1 Corinthians 15:3-4a).