So, what are those other religions?

We've seen and known what Christians believe, but what about those other guys? Are all religions the same? No. But what do we know about the others?

We'll start with the basics; Which religions believe in a literal Heaven?
Christianity, Mormanism, Islam, Judaism
Which don't?
Hinduism, Buddhism (they believe in reincarnation)

Which worship one God?
Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam
Which don't?
Buddhism (no god), Mormonism (Humans can become gods of their own world)

Which believe in one final judgement?
Christianity, Mormanism, Islam, Judaism
Which believe in reincarnation?
Hinduism, Buddhism

Which believe salvation comes from our own actions?
Hinduism, Buddhism, Mormanism (to some extent; women rely on their husbands to get to Heaven, and your works determine how well to do you are in heaven), Islam (good ar bad deeds determine where you go in the afterlife)


"So I am writing to you not because you don't know the truth, but because you know the difference between truth and falsehood.  And who is the great liar?  The one who says that Christ is not the Christ.  Such people are antichrists, for they have denied the Father and the Son." (1 John 2:21-22)

This passage is from the bible, and it shows the basis of what Christians believe about our religion. That God is the One True God and there can be no other. That any others who say otherwise are antichrists and liars.

It is not possible for all of these religions to be true; there are too many contradicting beliefs. I believe that Christianity is the one true religion, but it is a difficult thing to try and explain. The truth comes from the Bible, where God's inspired word is written and recorded. God speaks into the lives of His people, and He wants the best for you. He has a plan for your life, and He will show you if you ask. Now, that doesn't mean a manual is going to fall from the sky, and you will be able to read it and know all that you need to do with your life. It will be unconventional.

We all encounter obstacles in our journey. For me, I think my biggest obstacle right now is not being able to explain my beliefs very well. I know what I believe, but I'm not sure how to answer the tough questions for myself and for others. Another obstacle for me is not knowing what I'm supposed to do with  my life definitively. I know that God can show me, but I don't feel strong enough in  my faith to know where He wants me to look.

Some frustrations I have right now are just people around me. I don't see a lot of Christianity in the Christians I know, for the most part, and I am annoyed by dishonesty, so this really bothers me. My hope for when we are done this unit is a better sense of how to answer the questions I and others have about my faith and what I am supposed to do with  my life. I dream of heaven and all of the wonderful things there. I want to be happy, and have a perfect, eternal life with Jesus, like the Sunday school teachers all promise. I want to be everything that God wants for me, and please Him. I want others to learn and know about God, and to be able to go to Him in all of their times of need. I want the world to be Christians, in a meaningful way, and not just pretend. Christianity isn't about being accepted now, but it's about being accepted later. We will not be accepted now, and we have to accept that we will stand out. But my dream for the world is that Christianity will take over, and everyone will know and love my God. Not just one god in the world's 'many' options.