Comparative Religion Overview

Transcription

1 Comparative Religion Overview Overview of Major Religions + Introducing Cult Groups The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4 Prepared by Ross Wakeley

2 Study 2: Overview of Major Religions + Introducing Cult Groups Overview of belief systems of the world s major religions: Comparative Religion: page 6 Hinduism Most Hindus worship a multitude of gods and goddesses, some 300,000 of them. These various gods all converge into a universal spirit called the Ultimate Reality or Brahman. Brahman is not a god, but more of a term for ultimate oneness. Hindus see their position in life as based on their actions in a previous life. As a result, if their behaviour was evil, they might experience tremendous hardships in this life. A Hindu's goal is to become free from the law of karma: to be free from continuous reincarnations. There are three possible ways to end this cycle of karma: Be lovingly devoted to any of the Hindu gods or goddesses; Grow in knowledge through meditation of Brahman to realize circumstances in life are not real, that selfhood is an illusion and only Brahman is real; Be dedicated to various religious ceremonies and rites. A personal benefit of Hinduism is that a person has the freedom to choose how to work toward spiritual perfection. Another plus is that Hinduism has an explanation for the suffering and evil in the world. In Hinduism, the suffering anyone experiences, whether it is sickness or starvation or a disaster, is due that person because of their own evil actions usually from a previous lifetime. Only the soul matters which will one day be free of the cycle of rebirths and be at rest. New Age New Age promotes the development of the person's own power or divinity. When referring to God, a follower of New Age is not talking about a transcendent, personal God who created the universe, but is referring to a higher consciousness within themselves. A person in New Age would see themselves as God, the cosmos, the universe. In fact, everything that the person sees, hears, feels or imagines is to be considered divine. Highly eclectic (drawn from a number of belief streams), New Age presents itself as a collection of ancient spiritual traditions. It acknowledges many gods and goddesses, as in Hinduism. The Earth is viewed as the source of all spirituality, and has its own intelligence, emotions and deity. But superseding all is self. Self is the originator, controller and God of all. There is no reality outside of what the person determines. New Age teaches a wide array of eastern mysticism and spiritual, metaphysical and psychic techniques, such as breathing exercises, chanting, drumming, meditating, etc. to develop an altered consciousness and one's own divinity. A benefit of New Age is that anything negative a person experiences (failures, sadness, anger, selfishness, hurt) is considered an illusion. Believing themselves to be completely sovereign over their life, nothing about their life is wrong, negative or painful. Eventually a person develops spiritually to the degree that there is no objective, external reality. A person, becoming a god, creates their own reality. Buddhism Buddhists do not worship any gods or God. People outside of Buddhism often think that Buddhists worship the Buddha. However, Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) never claimed to be divine, and Buddhists reject the notion of any supernatural power. The universe operates by natural law. Life is seen as consisting of pain: pain in birth, sickness, death, and continuous sorrow and despair. Most Buddhists believe a person has hundreds or thousands of reincarnations, all bringing misery. And it is the desire for happiness that causes a person's reincarnation. Therefore, the goal of a Buddhist is to purify one's heart and to let go of all desires. A person must abandon all sensuous pleasures, all evil, all joy and all sorrow.

3 Comparative Religion: page 7 Buddhism (cont.) To do so, Buddhists are to follow a list of religious principles and intense meditation. When a Buddhist meditates it is not the same as praying or focusing on a god, it is more of a self-discipline. Through dedicated meditation a person may reach Nirvana "the blowing out" of the flame of desire. The personal benefit of Buddhism is something true of most religions: Buddhism provides disciplines, values and directives for the person to live by. Some of these Buddhist guidelines are: Do not destroy any living creature; abandon all sensual pleasures; abandon all evil qualities, and embrace both joy and sorrow. Islam Muslims believe there is the one almighty god, named Allah, who is infinitely superior and distant from humankind. Allah is viewed as the creator of the universe and the source of all good and all evil. Everything that happens is Allah's will. He is a powerful and strict judge, too great to be approached by people. So it is impossible for individuals to have a relationship with Allah or know much about him. Though a Muslim honours several prophets, Muhammad is considered the last prophet and his words and lifestyle are that person's authority. To be a Muslim, one has to follow five religious duties: Repeat a creed about Allah and Muhammad; Recite certain prayers in Arabic five times a day; Give to the needy; One month each year, fast from food, drink, sex and smoking from sunrise to sunset; Pilgrimage once in one's lifetime to worship at a shrine in Mecca. At death based on one's faithfulness to these duties a Muslim hopes to enter Paradise, a place of sensual pleasure. If not, they will be eternally punished in hell. The benefit of being a Muslim is that it matches many people's expectations about religion and deity. Islam teaches that there is one supreme God, who is worshiped through disciplined religious rituals. He is seen as a powerful God vastly remote from humankind, who does what he pleases. Then after death a person is rewarded or punished according to their religious devotion. Christianity Christians believe in a loving God who has revealed himself and can be personally known in this life. In Christianity the person's focus is not on religious rituals or performing good works, but on enjoying a relationship with God and growing to know him better. Faith in Jesus Christ himself, not just his teachings, is how the Christian experiences joy and a meaningful life. In his life on earth Jesus did not identify himself as a prophet pointing to God or as a teacher of enlightenment. Rather, Jesus claimed to be God in human form. He performed miracles, forgave people of their sin and said that anyone who believed in him would have eternal life. He made statements like, I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (John 8:12) Christians regard the Bible as God's written message to humankind. In addition to its being an historical record of Jesus' life and miracles, the Bible reveals God's personality, his love and truth, and how one can have a relationship with him. The benefit of Christianity is that whatever circumstances a Christian is dealing with in their life, they can confidently turn to a wise and powerful God who genuinely loves them. They believe that God answers prayer and that life takes on meaning as they live to honour him.

4 Comparative Religion: page 8 Is there a difference? In looking at these major belief systems and their views of God, we find great diversity: Hindus believe in 300,000 gods. Buddhists say there is no deity. New Age followers believe they are God. Muslims believe in a powerful but detached God. Christians believe in a God who is loving and approachable. Are all religions worshiping the same God? Apparently not! New Age wants everyone to come to centre on a cosmic consciousness, but it would require Islam to give up their God, Hinduism to give up all their gods, and Buddhism to establish that there is a God. The world's major religions (Hinduism, New Age, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity) are each quite unique. And of these only one affirms that there is a personal, loving God who can be known, now in this life. Only Christianity talks about a God who welcomes us into a relationship with him and comes along side us as a comforter, counsellor and powerful God who loves us. In Hinduism a person is on their own trying to gain release from karma. In New Age a person is working at their own divinity. In Buddhism it is an individual quest at being free from desire. And in Islam, the individual follows religious laws for the sake of paradise after death. Only in Christianity do you see the person in relationship with God. Can a person connect with God in this life? The answer is yes. Not only can you connect with God, you also can know that you are fully accepted and loved by God. God is not naive, he's aware of your sin (the bad things you do, and the good things you don't do). Yet he is willing to relate to you according to his kindness, rather than judgment. No other religion suggests that humankind can relate to the Creator of the universe like this. Hinduism, New Age, Buddhism, Islam all place the individual on their own, striving for spiritual perfection. Buddha never claimed sinlessness. Muhammad also admitted that he was in need of forgiveness "No matter how wise, no matter how gifted, no matter how influential other prophets, gurus, and teachers might be, they had the presence of mind to know that they were imperfect just like the rest of us." Jesus Christ, however, never alluded to any personal sin. Instead, Jesus forgave people of their sin and he wants to forgive you of your sin also. We all are aware of our faults, the areas of our lives that may cause others to think less of us, areas that we ourselves wish were not there...maybe it's an addiction, a bad temper, impurity, hateful remarks. God loves us but hates sin, and he has said that the consequences for sin is death...eternal separation from him. However, God provided a way for us to be forgiven. Jesus, the Son of God in human form, took all of our sin on himself, suffered on a cross, and willingly died in our place. The Bible says, By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us. (1 John 3:16) God is offering you complete forgiveness because of Jesus' death for you. This means forgiveness for all our sins: past, present and future sins. Jesus paid for them all. Have you ever been forgiven by someone, and then find they are avoiding you after that? That's not God's type of forgiveness. God, who created the universe, loves you and wants to be in a relationship with you. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. (1 John 4:9) What other religion offers us real freedom from our sin and guilt? All the others leave a person's failures on their shoulders, with a dim hope of becoming a better person tomorrow. Of all the religions known to humanity, only in Christianity will you see God reaching toward humanity, providing a way for us to know him: This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. (John 3:16 The Message)

5 What is a Cult Comparative Religion: page 9 Cult groups have exploded throughout the world in recent times, with cult members often sincere people who feel they have got the truth. In this section we look at key cults... It uses psychological coercion to recruit, indoctrinate and retain its members. It forms an elitist totalitarian society. Its founding leader is self-appointed, dogmatic, messianic, not accountable and has charisma. It believes 'the end justifies the means' in order to solicit funds or recruit people. Its wealth does not benefit its members or society. Categories of Cults Religious Cults Communal living common. Members may leave or not join society's workforce. Average age at the point of recruitment is in the 20's. Registered as religious groups. Registered as 'non profit making' groups. Appear to offer association with a group interested in giving courses in making the world a better place via political, spiritual or other means. Therapy Cults Communal living rare. Members usually stay in society's workforce. Average age at the point of recruitment is in the mid 30's Registered as 'non profit making' groups. Appear to offer association with a group interested in some kind of self improvement or self help technique or therapy. Why are Cults Harmful? To remain within the strict mental and social confines of a cult for even a short time can have the following disastrous effects: Loss of choice and free will. Diminished intellectual ability, vocabulary and sense of humour. Reduced use of irony, abstractions and metaphors. Reduced capacity to form flexible and intimate relationships. Poor judgement. Physical deterioration. Malnutrition. Hallucinations, panic, dissociation, guilt, identity diffusion and paranoia. Neurotic, psychotic or suicidal tendencies. Quote: "When you meet the friendliest people you have ever known, who introduce you to the most loving group of people you've ever encountered, and you find the leader to be the most inspired, caring, compassionate and understanding person you've ever met, and then you learn the cause of the group is something you never dared hope could be accomplished, and all of this sounds too good to be true-it probably is too good to be true! Don't give up your education, your hopes and ambitions to follow a rainbow." Jeannie Mills: Ex - member of The People's Temple, later found murdered. Caring, loving, wholesome individuals and groups do exist. The way of wisdom is for Biblical evaluation, spiritual discernment and a need to question at depth any group you find appealing before becoming involved and a member.

6 Comparative Religion: page 10 Mind Control techniques Many cult groups use Mind Control on their members often people are unaware of what is being done to them. Mind Control techniques include: Hypnosis Inducing a state of high suggestibility by hypnosis, often thinly disguised as relaxation or meditation. Peer Group Pressure Suppressing doubt and resistance to new ideas by exploiting the need to belong. Love Bombing Creating a sense of family and belonging through hugging, kissing, touching and flattery. Rejection of Old Values Accelerating acceptance of new lifestyle by constantly denouncing a person s former values and beliefs. Confusing Doctrine Encouraging blind acceptance and rejection of logic through complex lectures on an incomprehensible doctrine. Meta-communication Implanting subliminal messages by stressing certain key words or phrases in long, confusing lectures. Removal of Privacy Achieving loss of ability to evaluate logically by preventing private contemplation. Time Sense Deprivation Destroying ability to evaluate information, personal reactions, and body functions in relation to passage of time by removing all clocks and watches. Disinhibition Encouraging child-like obedience by orchestrating child-like behaviour. Uncompromising Rules Inducing regression and disorientation by soliciting agreement to seemingly simple rules which regulate mealtimes, bathroom breaks and use of medications. Verbal Abuse Desensitizing through bombardment with foul and abusive language. Sleep Deprivation and Fatigue Creating disorientation and vulnerability by prolonging mental and physical activity and withholding adequate rest and sleep. Dress Codes Removing individuality by demanding conformity to the group s dress code. Chanting and Singing Eliminating non-cult ideas through group repetition of mind-narrowing chants or phrases. Confession Encouraging the destruction of individual ego through confession of personal weaknesses and innermost feelings of doubt. Financial Commitment Achieving increased dependence on the group by 'burning bridges' to the past, through the donation of assets. Finger Pointing Creating a false sense of righteousness by pointing to the shortcomings of the outside world and other cults.

7 Comparative Religion: page 11 Mind Control techniques Flaunting Hierarch Promoting acceptance of cult authority by promising advancement, power and salvation. Isolation Inducing loss of reality by physical separation from family, friends, society and rational references. Controlled Approval Maintaining vulnerability and confusion by alternately rewarding and punishing similar actions. Change of Diet Creating disorientation and increased susceptibility to emotional arousal by depriving the nervous system of necessary nutrients through the use of special diets and/or fasting. Games Inducing dependence on the group by introducing games with obscure rules. No Questions Accomplishing automatic acceptance of beliefs by discouraging questions. Guilt Reinforcing the need for 'salvation' by exaggerating the sins of former lifestyles. Fear Maintaining loyalty and obedience to the group by threatening soul, life or limb for the slightest 'negative' thought, word or deed. Replacement of Relationships Destroying pre-cult families by arranging cult marriages and 'families'. Who Do Cults Recruit? Cults want people who are: Intelligent. Idealistic. Well educated. Economically advantaged. Intellectually or spiritually curious. Any age. How Do I Avoid The Cults? Cults use sophisticated mind control techniques that will work on anyone, given the right circumstances. Those who think they are immune are only making themselves more vulnerable. Remember the assault is on your emotions, not on your intellect. The two basic principles of psychological coercion are If you can make a person BEHAVE the way you want, you can make that person BELIEVE the way you want. Sudden, drastic changes in environment lead to heightened suggestibility and to drastic changes in attitudes and beliefs.

8 Protect yourself! Why go away with a stranger or a strange group unless: You know the name of the sponsoring group. You know its ideas, beliefs and affiliations. You know what is going to happen at the gathering. You know what will be expected of you. You know that you will be free and able to leave at any time. Comparative Religion: page 12 Satan does it all the time, dressing up as a beautiful angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14 Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. 1 Peter 5:8-9 (The Message) Key questions to ask friends you think are in a cult group To check if a group is part of mainstream Christianity, ask these three questions Who was Jesus? Christians believe Jesus was a real historical person and that He was both fully God and fully man. Most heresies deny one of these points. How can a person be saved? The Bible states: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8,9) False prophets will emphasise in one way or other that a person can earn their way to heaven by doing right things. What is their authority? Christians accept the Bible as their supreme authority and as God s revelation to mankind. Many false prophets use additional revelations which they claim are equal to the Bible as God s revelation for the present age. Other false prophets accept the Bible s authority but only as interpreted by their leader. How to help a cult member DO try to keep in regular contact via mail or telephone even if there is little response. DO express sincere love for the cult member at every available opportunity. DO keep a diary of comments, attitudes and events associated with his/her life in the cult. DO always welcome the cult member back into the family home no matter what is said. DO keep copies of all written correspondence from you and the individual. DO record all the names, addresses and phone numbers of people linked with the cult. DO try to bite your tongue if the cult member makes unkind comments. DO read all of the recommended books relating to cults and mind control, as well as reading other information on the cult in question. DO seek help and information from organisations specialising in counter-cult work.

9 Comparative Religion: page 13 DO NOT rush into adopting a potential solution before carefully researching the cult problem. DO NOT say: "You are in a cult; you are brainwashed". DO NOT give money to the member of the group. DO NOT feel guilty. This is not a problem caused by families. DO NOT act in an angry or hostile manner towards the cult member. DO NOT feel alone. It happens to thousands of families every year. DO NOT underestimate the control the cult has over a member. DO NOT antagonise the cult member by ridiculing his/her beliefs. DO NOT be judgemental or confrontational towards the cult member. DO NOT antagonise any of the cult's leadership or members. DO NOT be persuaded by a cult 'specialist' to pay large sums of money for their assistance without verifying his/her qualifications. DO NOT give up hope of success in helping your family member to leave the group no matter how long the involvement has already been DO NOT neglect yourself or other family members. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4 Exploding The Myths People don't join cults. They are recruited. People are recruited by a method not a message. People do not stay in cults because they have nothing better to do with their lives, but because psychological coercion or pressure holds them there. Cults intend to retain a hold on people for life, or for as long as they are valuable to the cult. It is not a fad or a phase. Normal people from normal families are recruited into cults. Cult leaders should be blamed for the problems caused, not the individual members, ex-members or their families. (Blame the victim syndrome). It can happen to anyone. Cult members are sincere. (Sincere victims, but sincere.) Cult members are victims and need to be treated with love. They are people who need help, not hostility. Cults recruit people of all ages, not just young people. Cult recruiters are rarely visually identifiable. They usually look like quite normal people who appear to be very friendly. Anyone can become a victim of cult techniques of psychological coercion. The safest people seem to be the seriously mentally ill, or those that know how to recognise a cult. Accurate information on cults is not best obtained by trying to infiltrate a cult. This is far too dangerous. Source:

10 Responding to people in Cult groups or alternative Religions: Comparative Religion: page 14 In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15,16 Never be hostile A number of cults and religious groups thrive on any form of persecution, whether real or imagined. Show care, concern, patience and courtesy in all your dealings. Be firm in what you believe but never arrogant or belligerent. Separate the cult member from the belief system in your thinking. Know the Word of God To detect a counterfeit you must thoroughly know the true. Study the scriptures so you are familiar with them. Develop a strong grasp of Christian doctrines. Don't just learn a few proof texts, but come to see the whole picture to give effective answers. Know what you believe and why you believe. Live your Christian beliefs and values A Christian s lifestyle must reflect the joy of our relationship with Jesus. We must proclaim him in word, sign and deed. One of the common claims of the cults is that Christians are hypocrites who do not live out their beliefs. Our lives must prove that this is false if our witness is to be effective. Avoid disputes Never see an encounter with a cult or other religion member as an argument to win. Rather it is a discussion in which God's truth is presented in the Spirit's strength and in prayer that he will lead them to salvation. Keep to basics Discussions on peripheral issues such as blood transfusion, your latest astrology reading or Mohammed s role may be interesting, but rarely are they profitable. Concentrate on the essential areas, such as the basic authority of God s Word; that God is three-in-one, a spirit being and has an eternal nature; that Jesus is fully man, fully God who died and rose again; salvation is by God s grace alone. Define terms Cult members and people from other religions will often use the same terms as Christians but with vastly different meanings. For example, to a Mormon, God the father is one of many Gods who has a body of flesh and bones and was once a man. Make sure that all theological terms used are clearly defined. Without clear definition, confusion will result. Learning from people in other religions or cult groups: The Centrality of Christ The gospel must always be the basic Christ-centred gospel of the New Testament. Whenever our witness starts to give major emphasis to anything or anyone else we are in danger of moving away from Christianity. A Need for Commitment Christians need to find a true commitment to Jesus as Saviour and Lord. The cults display a level of commitment and dedication to their false belief system which is often sadly missing among Christians. A Love for God and His Word Christian often feel inadequate when confronted by a cult member or other religion. This is only changed as we spend time with the Father and reading and applying God s Word to our life. Passionate outreach people from other religions and cults spend lots of time and effort in outreach. They are dedicated to telling others of the 'truth' they have found. Christians need to show enthusiasm in living and sharing Jesus with other people. Outreach is a matter of eternal life or death for every person around us. A Sense of Community Cults provide a strong sense of community for their members, a feeling of oneness and belonging. As Christians show compassion and care for hurting people by an atmosphere of acceptance, support and fellowship, so people are more open to re-examining their beliefs and accepting Jesus. Source: The Counterfeits Ron Carlson

11 A Christians authority in Jesus Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" (Matthew 4:10) The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. (Romans 16:20) Paul said, I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. (2 Corinthians 2:10,11) Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:14) the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. (2 Thessalonians 2: 9,10) Satan leads the whole world astray. (Revelation 12:9) "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. (Matthew 25:41) The Lord said to Paul I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me. (Acts 26:17,18) Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power... went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. (Acts 10:38) If you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. (James 3:14-16) Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. (James 4:7,8) The devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. (1 John 3:1) This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother. (1 John 3:10) Satan... leads the whole world astray. (Revelation 12:9) Jesus answered, "The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. (Matthew 13:37-39) Jesus said, I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. (Luke 10:19)