Why Study Other Religions?

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Muriel Campbell
5 years ago
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2 Introduction

3 Why Study Other Religions? 1. Christians are challenged by people of other religious beliefs when we affirm the uniqueness and finality of the Christian Faith 2. Many argue that Christianity should be compatible with other religions and cults and that Christians should not stress the uniqueness of Jesus Christ as the only way a person can know the true living God (John 14:6) 3. Christianity has had to go on the defensive, presenting its truth to combat the deviations perpetrated as historic Christian doctrine. 4. To defend the uniquenessof our faith, we must take the time to understand others beliefs 5. To evangelize the lost, we must understand their beliefs

4 How should Christians approach the study of other religions? 1. With the presupposition that the Bible is Truth and is the finalrevelation of God. John 17:17 (NASB) Sanctify them in thetruth; your word istruth 2. All belief systems should be tested against the Truth of the Bible 2 Tim 3:16 (HCSB) All Scripture is inspired by Godand is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 3. Law of Non-Contradiction: any belief system that contradicts the Bible is false they both can t be true. 4. Cautiously.Guard your heart against false teachings. 2 Tim 4:1-2 (NASB) Butthe Spirit explicitly says thatin later times some willfall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,

5 How should Christians approach the study of other religions? 5. Avoid curiosity be intentional. 6. Focus on evangelism: How can I witness to a? The Great Commission Matthew 28:1 (NIV) go and make disciples of all nations Acts 1:8 (NIV)...and you will be my witnesses Eph. 4:25 (NASB) Therefore,laying aside falsehood,speaktruth EACHONEof youwith HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another.

6 What Will Study? 1. History and founding 2. Place in society and culture today 3. The Big 4 : Questions for Evaluating a belief system: a) What does the religion claim (to know about God, Jesus, Salvation and Eternity)? b) How does it claim to know it / what is its source of authority? c) Whatis the evidence for and against it? d) How does it explain the origin of all things? 4. Evangelism / Witnessing strategies and tactics

7 The Religious & Cultural Landscape There is an overwhelming sentiment that all religions are created equal Christians today are viewed as intolerant

8 Are Christians Commanded to Be Tolerant? What do we mean by tolerant? Accepting? Lenient? Open-minded? Liberal? Tolerance is too passive Love says.let me reach out and help you We need to be easy on people, but hard on sin (false doctrines) The Bible commands us to love our neighbor and to speak the truth in love Matt. 22:39 You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Eph. 4:14-15 we areno longer to be children,tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftinessindeceitful scheming; 15 butspeaking the truthin love,we are togrow up in allaspectsinto Him who is thehead,evenchrist

9 Was Jesus Tolerant?

12 The Mormon Church Founded in 1830 by Joseph Smith Church leaders are considered prophets and claim to receive NEW revelations from God on a regular basis Headquarters are in Salt Lake City, Utah Over 15 million members worldwide; 6.4 million in U.S. alone 67% of members are married; 9% divorced; 21% have >3 children Devoted to the traditional family structure and high moral values Over 88,000 missionaries worldwide Net worth estimated at over $30 billion; business interests include real estate, book company, ranch operations, insurance co. and BYU TV station.

13 Well-Known Mormons

14 Are Mormons True Christians? The pastor of the largest Christian church in the U.S. gives his thoughts

15 Contrary to Orthodox Christianity, Mormonism: 1. Denies the Trinity and the deity of Christ 2. Teaches that there is more than one God 3. Teaches that God the Father is an exalted man with a physical body of flesh and bones 4. Teaches that human beings can become gods 5. Teaches that Jesus was born through the physical, sexual union between God & Mary 6. Teaches that eternal life is attained by a person s good works, not by grace alone

Xenos Christian Fellowship. Christian Leadership 1- Ecclesiology. Week 2 The Church and Christ s Mission

Xenos Christian Fellowship. Christian Leadership 1- Ecclesiology. Week 2 The Church and Christ s Mission Xenos Christian Fellowship Christian Leadership 1- Ecclesiology Week 2 The Church and Christ s Mission Introduction How do we create a structure for the local church? BIBLICAL DATA Principles Precepts