Eastern Religion and The New Age Eastern Religion and The New Age

MovementMovement History, Theology and PracticeHistory, Theology and Practice

OutlineOutline

DefinitionsDefinitions

HinduismHinduism

BuddhismBuddhism

New AgeNew Age

Other Eastern ReligionsOther Eastern Religions JainaJaina ConfucianismConfucianism DaoismDaoism SikhismSikhism ShintoShinto Ba’haiBa’hai

DefinitionsDefinitions

Animism: Anima = spirit. A religious system which includes Animism: Anima = spirit. A religious system which includes the belief that spirits inhabit inanimate objects and the belief that spirits inhabit inanimate objects and phenomenaphenomena

Polytheism: Poly = many. A belief that the universe is Polytheism: Poly = many. A belief that the universe is governed by many gods.governed by many gods.

Pantheism: Pan = all. A belief that a spirit fills the universe. Pantheism: Pan = all. A belief that a spirit fills the universe. God is the universe, and we are part of God. God is the universe, and we are part of God.

Dualism: A belief that the universe is governed by nearly Dualism: A belief that the universe is governed by nearly equally matched forces of good and evil. (Zoroastrianism)equally matched forces of good and evil. (Zoroastrianism)

Definitions (cont.)Definitions (cont.)

Asceticism: a belief that enlightenment, or a close Asceticism: a belief that enlightenment, or a close relationship with deity is obtained by an extreme denial relationship with deity is obtained by an extreme denial of worldly pleasures and possessions. Associated with of worldly pleasures and possessions. Associated with monasteries, monks, nuns, and the like.monasteries, monks, nuns, and the like.

Mysticism: a belief which has been incorporated in all Mysticism: a belief which has been incorporated in all world religions which sees enlightenment and spiritual world religions which sees enlightenment and spiritual powers coming through contemplation/meditation/direct powers coming through contemplation/meditation/direct experience of God.experience of God.

Other important conceptsOther important concepts

Scripture: The list of primary authoritative writings for a Scripture: The list of primary authoritative writings for a particular religion.particular religion.

Inspiration: The belief that a particular writing, edict or Inspiration: The belief that a particular writing, edict or tradition comes by direct communication from divinity, tradition comes by direct communication from divinity, and is therefore perfect and authoritative.and is therefore perfect and authoritative.

Myth: A story, presumably fictionalized, about a divine Myth: A story, presumably fictionalized, about a divine interaction with human beings which teaches an interaction with human beings which teaches an important religious truth.important religious truth.

HINDUISMHINDUISM

The principle religion of India.The principle religion of India.

Approximately 900,000,000 Approximately 900,000,000 adherents.adherents.

Began as animism/polytheismBegan as animism/polytheism

Evolved into Evolved into polytheism/pantheismpolytheism/pantheism

Syncretistic. Hinduism is not Syncretistic. Hinduism is not really a single religion.really a single religion.

Ganesh: a Hindu deity

God of wisdom and intellect

Important Hindu TerminologyImportant Hindu Terminology

Brahman universal soul Brahman universal soul

Atman soul, essence atman is part of a brahman.Atman soul, essence atman is part of a brahman.

Maya illusion Maya illusion

Reincarnation a disincarnated soul enters a new body, Reincarnation a disincarnated soul enters a new body, starting a new existence (samsara)starting a new existence (samsara)

Shakti powerShakti power

Karma a principle of cause and effectKarma a principle of cause and effect

Nirvana oneness with brahmanNirvana oneness with brahman

Dharma righteousnessDharma righteousness

Principle gods of HinduismPrinciple gods of Hinduism

Brahma Chief god of the pantheon.Brahma Chief god of the pantheon.

Shiva God of destruction. Worshipped Shiva God of destruction. Worshipped

as a male phalus.as a male phalus.

Vishnu Preserver and protector. Vishnu Preserver and protector.

Krishna The eighth emanation of Vishna.Krishna The eighth emanation of Vishna.

Rama Seventh incarnation of Vishna. Hero of the Ramayana.Rama Seventh incarnation of Vishna. Hero of the Ramayana.

Devi Chief female deity. The power (shakti) that animates the cosmos.Devi Chief female deity. The power (shakti) that animates the cosmos.

Lakshmi Female consort of Vishnu. Godess of prosperity.Lakshmi Female consort of Vishnu. Godess of prosperity.

Lakshmi

History of HinduismHistory of Hinduism

Aryan invasions about 1500 BCAryan invasions about 1500 BC

Early animistic religions of Indian subcontinent merged Early animistic religions of Indian subcontinent merged with Aryan/Persian religionwith Aryan/Persian religion

Gradually, a huge pantheon of gods distilled down to the Gradually, a huge pantheon of gods distilled down to the chief deities, Brahma, Vishnu and Shivachief deities, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva

Scriptures of HinduismScriptures of Hinduism

Vedas Poems. Ritualistic, priestly. 1500-1000 BC. Include the Vedas Poems. Ritualistic, priestly. 1500-1000 BC. Include the Brahmanas.Brahmanas.

Upanishads Highly philosophical essays about brahman, atman, Upanishads Highly philosophical essays about brahman, atman, transmigration of atman, karma and so forth. 800-600 BC.transmigration of atman, karma and so forth. 800-600 BC.

Epics (Ramayana, Mahabarata, Bhagavad Gita) Mythic adventures Epics (Ramayana, Mahabarata, Bhagavad Gita) Mythic adventures of Rama, Krishna and others. of Rama, Krishna and others.

Puranas Largely local legends, myths, many local deities. AD Puranas Largely local legends, myths, many local deities. AD 400-1000. This is the “scripture” of most local Hindus.400-1000. This is the “scripture” of most local Hindus.

Tantras Religious discussions/teachings.Tantras Religious discussions/teachings.

Caste SystemCaste System

A historical remnant of the vedic system and the A historical remnant of the vedic system and the interaction between the Aryans and the natives of interaction between the Aryans and the natives of the subcontinentthe subcontinent

Brahmins the priestly (Aryan) classBrahmins the priestly (Aryan) class

Kshatriyas The ruling class. Kings, Kshatriyas The ruling class. Kings,

landlords, warriors.landlords, warriors.

Vaishayas merchantsVaishayas merchants

Shudras servant/trade classesShudras servant/trade classes

UntouchablesUntouchables

Modern HinduismModern Hinduism

Yogic practicesYogic practices

Gurus (teacher), yogi Gurus (teacher), yogi (practitioners), sadhu (holy (practitioners), sadhu (holy men)men)

Transcendental MeditationTranscendental Meditation

Hare KrishnaHare Krishna

Paramahansa Yogananda

BuddhismBuddhism

Principle religion of Korea, Japan, Principle religion of Korea, Japan, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Burma Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Burma Sri Lanka and China?Sri Lanka and China?

400,000,000 adherents.400,000,000 adherents.

A reaction against the rigid priestly A reaction against the rigid priestly system of Hinduism.system of Hinduism.

Pantheistic, or arguably non-theistic. Pantheistic, or arguably non-theistic. A philosophy, a psychology.A philosophy, a psychology.

Life of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)Life of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)

Born into a wealthy family in north Indiaabout 550 BC.Born into a wealthy family in north Indiaabout 550 BC.

Renounced his birthright. Sought nirvana/god through Renounced his birthright. Sought nirvana/god through asceticism.asceticism.

Decided on a middle path between asceticism and Decided on a middle path between asceticism and sensuality.sensuality.

Created the eight-fold path to enlightenment (nirvana).Created the eight-fold path to enlightenment (nirvana).

Important Terms to Understand BuddhismImportant Terms to Understand Buddhism

Nirvana awakened state, lack of suffering.Nirvana awakened state, lack of suffering.

Bodhi awakenment, enlightenment.Bodhi awakenment, enlightenment.

Bodhisattva an awakened being.Bodhisattva an awakened being.

Dharma the Buddha’s teachings.Dharma the Buddha’s teachings.

Sangha the Buddhist community of monks and nuns.Sangha the Buddhist community of monks and nuns.

Maitreya the second coming of Buddha prophesied.Maitreya the second coming of Buddha prophesied.

The Four Noble Truths of SiddharthaThe Four Noble Truths of Siddhartha

Suffering is not getting what one wants.Suffering is not getting what one wants.

The cause of suffering is desire which leads to rebirth.The cause of suffering is desire which leads to rebirth.

The way to end suffering is to end desire.The way to end suffering is to end desire.

The way to the end of desire and of suffering is the eight-The way to the end of desire and of suffering is the eight-fold path.fold path.

The eight-fold path to bodhi/dharma/nirvana/lack of The eight-fold path to bodhi/dharma/nirvana/lack of sufferingsuffering

Right viewpoint (the four noble truths).Right viewpoint (the four noble truths).

Right values.Right values.

Right speech.Right speech.

Right actions.Right actions.

Right livelihoodRight livelihood

Right effortRight effort

Right mindfulnessRight mindfulness

Right meditationRight meditation

Schools/Sects of BuddhismSchools/Sects of Buddhism

Mahayana (the greater vehicle) China, Korea, Japan. Mahayana (the greater vehicle) China, Korea, Japan. Ideal of the bodhisattva. Stresses the divine nature of Ideal of the bodhisattva. Stresses the divine nature of the Buddha. Many mini-buddhas (bodhisattvas).the Buddha. Many mini-buddhas (bodhisattvas).

Theravada Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma. A more pure Theravada Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma. A more pure form of Buddhism?form of Buddhism?

Zen. An offshoot of Mahayana which emphasized Zen. An offshoot of Mahayana which emphasized meditation to achieve nirvana.meditation to achieve nirvana.

Vajrayana Stresses tantric practices, rituals, initiations, Vajrayana Stresses tantric practices, rituals, initiations, mystical power. Tibet, Mongolia. Similar to Gnosticism.mystical power. Tibet, Mongolia. Similar to Gnosticism.

Buddhist ScriptureBuddhist Scripture

The Tripitaka Three sets of the supposedly original The Tripitaka Three sets of the supposedly original sayings and teachings and philosophy of Buddha. sayings and teachings and philosophy of Buddha. These were oral only for about 400 years.These were oral only for about 400 years.

Disputes over the content of the Tripitaka led eventually Disputes over the content of the Tripitaka led eventually to the Theravada, Mahayana and other sects.to the Theravada, Mahayana and other sects.

Jatakas Mahayana stories of previous incarnations of Jatakas Mahayana stories of previous incarnations of Siddhartha Buddha. Buddhism is a striving through Siddhartha Buddha. Buddhism is a striving through many lives to come to a bodhisattva state.many lives to come to a bodhisattva state.

Practices of BuddhismPractices of Buddhism

Many monks and nuns who live ascetic livesMany monks and nuns who live ascetic lives

““Lay” Buddhists follow the five precepts, which are, 1. do Lay” Buddhists follow the five precepts, which are, 1. do not kill 2. do not steal. 3. do not have sex. 4. do not not kill 2. do not steal. 3. do not have sex. 4. do not lie and 5. do not get drunklie and 5. do not get drunk

Meditation is a big part of many Buddhist traditions, Meditation is a big part of many Buddhist traditions, involving the saying of a mantra. (Om Mani Padme involving the saying of a mantra. (Om Mani Padme Hum).Hum).

New Age: A Very Confusing ReligionNew Age: A Very Confusing Religion

Is it:Is it:

Palm reading?Palm reading?

Channeling?Channeling?

Seances?Seances?

Meditation?Meditation?

Reincarnation?Reincarnation?

Occultism?Occultism?

Gurus?Gurus?

Paganism?Paganism?

Gnosticism?Gnosticism?

Mother Goddess worship?Mother Goddess worship?

Yes… all the above.Yes… all the above.

So, What is New Age, Really?So, What is New Age, Really?

You are God, I am God, the trees are God, we all are You are God, I am God, the trees are God, we all are God!God!

New Age is Western pantheismNew Age is Western pantheism

New Age is a syncretistic blend of Gnosticism, Hinduism, New Age is a syncretistic blend of Gnosticism, Hinduism, Spiritualism, Mysticism, Buddhism and Paganism.Spiritualism, Mysticism, Buddhism and Paganism.

New Age is Monism! God is everything I am God!!!New Age is Monism! God is everything I am God!!!

“ “Once we begin to see that we are all God, then I think the whole Once we begin to see that we are all God, then I think the whole

purpose of life is to re-own the God-likeness within us.”purpose of life is to re-own the God-likeness within us.”

BackgroundBackground

Start with a shaker of the occultStart with a shaker of the occult Transcendentalism Ralph Waldo Emerson Truth through Transcendentalism Ralph Waldo Emerson Truth through

human intuition.human intuition. Theosophy (divine wisdom) Madame Blavatzky.Theosophy (divine wisdom) Madame Blavatzky. I AM mysticism Guy Ballard Ascended Masters “channeled” I AM mysticism Guy Ballard Ascended Masters “channeled”

through Ballard and his son.through Ballard and his son.

Stir in some HinduismStir in some Hinduism All of these relied heavily on Hindu theology and practice.All of these relied heavily on Hindu theology and practice. ReincarnationReincarnation PantheismPantheism Meditation (but New Age does not seek to escape the world)Meditation (but New Age does not seek to escape the world)

Combine with Greek Philosophy/GnosticismCombine with Greek Philosophy/Gnosticism Man has a spark of the divineMan has a spark of the divine Need a guru to initiate you into deeper truthsNeed a guru to initiate you into deeper truths Interpret the Bible allegorically-let it tell a storyInterpret the Bible allegorically-let it tell a story

Background (cont.)Background (cont.)

Add just a touch of paganismAdd just a touch of paganism Mother Goddess/the divine Mother Goddess/the divine

female/priestesses/feminismfemale/priestesses/feminism

Combine it all together with a Post-modern Combine it all together with a Post-modern reaction to scientific materialism/rationalismreaction to scientific materialism/rationalism Experiential religionExperiential religion No sin (because we are god)No sin (because we are god)

You get the ultimate man-made (Western) religion. All You get the ultimate man-made (Western) religion. All religion is truth.religion is truth.

This is very appealing!This is very appealing!

You get the ultimate man-made (Western) religionYou get the ultimate man-made (Western) religion

Enlightenment is realizing the truth that you are God.Enlightenment is realizing the truth that you are God.

There is no sin. Sin (if it exists) is ignorance. There is no sin. Sin (if it exists) is ignorance.

The goal is self-realization.The goal is self-realization.

Response to New Age ReligionResponse to New Age Religion

New Agers claim their religion is reasonable, but it is not.New Agers claim their religion is reasonable, but it is not. Their revelation through channeling is self-contradictory.Their revelation through channeling is self-contradictory.

All religions are not the sameAll religions are not the same Christianity: One triune God. A personal God.Christianity: One triune God. A personal God. Islam: One impersonal God. Predestination. God cannot have Islam: One impersonal God. Predestination. God cannot have

a son.a son. Hinduism: Many gods, pantheismHinduism: Many gods, pantheism Buddhism: No god—God is irrelevantBuddhism: No god—God is irrelevant Zoroastrianism: Dualism—good vs evilZoroastrianism: Dualism—good vs evil Confucianism: PolytheismConfucianism: Polytheism

Jesus:Jesus: We are not GodWe are not God We have a sin problem. “Just as man is destined to die once, We have a sin problem. “Just as man is destined to die once,

and after that to face judgment.” Hebrews 9:27and after that to face judgment.” Hebrews 9:27

JainismJainism

Founder: Mahavira Founder: Mahavira ~600-540 BC~600-540 BC

Last of 24 gurus. Parshva 750 BC?Last of 24 gurus. Parshva 750 BC?

Location: India mostly.Location: India mostly.

About 5,000,000 practitionersAbout 5,000,000 practitioners

A reaction to worldly, priestly A reaction to worldly, priestly HinduismHinduism

Jaina Theology Jaina Theology

Very strong emphasis on asceticismVery strong emphasis on asceticism

Siddhartha may have been a follower before Siddhartha may have been a follower before finding a middle way.finding a middle way.

We are souls trapped in a body. The goal: We are souls trapped in a body. The goal: escape the body to reach nirvana through escape the body to reach nirvana through ascetic practices.ascetic practices.

ReincarnationReincarnation

KarmaKarma

PantheisticPantheistic

The Svastikaa symbol of samsara(rebirth)

Jaina ScripturesJaina Scriptures

The Purvas. Sayings of the 24 gurus all The Purvas. Sayings of the 24 gurus all the original Purvas were lost.the original Purvas were lost.

Agama Sutras Sayings of MahaviraAgama Sutras Sayings of Mahavira

Jaina Sects

Digambaras: Monks are nude, only males can reach enlightenment.

Shvetambaras: Wear white robes. Women can be ordained as nuns.

Jaina WorldviewJaina Worldview

A very strange cosmology. The universe is an infinitely repeating A very strange cosmology. The universe is an infinitely repeating pattern of cycles of time.pattern of cycles of time.

One of the gurus lived 70 trillion years and was 3000 ft. tall.One of the gurus lived 70 trillion years and was 3000 ft. tall.

The earth is the center of the universeThe earth is the center of the universe

The universe has existed forever.The universe has existed forever.

Five Mahavrata or rules of ascetic livingFive Mahavrata or rules of ascetic living Ahimsa. Non-harming (fly-whisk, strain liquids, etc…)Ahimsa. Non-harming (fly-whisk, strain liquids, etc…) Satya. TruthfulnessSatya. Truthfulness Asteya. Non-stealingAsteya. Non-stealing CelibacyCelibacy Non-attachmentNon-attachment

SikhismSikhism

Location: India, especially the Punjab. Location: India, especially the Punjab. 25,000,000 adherents.25,000,000 adherents.

Founder: Nanak (1469-1539)Founder: Nanak (1469-1539)

A compromise between Islam and A compromise between Islam and Hinduism.Hinduism.

Avowedly monotheistic, but with many Avowedly monotheistic, but with many Hindu idea.Hindu idea.

Nanak, founder of Jaina

Sikh Teaching and TheologySikh Teaching and TheologyReject polytheism but keep Reject polytheism but keep ideas of maya (illusion), ideas of maya (illusion), samsara (reincarnation), karmasamsara (reincarnation), karma

Reject priestly system. All are Reject priestly system. All are equal before the “True Name.”equal before the “True Name.”

Reject caste system.Reject caste system.

Opposition to idolatry and to Opposition to idolatry and to asceticism.asceticism.

Sikhs do not try to escape the Sikhs do not try to escape the world, but to participate in it.world, but to participate in it.

The Golden TempleAmristar, India

Scriptures of SikkhismScriptures of Sikkhism

The Adi Granth Compiled by the fifth guru Arjun in 1604The Adi Granth Compiled by the fifth guru Arjun in 1604

The Ganth of the Tenth King: Written by the last of the The Ganth of the Tenth King: Written by the last of the ten great gurus of Sikhism Gobind Singh.ten great gurus of Sikhism Gobind Singh.

The Janamsakhis Legends. Obviously mythical The Janamsakhis Legends. Obviously mythical accounts of the life of Nanak, including miracles. (Nanak accounts of the life of Nanak, including miracles. (Nanak never claimed to be a miracle worker).never claimed to be a miracle worker).

Works salvation: “Sin and sorrow are destroyed by Works salvation: “Sin and sorrow are destroyed by hearkening.”hearkening.”

Sikh PracticesSikh Practices

The wearing of the male turban is very The wearing of the male turban is very characteristic.characteristic.

Baptism in sugar water holding a Baptism in sugar water holding a dagger.dagger.

Sikhs have been warriors. They have Sikhs have been warriors. They have been very militaristic.been very militaristic.

Sikhs are immersed in worldly affairs. Sikhs are immersed in worldly affairs. Businessmen, merchants etc.Businessmen, merchants etc.

Think of Sikhs as the opposite of Jains.Think of Sikhs as the opposite of Jains.

ConfucianismConfucianism

Founded by Confucius 551-478 BC.Founded by Confucius 551-478 BC.

Principle religion in China? Is it a religion? Principle religion in China? Is it a religion? Also influential in Korea and Viet Nam.Also influential in Korea and Viet Nam.

NotNot a religious leader—he accepted the religious superstition of a religious leader—he accepted the religious superstition of his day as sufficient.his day as sufficient.

Agnostic—“Keep aloof from spiritual matters, but perform the Agnostic—“Keep aloof from spiritual matters, but perform the ceremony correctly.”ceremony correctly.”

Utilitarian, conservative philosophy. Each person should accept Utilitarian, conservative philosophy. Each person should accept his position in society for righteousness and stability. Strong his position in society for righteousness and stability. Strong emphasis on proper government, training for holding government emphasis on proper government, training for holding government office.office.

Confucianism (cont.)Confucianism (cont.)

Practical rather than esoteric.Practical rather than esoteric.

Ancestor worship stressed.Ancestor worship stressed.

Later Confucian philosophy involved emphasis on Later Confucian philosophy involved emphasis on ying ying andand yang yang—the competing balance between good vs. —the competing balance between good vs. evil, physical vs. spiritual, hate vs. love. (Dualism)evil, physical vs. spiritual, hate vs. love. (Dualism)

Confucianism competed with two other philosophies: Taoism and Moism. Confucianism, being more practical, generally won out.

Confucian ScripturesConfucian Scriptures

I-Ching 1000 BC. Book of divination, magic.I-Ching 1000 BC. Book of divination, magic. Shu-Ching. History, ancient documents, speeches.Shu-Ching. History, ancient documents, speeches. Shin-Ching 800-600 BC. Poetry used extensively Shin-Ching 800-600 BC. Poetry used extensively

by Confucius. Customs concerning courtship, by Confucius. Customs concerning courtship, marriage, war, agriculture, feasts, sacrifices, etc.marriage, war, agriculture, feasts, sacrifices, etc.

Li Chi. Book of ceremonial etiquite. 200 BC – 200 Li Chi. Book of ceremonial etiquite. 200 BC – 200 AD.AD.

Ch’un Chiu. History of one Chinese province. Ch’un Chiu. History of one Chinese province. Collected by Confucius?Collected by Confucius?

Lun Yu. Written down 400 BC. The sayings of Lun Yu. Written down 400 BC. The sayings of Confucius, especially on ethics and government Confucius, especially on ethics and government

Analects of Confucius, etc…Analects of Confucius, etc…

TaoismTaoism (Daoism)(Daoism)

Founded by Lao Tzu—a contemporary of Confucius.Founded by Lao Tzu—a contemporary of Confucius.

Scripture: The Tao Te Ching. Tao = way Te = power Ching = Scripture: The Tao Te Ching. Tao = way Te = power Ching = teachingteaching

Basic doctrine: Through non-involvement and withdrawal, we come Basic doctrine: Through non-involvement and withdrawal, we come to know god/deity. Emphasis on self-interest. “The religion of to know god/deity. Emphasis on self-interest. “The religion of selfishness.”selfishness.”

Pantheistic. Experience God by contemplating nature.Pantheistic. Experience God by contemplating nature.

Emphasis on mysticism and magic.Emphasis on mysticism and magic.

“ “He would not pluck so much as a hair out of his head for the benefit He would not pluck so much as a hair out of his head for the benefit of his fellow man.”of his fellow man.”

Baha’iBaha’i

Founded by Baha-Ullah 1817-1892Founded by Baha-Ullah 1817-1892

The Bab 1819-1850 The John the Baptist of Baha’iThe Bab 1819-1850 The John the Baptist of Baha’i

Begun in Iran, moved to Iraq, Lebanon. Very widely Begun in Iran, moved to Iraq, Lebanon. Very widely spread today.spread today.

About 7,000,000 adherents.About 7,000,000 adherents.

A reform movement within Islam?A reform movement within Islam?

History and TeachingHistory and Teaching

The Bab was martyred in 1850The Bab was martyred in 1850

in 1852 Baha-Ullah claims to have received a vision, in 1852 Baha-Ullah claims to have received a vision, while in prison, of a divine woman who declared him to while in prison, of a divine woman who declared him to be “The Beauty of God amongst you.” ie the next be “The Beauty of God amongst you.” ie the next prophet.prophet.

Ba’hai is the culmination of all the world’s religions. Ba’hai is the culmination of all the world’s religions. Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, Baha’Ullah.Baha’Ullah.

No priests, no ceremony.No priests, no ceremony.

Theology and TeachingTheology and Teaching

Monotheistic.Monotheistic.

God is unknowable “The most Exalted, the Inaccessible.”God is unknowable “The most Exalted, the Inaccessible.”

Baha-Ullah claimed to be Baha-Ullah claimed to be The second coming of Christ—that John 14:16 was about him. The second coming of Christ—that John 14:16 was about him. The Maitreya—the second coming of Buddha.The Maitreya—the second coming of Buddha. The new incarnation of KrishnaThe new incarnation of Krishna The fulfillment of the “Day of God” in the Koran.The fulfillment of the “Day of God” in the Koran.

Strong emphasis on equality, education, peace.Strong emphasis on equality, education, peace.

Progressive Revelation. “Religious truth is not absolute but Progressive Revelation. “Religious truth is not absolute but relative.”relative.”

Teachings and Scripture.Teachings and Scripture.

Salvation through keeping the law as handed down by Salvation through keeping the law as handed down by Baha-UllahBaha-Ullah

Emphasis on good deeds, helping the poor, educationEmphasis on good deeds, helping the poor, education

Jesus did not die for our sins, because he did not have Jesus did not die for our sins, because he did not have to. We are imperfect, but not lost.to. We are imperfect, but not lost.

Scripture: The writings of Baha-Ullah. There are many!Scripture: The writings of Baha-Ullah. There are many!

Other World ReligionsOther World Religions

Shinto—the ancestral religion of Japan. AnimistShinto—the ancestral religion of Japan. Animist

Zoroastrianism—Dualistic religion with origins in Persia. Zoroastrianism—Dualistic religion with origins in Persia. Worship of Ahura Mazda; a fire god.Worship of Ahura Mazda; a fire god.

SummarySummary

The theologies of world religions are fundamentally and The theologies of world religions are fundamentally and diametrically opposed to one another. Many paths to the diametrically opposed to one another. Many paths to the same God is a ludicrous philosophy.same God is a ludicrous philosophy.

The truth of the Bible is confirmed byThe truth of the Bible is confirmed by Clear evidence of inspiration (fulfilled prophecy, types and Clear evidence of inspiration (fulfilled prophecy, types and

foreshadows, historical accuracy, scientific evidence, etc…) foreshadows, historical accuracy, scientific evidence, etc…)

Public miracles worked by Moses, Elijah and others, and Public miracles worked by Moses, Elijah and others, and especially by Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:3,4).especially by Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:3,4).