krishna, buddha, jesus, muhammad — is there only one way? copyright by norman geisler 2005 are all...

Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad — Is There Only One Way?

Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad — Is There Only One Way?

Copyright by Norman Geisler 2005

Are All Religions True?Are All Religions True?

Religious Pluralism…is the belief that: All religions are true

All roads lead to heavenAll the sincere will be saved

…is the belief that: All religions are true

All roads lead to heavenAll the sincere will be saved

On the Roads AgainOn the Roads Again• “I believe all roads lead to

the same place. We’re taking different ways to get there, but we all end up in the same place. It’s kind of like Kinky Friedman’s statement, ‘May the God of your choice bless you.’ That’s the main thoughts that I have about life” (Time 8/7/06, p. 6).

• “I believe all roads lead to the same place. We’re taking different ways to get there, but we all end up in the same place. It’s kind of like Kinky Friedman’s statement, ‘May the God of your choice bless you.’ That’s the main thoughts that I have about life” (Time 8/7/06, p. 6).

Oprah Winfrey’s PluralismOprah Winfrey’s Pluralism

“ “I am a I am a Christian who Christian who believes that there believes that there are certainly are certainly many more paths many more paths to God other than to God other than ChristianityChristianity.”.”

Eckhart Tolle: All Religions are the Same

“…Due [in part] to an influx of the ancient Eastern wisdom teachings, a growing number of followers of traditional religions are able to let go of identification with form, dogma, and rigid belief systems and discover the original depth that is hidden within their own spiritual tradition at the same time as they discover the depth within themselves…” (A New Earth, 18).

OutlineOutline

I. What is truth?

II. Can all religions be true?

III. Is there only one way?

I. What is truth?



OutlineOutline

I. What is truth?I. What is truth?

What is Truth?What is Truth?

What is Truth?

Truth is what: Corresponds to the facts

What is Truth?

Truth is what: Corresponds to the facts

What is Truth?

Truth is what: Corresponds to the facts Matches its object

What is Truth?

Truth is what: Corresponds to the facts Matches its object

What is Truth?

Truth is what: Corresponds to the facts Matches its object Tells it like it is

What is Truth?

Truth is what: Corresponds to the facts Matches its object Tells it like it is

A true statement matches its objectA true statement matches its object

“This object is a table.”“This object is a table.”

What is False?

False is what does not: -Correspond to the facts -Match its object

-Tell it like it is

What is False?

False is what does not: -Correspond to the facts -Match its object

-Tell it like it is

Opposite ideas cannot both be true at the same time and in the same sense.

Opposite ideas cannot both be true at the same time and in the same sense.

The Opposite of True is False(The Law of Non-Contradiction)

The Opposite of True is False(The Law of Non-Contradiction)

The Earth is Round

The Earth is Round

The Earth is NOT Round The Earth is NOT Round

The Opposite of True is FalseThe Opposite of True is False

Sure-Fire Way to Convince a Skeptic!

“Anyone who denies the law of non-contradiction should be beaten and burned until he admits that to be beaten is not the

same as not to be beaten, and to be burned is not the same as not to be burned.”

(Avicenna, Great Muslim Philosopher)

Sure-Fire Way to Convince a Skeptic!

“Anyone who denies the law of non-contradiction should be beaten and burned until he admits that to be beaten is not the

same as not to be beaten, and to be burned is not the same as not to be burned.”

(Avicenna, Great Muslim Philosopher)

Self-Defeating Claims Self-Defeating Claims

Aim at Something Else: Hit Yourself Aim at Something Else: Hit Yourself

Apply the claim to itself!

Examples . . .

Answering Objections to Objective Truth:

Answering Objections to Objective Truth:

A Self-Defeating StatementA Self-Defeating Statement

“I can’t speak a word in English.”“I can’t speak a word in English.”

“Didn’t he say that in English?”“Didn’t he say that in English?”

“Truth is not telling like it is!”“Truth is not telling like it is!”


“Isn’t that telling it like it is?”“Isn’t that telling it like it is?”

“Opposites can both be true.”“Opposites can both be true.”


“Is the opposite of that true?”“Is the opposite of that true?”


“There is no truth.”“There is no truth.”

“Is that true?”“Is that true?”


“You can’t know truth.”“You can’t know truth.”

“How do you know that is true?”“How do you know that is true?”

“There is no absolute truth!”“There is no absolute truth!”


“Is that absolutely true?”

“Is that absolutely true?”


“It’s true for you but not for me!”“It’s true for you but not for me!”

“Is that just true for you but not for me?”

“Is that just true for you but not for me?”


“Nothing is true for everyone!”“Nothing is true for everyone!”

“Is that true for everyone?”“Is that true for everyone?”

“No one knows the truth!”“No one knows the truth!”


“Then how do you know that is true?”

“Then how do you know that is true?”

“Truth about God isn’t objective!”

“Truth about God isn’t objective!”


“Is that an objective truth about God ?”

“Is that an objective truth about God ?”

1. All truth claims are absolute, narrow and exclusive. (Even the claim that “Every religion is true” excludes its opposite.)

1. All truth claims are absolute, narrow and exclusive. (Even the claim that “Every religion is true” excludes its opposite.)

The Truth About TruthThe Truth About Truth

2. Truth is discovered, not invented. It exists independently of anyone’s knowledge of it (Gravity existed prior to Newton).

2. Truth is discovered, not invented. It exists independently of anyone’s knowledge of it (Gravity existed prior to Newton).


3. Beliefs can not change a fact, no matter how sincerely they are held. (I can sincerely believe the world is flat but that only makes me sincerely wrong.)






4. Truth is trans-cultural (2+2=4 here, there, and everywhere).

4. Truth is trans-cultural (2+2=4 here, there, and everywhere).

5. Being raised in a given culture doesn’t make their beliefs true.




a) Being raised a Nazi doesn’t make Nazism true.






b) Being raised a racist does make racism true.








c) Being raised a bigot does not make bigotry true.




c) Being raised a bigot does not make bigotry true.



6. One’s Attitude Doesn’t Change the Truth

a) A bad attitude about truth does not make it an error.

b) A good attitude about error does not make it true.

6. One’s Attitude Doesn’t Change the Truth

a) A bad attitude about truth does not make it an error.

b) A good attitude about error does not make it true.


7. Objective Truth Can’t be Denied

a) The denial of objective truth makes a claim to be an objective truth.

b) The claim that “There is no objective truth” is an objective truth claim.

7. Objective Truth Can’t be Denied

a) The denial of objective truth makes a claim to be an objective truth.

b) The claim that “There is no objective truth” is an objective truth claim.

1. Contrary beliefs are possible, but contrary truths are not possible.

2. You can believe everything is true, but everything can’t be true.

3. Objective truth can’t be denied

without being affirmed.

1. Contrary beliefs are possible, but contrary truths are not possible.

2. You can believe everything is true, but everything can’t be true.

3. Objective truth can’t be denied

without being affirmed.

Summary The Truth About Truth

Summary The Truth About Truth

In Banking Truth is Absolute

“It doesn’t matter what

the Bank says is in my

account, but it is how

much I feel should be

there that counts.”

Medicine Demands Absolute Truth

“It doesn’t matter whether the Doctor gives you poison or not as long as you feel good about it”!

Legal Oath Demands Absolute Truth

“I swear to tell the expedient, the whole expedient, and nothing but the expedient, so help me future experience”!

Truth is Absolute in ReligionTruth is Absolute in Religion1. The claim that “Religious truth is

subjective” is not a subjective truth claim about religion.

2. The claim that “Religious truth is not objective” claims to be an objective truth about religion.

1. The claim that “Religious truth is subjective” is not a subjective truth claim about religion.

2. The claim that “Religious truth is not objective” claims to be an objective truth about religion.

OutlineOutline

1. What is truth?

2. Can all religions be true?

1. What is truth?

2. Can all religions be true?

Except the one with his eyes open

to the truth!

Except the one with his eyes open

to the truth!

The truth is absolute: This is an elephant!

The truth is absolute: This is an elephant!

All Religions Can’t Be True: They Teach Opposites

All Religions Can’t Be True: They Teach Opposites

Islam with Christianity Islam with Christianity

Let’s contrast:Let’s contrast:

ISLAM GOD: Only one person

CHRISTIANITYGOD: 3 persons in one God

HUMANITY: Sinful by natureHUMANITY: Good by nature

JESUS: Merely a man, not God.

DEATH OF CHRIST: He didn’t die or rise again

SALVATION: By faith plus works when good deeds outweigh bad ones

JESUS: More than a man; He was also God.

DEATH OF CHRIST: He died and rose again in same body

SALVATION: Not by works but is a free gift of God for all who believe

BIBLE: Corrupted BIBLE: Not corrupted

Yes. So Do a Counterfeit and a Genuine $20 Bill.


But Don’t They Have Things in Common?



1) Both are paper.


1) Both are paper.




1) Both are paper.

2) Both are rectangular.


1) Both are paper.





1) Both are paper.


3) Both have a “20” on them.


1) Both are paper.






1) Both are paper.



But one is a counterfeit!


1) Both are paper.



But one is a counterfeit!



How to Tell a CounterfeitNot by superficial similaritiesBut by crucial differences

How to Tell a CounterfeitNot by superficial similaritiesBut by crucial differences

1. Can all religions be true: No, they teach opposites! And opposites can’t both be true.

2. Can one religion be true: Yes, if we take off our blinders and see which religion corresponds to reality.

3. Do other religions have some truth? Yes, but since the opposite of true is false, if one religion’s claims are true, then all opposing claims in other religions are false.

SummaryCan All Religions Be True?

SummaryCan All Religions Be True?

OutlineOutline

I. What is truth?



Is There Really Only Is There Really Only

Is There Only One Way? Is There Only One Way?

Christianity says “yes” because:

• Jesus Claimed It

• Jesus Proved It

Jesus Claimed It Jesus Claimed It

John 14:6 “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 10:1,9 “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber…. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.”

His Disciples Affirmed ItHis Disciples Affirmed It

Acts 4:12 “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

1Tim 2:5 “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus….”

1. His Fulfillment of Prophecies

2. His Sinless and Miraculous Life

3. His Death and Resurrection

No other religious leader did this!

Jesus Proved It By:Jesus Proved It By:

1. His Fulfilling Prophecies

Jesus Proved It By:

Human Race Woman, Gen 3:15

Ethnic Group Abraham, Gen 12:1

Tribe Judah, Gen 49:10

Dynasty David, 2 Sam 7:12

How Virgin, Isa 7:14

Where Bethlehem, Mic 5:2

When 33 A.D., Dan 9:24

Joseph Smith’s Joseph Smith’s FalseFalse Prophecies Prophecies Joseph Smith’s Joseph Smith’s FalseFalse Prophecies Prophecies • 1832--Temple to be built in

Missouri before the living will die.

• 1835--Coming of the Lord within 56 years (by

1891).• 1887--Copyright of Book of

Mormon would be sold in Canada by Smith’s reps.

• 1832--Temple to be built in Missouri before the living will die.

• 1835--Coming of the Lord within 56 years (by

1891).• 1887--Copyright of Book of

Mormon would be sold in Canada by Smith’s reps.

False Prophecies of the False Prophecies of the Jehovah’s WitnessesJehovah’s Witnesses

False Prophecies of the False Prophecies of the Jehovah’s WitnessesJehovah’s Witnesses

End of the Age will be:1799

1874

1914

1925

1975

All were wrong!

End of the Age will be:1799

1874

1914

1925

1975

All were wrong!

What About Psychic What About Psychic Predictions?Predictions?What About Psychic What About Psychic Predictions?Predictions?

THE PSYCHICS SCORE CARDTHE PSYCHICS SCORE CARD THE PSYCHICS SCORE CARDTHE PSYCHICS SCORE CARD

• 1976--THE PEOPLE'S ALMANAC: 66 OF 72 WRONG (92%)• 1993--THEY MISSED EVERY MAJOR UNEXPECTED STORY:• MICHAEL JORDAN'S RETIREMENT

• MIDWEST FLOOD• ISRAEL-PLO PEACE TREATY

• WHAT ABOUT THE PREDICTIONS OF NOSTRADAMUS?

• HE NEVER PREDICTED HITLER (A PERSON) BUT “HISTER” (A PLACE)

• HE NEVER PREDICTED A SPECIFIC CALIFORNIA EARTHQUAKE

• HE NEVER MENTIONED CALIFORNIA BY NAME• HE NEVER GAVE A YEAR FOR IT• IT WAS ONLY A BIG QUAKE FAR AWAY ON SOME MAY 10th

• HE WAS OFTEN WRONG IN HIS ALMANAC PREDICTIONS

• MOST OF HIS PREDCTIONS WERE VAGUE

• 1976--THE PEOPLE'S ALMANAC: 66 OF 72 WRONG (92%)• 1993--THEY MISSED EVERY MAJOR UNEXPECTED STORY:• MICHAEL JORDAN'S RETIREMENT

• MIDWEST FLOOD• ISRAEL-PLO PEACE TREATY

• WHAT ABOUT THE PREDICTIONS OF NOSTRADAMUS?

• HE NEVER PREDICTED HITLER (A PERSON) BUT “HISTER” (A PLACE)

• HE NEVER PREDICTED A SPECIFIC CALIFORNIA EARTHQUAKE

• HE NEVER MENTIONED CALIFORNIA BY NAME• HE NEVER GAVE A YEAR FOR IT• IT WAS ONLY A BIG QUAKE FAR AWAY ON SOME MAY 10th

• HE WAS OFTEN WRONG IN HIS ALMANAC PREDICTIONS

• MOST OF HIS PREDCTIONS WERE VAGUE

1994: FAILED PSYCHIC PREDICTIONS1994: FAILED PSYCHIC PREDICTIONS• QUEEN OF ENGLAND WOULD ABDICATE

• KATHIE LEE GIFFORD WOULD REPLACE JAY LENO • CINDY CRAWFORD WOULD HAVE TRIPLETS

• HILLARY CLINTON WOULD PLEAD GUILTY OF SHOPLIFTING

• CHARLES MANSON WOULD GET A SEX-CHANGE OPERATION

• WHITNEY HOUSTON WOULD MARRY MIKE TYSON

• AN AFRICAN PLANT WOULD CURE AIDS

• VOLCANIC ACTION WOULD MAKE A LAND BRIDGE TO CUBA

• MADONNA WOULD MARRY BOY GEORGE

• SEARS TOWER WOULD LEAN LIKE TOWER OF PISA

• NATIONAL LOTTERY WOULD CUT TAXES IN HALF

• TEEN WOULD BUILD AND DETONATE NUCLEAR BOMB IN SC

• MADONNA WILL MARRY A SHEIK AND BECOME A HOUSE WIFE

• QUEEN OF ENGLAND WOULD ABDICATE

• KATHIE LEE GIFFORD WOULD REPLACE JAY LENO • CINDY CRAWFORD WOULD HAVE TRIPLETS

• HILLARY CLINTON WOULD PLEAD GUILTY OF SHOPLIFTING

• CHARLES MANSON WOULD GET A SEX-CHANGE OPERATION

• WHITNEY HOUSTON WOULD MARRY MIKE TYSON

• AN AFRICAN PLANT WOULD CURE AIDS

• VOLCANIC ACTION WOULD MAKE A LAND BRIDGE TO CUBA

• MADONNA WOULD MARRY BOY GEORGE

• SEARS TOWER WOULD LEAN LIKE TOWER OF PISA

• NATIONAL LOTTERY WOULD CUT TAXES IN HALF

• TEEN WOULD BUILD AND DETONATE NUCLEAR BOMB IN SC

• MADONNA WILL MARRY A SHEIK AND BECOME A HOUSE WIFE



Jesus Proved It By:

Jesus was Sinless

A. Jesus said: “Which of you convicts me of sin?” (Jn. 8:46).

B. Those Who Knew Him Best Said: “For we . . . have one who has been tempted in every way, just as

we are—yet was without sin” (Heb. 4:15). “Christ [is] a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:19). “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth” (1

Peter 2:22). “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the

unrighteous…” (1 Peter 3:18). “He is righteous” (1 Jn. 2:29). “He is pure” (1 Jn. 3:3). “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us….” (2 Cor.

5:21).

C. His Enemies and Others Said: Judas: “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood” (Mt. 27:4). Pilate: “I am innocent of the blood of this just person” (Mt. 27:24). Pilate’s Wife: “Have nothing to do with that just man…” (Mat.

27:19). A Centurion: “Certainly this was a righteous man” (Lk. 23:47). A Centurion: “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Mt. 27:54). The Thief on the Cross: “This man has done nothing wrong” (Lk.

23:41). The Herodians: “Teacher, we know that you are true, and teach the

way of God in truth: nor do you care about anyone, for you do not regard the person of men” (Mt. 22:16).

Jesus Proved It By Miracles:

Nicodemus: “Rabbi, we know you are teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him” (John. 3:2).Peter: “Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves know…” (Acts 2:22).

Jesus Proved It By Miracles:

Hebrews 2:3: “God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His will..”

1. Walking on Water

2. Multiplying Loaves

3. Healing One Born Blind

4. Turning Water into Wine

5. Healing a Man Born Lame

6. Raising a Dead & Decaying Man

7. Raising Himself from the Grave!

Jesus Proved It By:



3. His Death and Resurrection

Jesus Proved It By:

Evidence Jesus Really Died

1. Nature of his wounds (whipping, crucifixion, and spear in side) ensured death.

2. His mother, friends and closest disciple witnessed his death.

3. Romans, who were professional executioners, pronounced him dead.


4. Pilate double-checked to make sure Jesus was dead.

5. The Jews never denied the account of Jesus being buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea (a member of the Sanhedrin).


7. Non-Christian writers from the first and second centuries recorded the death of Jesus (e.g. Josephus, Tacitus, Thallus, Lucian, Phelgon, The Jewish Talmud.)

8. In light of the historical evidence, modern medical authorities have verified his death.

Journal of American Medical Ass’n

“Clearly, the weight of historical and medical evidence indicates that Jesus was dead before the wound to his side was inflicted and supports the traditional view that the spear, thrust between his right rib, probably perforated not only the right lung but also the pericardium and heart and thereby ensured his death. Accordingly, interpretations based on the assumption that Jesus did not die on the cross appear to be at odds with modern medical knowledge.” (March 21,1986, p. 1463).

Evidence Jesus Actually Rose


1. The Jews admitted the tomb was empty and no one could produce the body.

2. Jesus made 12 different physical appearances over 40 days to over 500 people.

3. Many Jewish priests were converted (Acts 6:7, cf. Acts 15:5) and thousands of unbelievers were converted (Acts 2:41).


4. Jesus’ unbelieving brother James, and Saul, an ardent opponent of Christianity, were converted.

5. Scared, scattered, skeptical disciples were transformed into the world’s greatest missionary martyrs overnight.

The Twelve Appearances of ChristPersons Saw Heard Touched Other

Evidence 1. Mary X X X Empty tomb

(Jn. 20:10-18)2. Mary & Women X X X Empty tomb

(Mt. 28:1-10)3. Peter X X Empty tomb/clothes

(1Cor. 15:5)4. Two Disciples X X Ate with Him

(Lk. 24:13-35)5. Ten Apostles X X X** Saw wounds, ate food

(Lk. 24:36-49; Jn. 20:19-23)

6. Eleven Apostles X X X** Saw wounds(Jn. 20:24-31)

**Offered Himself to be touched

The Twelve Appearances of Christ Persons Saw Heard Touched Other

Evidence

7. Seven Apostles X X Ate food(Jn. 21)

8. All Apostles X X (Mt. 28:16-20;Mk 16:14-18)

9. 500 Brethren X X* (1Cor. 15:6)

10. James X X* (1Cor. 15:7)

11. All Apostles X X Ate with Him(Acts 1:4-8)

12. Paul X X (Acts 9:1-9;1Cor. 15:8)

*Implied

Yes! Because Jesus claimed to be the only way, and He proved it in three miraculous ways. So, He is the only way to God.

Conclusion Is There Only One Way?

Why is Jesus the Only Way?Why is Jesus the Only Way?

ManManGodGod

Because only the GodGod--ManMan can bridge between GodGod and and ManMan

Comparing Great Religious LeadersComparing Great Religious LeadersComparing Great Religious LeadersComparing Great Religious Leaders

Characteristic Jesus Muhammed Buddha Confucius

Virgin Born Yes No No No

Sinless Yes No No No

Prophecy Yes No No No

Did Miracles Yes No No No

Resurrection Yes No No No

Ethic Highest Not Not Not

Following Greatest Not Not Not

Characteristic Jesus Muhammed Buddha Confucius

Virgin Born Yes No No No

Sinless Yes No No No

Prophecy Yes No No No

Did Miracles Yes No No No

Resurrection Yes No No No

Ethic Highest Not Not Not

Following Greatest Not Not Not

MUHAMMADNot Virgin Born

JESUSVirgin Born

SinlessNot Sinless

Not Messiah

Not Word of God

Called Messiah

Did MiraclesNo Miracles

Called Word of God

Body in Grave Body in Heaven

Comparing Leaders: According to Islam and the Qur’an

Comparing Leaders: According to Islam and the Qur’an

1. Moral truths in other religions. C. S. Lewis demonstrates this

in The Abolition of Man which affirms: “This thing which I have called for convenience the Tao, and which others may call Natural Law, . . . is not one among a series of possible systems of value. It is the sole source of all value judgments. If it is rejected, all value is rejected. . . . the effort to refute it and raise a new system of value in its place is self-contradictory.”

Moral Truths in Other Religions

C. S. Lewis has an excellent Appendix in his book which culls from many of the great non-Christian cultures of the world moral principles that are very much like those in the Ten Commandments.

C. S. Lewis has an excellent Appendix in his book which culls from many of the great non-Christian cultures of the world moral principles that are very much like those in the Ten Commandments.

Sample of Moral Similarities“I have not slain men” (Ancient Egyptian).“Utter not a word by which anyone could be wounded” (Hindu).“Men were brought into existence…that they might do one another

good” (Roman).

“He whose heart is in the smallest degree set upon goodness will dislike no one” (Ancient Chinese).

He “who mediates oppression, his dwelling is overturned” (Babylonian).

“Natural affection is a thing right and according to Nature” (Greek).“I saw in Nastrond [=Hell]…beguilers of others’ wives” (Old Norse).“If a native made a ‘find’ of any kind and marked it, it was

thereafter safe for him…no matter how long he left it” (Australian Aborigines).

Confucius Say…

Confucius had what has been called the negative Golden Rule: it says, “Do not do to others what you would not have them do to you.”

This complements what Jesus said in Matt. 7:12: “Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them.”

2. Theological truths in other religions (compatible with Christianity).

1. The Theistic God exists—Judaism, Islam, and pre-literate Religions

2. Humans have a soul—Most religions3. Immortality (life after death)—Most religions4. Resurrection---Several religions5. Basic Moral Laws---Most religions6. “Prayer” (meditation) to God—Most religions

2. Theological Truths in Other Religions

John Mbiti showed that even so-called “Pagan” African Religions have a concept of a “High God” or “Sky God” that is theistic.

John Mbiti showed that even so-called “Pagan” African Religions have a concept of a “High God” or “Sky God” that is theistic.

Ebla Tablets: A Theistic God• One of the earliest One of the earliest

records we have, the records we have, the Ebla TabletsEbla Tablets from Syria, from Syria, affirm a theistic God affirm a theistic God created the world out of created the world out of nothing nothing (ex nihilo(ex nihilo): ): “Lord, of heaven and “Lord, of heaven and earth: the earth was not, earth: the earth was not, you created it, the you created it, the morning light you had morning light you had not [yet] made exist”not [yet] made exist” ((Ebla ArchivesEbla Archives, 259). , 259).

Wilhelm Schmidt (1868-1954) Australian (German born)

anthropologist who wrote The Origin of the Idea of God (1912-1955), a twelve volume set that shows monotheism was the first religion from which other religions are corruptions.

Frazer’s Golden Bough Fallacy

• Frazer’s false evolutionary view is that religion evolved from Magic to Animism to Polytheism to Henotheism to

• Monotheism.

Frazer’s Golden Bough Revised1. It is contrary to fact (see above).2. It has a fallacious evolutionary basis.3. It manipulates the facts to fit its theory.4. Theodore Gaster’s revision of the book

admits Frazer was wrong, saying: “that the two things [magic and religion] stand in genealogical succession…has now been shown to be a mere product of late nineteenth century evolutionism, without adequate basis” (Frazer, The New Golden Bough, xv-xvi).

Guru Sai Baba ExposedGuru Sai Baba Exposed

Claimed to be Claimed to be God on earthGod on earth

Tal Brooke Exposed Sai BabaTal Brooke Exposed Sai Baba “From their first meeting, Brooke

was heralded by Sai Baba, India's greatest miracle-working godman, as the inner-circle disciple who…would help trigger the explosion of India's ancient mystical tradition into the Western world…. Brooke was becoming a captive soul of an ancient inner transformation, while Baba's outward divinity concealed a timeless, demonic presence. After two years of surrender to a Being who claimed to be God on earth, something remarkable happened…. Brooke was rescued from above…. Brooke lays bare the powerful reality of good and evil and of things beyond the familiar realm of the senses, in a book that will not be easily forgotten.”

Tal Brooke

Converted Guru: Ravi MararajConverted Guru: Ravi Mararaj “I knew that Jesus wasn’t just

another one of several million gods. He was in fact the God for whom I had hungered. I had met Jesus himself and discovered that he himself was the Creator. Yet he loved me enough to become a man for may sake and to die for my sins. With that realization, tons of darkness seemed to lift and a brilliant light flooded my soul” (p. 137).

Reaching People in Other ReligionsReaching People in Other Religions

Twelve Points that Show Christianity is True1. Truth about reality is knowable.2. The opposite of true is false.3. It is true that the theistic God exists.4. If God exists then miracles are possible.5. Miracles can be used to confirm a message from God.6. The New Testament is historically reliable.7. The New Testament says Jesus claimed to be God.8. Jesus’ claim to be God was miraculously confirmed by: a. His fulfillment of many prophecies about Himself; b. His sinless and miraculous life; c. His prediction and accomplishment of His resurrection9. Therefore, Jesus is God.10. Whatever Jesus (who is God) teaches is true.11. Jesus taught that the Bible is the Word of God.12. Therefore, it is true that the Bible is the Word of God (and

anything opposed to it is false).

krishna, buddha, jesus, muhammad — is there only one way? copyright by norman geisler 2005 are all...

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