“All religions are alike. It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you believe in something.” Ever heard anyone say that? I have…many times. Of course, it is amazingly untrue. While morality is fairly similar in most cultures and in the major faiths, religious doctrine on all the big topics: God, man, sin, salvation, purpose, eternity, creation, etc., are very, very different. So, starting November 3rd, AFBC will present a class on World Religions as a part of our Wednesday Night program. All are welcome.
Why study other faiths? While it is not essential to godliness to study other faiths, there are several benefits to the Christian.
- This kind of study highlights the uniqueness of the Bible and Christian theology. As I mentioned, all religions are most certainly not the same. Our study will reveal how the teaching of erroneous ideas in other religions does not meet the needs of men, nor do they explain the world as it is. Studying other faiths will strengthen your own.
- A study like this is designed to be an aid in evangelism. Good conversations with non- Christians come from understanding, not ignorance. Since Los Angeles County is one of the most religiously diverse places on earth, we have quite an opportunity. The Lord has brought the world to us and we should pray for opportunities to reach our unsaved neighbors. Understanding where they are coming from, and how they think, is a real plus in sharing Jesus Christ with them.
- We live in a time when many people do believe all religions are the same, and all have something to offer. It is very helpful in answering this false belief to be able to speak intelligently about other religions so we do not appear to be unthinking or provincial.
This class will be offered from a biblical point of view. However, we will try to treat other religions with respect, not ridicule. Major religions have many millions of followers, including many intelligent people. It is not fruitful to mock them. It is fruitful to understand how their faith leaves them without a Savior and without the peace of knowing they are accepted by God. Will there be homework? Yes, for those who wish to dig deeper, there will be readings in the actual texts of some of the major religions and cults.
Yours in Christ
Originally printed in the Acton Faith Bible Church Pony Express. Vol. III, No. 11, November 2010.