Introduction
Not long ago, someone called my post “Matha, Pitha, Guru, Deivam (Mother, Father, Teacher, God)” rubbish. Why? Because I was being critical of the Indian/Hindu saying above (Matha, Pitha, Guru, Deivam). This person went on to tell me that it’s a beautiful religion and that every religion has it’s good and bad and so on.
Here’s the most recent response to this article.
This is the typical stuff I hear from people who have never bothered to look at each religion in detail and instead, make surface statements with zero depth and without clear meaning (It’s a beautiful religion? What’s that supposed to mean?). If they did have a better understanding of each faith (I’m not saying you have to be an expert on religion!), they would see that while each religion shares a few similarities in what it teaches, they differ greatly in core truths when it comes to God and therefore, a blanket statement like “All religions are the same!” is incorrect and deceitful!
Hinduism
Hinduism has millions of gods (350 million, give or take). Each god is worshiped in a certain way with certain rituals. Images and idols of gods are everywhere. Though Hindus are very devout and the religion and culture are heavily intertwined, based on my personal observations, most Hindus try to live a good life and are not heavily influenced by the religion or its deep philosophical teachings.
Generally, Hindus don’t have any issues with other religions and is very accepting of other faiths, for the most part. I have come across Hindus who are quick to tell me that they have an idol of Jesus that they pray to along with all the other gods that they worship. They have no issues with Jesus, until they come to know what the Bible says about other gods/religions and what Jesus Himself declares.
Islam
Islam worships one god, Allah. While Jesus is considered a great Prophet born of the virgin Mary, He is not regarded as the Son of God, which is central to the Christian faith. Muslims believe that Allah gave the Injeel (Bible), but assert that the Bible as we know it has been corrupted (though the evidence obilerates this argument), because of what it says about Jesus and how it contradicts Islam in many ways.
Muslims live their lives based on the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed in the Quran, summed up in the five pillars of Islam. While one can draw many similarities between Islam and Christianity, the Quran contradicts the Bible on some key issues on what God says in the Bible (Injeel), especially about Jesus. These differences cannot be brushed aside because they are not minor nuances but major theological views.
Christianity
Christianity worships God, who is One, but comprises of 3 distinct Persons – Father, Son, Holy Spirit. According to the Christian faith, people sinned against God and it resulted in our separation from Him. The punishment for sinning against God is death. Jesus, the Son of God, is called the the Savior of the World because He willingly died for our sins so that those who place their trust and faith in Him, can be reconciled to God through His death.
In the Christian faith, people are saved by grace through faith in Jesus, NOT their efforts at good living and kindness and so on – which is what every other religion is based on: the individual putting in the effort to please their god(s). The Apostle Paul summarises one of the central teachings of Christianity in Ephesians 2:8-9:
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
In fact, it is God the Father Who draws people through the Holy Spirit (Spirit of Jesus) to salvation, as stated by Jesus Himself in John 6:44:
No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.
Those who are convicted of their sin by the Holy Spirit, will repent (in response to the Holy Spirit), say yes to faith in Christ and are saved. These people who are now in Christ (Christians) are called by God to live by faith. What does this mean? The Holy Spirit is at work in those who are truly Christians, which leads to a noticeable impact on their thoughts, words, actions and attitudes. In fact, Galatians 5:19-23 perfectly summarises this before Christ and after Christ transformation of a person:
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
To those who put their faith and trust in Jesus, He alone promises, He alone guarantees, eternal life with God in Heaven. Jesus stated this absolute truth in John 14:6:
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Conclusion
I could have looked at many more aspects of each of these religions, but have refrained from doing so. If you have an honest look at the core teachings of each religion, especially the central figures of each one, you can clearly see they they are not the same. In light of just these few points I have highlighted here, any reasonable person will come to the conclusion that all religions can’t be the same and that all religions can’t be right at the same time.
If YOU are someone who does not know Jesus, I pray that God will reveal Himself to YOU and help YOU understand who Jesus truly is, His significance, why He is the ONLY way, truth and life and why YOU need to accept Him as YOUR Savior and Lord. I stress the YOU because it is indeed a personal decision YOU have to make for yourself.
If you still think or believe that these religions are the same and worship the same God and think that you can follow whichever religion you like and still end up in Heaven, you are sadly mistaken.
This mistake could cost you dearly for all eternity.
God bless you.
Thank Sri 🙂
Kant … First of all learn about the facts of religion and give comments.
Hinduism is not a religion but a way of living….
Why it is being said that is because all others than Hindus only say that their religion is the best. So before critising go in depth of Hinduism properly… Did you read Bhagavad Githa & Vedas atleast one time I don’t think so.. if so we can have a debate please let me know… Wish you a Happy Married Life..
Yours Chechi…
Hi Chechi,
Thank you for commenting on my post.
You’re right. I have not read the Gita or the Vedas.
The objective of my article was to make the point that Hinduism, Islam & Christianity are not the same, which is what a lot of people think. Hinduism may be a way of life, but it also comprises of worshipping gods, which also makes it a religion.
Each faith has some similarities, but is radically different.
I want to challenge people, so that they’ll ask themselves: why am I a Hindu or Muslim or Christian? Most people are born into the religion they follow. But, my question is: if Hinduism, Islam & Christianity speak & teach different things about God, they can’t all be correct, right?
God is all powerful, almighty, perfect in every way. Unlike us human beings, God cannot change His mind on a whim, cannot lie, cannot cheat and so on. He is morally perfect. If He were to do anything like that, He wouldn’t be God!
In each religion, though there are a few similarities, there are also key differences to the character and nature of God. Thus, they cannot all be right, which means that either all religions are wrong or only one is right.
A person can continue following the religion they were born into or look at their religion teaches about God and see what other religions say and ask God Himself for the truth.
Jesus said that He is the Son of God, God Himself. He has been historically proven to have existed. So, here we have a real man, who said He was God, performed many miracles and wonders, healed thousands and ultimately, sacrificed Himself and died a gruesome death. Why? Because through His death, we who are separated from God because of how bad we are, could get right with God and go to Heaven! The New Testament is about Jesus and who He was, what He did. I don’t know if you’ve ever read about Jesus, but I assure you that if you did, you would begin to see why He is so unique.
I just wanted to share that with you.
Knowing who God is, really is a matter of life, death and life after death.
If I were to ask you: “Are you saved? If you were to die tonight, are you going to Heaven?” what would your answer be?
Love
Kanth
Hi Srikanth,
You are right in pointing that underlying principles based on which different religion is based differ. Hinduism is based on the fact that GOD resides in ones self and the person needs to self-realise it (AHAM BRAHMASI). If you look from this perspective, Mother, Father, Guru and GOD are all embodiments of the Divine Self and it doesn’t matter in what order you state it. The reason its stated in that order is because as a child, you know Mother first who leads the child to Father and so on.
Different religion were born at different times/eras in different regions. The Saints / Gurus at those time had to adapt and package their message accordingly. Even though they vary at religious level, the purpose of its existence is for people to become better.
Religion should only be a starting step and people need to outgrow from being religious to become Spiritual.
Going through your blog, you seemed to very learned on BIBLE but don’ t seem to have time to read other scriptures. Read them to make an informed opinion.
For you last question, my simple answer is I would rather immerse in GOD, than search for Heaven or Hell when I am not sure whether either exists and what it will be like?
Cheers
Shankar
Hi Shankar,
Thanks for taking time to comment. I don’t care about religions. I am only concerned about having a real relationship with the One true GOD.
You said you want to immerse in GOD. How do you immerse in GOD when you don’t know who GOD is?
The major religions talk about GOD and people assume it’s all about the same GOD, when the truth is, it’s not. One can easily determine this if they were to closely examine each faith and it’s core teachings for themselves. Then there are many religions that are not at all concerned about GOD, for example, those who worship Satan. So, to blanket everything under the term “religion” is inaccurate and dangerous.
Jesus can be considered a good teacher, a guru or sage or whatever else people want to label Him as, but He Himself stated that He was the Son of God, God Himself. If you get a chance, watch this message: http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/41-15/jesus-liar-lunatic-or-lord
I am not searching for Heaven or Hell (as your put it). My only desire is what where GOD is, there I want to be.
Jesus stated in John 14:6 – I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Jesus did not give us the option of finding our own way. A person can either deny Him or accept Him and whether people like it or not, their eternal destination will depend on whether they had a relationship with Jesus or not.
Who do you say Jesus is?
Sri
To the ones who say , they have no idea whether heaven or hell exists, must one question be asked ? Why do they have moral obligations when they do a good work to gain moksha or to earn salvation? There must be a reason behind it. Salvation according to Hinduism says that you will be reincarnated as a better object , animal or some creature and the only way to escape that is enlightenment. I mean , seriously. If a kid is born to a father you has been killing people for a living, would you ask him to continue doing the same , or would you show him the right way. Jesus Christ is the right way. And before ruling him out as one of the other million Gods, take a look at his person, his life, his sacrifice , atonement for sin and the transformation he’s ready to provide to the one’s that accept Him…I would just say, just give him chance to talk to you, You would be the happiest person if you do so.. For your good…He is self sufficient . He came for weak people like us!
Thanks a lot for your comment Mohit! It’s always great to hear from those who have experienced the saving grace of Jesus Christ first hand. God bless you!
“***” I really accepted your post. Iam proud to be a Hindu but never consider my opinions in favour to it
#Why don’t you say about Scientific facts of Vedas or Puranas. Holy Qur’an or Bible yet..
#You may try to realise that all religions r different but you need further references for your proof. Please go deep to all the worlds religious books for that.
#Note that you r handling Religions which are not yours or mine property. It’s for all believers on the world and keep using them safely
#Why don’t you go through BHAVISYA Purana ( Futuristic mythology ) a great impact book that can link both Christianity and Islam on a frame.
#Your words are not proper researched.
®I saw many Christians who are always loving everyone and respects every relegion and their faith. They are simply great
®Eventhow terrorists are mostly Muslims. I know that most Muslim brothers never support terrorism in the name of Allah.
®Hinduism never stricts anyone to be a part of it and it doesn’t claim it’s the only religion. it’s purely based on dharma and science. On the millions of facts, 98℅ of facts on vedic books are proved to be scientifically absolute. You know that? Just Google it…..!! It’s not my words, it’s the sound of science
Have you ever considered the fact that you are a sinner? Have you ever considered the person of Christ? Who He is? Why He came? Why billions of people follow Him? I don’t care about “religions”. Religion cannot save people from the wrath of God. You are a sinner who is an enemy of God. The punishment for sin is death, eternal seperation from God. Jesus died for sinners so that whoever believes in Him, will not face the wrath of God, but be forgiven by God.
All the things you have stated there, will make no difference and will not help you when you stand before God on judgement day.
This isn’t about scientific facts and figures, this is about YOUR eternal destination and the eternal destination of billions.
wrong.
Can’t argue with such a thought provoking, insightful and intellectually rich response such as this.