1. There is no neutral ground in the universe; every square inch, every split second, is claimed by God and counter-claimed by Satan - C.S. Lewis Sumair Mirza

2. Starting point... Why are there so many Don't all religions pointreligions?to God?What makesWhat does all this Christianity unique mean to you?from other religions? 3. A variety of view points...Today, we will reviewworld religions thataccount for 80-90% of SikhsWorld Populationthe worlds population. 0.35% Jews0.23%Anglicans1%Muslims Roman 21% Catholics 17%Atheists 2% Hindus Orthodox13% Christian4% Other religions Non-religious 12% 12% ProtestantChristian6%Buddhists 6%Sources: Statistics Canada and 2007 est. The CIA World Factbook 4. Definition of religion... Set of beliefs that answers the ultimate questions:What is the nature of What is the nature ofthe world?humanity?What is ultimate reality? What is humanitys What happens after primary problem?death? 5. Religious views over time...2000 B.C. 15001000500 A.D. 0 500 1000 1500 N.B. Can be presented that Christianity was in the mind of God before creation (Eph. 1:4, 2 Tim. 1:9) Founding dates of Hinduism and Shinto not precisely known and vary. 6. Hinduism Earliest scriptures called Vedas (knowledge) Nirguna Brahman Samsara (endless cycles) (without attributes) Karma is essential and Saguna Brahman unforgiving (Moksha only way(with attributes) Also called Ishvara out) ~330 million gods Brahman VishnuShiva We are gods just as (The Creator) (The Preserver)(The Destroyer)air inside the jar is9-10 mythical incarnations (avatars) identical to the air surrounding the jar 7. HinduismImpersonal God Continuous in the sense of being extended from God (Brahman) Humanity Ignorance, not understanding reality. Problem Liberation from illusion and ignorance Solution Striving to detach oneself from the separated ego and seeking to be Meansaware of ones unity with the divine through self effort Merge into the Oneness; the individual disappears Outcome 8. Wisdom Buddhism (Panna) Right Understanding Founder is Siddhartha Gautama (Nepal) Right Thought His life is broken into three periods: enjoyment, enquiry, enlightenmentEight-fold PathEthical Conduct Two main streams: Theravada and (Sila) Mahayana + Vajrayana Right Speech 4 Noble truths: Right Action1. Life consists of suffering Right Livelihood2. Everything is impermanent. We suffer because of desiring these things.3. Liberation through elimination of these Mental Discipline desires.(Samadhi)4. Desires can be eliminated by following Right Effort Eight-fold Path Right Awareness Right Meditation 9. BuddhismNirvana, an abstract Void (Theravada) God+ undifferentiated Buddha essence (Mahayana) An impermanent collection of aggregates Humanity + For some, personal existence continues for a while in the Pure Land We suffer because we desire that which is temporary, which causes us to Problemcontinue in the illusion of the existence of the individual self To cease all desire in order to realize the nonexistence of self, thus finding Solution permanence ORTo become aware of the Buddha-nature withinSelf-reliance. We must follow the Middle Path and accrue karmic merit. Means+ rituals and merits of bodhisattva To enter nirvana where the ego is extinguished OR Outcome+ returning as a bodhisattva, living in a Pure Land 10. Islam1. Sunni2. Shiite3. Sufi (small sect) 80% of Muslims Successor should Mystical Successor should be come from bloodline Seek personalelected of Muhammad relationship with Allah Hadith recognized Would have been Ali, New age aspect ofMuhammads cousin pantheism/monotheismand son-in-law Potential to attain Hadith not recognized godhood (fanna) 11. IslamChristian ViewSon of God Muslim ViewSinless(He is God Incarnate) Virgin BirthRevered ProphetPerformed MiraclesSaviour of the World Word of GodNot the Son of GodHe was Crucified andWill ReturnNever Crucified, but was TakenResurrectedMessiahto HeavenPart of the TrinityThe Messiah for the Jews OnlyMessiah for the Whole World 12. Islam A singular unity. No partner is to be associated with God GodGood by nature HumanitySin is thought of in terms of rejecting guidance. Problem Forgiven through repentance. No atonement is necessary.Salvation through merit. Good outweigh bad. SolutionMajor prophet. Blasphemy to associate with God. Performed miracles Jesus and from virgin birth.The Death Did not die on the cross. Judas died in his place. Crucifixion disrespectful of Jesusto God.Corrupted. Superseded by Quran The Bible 13. Roman Catholicism Look to pope as Gods human leader Additional books added to the Bible Adapts to local religion and customs Martin Luther leads reformation against major doctrinal issues including a rejection of the authority of the following: the Pope church control of Bible translation and interpretation a distinction in value between laity and clergy salvation being a product of the church and its sacraments (salvation by works) 14. Roman Catholicism Same beliefs about God's nature. GodSame beliefs about Jesus' nature, death, burial, and resurrection. JesusAccept three sources of authority: the Bible (+Apocrypha), Tradition, and Authority the teaching ministry (Magisterium) of the Church.Mary "was totally preserved from the stain of original sin and she Maryremained pure from all personal sin throughout her life" (CCC, no. 508).Sin Two types of sin are mortal and venial (CCC, no. 1854) 7 sacraments: baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, penance, anointing of the sick, holy orders, and matrimony = instruments by which the Holy Spirit spreads the grace of Christ the Outcome head throughout the Church which is his Body" (CCC, no. 774)Purgatory available. CCC = Catechism of the Catholic Church 15. Atheist before they realize Atheist after he realizes maybe there is a Godhe was wrong 16. Secularism Atheist No God Agnostic Maybe a God The God of the OldTestament is arguably the Functional Atheist Who cares ifmost unpleasant character in there is a God all fiction: jealous and proud of Fundamental beliefs: it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving1. Denial of Godcontrol-freak; a vindictive,bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a2. Denial of miracles misogynistic, homophobic,3. Accepted fact of evolution racist, infanticidal, genocidal,4. Religion is harmfulfilicidal, pestilential,5. Present conflict between faith megalomaniacal, and sciencesadomasochistic, capriciously6. Stress relativitymalevolent bully. -Richard Dawkins7. Certain of finality of death (noted Atheist) 17. SecularismMatter, in one form or another, is all that has existed from eternity and all Godthat will ever exist. Humanity is just very progressed matter via evolution. Humanity Religion is just an escape. Face problems to create heaven on earth Problem Use science and rational thought to all areas and be compassionate. SolutionJesusAt most, a good teacher but biblical authors embellished. ChristAfterPersons consciousness ceases after death. Death 18. Why are there so manyreligions? 19. Spectrum of religion and religious beliefs* Monotheism Competing PolytheismBalancingMonismAtheism Dualism Dualism Concept OneTwo Many gods TwoAn No god of Godtranscendent opposingopposing but impersonal Godgodsinteractingonenessandbalancingforces Primary Judaism, ZoroastrianiSo called Taoism, the Hinduism, Secular Christianity,smTribalyin/yangBuddhism, Humanism, Examples religions, Islamconcept Sikhism,Marxism,Santeria,voodoo,Sufism, the ConfucianisShinto, any New Age mform of a movementfolk religion Views ofPart ofMade to Can beA microcosm Caught in the A complex Humanitycreation, butjoin in the influencedof the twoillusion of form of different in battleand eveninteracting separateness matter kind from theagainst evilpossessed byforces, but identical animalsthe spirits in essence tothe oneness* The compact guide to world religions, 1996, International Students Inc. Dean C. Halverson, General Editor 20. Spectrum of religion and religious beliefsMonotheism Competing PolytheismBalancing Monism AtheismDualism Dualism Humanitys Breaking Gods Choosing to Angering theLiving out of Ignorance ofSuperstition Primarylaw (Judaism); do evil godsalignment ones innateand Problemrebellion againstwith thedivinityirrationalGod (Christianity);failing to seek ways of thinkingGods wisdom nature(Islam)TheLiving according Choosing to Appeasing Living in Realizing Applying Solution to Gods law do rightthe godsharmony that ourrational(Judaism); being with theessence isthinking tojustified by faithbased on Gods ways of the same as oursaving worknaturethe oneness problems (enlightenment)(Christianity);seeking Godsguidance (Islam) TheThe person The personSometimes Usually the Either theThe person Afterlifecontinues in continues inthe personpersonperson is ceases toexistence in existence inadvances to advances to reincarnatedexist.either heaven or either heaven the spiritsome form ofor merges intohell or hell world.the spiritthe world.impersonal oneness * The compact guide to world religions, 1996, International Students Inc. Dean C. Halverson, General Editor 21. Don't all religions point to God? 22. Exclusivity presents a need for a decision... AB AB ABOption 1 Option 2 A(or the reverse) B AB 23. Have you ever wondered whatmakes Christianity unique from other religions? 24. It starts and ends with Jesus...This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his oneand only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love:not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Sonas an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:9-10 1. Jesus lived in history - Others focus on teachings/practices whereasChristianity is focused on the saving work of Christ 2. God himself became flesh - Unique statement of who Jesus is. Not just abeing part of a oneness 3. Humanity is spiritually dead - We need Gods transforming power to givenew life (Romans 8:6-8) 4. God is absolutely holy - Severe penalty of sin implies Gods holiness 5. Jesus conquered death - Unique resurrection claim (John 20-21, 1 Corinthians15:3-8) 6. Salvation is a free gift - Grace of God is paramount and unique (Romans1:17, Ephesians 2:8-9) 25. What does all this mean to you? 26. What does all this mean to you?Non-Christians 27. Considerations Clearly all religions are not the same Truth needs to be objective Validate the Bible and its claims 4 tests:1. Religious belief must be rationally consistent2. Religious belief must be consistent with known facts3. Religious beliefs must be able to explain why reality is the way it is4. Religious beliefs should enable us to live in the everyday world A decision needs to be made... It is a matter of life and death... 28. A decision on who Jesus is...I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolishthing that people often say about Him: 'I'm ready to acceptJesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept His claim tobe God.' That is the one thing we must not say. A man whowas merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said wouldnot be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic -on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg - orelse he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make yourchoice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else amadman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool,you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall atHis feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come withany patronizing nonsense about His being a great humanteacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.- C.S. Lewis 29. What does all this mean to you?Christians 30. God has decreed the faith He gave immutable and commissioned us to be hope sharers... Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.Jude 1:3 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,1 Peter 3:15 31. Do not let the opportunity pass to share the Gospel message with those around you. This photograph showing a starving Sudanese child being stalked by a vulture won Kevin Carter the 1994 Pulitzer Prize for feature photography. 32. ALL RELIGIONS & CULTS SEEM TO DO ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING1. Strip the deity of Christ 2. Bring God down to our level 3. Lift us up to Gods level 4. Focus on self and not God 5. Negate Gods existence altogether 6. Dismiss our sinful nature Do you know the King? 33. NEVER LET THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF CHRISTBECOMETHE SECONDARY CAUSE OF HIS CHURCH. 34. thank you. 35. www.theologyinsneakers.comsumair@theologyinsneakers.com 36. Appendix 37. New Ageism Term refers to the coming Aquarian age replacing the old Pisces age resulting in utopia (every 2000 years) Has roots in eastern philosophies and religions New Age = Old age in new clothing (relativism) 38. New AgeismImpersonal. Without moral distinctions. life force in all things. God We are divine as we are an extension of the life forces. Humanity Ignorant of our true divine nature. Problem Realize that we are interconnected and divine. Solution Expansion of consciousness into the Universal Mind Outcome 39. Taoism/Daoism After Confucius warring still occurs Lao Tzu blamed Confucius and writes Tao Te Ching Focus was on internal goodness not external laws Wu-wei or purposeful inactivity was the way Yin-Yang presented as balancing necessary elements Chuang Tzu comes along and adds mystical elements in his self-titled work (Lieh Tzu also adds book) Philosophical Taoism grows to religious after misinterpreted readings but then changes back in 300 A.D. 40. Taoism/DaoismTao, impersonal force. God Tao guides everything in life. Nature is guided by natural laws and so is Humanity everything else. Need to align ourselves with the flow of the Way. Solve for disharmony Problemin ourselves and society. Learn the Tao and align ourselves with Wei-wu (inactivity) and going Solution with the flow. Individual consciousness ceases to exist, perhaps life force can be Outcomerecycled (e.g. Like spare car parts) 41. Shinto Early-Shinto was focused on agri-festivals, clan/family loyalty, reverence for life Kamis are gods called on by dance and music 592 AD after emperor killed, Buddhism became Japans national religion Warring occurs and adoption of religion switches back and forth Seek favours from kami 42. Confucianism Not a religion but more so a philosophy Is inherent in much of Chinese culture and often mixed with Buddhism and Taoism Duke of Lu tries to harmonize culture for political reasons via The Ritual-Music Culture Kung Fu-Tzu, well educated prime minister wanted to bring peace Second century B.C. Emperor adopts ideology 43. ConfucianismBefore Confucious God was personal Ti or Shang-ti and after he Godreferenced it as Tien = less personal word meaning Heaven (Chan, 16) MandateHarmony is the goal through abiding in morality. (Jen = natural law) from HeavenHumans dont actualize their inherent goodness. Problem Considered good and can be perfect. Evil is only there when we do bad or Humanity let ourselves fall into bad.Path = education, self-reflection, self-cultivation, behave according to Meanscultural normsPurpose is to practice goodness, to love one another, to work hard to Worldnourish the planet. Harmony between humanity and nature results.Heaven is viewed as personal sometimes and sometimes impersonal. OutcomeUsually viewed as heaven on earth 44. Judaism Just waiting for Messiah pretty much... 45. It starts and ends with Jesus... This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and onlyonly into intoworld that we might live through him. him. is love:love: and Son Son the the world that we might live through This This is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:9-10 Jesus lived in history Others focus onTheir being rooted teachings/practices Does not deny that Jesus life, death,in history is not aswhereas other religious and resurrection isessential toChristianity is founders didnt livethe foundationtruthfulness offocused on the in historyunlike other beliefs claimssaving work ofChrist 46. It starts and ends with Jesus... This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one andsent his one onlyonly into intoworld that we might live through him. him. is love:love: and Son Son the the world that we might live through This This is love: Son into the world that we might live through him. This is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:9-10God himself became fleshMeans thatUnique Son implies Jesus is not statement ofThrough one who is ofjust a who Jesus is.Jesus God the samemanifestation Not just abecame mannature = but an being part of(John 1:1, 14)uniqueness incarnation of a oneness God 47. It starts and ends with Jesus... This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one we might live through him. This is love: and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11John 4:9-10atoning sacrifice for our sins. John 4:9-10 Humanity is spiritually deadSpiritualWe need Sin and condition Godsworst of anyWe are transformingdeath arereligion hopeless... power to our problem.(Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:1,give new lifeColossians 2:13)(Romans 8:6-8) 48. It starts and ends with Jesus... This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:9-10 God is absolutely holy Your eyes aretoo pure to Gods love and Severe penalty look on evil; We rebel andjustice areof sin implies you cannot want to lowerfully satisfied Gods holiness toleratestandard on the cross wrong(Habakkuk 1:13) 49. It starts and ends with Jesus... This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:9-10Jesus conquered death Unique we have been united with him... In His death, we resurrectionwill certainly also be united with him in Hisclaim resurrection(John 20-21, 1(Romans 6:5)Corinthians 15:3-8) 50. It starts and ends with Jesus... This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his oneis love: and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:9-10Salvation is a free gift As weGods holiness Grace of Goddiminish Gods is maintained is paramount We are trained holiness to when weand unique to earn. Pride (Romans 1:17,is the anti-God make salvationrealize we Ephesians 2:8-9) state of mind attainable, we have no way(C.S. Lewis)lose to live up to assurance.His standard