Grade 12 Unit 8
Grade 12 Unit 8
BIBLE 1208 COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS CONTENTS I. CHRISTIANITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2
THE BASICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VALIDITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TRUE AND FALSE CHRISTIANITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 4 5
II. WORLD RELIGIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
BUDDHISM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CONFUCIANISM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HINDUISM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ISLAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JUDAISM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 13 15 18 21
III. THE OCCULT
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26
SPIRITUALISM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PSYCHIC PHENOMENA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ASTROLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . THE NEW AGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 28 28 30
GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35
Author:
Barry G. Burrus, M.Div, M.A., B.S.
Editor:
Alan Christopherson, M.S.
Illustrations:
Melissa Evers Kyle R. Bennett, A.S.
804 N. 2nd Ave. E., Rock Rapids, IA 51246-1759 © MM by Alpha Omega Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. LIFEPAC is a registered trademark of Alpha Omega Publications, Inc.
All trademarks and/or service marks referenced in this material are the property of their respective owners. Alpha Omega Publications, Inc. makes no claim of ownership to any trademarks and/or service marks other than their own and their affiliates’, and makes no claim of affiliation to any companies whose trademarks may be listed in this material, other than their own.
COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS claims of Christianity itself and compare them with the beliefs of pseudo-Christian movements, major world religions, the occult, and the New Age. Having a general knowledge of the claims of other religions has a dual value. First, such knowledge is beneficial when you proclaim the Gospel to followers of them. Secondly, a knowledge of the beliefs and practices of other religions shores up the validity of your own faith. Through this study, you will see that Christianity is unique, and better understand why it can undeniably be recognized as the only true religion.
In 1 Timothy, Paul tells us that God “…desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:4-5, RSV). Christianity is the only true religion, but it is surrounded by a vast number of other systems, including false Christianity. While there are elements of truth in other religions, only authentic Christianity obtains access to God and salvation from His wrath (Ephesians 4:21). In this LIFEPAC® you will study the truth
OBJECTIVES Read these objectives. The objectives tell you what you will be able to do when you have successfully completed this LIFEPAC. When you have finished this LIFEPAC, you should be able to: 1. Define basic Christianity. 2. State the guidelines for determining Christianity’s validity. 3. Examine false Christianity. 4. Describe the history, doctrine, and worship of the five major world religions. 5. Define the occult and identify its dangers. 6. Describe God’s commands regarding occultism. 7. Define aspects of New Age spirituality.
Survey the LIFEPAC. Ask yourself some questions about this study. Write your questions here.
1
I. CHRISTIANITY The doctrinal and practical issues that distinguish one religious group from another ranges from slight to extreme. The concern is to clearly define basic Christianity in order to identify those who can truly be called Christian and those who seriously deviate from historic Biblical doctrine.
Those who do not uphold basic Christianity are more accurately called pseudo or even false Christians. We love them and pray that God will give them a clearer knowledge of Himself and the Lord Jesus Christ.
SECTION OBJECTIVES Review these objectives. When you have completed this section, you should be able to: 1. Define basic Christianity. 2. State the guidelines for determining the validity of a religious system. 3. Examine false Christianity. VOCABULARY Study these words to enhance your learning success in this section. deviate
incarnate
Note: All vocabulary words in this LIFEPAC appear in boldface print the first time they are used. If you are unsure of the meaning when you are reading, study the definitions given.
Read John 1:14; Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 28:1-6, and John 14:1-18.
THE BASICS Christianity consists of specific truth claims culled from the Holy Bible, both the Old and New Testaments. The Bible is God’s complete revelation to man, and therefore any doctrine contrary to Scripture is non-Christian.
Christianity would not exist. Jesus did not come to earth to establish a religious system or show us a way to God; He Himself is the Way. He did not come to tell us the truth; He is the Truth. Jesus also did not come to give us life; He is the Life. Christianity is not primarily a system of worship, it is a person: Jesus Christ. Christianity’s character is defined by the worship, honor, and obedience given to Jesus Christ by those who have faith in Him.
Definition. From the Biblical root word Christian, Christianity is defined as the collective movement of those who “believe in Jesus Christ and follow Him.” Without Jesus of Nazareth,
1.1
✒
Answer true or false. Being a Christian implies being a follower of Jesus Christ.
1.2
You can believe anything you choose and still label your religion Christianity.
1.3
The Bible is the source document for the Christian faith.
1.4
Jesus Christ was simply a founder of a religious system.
1.5
Christianity is primarily about a person: Jesus Christ. 2
Central Doctrines. Throughout the centuries, Christians have expressed their basic beliefs in Creeds, Articles of Faith, and other summaries. For our purposes, we will incorporate the most important of these beliefs in seven doctrines basic to Christianity. An individual or group must adhere to these beliefs before being considered to be within the boundaries of Christianity. The following seven beliefs not only define Christianity, but serve as guidelines for testing the validity of Christian cults. 1. There is One and only One True God, revealed to us in Three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is known as the Trinity. The Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. Yet, there is only One God. This is the starting point of all Christian belief. 2. God the Son became man in Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus Christ is one with the Father (John 10:30), both truly God and truly man. John identifies Him as being the incarnate Word who was with God the Father “in the beginning…” “…the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). “…the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us… full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). “…grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). John claims Jesus Christ is God. 3. The death of Jesus Christ on the cross was for the forgiveness of our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3 and 1 Peter 2:24). Out of His love for us, Jesus of Nazareth, God incarnate, was crucified and bore the wrath of God in our place (John 3:16). 4. Jesus rose again from the dead (Acts 2:24). In His Resurrection, Jesus defeats sin and
✒
death. He proclaimed, “…I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). Paul reminds those who deny the bodily Resurrection of Jesus that “…your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). Jesus is physically alive today, as both Messiah and LORD (Acts 2:36, Philippians 2:10-11). 5. God sent His Holy Spirit to the earth. Jesus assured His disciples, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever” (John 14:16). Those who do not believe in the current presence and ministry of God the Holy Spirit have deviated from Christianity. 6. Christ will, on some unknown day, return to earth in Glory to judge the living and the dead. This belief is central to the New Testament, based on Christ’s words: “And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3). 7. That the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, are the exclusive Word of God to man (2 Timothy 3:16). Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s prophecies, and Christians await no further revelation until the Lord Jesus Christ comes again. These seven beliefs discern the validity of those who claim to be Christians. Those who deviate from any of these essential elements are non-Christian in their doctrine.
Complete these statements.
1.6
Throughout the centuries, Christians have expressed their basic beliefs in __________________ , Articles of Faith, and other basic summaries.
1.7
The basic and supreme Christian belief is the doctrine of the
1.8
Seven basic doctrines are essential to
1.9
The guidelines for identifying true Christianity can also he used to discern the of those who claim to be Christian or followers of Jesus Christ.
✒ 1.10
. .
Complete this activity. In your own words list each of the seven essential elements of the Christian faith. a. b. c. d. 3
e. f. g.
VALIDITY Before you study world religions and cults, you must know what you believe and why you believe it. Your beliefs must be deeply rooted in the authority of the Trinity, Scripture, regeneration, and heritage.
faith, and life. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16). “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7).
The Trinity. The power of God is seen throughout history and the pages of Scripture. God created all that is and has sole authority over it. God loves His creation. Jesus Christ is the fullest and most definitive revelation of God to man. After His Resurrection, He claimed, “…All power [authority] is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18). The Holy Spirit is sent to us to exalt Christ, regenerate us, sanctify us and teach us to understand God.
Regeneration. All those who Christ saves are regenerated, or given the Second Birth, which changes the direction of the heart toward God. Anyone who is regenerate can testify to the change of heart God gave them, from animosity and hatred towards God, to honoring and loving Him. Heritage. Since the beginning of the church, people have passed their beliefs and convictions to others within their family and community. Your beliefs and practices are very likely a result of the influence of your parents. The instruction you received from your parents you will likely pass on to your children. Many traditions are passed down through generations of ancestry, thus proving the Christian faith is grounded within history.
Scripture. The self-proclaimed God-given authority of the Scriptures is clearly seen in both its historical accuracy and the clear fulfillment of its prophecies within history. Scripture contains the complete counsel of God concerning all things for His glory, man’s salvation,
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Answer these questions.
1.11
How does the triune God validate the Christian faith?
1.12
Where is the authority of the Scriptures clearly seen?
1.13
How does regeneration give validity to the Christianity?
1.14
How does heritage lend validity to Christianity?
4
Read Luke 9:49-50. TRUE AND FALSE CHRISTIANITY Categories exist within Christianity as well as within many other world religions. The four main categories are Roman Catholicism, the Orthodox churches (sometimes called “Eastern Orthodox” because of their origins in countries east of Western Europe such as Greece and Russia), the Anglican churches (Church of England, a unique
1.15
✒
1.16
1.17
✒
form of Protestantism), and Protestantism. Most believers within these four main categories of Christians hold to basic Christian doctrine as explored previously in this section. However, other groups attempt to convince people that they are Christian but do not hold to the basic doctrine. We call these latter groups pseudo, or false Christians.
Choose the correct answer. Within Christianity, there are different
.
a. theories
c. basic beliefs
b. categories
d. none of these
Most believers in the main categories of Christianity hold to a. no beliefs
c. strange teachings
b. many different beliefs
d. basic Christianity
.
Those who call themselves Christians but do not hold to basic Christian doctrine are a. Pagans
c. Pseudo Christians
b. Bhuddists
d. nonbelievers
Complete these activities.
1.18
Name the three of the seven elements of basic Christianity. a. b. c.
1.19
List the four main categories of Christianity. a. b. c. d.
1.20
What is the greatest difference between true and false Christians?
Denominations and sects. You may have heard the terms denomination and sect in reference to certain groups within the Christian community. The four categories of Christianity mentioned above are sometimes called denominations, but within Protestantism, there are many different denominations such as
Baptists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, etc. Sects arise within denominations. Authentic Christian denominations and sects share central Christian affirmations and hold to basic Christian doctrine. Heritage, belief, and practice varies among the different sects and denominations; but all hold to basic Christian truth claims.
5
.
Cults. A Cult is a religious group that springs from a world religion, but deviates from that religion in critical areas of belief. Christian cults are those groups that use Jesus Christ as the center of their faith while denying basic Christian doctrine. Today, many cults attempt to identify with Christianity. Among the most prominent are the Mormons (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
✒
Day Saints), Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Unification Church (founded by Sun Myung Moon), UnitarianUniversalists, Christian Scientists, and The Way International. There are many others, and new ones appear all the time. These groups deny or greatly distort basic Christianity. As an example, we will cover the largest of these cults: Mormonism.
Match these items.
1.21
denominations and sects
1.22
cults
a. spring from world religions but deviate in critical areas of belief
1.23
Christian
b. one who holds to basic Christian doctrine
✒
1.24
c. share Christian affirmations but have varying heritages, beliefs, and practices Complete this activity. List six Christian cults. a. b. c. d. e. f.
Mormonism. The Mormon Church, or Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) is the largest modern cult. It has over 14 million members in about 190 countries, with about half its members in the United States. Its headquarters is in Salt Lake City, Utah. In the last few years, this cult has significantly grown in numbers as it aggressively sends out missionaries and advertises in the major media. It attempts to present itself as an authentically Christian group, mentioning the name of Jesus Christ prominently in the official title. However, their beliefs seriously deviate from essential Christianity. Joseph Smith started the cult in 1830 in Palmyra, New York. As a child, none of Joseph’s family belonged to any organized Christian denomination (his mother, brother, and sister eventually became Presbyterians). In order to gain income from local farmers, Joseph participated in occultic practices with his father by using magical seer stones and divining rods to look for buried treasure and lost items. Later, Joseph claimed to receive the series of visions and revelations that ultimately resulted in the Mormon Church. Among other things, this
included finding a new set of “scriptures” called “The Book of Mormon”, which later Mormons claimed to be “another testament of Jesus Christ.” At first glance, Mormonism appears similar to Christianity. Although the Book of Mormon talks about “one God” as “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” through deeper study, it is shown they have three separate gods named Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They teach that each inhabited planet has its own“god.” The father god evolved from a man, and that God the Son was created from the father god and a “Heavenly mother.” Their doctrine is seriously at variance with the Trinity, where all persons are co-eternal and uncreated. They believe Jesus Christ pre-existed as a “spirit being” prior to being born, created from a father god and heavenly mother which denies the Incarnation. Father god conceived Jesus of Nazareth through a conjugal visitation to Mary, which denies her virginity. Finally, they believe Jesus appeared after his Resurrection to people in the Americas, called the “Nehites and Lamanites,” citing “The Book of Mormon” as proof. All historical evidences deny its veracity.
6
Christianity believes the Bible is God’s complete revelation to man. Mormons use the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible as their “official” text, but believe it was not accurately translated and was “corrupted” in many passages. Therefore, Mormons use “corrections” made by Joseph Smith to the text, including the deletion of the “Song of Solomon.” Mormons claim pure, unadulterated divine revelation is contained in “The Book of Mormon”, supposedly translated by Joseph Smith from “golden plates” found by him buried in a hillside near Manchester, New York in 1823. They also believe two other books are divinely inspired: the Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price. Unfortunately for the Mormonism, archaeological and historical proofs exclusively show that much information contained in these books is false or inaccurate, which is exactly the opposite case with the Holy Bible. More seriously,
✒
1.25
1.26
Mormonism attempts to add to God’s revelation, which Paul clearly condemns. “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8). There are other significant deviations, but the above aspects are sufficient to show that the Mormon “church” is a true, clear example of false Christianity. Although Mormons themselves are often ethically admirable, value family life, and are full of missionary zeal, their doctrine is not Christian. All false Christian groups vary significantly and seriously with the central beliefs of basic Christianity. By having a solid education in Christianity, you can help people who have seriously deviated and prevent others from doing likewise.
Choose the correct answer. .
The largest Christian cult today is the a. Mormon church
c. Unification church
b. Bhuddists
d. Tabernacle Followers
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was started by
1.27
a. Chuck Smith
c. Joseph Smith
b. Francis Bacon
d. Sun Myung Moon
There are major and serious
✒
in 1830.
between Mormonism and basic Christianity.
a. parallels
c. activities
b. differences
d. outcomes
Complete these activities.
1.28
What did Joseph Smith claim he had experienced and found prior to 1830 when he started the Mormon Church?
1.29
List three major Mormon beliefs that deviate from Christianity. a. b. c.
Review the material in this section in preparation for the Self Test. This Self Test will check your mastery of this particular section. The items missed on this Self Test will indicate specific areas where restudy is needed for mastery. 7
SELF TEST 1 Match these items (each answer, 2 points). 1.01
Christian
a. the primary object of Christianity
1.02
Jesus Christ
b. a follower of Jesus Christ
1.03
Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant
c. Joseph Smith
1.04
founder of Mormonism
1.05
cults
d. spring from world religions but deviate in critical areas of belief e. categories of Christianity
Complete these statements (each answer, 3 points). religion.
1.06
Christianity is the only
1.07
The basic and supreme doctrine of Christianity is
1.08
Jesus Christ is both true God and true
1.09
The guidelines for identifying true Christianity can also be used to discern the those who claim to be Christian.
1.010
Those Christians who do not uphold basic Christianity would more accurately be called or even b. . a.
1.011
Regeneration is an evidence to the
1.012
Authentic Christian a. and b. Christian affirmations and hold to basic Christianity.
1.013
Unlike true Christians, Mormons hold that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are .
. . of
of the Christian faith. share central
Answer true or false (each answer, 2 points). 1.014
Denominations, sects, and cults are synonymous.
1.015
Being a Christian implies being a follower of Jesus Christ.
1.016
God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1.017
Christians never disagree with one another on some of the details of the Christian faith.
1.018
A basic belief of Christianity is that the Son of God became man in Jesus Christ.
1.019
The death of Jesus Christ on the Cross was for the forgiveness of our sins.
1.020
The Book of Mormon is another source of God’s revelation.
1.021
To be a Christian, you do not have to believe that the Holy Spirit was sent to earth.
1.022
Your Christian heritage proves your faith is grounded in history.
Choose the correct answer (each answer, 2 points). 1.023
1.024
Which of the following are basic Christian beliefs? a. The Holy Trinity
c. The Holy Spirit has been sent to earth
b. Jesus Christ is truly God and man
d. a, b, and c
Jesus Christ is
.
a. only a founder of a world religion
c. a man who had good teachings
b. the incarnate Son of God
d. none of the above
8
1.025
1.026
1.027
Jesus is
today, and He is both LORD and Messiah.
a. remembered
c. alive
b. followed
d. noteworthy , such as Baptists, Lutherans
Within Protestantism, there are many different and Presbyterians. a. denominations
c. cults
b. sects
d. categories
The Mormon church is a
.
a. denomination
c. cult
b. true church
d. none of the above
Answer this question (each answer, 5 points). 1.028
What four things prove Christianity’s validity? a. b. c. d.
Score Adult check
70 88
9
_______________________ ___________________ Initial Date
BIBLE 1208 COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS CONTENTS I. CHRISTIANITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2
THE BASICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VALIDITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TRUE AND FALSE CHRISTIANITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 4 5
II. WORLD RELIGIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
BUDDHISM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CONFUCIANISM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HINDUISM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ISLAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JUDAISM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 13 15 18 21
III. THE OCCULT
.........................
26
SPIRITUALISM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PSYCHIC PHENOMENA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ASTROLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . THE NEW AGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 28 28 30
GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35
Author:
Barry G. Burrus, M.Div, M.A., B.S.
Editor:
Alan Christopherson, M.S.
Illustrations:
Melissa Evers Kyle R. Bennett, A.S.
804 N. 2nd Ave. E., Rock Rapids, IA 51246-1759 © MM by Alpha Omega Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. LIFEPAC is a registered trademark of Alpha Omega Publications, Inc.
All trademarks and/or service marks referenced in this material are the property of their respective owners. Alpha Omega Publications, Inc. makes no claim of ownership to any trademarks and/or service marks other than their own and their affiliates’, and makes no claim of affiliation to any companies whose trademarks may be listed in this material, other than their own.
COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS claims of Christianity itself and compare them with the beliefs of pseudo-Christian movements, major world religions, the occult, and the New Age. Having a general knowledge of the claims of other religions has a dual value. First, such knowledge is beneficial when you proclaim the Gospel to followers of them. Secondly, a knowledge of the beliefs and practices of other religions shores up the validity of your own faith. Through this study, you will see that Christianity is unique, and better understand why it can undeniably be recognized as the only true religion.
In 1 Timothy, Paul tells us that God “…desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:4-5, RSV). Christianity is the only true religion, but it is surrounded by a vast number of other systems, including false Christianity. While there are elements of truth in other religions, only authentic Christianity obtains access to God and salvation from His wrath (Ephesians 4:21). In this LIFEPAC® you will study the truth
OBJECTIVES Read these objectives. The objectives tell you what you will be able to do when you have successfully completed this LIFEPAC. When you have finished this LIFEPAC, you should be able to: 1. Define basic Christianity. 2. State the guidelines for determining Christianity’s validity. 3. Examine false Christianity. 4. Describe the history, doctrine, and worship of the five major world religions. 5. Define the occult and identify its dangers. 6. Describe God’s commands regarding occultism. 7. Define aspects of New Age spirituality.
Survey the LIFEPAC. Ask yourself some questions about this study. Write your questions here.
1
I. CHRISTIANITY The doctrinal and practical issues that distinguish one religious group from another ranges from slight to extreme. The concern is to clearly define basic Christianity in order to identify those who can truly be called Christian and those who seriously deviate from historic Biblical doctrine.
Those who do not uphold basic Christianity are more accurately called pseudo or even false Christians. We love them and pray that God will give them a clearer knowledge of Himself and the Lord Jesus Christ.
SECTION OBJECTIVES Review these objectives. When you have completed this section, you should be able to: 1. Define basic Christianity. 2. State the guidelines for determining the validity of a religious system. 3. Examine false Christianity. VOCABULARY Study these words to enhance your learning success in this section. deviate
incarnate
Note: All vocabulary words in this LIFEPAC appear in boldface print the first time they are used. If you are unsure of the meaning when you are reading, study the definitions given.
Read John 1:14; Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 28:1-6, and John 14:1-18.
THE BASICS Christianity consists of specific truth claims culled from the Holy Bible, both the Old and New Testaments. The Bible is God’s complete revelation to man, and therefore any doctrine contrary to Scripture is non-Christian.
Christianity would not exist. Jesus did not come to earth to establish a religious system or show us a way to God; He Himself is the Way. He did not come to tell us the truth; He is the Truth. Jesus also did not come to give us life; He is the Life. Christianity is not primarily a system of worship, it is a person: Jesus Christ. Christianity’s character is defined by the worship, honor, and obedience given to Jesus Christ by those who have faith in Him.
Definition. From the Biblical root word Christian, Christianity is defined as the collective movement of those who “believe in Jesus Christ and follow Him.” Without Jesus of Nazareth,
1.1
✒
Answer true or false. Being a Christian implies being a follower of Jesus Christ.
1.2
You can believe anything you choose and still label your religion Christianity.
1.3
The Bible is the source document for the Christian faith.
1.4
Jesus Christ was simply a founder of a religious system.
1.5
Christianity is primarily about a person: Jesus Christ. 2
Central Doctrines. Throughout the centuries, Christians have expressed their basic beliefs in Creeds, Articles of Faith, and other summaries. For our purposes, we will incorporate the most important of these beliefs in seven doctrines basic to Christianity. An individual or group must adhere to these beliefs before being considered to be within the boundaries of Christianity. The following seven beliefs not only define Christianity, but serve as guidelines for testing the validity of Christian cults. 1. There is One and only One True God, revealed to us in Three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is known as the Trinity. The Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. Yet, there is only One God. This is the starting point of all Christian belief. 2. God the Son became man in Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus Christ is one with the Father (John 10:30), both truly God and truly man. John identifies Him as being the incarnate Word who was with God the Father “in the beginning…” “…the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). “…the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us… full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). “…grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). John claims Jesus Christ is God. 3. The death of Jesus Christ on the cross was for the forgiveness of our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3 and 1 Peter 2:24). Out of His love for us, Jesus of Nazareth, God incarnate, was crucified and bore the wrath of God in our place (John 3:16). 4. Jesus rose again from the dead (Acts 2:24). In His Resurrection, Jesus defeats sin and
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death. He proclaimed, “…I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). Paul reminds those who deny the bodily Resurrection of Jesus that “…your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). Jesus is physically alive today, as both Messiah and LORD (Acts 2:36, Philippians 2:10-11). 5. God sent His Holy Spirit to the earth. Jesus assured His disciples, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever” (John 14:16). Those who do not believe in the current presence and ministry of God the Holy Spirit have deviated from Christianity. 6. Christ will, on some unknown day, return to earth in Glory to judge the living and the dead. This belief is central to the New Testament, based on Christ’s words: “And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3). 7. That the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, are the exclusive Word of God to man (2 Timothy 3:16). Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s prophecies, and Christians await no further revelation until the Lord Jesus Christ comes again. These seven beliefs discern the validity of those who claim to be Christians. Those who deviate from any of these essential elements are non-Christian in their doctrine.
Complete these statements.
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Throughout the centuries, Christians have expressed their basic beliefs in __________________ , Articles of Faith, and other basic summaries.
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The basic and supreme Christian belief is the doctrine of the
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Seven basic doctrines are essential to
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The guidelines for identifying true Christianity can also he used to discern the of those who claim to be Christian or followers of Jesus Christ.
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Complete this activity. In your own words list each of the seven essential elements of the Christian faith. a. b. c. d. 3
e. f. g.
VALIDITY Before you study world religions and cults, you must know what you believe and why you believe it. Your beliefs must be deeply rooted in the authority of the Trinity, Scripture, regeneration, and heritage.
faith, and life. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16). “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7).
The Trinity. The power of God is seen throughout history and the pages of Scripture. God created all that is and has sole authority over it. God loves His creation. Jesus Christ is the fullest and most definitive revelation of God to man. After His Resurrection, He claimed, “…All power [authority] is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18). The Holy Spirit is sent to us to exalt Christ, regenerate us, sanctify us and teach us to understand God.
Regeneration. All those who Christ saves are regenerated, or given the Second Birth, which changes the direction of the heart toward God. Anyone who is regenerate can testify to the change of heart God gave them, from animosity and hatred towards God, to honoring and loving Him. Heritage. Since the beginning of the church, people have passed their beliefs and convictions to others within their family and community. Your beliefs and practices are very likely a result of the influence of your parents. The instruction you received from your parents you will likely pass on to your children. Many traditions are passed down through generations of ancestry, thus proving the Christian faith is grounded within history.
Scripture. The self-proclaimed God-given authority of the Scriptures is clearly seen in both its historical accuracy and the clear fulfillment of its prophecies within history. Scripture contains the complete counsel of God concerning all things for His glory, man’s salvation,
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Answer these questions.
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How does the triune God validate the Christian faith?
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Where is the authority of the Scriptures clearly seen?
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How does regeneration give validity to the Christianity?
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How does heritage lend validity to Christianity?
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Read Luke 9:49-50. TRUE AND FALSE CHRISTIANITY Categories exist within Christianity as well as within many other world religions. The four main categories are Roman Catholicism, the Orthodox churches (sometimes called “Eastern Orthodox” because of their origins in countries east of Western Europe such as Greece and Russia), the Anglican churches (Church of England, a unique
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form of Protestantism), and Protestantism. Most believers within these four main categories of Christians hold to basic Christian doctrine as explored previously in this section. However, other groups attempt to convince people that they are Christian but do not hold to the basic doctrine. We call these latter groups pseudo, or false Christians.
Choose the correct answer. Within Christianity, there are different
.
a. theories
c. basic beliefs
b. categories
d. none of these
Most believers in the main categories of Christianity hold to a. no beliefs
c. strange teachings
b. many different beliefs
d. basic Christianity
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Those who call themselves Christians but do not hold to basic Christian doctrine are a. Pagans
c. Pseudo Christians
b. Bhuddists
d. nonbelievers
Complete these activities.
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Name the three of the seven elements of basic Christianity. a. b. c.
1.19
List the four main categories of Christianity. a. b. c. d.
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What is the greatest difference between true and false Christians?
Denominations and sects. You may have heard the terms denomination and sect in reference to certain groups within the Christian community. The four categories of Christianity mentioned above are sometimes called denominations, but within Protestantism, there are many different denominations such as
Baptists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, etc. Sects arise within denominations. Authentic Christian denominations and sects share central Christian affirmations and hold to basic Christian doctrine. Heritage, belief, and practice varies among the different sects and denominations; but all hold to basic Christian truth claims.
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Cults. A Cult is a religious group that springs from a world religion, but deviates from that religion in critical areas of belief. Christian cults are those groups that use Jesus Christ as the center of their faith while denying basic Christian doctrine. Today, many cults attempt to identify with Christianity. Among the most prominent are the Mormons (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
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Day Saints), Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Unification Church (founded by Sun Myung Moon), UnitarianUniversalists, Christian Scientists, and The Way International. There are many others, and new ones appear all the time. These groups deny or greatly distort basic Christianity. As an example, we will cover the largest of these cults: Mormonism.
Match these items.
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denominations and sects
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cults
a. spring from world religions but deviate in critical areas of belief
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Christian
b. one who holds to basic Christian doctrine
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c. share Christian affirmations but have varying heritages, beliefs, and practices Complete this activity. List six Christian cults. a. b. c. d. e. f.
Mormonism. The Mormon Church, or Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) is the largest modern cult. It has over 14 million members in about 190 countries, with about half its members in the United States. Its headquarters is in Salt Lake City, Utah. In the last few years, this cult has significantly grown in numbers as it aggressively sends out missionaries and advertises in the major media. It attempts to present itself as an authentically Christian group, mentioning the name of Jesus Christ prominently in the official title. However, their beliefs seriously deviate from essential Christianity. Joseph Smith started the cult in 1830 in Palmyra, New York. As a child, none of Joseph’s family belonged to any organized Christian denomination (his mother, brother, and sister eventually became Presbyterians). In order to gain income from local farmers, Joseph participated in occultic practices with his father by using magical seer stones and divining rods to look for buried treasure and lost items. Later, Joseph claimed to receive the series of visions and revelations that ultimately resulted in the Mormon Church. Among other things, this
included finding a new set of “scriptures” called “The Book of Mormon”, which later Mormons claimed to be “another testament of Jesus Christ.” At first glance, Mormonism appears similar to Christianity. Although the Book of Mormon talks about “one God” as “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” through deeper study, it is shown they have three separate gods named Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They teach that each inhabited planet has its own“god.” The father god evolved from a man, and that God the Son was created from the father god and a “Heavenly mother.” Their doctrine is seriously at variance with the Trinity, where all persons are co-eternal and uncreated. They believe Jesus Christ pre-existed as a “spirit being” prior to being born, created from a father god and heavenly mother which denies the Incarnation. Father god conceived Jesus of Nazareth through a conjugal visitation to Mary, which denies her virginity. Finally, they believe Jesus appeared after his Resurrection to people in the Americas, called the “Nehites and Lamanites,” citing “The Book of Mormon” as proof. All historical evidences deny its veracity.
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Christianity believes the Bible is God’s complete revelation to man. Mormons use the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible as their “official” text, but believe it was not accurately translated and was “corrupted” in many passages. Therefore, Mormons use “corrections” made by Joseph Smith to the text, including the deletion of the “Song of Solomon.” Mormons claim pure, unadulterated divine revelation is contained in “The Book of Mormon”, supposedly translated by Joseph Smith from “golden plates” found by him buried in a hillside near Manchester, New York in 1823. They also believe two other books are divinely inspired: the Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price. Unfortunately for the Mormonism, archaeological and historical proofs exclusively show that much information contained in these books is false or inaccurate, which is exactly the opposite case with the Holy Bible. More seriously,
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Mormonism attempts to add to God’s revelation, which Paul clearly condemns. “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8). There are other significant deviations, but the above aspects are sufficient to show that the Mormon “church” is a true, clear example of false Christianity. Although Mormons themselves are often ethically admirable, value family life, and are full of missionary zeal, their doctrine is not Christian. All false Christian groups vary significantly and seriously with the central beliefs of basic Christianity. By having a solid education in Christianity, you can help people who have seriously deviated and prevent others from doing likewise.
Choose the correct answer. .
The largest Christian cult today is the a. Mormon church
c. Unification church
b. Bhuddists
d. Tabernacle Followers
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was started by
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a. Chuck Smith
c. Joseph Smith
b. Francis Bacon
d. Sun Myung Moon
There are major and serious
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in 1830.
between Mormonism and basic Christianity.
a. parallels
c. activities
b. differences
d. outcomes
Complete these activities.
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What did Joseph Smith claim he had experienced and found prior to 1830 when he started the Mormon Church?
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List three major Mormon beliefs that deviate from Christianity. a. b. c.
Review the material in this section in preparation for the Self Test. This Self Test will check your mastery of this particular section. The items missed on this Self Test will indicate specific areas where restudy is needed for mastery. 7
SELF TEST 1 Match these items (each answer, 2 points). 1.01
Christian
a. the primary object of Christianity
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Jesus Christ
b. a follower of Jesus Christ
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Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant
c. Joseph Smith
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founder of Mormonism
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cults
d. spring from world religions but deviate in critical areas of belief e. categories of Christianity
Complete these statements (each answer, 3 points). religion.
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Christianity is the only
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The basic and supreme doctrine of Christianity is
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Jesus Christ is both true God and true
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The guidelines for identifying true Christianity can also be used to discern the those who claim to be Christian.
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Those Christians who do not uphold basic Christianity would more accurately be called or even b. . a.
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Regeneration is an evidence to the
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Authentic Christian a. and b. Christian affirmations and hold to basic Christianity.
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Unlike true Christians, Mormons hold that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are .
. . of
of the Christian faith. share central
Answer true or false (each answer, 2 points). 1.014
Denominations, sects, and cults are synonymous.
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Being a Christian implies being a follower of Jesus Christ.
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God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
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Christians never disagree with one another on some of the details of the Christian faith.
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A basic belief of Christianity is that the Son of God became man in Jesus Christ.
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The death of Jesus Christ on the Cross was for the forgiveness of our sins.
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The Book of Mormon is another source of God’s revelation.
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To be a Christian, you do not have to believe that the Holy Spirit was sent to earth.
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Your Christian heritage proves your faith is grounded in history.
Choose the correct answer (each answer, 2 points). 1.023
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Which of the following are basic Christian beliefs? a. The Holy Trinity
c. The Holy Spirit has been sent to earth
b. Jesus Christ is truly God and man
d. a, b, and c
Jesus Christ is
.
a. only a founder of a world religion
c. a man who had good teachings
b. the incarnate Son of God
d. none of the above
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Jesus is
today, and He is both LORD and Messiah.
a. remembered
c. alive
b. followed
d. noteworthy , such as Baptists, Lutherans
Within Protestantism, there are many different and Presbyterians. a. denominations
c. cults
b. sects
d. categories
The Mormon church is a
.
a. denomination
c. cult
b. true church
d. none of the above
Answer this question (each answer, 5 points). 1.028
What four things prove Christianity’s validity? a. b. c. d.
Score Adult check
70 88
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_______________________ ___________________ Initial Date
