A Few Questions

[Streetlight Visionary]

I'm going to see a local pastor of a "non-denominational" church within the week about these exact questions, but I would like to pose them to a variety of viewpoints to see what answers pop up.

Why are other religions "wrong"? Why is Christ the only route to salvation? I understand the concept of original sin and that, through Christ, it is wiped away in the eyes of God, but why can't a Jew or a Buddhist who has lived a righteous life not contrary to any of Jesus's teachings enter heaven? Since the only unforgivable sin is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (according to Matthew), wouldn't Jesus forgive ignorance or choice of a more culturally suitable lifestyle?

Also, what is the function of prayer? How does one know when they feel God and not wishful thinking? Why is prayer more acceptable than other mystic practices?

Thank you!

 

[angellous_evangellous]

Looks like a homework assignment.

 

[Streetlight Visionary]

It's actually not, they're seriously questions that I have for the purpose of my own personal use. The finest of classes are the ones you invent for yourself.

 

[wordmagnifiedabovenames]

Why are other religions "wrong"?

Personally I see Christianity as a "relationship" rather than a "religion," but sematics aside... It depends on what the purpose of the religion is. If it's to make one feel good about one's self, there may be many religions, including Christianity, that are "right." If it's to worship God, the religion in question has to instruct its followers to worship the correct God. If it's to lead people to salvation, the religion in question needs to agree with Christianity about Jesus and His role in salvation, e.g. John 14:6 and Acts 10:12.

Why is Christ the only route to salvation?

Because of the way God set things up with sacrifices, atonement and redemption. Any other route just won't work.

...but why can't a Jew or a Buddhist who has lived a righteous life not contrary to any of Jesus's teachings enter heaven?

Because according to God's standard (Jesus,) no one is righteous; "all our righteousness are as filthy rags."

Since the only unforgivable sin is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (according to Matthew), wouldn't Jesus forgive ignorance or choice of a more culturally suitable lifestyle?

There are other things to consider. What about the verse that says that if we don't forgive others then God won't forgive us (regardless of whether the sin was blasphemy against the Holy Ghost or not?) What about the verse that says if we deny Christ before men, He'll deny us before the Father? What about all the verses that encourage repentance to be a precursor to forgiveness? What about the verses that shows it's important to do the will of the Father to enter Heaven? Simply avoiding blaspheming the Holy Ghost will not guarantee a person entry into Heaven.

Also, what is the function of prayer?

Talking to God. God seems to desire relationship with man, and communication seems to be a key in that relationship.

How does one know when they feel God and not wishful thinking?

I think it's unique to the individual in question, but upon reflection the individual generally finds the whatever he felt to be inexplicable except for the presence of God.

Why is prayer more acceptable than other mystic practices?

Lots of other mystic practices aren't done to communicate with and honour God.

 

[Biblestudent_007]

A regular reading of the NT scriptures will give clues and insight to your questions.

 

[Mister Emu]

Why are other religions "wrong"?

Because their claims aren't true.

Why is Christ the only route to salvation?

Because Christ is the only bridge between humanity and the divine.

I understand the concept of original sin and that, through Christ, it is wiped away in the eyes of God, but why can't a Jew or a Buddhist who has lived a righteous life not contrary to any of Jesus's teachings enter heaven?

Who says they, surely, cannot.

Since the only unforgivable sin is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (according to Matthew), wouldn't Jesus forgive ignorance or choice of a more culturally suitable lifestyle?

Ignorance, perhaps... but if one knows the truth and rejects it for a more culturally suitable lifestyle, that is cowardice.

Also, what is the function of prayer?

Functions. Thanksgiving, petition, praise, contact with the divine, just talking.

How does one know when they feel God and not wishful thinking?

Up to the person.

Why is prayer more acceptable than other mystic practices?

There is nothing unacceptable about mystic practices provided they are performed with the right mindset and goals.

 

[Katzpur]

Why are other religions "wrong"?

I don't think of them so much as being "wrong" as just not being fully "right."

Why is Christ the only route to salvation? I understand the concept of original sin and that, through Christ, it is wiped away in the eyes of God, but why can't a Jew or a Buddhist who has lived a righteous life not contrary to any of Jesus's teachings enter heaven? Since the only unforgivable sin is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (according to Matthew), wouldn't Jesus forgive ignorance or choice of a more culturally suitable lifestyle?

I don't believe that God is going to keep any good person out of Heaven, but I believe that this is due to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. I don't believe that anyone would even go on to live again after death if it were not for Jesus Christ.

Also, what is the function of prayer? How does one know when they feel God and not wishful thinking? Why is prayer more acceptable than other mystic practices?

To me, the purpose of prayer is to develop a closeness to God that can only come through communicating with Him.

Thank you![/quote]

 

[WordSpeaks]

I'll address your first question. Why are the other religions wrong?

I base my answers on the Bible.

Jesus said in John 14:6 "I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Again, in John 3:36 "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."

Isaiah 43:11, "I am the Lord and besises Me there is no Savior."

The other religions are wrong, because the Bible teaches that God is the one true God.

 

[Katzpur]

I'll address your first question. Why are the other religions wrong?

I base my answers on the Bible.

Jesus said in John 14:6 "I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Again, in John 3:36 "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."

Isaiah 43:11, "I am the Lord and besises Me there is no Savior."

The other religions are wrong, because the Bible teaches that God is the one true God.

No offense, WordSpeaks, but I too am a Christian and I too believe the Bible to be the word of God. But your answer is frankly useless. What proof do you have that the Bible is true? Other of the world's great religions have sacred texts, too. Maybe what those texts teach is true and what the Bible teaches is false. You can't possibly use the Bible to prove another religion to be false, except to people who believe as you do.

 

[WordSpeaks]

I'm posting in the Christian discussion forum. If I read the forum rules correctly, then this section is supposed to be from a Christian perspective. That means using the Bible.

I am aware of arguments for the Bible's validity but this isn't the forum for it. If you don't use the Bible to base your beliefs on, they are based on your own opinions- and no better than any others.

Check out II Timothy 3:16-17.

 

[Katzpur]

I'm posting in the Christian discussion forum. If I read the forum rules correctly, then this section is supposed to be from a Christian perspective. That means using the Bible.

Okay, fair enough. I wasn't paying as close attention as you were. Mea culpa, and good for you.

I am aware of arguments for the Bible's validity but this isn't the forum for it. If you don't use the Bible to base your beliefs on, they are based on your own opinions- and no better than any others.

As I already said, I do believe the Bible. I was just wrong in not paying attention to the forum the OP was in. Now that I stop to think about it, though, it was a kind of odd question for someone to pose in the Christianity DIR. Seems more like a question to be debated.

Check out II Timothy 3:16-17.

I'm not quite sure how this ties in to the OP, but I would agree that all scripture is profitable and given by inspiration. I suspect that where we would disagree is on the definition of what comprises scripture.

 

[WordSpeaks]

I appreciate your reply katzpur. Haven't had a chance to get back to the forums since posting here last. I was a bit stunned to hear in the Christian section that scripture was useless. And I agree, it sounded like a question that might have been meant for another section.