The Religions of Mankind

Sunday School Grade XII 2009 - 10

Unit 7
The Whole World is our Concern
Lesson 18: The Religions of Mankind

1. Is religion and optional subject?
No, every man has religion. Even the atheist has his own object of ultimate concern.

2. Are all religions of equal value?
No, there are inferior and superior religions. Human Sacrifice, animal sacrifices etc shall be considered inferior. The major religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Jainism, Zoroastrianism and Christianity are of superior nature.

3. Is Christianity unique?
All religions are seeking God. But the final revelation of God is Jesus Christ. God’s answer for all seekers is Jesus Christ.

4. Would all non-Christians go to hell?
Neither the Bible nor the Church teaches so. Three truths to remember: a) Jesus Christ is the only Way, Truth and Life (Jn 14: 6), b) Those who never received the law or the Gospel will be judged according to their conscience (Ro 2: 12-16, 25-29, 1 Tim 2: 5), c) Life on earth is decisive for choosing our destiny (2 Cor 5: 10, Mt 16:27), but there may be a few who repent beyond the grave also (1 Pet 3: 18-20, 4:6).

Islam and Hinduism
1. Islam:
Founder: Mohammed, born in Mecca A.D.570, died in Medina A.D.632. Prophetic call was received at his 40th year. Mohammed was a great reformer, statesman, warrior, organizer, consolidator and leader. He was influenced by Judaism and Christianity, but was unable to understand the doctrine of Trinity and hence created the creed, “There is no God but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet.” Trinity is regarded as the greatest of heresies by the Muslims.
Foundations:
A) The Quran
B) The Sunnah: Sacred traditions sorted out from the orally transmitted sayings of Mohammed.
C) The Ijma: Unanimous ruling of Muslim doctors of theology.
D) Quiyas: analogical reasoning based on the other three foundations.
Five pillars of Islamic Religious preaching are:
A) Recitation of the creed
B) Set prayers five times a day
C) Fasting during the month of Ramsan
D) Almsgiving of 1/40 of one’s income to slaves, priests, debtors and those engaged in holy war.
E) Pilgrimage to Mecca(Hajj)
Major sects of Islam:
A) Sunni: Following traditions
B) Shiah: Following Ali, the son-in-law of Mohammed

What can we do? Teach them intelligently that we are not tritheists. Trinity is the fullness of God-head as eternal love.

2. Hinduism:
Has no single founder. Is one of the oldest religions in the world.
Scriptures: The four Vedas: Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Adharva Veda; the Upanishads; and the Bhagavat Gita.
What do they believe: Karma and Transmigration or rebirth. Kama or desire causes Karma. Karma causes Karma Phala (result of action) and Karma phala is exhausted in rebirths. Those whose Karma Phala are exhausted in numerous rebirths are liberated from the ocean of cyclic births and enter Moksha. Gita teaches the doctrine of avatara. Whenever injustice and evil become stronger than justice and goodness, God takes various forms to destroy the wicked and save the righteous. In Christianity, Jesus Christ is the absolute revelation of God for all people and all ages.

3. Buddhism and Jainism:
Reform movements from Hinduism. Both are anti-Brahmanic and anti-idolatrous. Non-violence is the cardinal doctrine. Buddhism founded by Gautama Buddha and Jainism by Vardhamana Mahavira.