Comparitive Theology and World View of Christianity and

Comparitive Theology and World View of Christianity and World Religions

Key Theological Questions What is the nature of God? ► What is the nature of creation/the physical universe? ► What is the nature of the relationship between man and God? ► Where does Jesus fit into all this (Christology) ►

One Point of View: “Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. ” -Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 7: 13 -14) I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Jesus of Nazareth (John 14: 6)

Another Point of View: Different Paths to the Same Goal? God Islam Mysticism Ba’hai Buddhism

Jesus Christ: “I came to testify to the truth. ” Pontius Pilate: “What is truth? ”

Outline ► Theology: ► World ideas about God View: What is man’s place in the world?

Definitions ► Animism: Anima = spirit. A religious system which includes the belief that spirits inhabit inanimate objects and phenomena. ► Polytheism: Poly = many. A belief that the universe is governed by many gods. ► Pantheism (monism): Pan = all. A belief that a spirit fills the universe. God is the universe, and we are part of God. § Panentheism: God is in everything (stoicism) ► Dualism: A belief that the universe is governed by nearly equally matched forces of good and evil. (Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism, Taoism)

Definitions (cont. ) ► Deism: A belief in a distant, uninvolved God who is creator, but does not interact with his creation. (Epicureanism) ► Monotheism: A belief that the universe is created/governed by a single omnipotent/omniscient/omnipresent spiritual being. ► Asceticism: A belief that enlightenment or a close relationship with deity is obtained by an extreme denial of worldly pleasures and possessions. Associated with monasteries, monks, nuns, etc. . ► Mysticism: A belief which sees enlightenment and spiritual power coming through meditation/direct personal experience of God. Mystical experience may be gained through use of drugs, drumming, dance, etc. A highly individualized form of religion.

Are all religions simply “different paths to the same goal? ► There is some similarity between most or all religions. ► All man-made religions contain truth. ► But…. On the most basic level of theology, all other religions (except Judaism? ) are incommensurate with Christianity ► If Hinduism is right, then Jesus Christ is a deceiver and an enemy of truth.

The Bible and Other World Views ► If Genesis 1: 1 is true, then animism, polytheism, pantheism, dualism, naturalism, deism, postmodernism and every other ism is false. ► Conflicting world views cannot be accommodated with one another. Biblical theism is incompatible with all these other world views.

B. Christianity: The Christian World View ► One's world view is the perspective one uses to process and interpret information received about the world. ► James W. Sire put it this way, "A world view is a set of presuppositions (ie. assumptions) which we hold about the basic makeup of our world. " ► A Jain World View James W. Sire, The Universe Next Door (Inter. Varsity Press, 1997)

A “Good” World View Defined A. It is true. It is consistent with reality. It is consistent with what we know to be true from experience. It works. B. It answers satisfactorily the questions people really want answered. What is prime reality/the ultimate cause/the nature of God? ) What is the nature of external reality-the world around us? What is a human being? What happens to a person at death? Why is it possible for us to know anything at all? How do we know what is right and wrong? What is the meaning of human history? What is my purpose? What is the nature of my relationship, with the "prime reality? " C. It causes those who hold to it to be better people than they would otherwise have been if they held to competing alternative world views.

The Christian World View 1. The physical world is: a. real b. created out of nothing (ex nihilo) and c. essentially good. 2. There exists an unseen spiritual reality which is not limited to or defined by the physical reality. Human beings have a spiritual aspect to their nature. 3. The creator of both the physical and spiritual realm is the God who reveals himself in the Bible. 4. Human beings have both a physical and a spiritual nature, The spiritual nature is more essential as it is eternal. 5. God is not easily defined but he can be characterized by certain qualities. God is a person. God is love, God is just, God is holy, God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent.

The Christian World View (cont. ) 6. Although all God’s creation, including the physical world is good, evil does exist. Such evil is the result of freedom of will given to created beings and their subsequent decision to use that freedom to rebel--to “sin” 7. Because of God’s justice and his holiness, those who choose to rebel against him will ultimately be judged and separated from God for eternity. 8. The solution to evil, to sin and its eternal consequences is provided by God through the atoning substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Theology ► In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1: 1 ► By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Hebrews 11: 3 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son….

Hindu World View ► Maya. The physical world is an illusion. ► Brahman. Universal soul. ► The goal: Nirvana; oneness with the universal soul which is within yourself. ► The Hindu world view has man looking inward, not outward.

The Four Noble Truths of Siddhartha ► Suffering is not getting what one wants. ► The cause of suffering is desire which leads to rebirth. ► The way to end suffering is to end desire. ► The way to the end of desire and of suffering is the eightfold path. ► Buddhism encourages dispassion, not compassion.

The eight-fold path to bodhi/dharma/nirvana/lack of suffering Right viewpoint (the four noble truths). ► Right values. ► Right speech. ► Right actions. ► Right livelihood ► Right effort ► Right mindfulness ► Right meditation ►

So, What is New Age, Really? ► You are God, I am God, the trees are God, we all are God! ► New Age is Western pantheism ► New Age is a syncretistic blend of Gnosticism, Hinduism, Spiritualism, Mysticism, Buddhism and Paganism. ► New Age is Monism! God is everything I am God!!! “Once we begin to see that we are all God, then I think the whole purpose of life is to re-own the God-likeness within us. ”

Islamic Worldview: God is very distant from mankind In Islam, Allah determines everything, even who will choose to follow him. 2: 142, 6: 39 6: 125 Inshallah God willing. It is God’s will that people suffer. .

Islamic Theology “Surely good deeds take away evil deeds” (11: 114). Salvation by own effort (40: 9, 39: 61, 7: 43) Charity atones for sins (2: 271, 277) ► Earn grace. favor of Allah. salvation. paradise.

Salvation by own effort (40: 9, 39: 61, 7: 43) Charity atones for sins (2: 271, 277) ►Earn grace. ►Earn favor of Allah. ►Earn salvation. ►Earn paradise.

Islam: Salvation is earned through the efforts of those who were pre-selected by Allah to inhabit a very sensual paradise. Christianity: Salvation is granted by the grace of a loving God to those who, through faith and repentance and baptism accept that love.

A Question: Who reaches out to whom?

Initiative Human approach God Mankind Truth God Mankind

Works Salvation: Man reaches out to God. Salvation by Grace: God reaches out to man. Islam Judaism Hinduism Christianity Jaina Sikkhism Gnosticism New Age Buddhism?

The Biblical World View ► The physical world is real and it is good. Genesis 1: 31 § Only Islam agrees with this conclusion. ► This world is not our home. ► But, compassion… ► Christian groups are responsible for virtually all the world’s efforts to deal with poverty and human suffering in general and to work for social justice. James 1: 27 Micah 6: 8

Christianity: The Inspiration of the Bible is Confirmed By: Historical Accuracy ► Fulfilled Prophecy ► Scientific Accuracy ► Internal Consistency. Many authors, one theology. ► Types, prefigures and foreshadows in the Old Testament which are fulfilled in Jesus Christ ► The public miracles of Jesus which confirm his claims ► The resurrection of Jesus from the dead ►

According to the Old Testament, the Messiah must: ► ► ► ► ► Be born in Bethlehem Be raised in Galilee near Nazareth Be despised and rejected by men Be meek and silent before his accusers Be “pierced” Be crucified Have his garments divided and gambled over Be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver Come to Jerusalem to make atonement for sin in about AD 33 And many more…. Was all this an accident, or did God plan all along for the Passion of the Christ forgiveness of sins? What do you think?

Summary ► The theologies of world religions are fundamentally and diametrically opposed to one another. Many paths to the same God is a ludicrous philosophy. ► The world view of Christianity is radically different from any other religion. They cannot both be right! ► The truth of the Bible is confirmed by § Clear evidence of inspiration (fulfilled prophecy, types and foreshadows, historical accuracy, scientific evidence, etc…) § Public miracles worked by Moses, Elijah and others, and especially by Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2: 3, 4).

How, then, should we interact with members of other religions? ► Find common ground. ► Give respect where respect is due. ► Acknowledge the good and do not make personal attacks— especially toward revered people. ► Highlight distinctions in world view/theology and introduce them to Jesus Christ. ► This is EXACTLY what Paul did in Acts 17: 22 -34

The Bible and Other World Views (cont. ) ► Acts 17: 16 -34 Paul shares the gospel by arguing for the Christian World View. § v. 22 -23 Paul finds common ground. § v. 24 -28 Paul argues for the superiority and the truth of the Christian world view as opposed to Epicureanism/pantheism and Stoicism/deism § v. 28 Paul quotes from Aretas a Stoic philosopher. “ For we are his offspring. ” § v. 29 -31 Having laid the groundwork, Paul points them to Jesus. § v. 32 -34 Some, but not all were converted.

Acts 17: 16 -34 Paul confronts Greek World Views ► God is Creator. He exists outside creation. § Disproves pantheism/Stoicism. ► God is close to us. § Disproves deism/Epicureanism. ► God is personal and has given us an individual purpose. ► God will bring all of us to judgment. Evil will be defeated § Disproves dualism/Gnosticism.

Greek Background to Christian Theology ► Pythagoreanism/Platonism ► Gnosticism ► Stoicism ► Epicureanism Epicurus

Intro to the History of Christian Theology ► Trinity and the nature of God ► Christology ► Nature of sin, grace and redemption

Early Motivations to Christian Theologians ► Apologetics: Response to Greek philosophical criticism § logos ► Heresy: Orthodox response to heterodox theology Origen of Alexandria AD 185 -254

Heresies ► Adoptionism § Ebionites, Theodotus, Artemon § Modalism (Jesus and Holy Spirit modes of God) ► Gnosticism § Cerinthus, Valentinus ► Docetism ► Arianism

The Orthodox Response Use of Greek terms, modes of argument ► Polemical Writings ► § Against Heresies Irenaeus ► Appeal to apostolic (later church) authority ► Creeds ► Councils

Doctrine of the Trinity ► Tertullian AD 160 -220 § The Father and the Son are different “not in condition, but in degree; not in substance, but in form; not in power, but in aspect”

Creeds ►A second century Roman creed (said at baptism) § I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, and in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord, and in the Holy Ghost, the holy church and the resurrection of the flesh.

Church Councils ► Nicaea AD 325 § Arianism Jesus homoousios With the Father ► Constantinople AD 381 § Nicene Creed Holy Spirit also homoousious ► Ephesus AD 431 § Nestorianism condemned, Pelagius anathematized. ► Calchedon AD 451 § Define the “two natures” of Jesus ► Constantinople II AD 553 § Monophysitism ► Constantinople III AD 680 § Monothelitism ► Nicaea II AD 787

Nicene Creed We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance (homoousios, of the same substance, consubstantial as opposed to homoiousios) with the Father, by whom all things were made. Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. And I believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. Is this what we believe?

Chalcedon AD 451 “In agreement with the holy fathers we all unanimously teach that we should confess that our Lord Jesus Christ is one and the same Son; the same perfect in Godhead and the same perfect in manhood, truly God and truly man, the same of a rational soul and body; consubstantial with the Father in Godhead and the same consubstantial with us in manhood; like us in all things except sin; begotten of the Father before all ages as regards his Godhead and in the last days the same, for us and for our salvation, begotten of the Virgin Mary, theotokos (as opposed to the Christotokos of the Nestorians) (the God-bearer, the mother of God) as regards his manhood; one and the same Christ, Son, Lord, only-begotten, made known in two natures without confusion, without change, without division, without separation…

Chalcedon (cont. ) “Without confusion and without change” to oppose monophysitism/Coptic Christianity Monophysite = one nature “Without division, without separation” to oppose Nestorianism Q: Are we splitting hairs here?

► Constantinople AD 553 § Anathematized Origin ► Constantinople III AD 680 § Opposed monothelitism “one will” ► Nicaea II AD 787 § Iconoclasm. It is heretical to say that one cannot be aided in worship by using an icon.

Sin, Redemption, Salvation ► Augustine!!!!! § § § § § The City of God Total depravity Monoergism Predestination Original Sin Infant baptism required for salvation Sacramentalism Transubstantiation City and State Opposed Donatists Augustine of Hippo (from 6 th century)

Pelagius AD c. 354 -430 Works Salvation?

Thomas Aquinas 1225 -1274 Aristotle Revelation by reason Scholasticism Arguments for existence of God Natural Theology “Summa Theologica”

Thomas Aquinas: “God, therefore, is the first cause, who moves causes both natural and voluntary. And just as by moving natural causes He does not prevent their actions from being natural, so by moving voluntary causes He does not deprive their actions of being voluntary; but rather is He the cause of this very thing in them, for He operates ineach thing according to his own nature. ” In other words, Aquinas believed in free will and not a strict monergism.

Question: Do you believe in Predestination?

History of the Doctrine of Predestination ► Augustine of Hippo AD 354 -430 “The City of God” ► Martin Luther (1483 -1546): an Augustinian monk. ► Ulrich Zwingli (1484 -1531) Reformed Theology. ► John Calvin (1509 -1564) “Institutes of the Christian Religion” ► The key: A profound belief in the sovereignty of God ► Double Predestination and TULIP

Martin Luther 1483 -1541 Augustinian Monk Faith Alone Grace Alone Scripture Alone Predestination

Martin Luther: “Away with James… His authority is not great enough to cause me to abandon the doctrine of faith [alone] and to deviate from the authority of the other apostles and the entire Scripture. ” St. James’ epistle is really an epistle of straw, compared to these others (Romans, Galatians, John) for it has nothing of the nature of the gospel about it. ”

Ulrich Zwingli 1484 -1531 Opposed baptismal regeneration Double Predestination Reformed Theology “Those individuals who end up damned forever in hell are also eternally determined by God for that fate. ”

The Radical Reformation ► ► Separation of Church and State Opposed strict predestination Opposed infant baptism Believed in baptismal regeneration Menno Simmons

John Calvin 1509 -1564 Institutes of Christian Religion His emphasis: the sovereignty of God TULIP

TULIP ► Total depravity ► Unconditional election ► Limited atonement ► Irresistable grace ► Perseverence of the saint (once saved, always saved)

Jacob Arminius (1560 -1609) Opposed Reformed idea of predestination. Are we Arminians?

► Q: Scriptures which appear to support the doctrine of predestination? ► Q: Scriptures which prove free will and refute predestination?

Jonathan Edwards “A Sinner in the Hands of an Angry God. ” How do we know we are of the elect?

1800’s America: Predestination Light Once Saved, Always Saved ► Preservation of the Saints ► Believer’s Prayer. ► Once God saves you, in is impossible to lose your salvation, no matter what.

Hebrews and Falling Away They shall never enter my rest 3: 11, 4: 5 ► We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the confidence we had at first. 3: 14 ► They were not able to enter because of their unbelief 3: 19 ► Be careful not to be found to have fallen short of it. 4: 1 ► Some… did not go in because of their obedience 4: 6 ► Let us make every effort to enter that rest so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience 4: 11 ► ► Do you get the point?

Hebrews 6: 4 -6 Who is he talking to? ► a. been enlightened (NT church “enlightened” = baptized) ► b. tasted the heavenly gift (salvation? ) ► c. shared in the Holy Spirit ► d. tasted the goodness of the word ► e. tasted the coming age (saved) ► Yes, you can fall away! Conclusion: You had better move on toward maturity in Christ.

Hebrews 6: 4 -8 ► It is impossible… if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance. ► They are crucifying the Son of God all over again. ► Land that produces thorns… will be burned.

Falling Away Hebrews 10: 26 -31 Crucifying the Son of God all over again. ► Subjecting Jesus to public disgrace ► Trampling the Son of God under foot. (Heb 10: 29) ► Insulted the Holy Spirit (Heb 10: 29) ► Blasphemed (spoken against) the Holy Spirit (Matt 12: 32) ► Committed the unforgivable sin (1 John 5: 16 ) ► ► What is the “unforgivable sin? ” To willfully, deliberately continue in sin. (Hebrews 10: 26) ► Also; Hebrews 12: 14 -17, 12: 25 you will not escape… if you turn away…

God’s Assurance: Hebrews 6: 9 -20 Two unchangeable things: God’s Word God’s Oath (Genesis 22: 16 -18) Jesus, your anchor, is behind the veil with the Father

God’s Assurance: Hebrews 10: 19 -23 We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place Let us draw near to God… in full assurance of faith. For he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10: 35 -36 Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded…. You will receive what he has promised.

Summary ► Correct theology (God, Jesus, salvation) is harder to find than you think. ► Do not fall into the trap of relying on human reason too heavily. ► Always protect the mystery. § § § Trinity Jesus Faith, Works and Grace