Comparing faith

[Brad Fox]

I happen to have a Bible that includes commentary notes written by modern day scholars.  As I read the original scriptures, I can continuously refer to the notes to understand the context in which the original words were written.  Often, the commentary discusses the cultural context of the time, backgrounds of the Biblical characters, locations, political and legal systems, habits of dress, diet and behavior and the like.  Recently, while reading the book of Colossians, I happened across a note that evaluated the Apostle Paul's warning to the church at Colossi, in present-day Turkey.  He wrote:

Colossians 2:20-23 

 ²⁰ "Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: ²¹ “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? ²² These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. ²³ Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence."  (Bible, New International Version, ©2010, p. 2156)

 

Paul's words, and the commentary about them, are written about the Colossian church, which found itself in a tug-of-war with its surrounding culture.  The church, originally founded by missionaries, "had been infiltrated by religious relativism, with some believers attempting to combine elements of paganism and secular philosophy with Christian doctrine."  These are valuable thoughts for a Christian church like mine that is constantly having to deal with society's relativistic values about God and His plan for the world.

 

The commentary for these verses noted:

 

"We can guard against man-made religions by asking these questions about any religious group:

1)  Does it stress man-made rules and taboos rather than God's grace?

2)  Does it foster a critical spirit toward others, or does it exercise discipline discreetly and lovingly?

3)  Does it stress formulas, secret knowledge, or special visions more than the Word of God?

4)  Does it elevate self-righteousness, honoring those who keep the rules, rather than elevating God?

5)  Does it neglect God's universal church, claiming to be an elite group?

6)  Does it teach humiliation of the body as a means to spiritual growth rather than focusing on the growth of the whole person?

7)  Does it disregard the family rather than holding it in high regard?"

 

These seem like good steps to me for evaluating a personal belief system.  I can say that I see problems with each of the world's faiths regarding one or more of these guidelines.  Judaism has historically had problems with 1, 4, and 5.  Islam seems to break 1, 3, 4, 5, and to some degree, 7 (here I'm thinking of the patriarchal structure of Muslim families).  Buddhism seems to me to have a problem with numbers 3 and 6.  Scientology emphasizes 1, 3, 4, and 5.  Surprisingly, I can see violations of all these principles in my own faith, Christianity. 

 

I think it's important here to distinguish between how the faith system is structured in its purest form, and how people actually put it into practice.  The violations I see in Chrisitanity seem to be generated by imperfect people trying to follow a perfect God.  In order to evaluate a belief system, I think one needs to look at the theological foundations

 

For me, the key discrimination in Christianity can be boiled down to a few fundamentals: 

 

Other religions usually profess a "works" ethic to gain salvation; a formula if you will.  Christianity does not.  In fact, Christianity clearly states that there is nothing you can do of your own strength or abilities to ensure your eternal life with God.  An old country preacher, J. Vernon Magee put it like this:  "all the other religions say do this, do that, do, do, do; Christianity says 'done'"  Christianity emphasizes the saving work of God; other religions emphasize what God "owes" us by virtue of our own hard work.  Christians call this principle "grace."  It's God giving us what we desperately need, but are eminently unworthy to receive.  Followers of other religions chase after God; Christians bask in the understanding that God pursues them, without any credit due to themselves

 

A second distinctive of Christianity is the unique status of Jesus Christ.  Other religions revere their leaders as exemplary models of behavior, or possessing profound, special knowledge of God or access to Him.  Oswald Chambers (My Utmost for His Highest, November 29th devotion) writes that Christ is indeed that, as even adherents of other faiths will admit.  But Jesus transcends the other leaders because He is God himself.  Mohammed couldn't claim that; neither could the Buddha, or L. Ron Hubbard.

 

Another comment from J. Vernon Magee is appropriate.  He once preached that other religions tell their adherents what to do about sins.  The God of Christianity did something about sin, once and for all, by using the perfect sacrifice of His Son's life.  So other religions must continually and scrupulously work at helping their followers keep from sinning and/or remove sin from their lives.  This requires a definitive set of rules to keep people in line and on path.  Christians have (or should have) a totally different approach to sin.  Theirs is a life of thankfulness overflowing because of the mercy that God shows in helping us escape from our inevitable sinfulness.

 

And this last point gives rise to a very special aspect of Christianity:  a personal relationship with God Himself.  If one reflects on the truly satisfying motivations of life, you have to consider the effect that beloved people have on our lives.  We often develop and encounter our truer, higher self when motivated by the love and support of our relationships.  Christians believe that the highest relationship you can have is with the Almighty Himself, and that this relationship will define everything we do, and are.  It is a relationship that is indestructible, enduring and saving.  It is also constructive, instructive and pleasurable beyond belief.

 

Albert Einstein once wrote:  "The greatest problem we face everyday is to wake up and decide if the universe is a friendly or unfriendly place."  Christians wake up every morning with the inspiring knowledge that the universe has a loving face!