It is evident human beings have a spiritual problem requiring a spiritual solution. Different opinions exist in various religions. Do we need salvation, liberation or enlightenment? Let’s explore four worldviews together: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism, and see how those belief-systems compare to Christianity.
Islam (Submission)
The primary path to salvation centers around repentance, submission to Allah, the Qur’an and the “Five Pillars” of Islam:
- Shahada: The daily profession of faith.
- Sala: Prayer toward Mecca five times a day.
- Ramadan: This is the month of fasting (Sawm).
- Zakat: Almsgiving: Donations of 2.5% to charity.
- Hajj: Muslims are expected to make at least one pilgrimage to Mecca.
Hinduism (Moksha—liberation)
The goal in Hinduism is to achieve god-consciousness and thus escape the cycle of rebirths (Samsara) and ascend to higher planes of existence. This is termed “liberation” (Moksha).
Buddhism (Nirvana—extinction of personal existence)
Final liberation for any Buddhist is Nirvana—described as non-being, the extinction of personal existence by absorption into pure Being. To achieve Nirvana, a person must embrace the “four noble truths” and live by the “Noble Eightfold Path.”
Judaism (Covenant—beriyth—keeping the Torah)
Personal salvation in Judaism is based on repentance, good deeds and adherence to the 613 commandments of the Torah, mixed with a strong trust, not in self-achieved righteousness, but the mercy of God.
Christianity (Salvation—deliverance from sin and its affects, spiritual rebirth)
Numerous promises hinged to conditions effect this end.
- Repentance (Acts 3:19).
- Conversion (Acts 3:19).
- Faith (Eph. 2:8).
- Confession (Rom. 10:9-10).
- Receiving Jesus into the heart (Eph. 3:17).
- Calling on the name of the Lord (Rom. 10:13).
- Spiritual rebirth (John 3:1-3).
- Baptism (Matt. 28:19, Acts 2:38).
Listen to the full episode of Revealing the True Light on the Charisma Podcast Network here. {eoa}
IMPORTANT RESOURCES:
Many helpful articles and personal transformation stories can be found on our comparative religion website: thetruelight.net
In 1970 Mike Shreve was a teacher of Kundalini Yoga at four universities with several hundred students following his teachings. Read how God opened his eyes to the uniqueness and exclusivity of Jesus in this free e-book The Highest Adventure: Encountering God at this link.
All Revealing the True Light podcasts are based on, or related to, Mike Shreve’s classic book titled In Search of the True Light, an in-depth comparison of over 20 religions. Also, it provides answers to thirty important questions concerning truth and spirituality. Obtain your copy today! Available as an e-book on Amazon and other online sources.
Mike Shreve also explains his stance on the practice of yoga in his mini-book: Seven Reasons I No Longer Practice Yoga. Available on our websites and on Amazon (both paperback and e-book formats). Discounts are offered for bulk orders: just call 423-478-2843 for information.
Subscribe to Mike Shreve’s other CPN podcast on comparative religion called Discover Your Spiritual Identity.
