OTHER WORLD RELIGIONS.
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Let us consider other world religions.
There are many religions practiced in the world today. Each includes various groups that may practice their religion in different ways. But all have certain basic beliefs, traditions and Brahman.
Hindus worship three gods whom they considered as reflection of Brahman.
They called “ Brahman” the creator “Vishnu” they called the preserver the origin of this religion could be traced to about (650 B.C.)
i. CHRISTIANITY.
It is the most wide spread in the world. Christian beliefs are founded on the teaching of Jesus Christ as set forth in the New Testament of the bible. They are also based on the Old Testament. It centers on the beliefs that Jesus is the Son of God and that without him no redemption for mankind.
Christianity began as a movement of Jesus in Palestine who believes that Jesus was a Savior for whom they have been waiting for. They called Jesus the Christ or Messiah and became known as Christians. Their religion soon spread to people in all parts of the world.
ii. JUDAISM.
It is one of the first religions to emphasize on ethical monotheism that is just and good. Deut. 6:4.
The Hebrew Bible contains sacred books on Judaism. Judaism took definition from under the leadership of Moses in the 1200.B.C.
iii. ISLAMIC.
It is the faith taught by Mohammed (570-632) AD. The word “Islam” means peace and submission and usually taken to mean peace through submission to “Allah”. Muslims followers of Islamic religion believe that there is one God “Allah” and that Mohammed was his Prophet. The Arabic word for God is “Allah”.
Islamic built upon Judaism and Christianity, claiming to be the goal towards which they led. The Koran has Allah’s revelations to Mohammed as they said.
iv. HINDUISM.
Is the traditional religion of India. Hindus believe in a supreme and absolute power called “Brahman” They said that the goal of all human life is to be united with “Brahman”. In that state, men will take part in perfection. But Hindus believe that men should be reborn and reborn again until it becomes pure enough to be united again with Brahman.
v. BUDDHISM.
It developed from Hinduism; it was founded by “Gantama Buddha” (570-480 B.C.) The word Buddha means fully enlightened or awakened one.
The Buddhist goal in life is NIRVANA, (A state of complete peace and love) are taught to follow an eight fold part of righteous living to achieve NIRVANA. There are:
- Right Mindfulness.
- Right Understanding.
- Right Livelihood.
- Right Thought.
- Right Livelihood.
- Right Speech.
- Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration.
- Right Action and Right Effort.
vi. JAINISM.
Like Buddhism, Jainism grew out of Hinduism. Nahavira (599-527 B.C.) founded this religion in India. Jain do not worship any particular deity. They believe that after the soul might have inhabited anybody, it frees itself and lives happily and peacefully. Jainism stresses ethical purity and love. It teaches that even the lowest insects must be considered sacred and forbids its followers to kill or injured any living creatures.
vii.** CONFUCIANISM.**
It is one of the three great religions of China. The other two are Toism and Buhhism.
Confucianism was founded in 551-479 B.C. by a man called Confucious.
The Chinese often called him “the first teacher” some scholars considered Confucianism a system of ethics, rather than a religion because Confusius taught more about how men should act towards one another than about God. Although, it has a religious side. It believes in supreme beings called Shand-Ti and pray to him the five classics contained in the teachings of Confucianism.
viii. TOISM.
Tradition says that (lac-tse) the old master founded Toism in China during 500 b.C but scholars has so little information about his life that many doubt that if he ever lived. Some believed that Toism developed in 300. B.C, as a product of many thinkers. The Toism teaches “The way and its power” in the sacred book of Toism. It stresses away of life that is quietly but happily in harmony with nature. It considers humility as one of the highest virtues. In practice, Toism includes much magics and superstitions.
ix. SHINTO
Is the native religion of Japan, the word Shinto means “the way of the gods. The beginning of Shinto has been traced to the origin of Japanese civilization at about 250 years ago”.
Shinto teaches reverend loyalties to beloved places and traditional Japanese way of life. They worship many gods including Emperor. National heroes of the past and various nature deities, insects etc. State Shinto centers on Japanese Emperor. It teaches that he descended from the sun God and must be worship as a God.
xi. ZOROASTRIANISM.
Was founded by Zoroasta an ancient Persian prophet who was born before 600. B.C.
The religion centers around, the God of righteousness and light. It teaches that people can obtain eternal reward in heaven by supporting Ahuramazada's battle against the powers of evil. The zend- Aresta contains the sacred writings of this religion. Its doctrines on heaven, hell and devil was influenced by Christianity.
Jesus said to him, “I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
Source: www.pathwaycrc.org