Like other religions, Christianity is expected to be similar to them in so many ways which happens not to be the case, however, it does have some similarities with Judaism and Islam which does not rule out its unique nature. In Christianity, people are taught that God comes to his people which differs with other religions in that they teach that people have to earn their way to God. Christianity is monotheistic like some other few religions but the uniqueness comes in where its monotheism is attributed by Trinitarian doctrine where Christians believe that God is in three beings, the God himself, the son Jesus and the Holy spirit (Sorenson, 2018). Other religions are governed by a system of rules to appease their gods while in Christianity it is believed that one must form a relationship with God through which one can directly communicate with Him. Christians believe that they are saved through Gods grace which was and is received by faith in Christs resurrection and his finished work here on earth during his stay here. Christianity is the only religion that has an empty tomb because Jesus came, stayed here on earth, saved his people, died on the cross for them and resurrected and ascended into heaven, therefore, it is the only religion that follow a leader who died and came back to life. Christians also believe and view the Bible as the only source of truth and also no other religion believes in one God who is also three persons (Wilhite, 2017). Christianity is based on the resurrection event in all human history and Christians’ love in an action and attitude of good will which should be directed to everyone especially those in need and near to us as illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan.
References
Sorenson, J. (2018). The fundamental characteristics and unique outcomes of Christian summer camp experiences. Journal of Youth Development, 13(1-2), 183-200.
Wilhite, D. E. (2017). Ancient African Christianity: An introduction to a unique context and tradition. Taylor & Francis.
REPLY 2
Describe primary doctrines or key beliefs about Jesus. How does this make Christianity unique among the world religions?
Indeed, as its name states, Christianity is centered in Christ itself. The Christian faith centers on beliefs regarding the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Everything starts with his own birth. Christians believe that Jesus was God incarnated. The incarnation means God took a human form. Jesus was not conceived in the same way as other humans, through sexual intercourse between a man and a woman. Mary, Jesus’ mother, was told by an angel that she would give birth to a child named Jesus. She was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus.
Moving forward, alongside the death of Jesus, belief in his resurrection was the crucial thing for Christianity’s development. Christians saw it as God’s explanation of Jesus after being rejected by the Jewish leaders and put to death. It was the confirmation of his claims to be God’s agent, and above all, it demonstrated that he was triumphant over the power of sin and death (Partridge, 2018). The resurrection was seen as the decisive stage in the ascent of Jesus to share God’s throne in heaven.
Unique among all religions, Christianity makes several claims that others do not. First, all other religions exhort man to reach up to God and grasp hold of Him through their own efforts. Christianity is the only religion where God reaches down to man (Ratzinger, 2016). Second, other religions are systems of do’s and don’ts to appease God, whereas Christianity is a relationship with God. Third, Christianity looks to the Bible as the singular source of Truth. Lastly, Christianity is based upon the most fantastic event in all human history: the resurrection. These dogmas or beliefs make Christianity a unique and incredible religion full of intense demonstrations of God’s miracles and power.
Finally, as requested, I will be visiting a sacred site or personal temple experience for my final project.
References
Partridge, C. (2018). A short introduction to world religions. Fortress Press.
Ratzinger, J. C. (2016). Truth and tolerance: Christian belief and world religions. Ignatius Press.
