Sermon: “Examining the Beliefs of Hinduism, Transcendental Meditation, and Buddhism.”
Presenter: Rev. Dr. JoAnne P. King
Date: June 19, 2022
Praise the Lord Saints and God from whom all blessings flow. Information for this sermon series was gathered from Biblical scholars such as, Dr. Norman L. Deisler in his study on “Christianity Cults & Religions,” Books and DVD; and Josh McDowell in his book: “The Best of Josh McDowell: A Ready Defense” and other materials related to Christianity, other religions and cults.
Last week, we examined the beliefs of Christian Science, Unity School of Christianity, Scientology and New Age. This week we will cover three of the Eastern religions, Hinduism, Transcendental Meditation and Buddhism using our same methodology.
HINDUISM
Founder:
Hinduism is one of the oldest of all religious systems. It is also one of the most complex. Its’ scriptures have been written over a long period of time from (1400 B.C. – A.D. 500) are voluminous and the founders are unknown. The main types are: Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism. However, many sects have been spawned holding diverse beliefs but there are certain things that all of the sects believe in. As I follow our usual format, I will use an asterisk * to indicate those beliefs held by all sects and will note them orally.
Writings:
The Vedas is the oldest of the Hindu scriptures around 1000 B.C. and means wisdom and knowledge. It contains prayers, hymns and ritual texts. The Upanishads are a collection of speculative treatises composed 800-600 B.C. and 108 of them are still in existence. The word Upanishad conveys the idea of secret teaching. Its treatises made a definite change in emphasis from the sacrificial hymns and magic formulas in the Vedas to the mystical ideas about man and the universe, specifically the eternal Brahman, which is the source of all reality to them. It is reported that the Gautama Buddha was influenced by the Upanishads and similarities can be seen between the Upanishads and the teachings of Mahayana Buddhism. The Bhagavad Gita is the most sacred book of the Hindus and is the most read of all Indian works in the entire world, even though it was added late to the Mahabharata, during the first century.
The Mahabharata is an ancient Indian epic where the main story revolves around two branches of a family, the Pandavas and Kauravas who battle for the throne of Hastinapura. This story revolves around man’s duty, which if carried out will bring him sorrow. It is based on the Hindu belief that devotion to a particular god (Bhaki) will lead to salvation. The main character in the poem is the deity, Krishna.
God:
God is “The Absolute,” a universal spirit. **Brahman, the eternal Trimutri, or three in one God: Brahma, the Creator; Visnu, the Preserver; and Shiva, the Destroyer. Everyone is part of God (Brahman) like drops in the sea, but most people are not aware of this. People worship manifestations of Brahman (gods and goddesses).
Jesus:
Hinduism views Jesus as a teacher, a guru or an avatar (an incarnation of Vishnu). He is a son of God as are others. His death does not atone for sins and he did not rise from the dead. Doesn’t this last sentence sound familiar? We heard part or all of it from the Mormons, Christian Science, Unity School of Christianity, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Scientology.
Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit is not part of this religion. Scientology said the same thing.
Salvation:
In Hinduism, salvation can be attained in one of three general ways: 1) the way of knowledge, knowing one is actually a part of the ultimate Brahman and not a separate entity that is achieved through yoga and meditation until one is absorbed or in union with Brahman; 2) the way of devotion, which is love and obedience to a particular deity; 3) or the way of works, or following ceremonial ritual. This salvation is from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. This can take many lifetimes.
Death:
Reincarnation into a better status (good karma), if a person has behaved well. If one has been bad, he can be reborn and pay for past sins (bad karma) by suffering.
Other Beliefs:
**Submission to Fate, since man is not outside, but part of Brahman; The Caste System, determined by the laws of Manu; The Law of Karma, that from good must come good, and from evil must come evil; Reincarnation, as a chain of rebirths in which each soul, through virtuous living, can rise to a higher state; Nirvana, the final stage reached upon the emancipation of the soul from the chain of rebirths; Yogas, the disciplines which enable the individual to control the body and the emotions; and Dharma, the Law of Moral Order, which each individual must find and follow to reach nirvana. Many Hindus worship stone and wooden idols in temples, and homes. Disciples meditate on a word, phrase, or picture. They may wear orange robes and have shaved heads. Many use a mark, called a tilak, on the forehead to represent a spiritual “third eye.” Yoga involves meditation, chanting, and breathing exercises. Some gurus demand complete obedience. Hinduism is the foundation of New Age, and Transcendental Meditation (™). Hinduism is tolerant of other religions, because they see a sameness in all of them.
The following are some Hindu Teachings: 1) Moksha, also known as mukti, is the Hindu term for freedom from the wheel of karma. They believe that the real reason for existence is to be free from Samsara (the binding life cycles) and the wheel of karma with its endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirths. One enters into a state of fullness or completion, when one achieves liberation from these life cycles.
2) Karma literally means actions and refers to a person’s actions and the consequences for them. His performance in previous lifetimes, determines one’s present state of existence, in Hinduism. The effect of any action upon the performer in a past, present or even future existence is known as the law of moral consequence or the law of karma. To move toward liberation from the cycle of successive births and deaths, one must perform righteous acts. On the other hand, if one’s deeds are evil, he moves further away from liberation. One’s karma is the determining factor and could make the cycle of births, deaths, and rebirths endless.
3) Samsara means transmigration or rebirth. Passing through a succession of lives is based upon the reward or penalty of one’s karma. Suffering from the results or acts of ignorance or sin in past lives makes this chain continuous. The Hindus consider the soul eternal, therefore, it moves from one body to another and carries with it the karma from its previous existence. The wheel of karma applies to both man and animal, therefore, the rebirth may be to a higher form, i.e., a member of a higher caste or god or down the social ladder to a lower caste or animal. How can an animal commit acts of ignorance or sin? And, then the acts of ignorance or sin be connected to a human being?
4) The Caste System is a unique feature of the Hindu religion. They believe that Brahma created Manu, the first man. From Manu came four different types of people as Brahma determined. Taking Manu’s body= the head represented the best and most holy people called the Brahmins; Manu’s hands= came the Kshatriyas, the rulers and warriors; thighs= came the craftsmen and are called Vaisyas; Manu’s feet= are the remainder of the people and are known as Sudras. Even though the caste system has been outlawed by the Indian government, it is still an integral part of the social order. They said under the wheel of Karma above that it applies to both man and animal. We just read in this section that Brahma created Manu, the first man and from Manu’s body came four different types of people and then lists the people created from his head, hands, thighs and feet but he doesn’t say anything about people being in animals!! There is a contradiction here.
5) The Hindus revere the cow and consider it a possessor of great power, from early times. Here are a few verses from the Atharva Veda praising the cow: “… Worship, O Cow, to thy tail-hair, and to thy hooves, and to thy form! The Cow is Heaven, the Cow is Earth, the Cow is Visnu, Lord of Life … Both Gods and mortal men depend for life and being on the Cow…” Since they worship the cow, perhaps this is why they identify with being reborn as an animal.
In conclusion, comparing Christianity with Hinduism, we find that: 1) the god of Hinduism is an impersonal and undefinable Brahman. While the God of Christianity is loving and interested in the affairs of mankind.
2) In Hinduism, man is a manifestation of the impersonal Brahman devoid of self or self-worth. In this case, one wonders why would a man be created with no self or self-worth? On the other hand, Christianity teaches that man is made in the image of God with the ability to give and receive love and possesses a personality. Man is still of great value to God even though, God’s image was marred by the fall. God loves and values man so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to die to redeem sinful man, even while man, was in open rebellion against Him
(2 Corinthians 5:19-21).
3) In Hinduism, there is no sin against a Holy God. Acts of wrongdoing are not against any God but considered an act of ignorance. To overcome these acts of evil, one just follows the way of salvation and the guidelines set for one’s caste. This leaves one wondering what are “acts of wrongdoing and who determines wrong doing?” On the other hand, Christianity views sin as an act of rebellion against a perfect and holy God. All acts of transgression/rebellion are considered acts of rebellion against the laws of God.
4) Hinduism places reaching the realization of Brahman above the material world which it sees as transitory and of secondary importance. Christianity sees the world and its source, as in the creative will of God, and having objective reality.
5) Hindus see the world, as a part of the absolute and as an extension of Brahman, part of the absolute. In contrast, Christianity sees the world as an entity eternally different in nature from God, not a monistic or part of some universal one. The Holy Bible says that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). Since the earth, therefore, was created by God, it is not to be identified with Him or His eternal nature.
These contradictions show major diversities between the two religions. There are many other differences that cannot be discussed in this small space. However, even with this limited list of differences, one can see that the two faiths of Hinduism and Christianity can never be reconciled because their foundations make them mutually exclusive.
UNITY SCHOOL OF CHRISTIANITY
Founder:
Charles (1854-1948) and Myrtle (1845-1931) Filmore started the Unity School of Christianity in 1889 in Kansas City, MO.
Writings:
Unity magazine, Lessons in Truth, Metaphysical Bible Dictionary, and the Bible (not as reliable, interpreted with “hidden” meanings).
God:
God is an invisible impersonal power. “God” is interchangeable with “Principle,” “Law,” “Being,” “Mind,” “Spirit.” God is in everything, as the soul is in the body. They do not believe in the Trinity. The spirit is reality; matter is not.
Jesus:
Jesus was a man and not the Christ. He was a man who had “God Consciousness.” “Christ” is a state of perfection in every person. They claim that Jesus had lived many times and was in search of his own salvation. Jesus did not die as a sacrifice for anybody’s sins. Jesus did not rise physically and will never return to earth in physical form.
Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit is the law of God in action, “the executive power of both Father and Son.” A “definite” thought in the mind of man.
Salvation:
They believe that everybody is as much a Son of God as Jesus. There is no evil, no devil, no sin, no poverty and no old age. A person is reincarnated until he learns these truths and becomes “perfect.”
Death:
Death is a result of wrong thinking. One moves to a different body (reincarnation) until enlightenment. There is no literal heaven or hell.
Other Beliefs:
Worship services are held in Unity churches. Counseling and prayer ministry (“Silent Unity”) by phone and mail. It is reported that Unity receives millions of prayer requests annually. Unity devotionals, such as “Daily Word,” are used by members of other religious groups and churches. Millions of pieces of literature are printed each year.
In conclusion, I selected the Unity School of Christianity for their Unity devotionals such as the “Daily Word,” that is read daily by Christians that don’t have a clue about this heretical ministry, and are even supporting them with their hard-earned money by buying their publications. Maybe some of you have read their “Daily Word.” I pray that no one will be lured into joining their ministry.
As you listened to their beliefs, in many cases it seemed that the Unity School of Christianity took pages out of the Christian Science book with some of their beliefs. Most of the same answers I gave for the Christian Science cult applies to them as well.
I will address a few of their statements: their statement on: They do not believe in the Trinity, (we know that the Trinity speaks of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit). Under Holy Spirit, they claim that the Holy Spirit is the law of God in action, “the executive power of both Father and Son.) They have capitalized Holy Spirit, Father and Son as well as, the Holy Spirit’s using the executive power of both, making this the Trinity in action. They have contradicted the very belief they claimed not to believe-the Trinity.
Their statement that: Jesus was a man and not the Christ. The biblical answer for this is Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (which means God with us).”
As well as their statement, Jesus did not die for the sins of anybody; Jesus did not rise physically and will never return to earth in physical form. Starting as early as Genesis 3:15 and continuing throughout the Old Testament prophets of old, prophesied thousands of years before, about the birth of Jesus the Christ coming to die for the sins of the people of the world. How He would be crucified, raised from the dead in physical form that was witnessed by 500 people at one time. As well as, ascended bodily into heaven in the view of witnesses and promised that He would return in like manner. All of these things were revealed in the New Testament. There is a saying: “that the Old Testament conceals, while the New Testament reveals.” And, this saying is very true.
Next week, we will study some Eastern religions and when we do, it will be apparent that they picked up the idea of reincarnation from Hinduism. Nowhere in the Bible does it mention anything about reincarnation.
I hope you noticed under writings where it said that the Bible wasn’t reliable because it was translated with hidden meanings. Those hidden meanings probably mean, everybody considers the word as meaning one thing, but they mean something entirely different.
What is more incomprehensible than their beliefs—such as there isn’t any evil, poverty, old age, sickness, death, etc., when these things are visible and apparent to anyone with eyes and brains. This group is going against the tenets of the Bible and the Christian Faith.
In ministering to a heretic of this faith or any of the others that will be examined, we should follow the advice found in Titus 3:10-11: “A man that is a heretic after the first and second admonition (warning) reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.”
TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION
Founder:
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (1910-2008) founded Transcendental Meditation in India (1955-1958), based on Hinduism and karma yoga. It is also called the World Plan Executive Council. Mahesh became a disciple of the Indian religious leader Guru Dev after graduating from Allahabad University in 1942 with a degree in physics. He was taught a meditation technique from Guru Dev that was developed from the Vedas (part of the Hindu scripture.) Maharishi was devoted to bringing to the world Guru Dev’s teachings. After founding the Spiritual Regeneration Movement in India, he came to America in 1959 and set up his organization spreading the gospel of Guru Dev.
Writing:
Hindu scriptures, including the Bhagavad-Gita, Meditations of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Science of Being and the Art of Living, and other writings by the founder.
God:
Each part of creation makes up “God” (Brahman). Supreme Being is not personal. All creation is divine; “all is one.” This belief is taken from Hinduism.
Jesus:
Jesus is not uniquely God. Jesus had a divine essence, like all persons. Unlike most, he discovered it. Christ didn’t suffer and couldn’t suffer for people’s sins. The last statement sounds like it was taken from the Christian Science cult.
Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit is not part of this belief. Belief taken from Hinduism.
Salvation:
They believe that humans have forgotten their inner divinity. In order to achieve salvation, one’s good actions or deeds must exceed one’s bad actions or deeds in order to evolve to the highest state (final union of self with Brahman) through reincarnation. Belief taken from Hinduism.
Death:
Reincarnation based on karma (reaping the consequences of one’s actions) until loss of self into union with Brahman. In Transcendental Meditation, there is no heaven or hell. Belief taken from Hinduism.
Other Beliefs:
Mentally recite a mantra (word associated with a Hindu god). Meditate twice a day to relax and achieve union with Brahman. Maharishi University of Management in Iowa offers advanced TM programs in “levitation” and “invisibility.” Practices include yoga, Hindu astrology, use of crystals, and idol worship (offerings of flowers, fruit, and cloth for Mararishi’s dead teacher Guru Dev).
In conclusion, Transcendental Meditation has advertisements such as: “How would you like to have your health improved, your self-image and productivity increased, and your intelligence and creativity heightened without stress or tension?” These are some of the ways that TM will benefit individuals. Supposedly, this can be done within any religious or non-religious system since TM has no religious basis. This is not true.
Under his World Plan, 350 teaching centers of the Science of Creative Intelligence have been founded in the largest cities in the United States and around the world. Legislatures throughout the country have adopted resolutions drawn up by Marharishi promoting TM.
TM can appeal to all segments of society, including the famous (such as the Beatles in the mid-60’s), the counter-culture, the business community and the intelligentsia. John Kaplan a Stanford law professor testifies: “…that he uses the product as I’d use a product to overcome nervous tension. It’s a non-chemical tranquilizer with no unpleasant side effects.”
TM, however, is not a neutral discipline that can be practiced without harm to the individual. TM is a Hindu meditation technique that attempts to unite the meditator with Brahman, the God of the Hindus. Speaking to Prof. Kaplan, TM may be a non-chemical tranquilizer with no unpleasant side effects but it does have unpleasant spiritual side effects!
All trainees in the TM technique have an initiation ceremony which is called the Puja which is an invocation where prayers are offered to Hindu gods, yogis, their disciples and an assortment of leaders of every kind; where they bow down in submission to them. In fact, the New Jersey Federal Court barred the teaching of TM in the schools of that state in 1977 saying that it violates the establishment clause of the First Amendment.
I will just use the Mararishi’s teaching about Jesus saying that it is a misunderstanding of people that Jesus couldn’t die for the sins of people and that He couldn’t suffer. No, it was the Mararishi who didn’t understand that Jesus came into the world to suffer on the cross for our sins so, we might receive forgiveness from God for our sins. His suffering was real (John 1:29).
The members of Hinduism and Transcendental Meditation believe that Brahman made them like himself, impersonal and without self or self-worth. After many reincarnations and based on karma, they are finally able to evolve to the union of self with Brahman. If they were made without self, how did they manage to achieve self, so they could be united with Brahman? They have just done the impossible, created something out of nothing!
Is TM harmless? Well, many of the statements made by Maharishi about the Age of Enlightenment and the Science of Creative Intelligence are alarming: “There has not been and there will not be a place for the unfit. The fit will lead, and if the unfit are not coming along, there is no place for them. …In the Age of Enlightenment there is no place for ignorant people. The ignorant will be made enlightened by a few orderly, enlightened people moving around. Nature will not allow ignorance to prevail. It just can’t. Nonexistence of the unfit has been the law of nature. … Thinking can never be a profound basis of living. Being is the natural basis… thinking, on the other hand is only imaginary.”
To think that Maharishi would eliminate opposers and that thinking is useless, is as I said before alarming! The Holy Bible says that one should examine and test all things by the Word of God (1 John 4:1) and that judgment belongs only to the Lord Jesus Christ (John 5:22, 27).
Since TM is religious in nature, based as we learned on Hinduism, their theology like Hinduism is in direct opposition to Christianity.
BUDDHISM
Founder:
Gautama Siddhartha, (563-483 B.C.) also known as the Buddha (“Enlightened One”) founded Buddhism in modern day Nepal and India as a reformation of Hinduism. The people had become disillusioned with certain beliefs of Hinduism including the caste system, the endless cycle of deaths, births, and rebirths which left a vacuum. In order to fill that vacuum, the people turned to a variety of beliefs, including the worship of animals. Many different sects of Hinduism arose, the most successful was Buddhism which denies the authority of the Vedas.
Writings:
The Mahavastu (“Great Story,” a collection that covered the Buddha’s life story), the Jaraka Tales (550 stories of the former lives of the Buddha), the Tantras (as recorded in Tibetan Buddhism and the Tripitaka (“Three baskets”). The Vinaya Pitaka is the (discipline basket) that contains rules for the higher class of Buddhists; the Sutta Pitaka (teaching basket) contains the discourses of the Buddha; and the Abidhamma Pitaka (metaphysical basket) contains Buddhist theology. The total volume of these three groups of writings is about 11 times larger than the Holy Bible.
God:
The Buddha himself did not believe in the existence of God. Others believed that the Buddha was a universal enlightened consciousness or as a god.
Jesus:
Jesus Christ is not a part of the worldview of historic Buddhism. Buddhists in Asia view Jesus as an Avatar or a Bodhisattva but not God. Buddhists in the West view Jesus as an enlightened teacher.
Holy Spirit:
While Buddhist do believe in spirits, the Holy Spirit is not part of this belief. Some practice deity yoga and invite spirit possession. They are inviting their idol gods’ or false god’s spirits to possess them which are unclean spirits. How do you know they are unclean spirits —
1 John 2:22: “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.”
Salvation:
To them salvation is reaching nirvana, a state of eliminating all desires or cravings and thereby escape suffering. The Eightfold Path is a system to free Buddhists from desiring anything and eventually achieve non-existence. The only way to achieve non-existence in this world is to die.
Death:
Reincarnation means to them that people do not have their own individual souls or spirits, but one’s desires and feelings may be reincarnated into another person.
Other Beliefs:
Eightfold Path recommends right knowledge, intentions, speech, conduct, livelihood, right effort, mindfulness and meditation. Some Buddhist groups talk about an “eternal Buddha” (life-force). The belief systems of other religions are blended into their religion through their “Doctrine of Assimilation.” All Buddhists should follow these five precepts, they are: 1) kill no living thing (including insects). 2) Do not steal. 3) Do not commit adultery. 4) Tell no lies. 5) Do not drink intoxicants or take drugs. These apply only to monks and nuns: 6) Eat moderately and only at the appointed time. 7) Avoid that which excites the senses. 8) Do not wear adornments (including perfume). 9) Do not sleep in luxurious beds. 10) Accept no silver or gold. We are not told what happens if you do the above things.
There are two other sects of Buddhism. They are Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism and Zen Buddhism. Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism is a Japanese mystical sect. It was introduced in the United States in 1960 and by 1973, it had grown three-hundred-fold. Japanese growth was even faster starting in 1951 at three thousand to more than seven million in 1971. Responsibility for this growth was due to the efforts of Nichiren who went about teaching that all other religions were false religions. The “gohonzon” is Nichiren’s central belief. It is a black wooden box that contains the names of important people in the Lotus Sutra and used as a private altar. The gohonzon supposedly contains universal forces that control the devotee’s life. They believe that there is a direct connection between events in a person’s life and the treatment of the gohonzon. The worship is called “gongyo.” The worship consists of kneeling before the gohonzon, the recitation of passages from the Lotus Sutra, then rubbing the rosary-type beads while chanting Daimoku – which are certain words. The chief object of worship is a shrine known as the Dai-gohonzon that is located at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan. Individual gohonzons are representations of the gohonzon. This is another form of praying for possession by one or more of the gods.
On the other hand, Zen Buddhism is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism that has become widely known in the West. Zen developed about a thousand years after the death of the Buddha but emphasizes meditation which is supposed to have led to the Buddha’s enlightenment. Zen teaches a statement attributed to the Buddha, which was: “Look within, you are the Buddha.” Satori is a central theme of Zen which is the method of sitting in Zen meditation, which is done daily at a certain time of the day with periods of intense meditation lasting one week. Sudden illumination or enlightenment is known as Satori. This experience to them is beyond analyzation and communication that brings them into a state of maturity. Even though this state of Satori comes abruptly and momentarily, it can be repeated, according to the devotees. One reason Zen may be attractive to some people is because they are not responsible for being required to evaluate their own thoughts or anything in the world. In this way, the ability to think logically or critically is lost. Zen mocks critical analysis while the Holy Bible commands Christians to test all things (1 Thess. 5:21-22 Amp.).
In conclusion, there are so many opposing points of view between Christianity and Buddhism that it is impossible to reconcile the two faiths. For instance: Buddhism has a monistic world-view in that they deny a Lord or personal creator and the existence of a personal God. In India, the birthplace of Buddhism, had so many Hindu gods that it was impossible to number them. Their gods took the form of men in many cases but Buddhism was created with concepts about life and how life should be lived. Buddhism really doesn’t have a Hindu god or Christian God or a savior in that sense. There are some who defy the Buddha but they worship other gods along with him.
The Scriptures make it clear that there is a personal God and it is He that is to be worshipped only! (Isaiah 43:10; Isaiah 44:6; Exodus 20:2-3; Matt. 4:10; and John 10:7-9). “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan, for it is written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” On one note, I must give them credit for their emphasis on missionary endeavors, they have been able to increase their membership in the millions over the span of 20 years.
In Buddhism, one cannot sin against a supreme being. In Christianity when one sins, it is ultimately against God even though sinful actions also affect man and his world. This is stated clearly in Psalm 51:4: “Against thee and thee only, have I sinned and done what is evil in thy sight.” In Buddhist belief, man is worthless, having only a temporary existence. The Bible tells us that man is of infinite worth and made in the image and likeness of God. As well as, man will live eternally. The body is a hindrance to the Buddhist, while in Christianity man uses his body to glorify God.
Another problem with Buddhism is the many different sects that they have, each with a variety of beliefs that result in contradictions in the fundamentals of the faith. As a result, Buddhism is really like Hinduism, a family of religions rather than a single religion. This should be expected when a man-made religion gleans and adds aspects of other religions with its own.
Notice all three listed religions have listed the: 1) Holy Spirit as having no part in their religions; (2) Meditation, chanting = (The words being prayed are for the person’s god(s) to possess his/her and control his/her life.) (3) Jesus as an avatar (an incarnation of Vishnu); in Hinduism and Transcendental Meditation — 4) Jesus’ death didn’t atone for sins, nor did he suffer.
With the above cited differences and others, it should be readily seen that harmony can never be achieved between Christianity and Buddhism.
In witnessing to a friend of one of these religions, you should become acquainted with the basic teachings of the type of Hinduism or Buddhism your friend follows.
1) Ask your friend questions about what his/her personal beliefs are, because they may vary from what is commonly taught by their religious group.
2) Don’t criticize your friend’s religion (or native culture) or engage in debates. You want to encourage their trust and respect through your focus on Christ and your personal kindness.
3) “Be prepared to give an answer” and explain “the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). Know what you believe and why, and be prepared to back it up with Scriptures.
4) Be mindful of sensitive cultural factors such as modest dress or a vegetarian diet that are important to your friend.
5) Be sure to share your testimony of trusting Christ for salvation. Where possible point your friend to testimonies of Hindus/Buddhists/TMs/New Agers who have become Christians.
6) Encourage your Hindu/Buddhist friend to read the Gospel of John and be prepared to go over it with him or her.
7) Last, but certainly not least, pray faithfully that God will draw your friend to Christ by the Holy Spirit.
I pray God will inspire you and embolden you to go forth and minister to people who are in these false religions that the Holy Spirit will use each of you to win many people to salvation and our Lord Jesus Christ. Give the Lord a praise offering for His teaching through this series!
Please send your tithes and offerings in support of Exousia Ministries, Inc. to the PayPal link below. May God exponentially multiply your cheerful and hilarious giving to our Ministry and ever take you deeper into the knowledge of Himself.
In conclusion, this is the third group that we learn refers to God as a Principle. Webster’s dictionary defines principle as: “a basic truth, law or assumption, moral or ethical standards or judgments as a whole.” What a way to describe the Creator of the Universe and all that is within!!
They believe that they must be reincarnated over and over again until they reach oneness with God. To achieve cosmic consciousness or oneness with God, plenty of occult (=secret or hidden) beliefs and practices are found. These practices include things like astrology, tarot cards, spiritism, consulting the dead, spirit mediumship, creative visualization, fortune telling, astral projection, rebirthing, yoga, etc., most of which is forbidden in the Bible. How can oneness with God be reached when they believe that everyone and everything is God including themselves. See how confusing man-made religion is?
Many of the beliefs listed for them, I have already answered. Let’s look at this belief of theirs: “Man is divine and can experience psychic phenomena such as contacting unearthly beings.” Webster’s Dictionary defines divine as: “to reveal or foretell through the art of divination.” Divination is defined as: “The art or act of foretelling future events or revealing occult knowledge by means of augury or alleged supernatural agency.” Occult is defined as: “relating to or dealing with supernatural influences or phenomena.” There are only two sources of knowledge, God’s and Satan’s. Anyone and/or cult that deals with the above practices isn’t worshiping God but Satan. And, they certainly are not divine.
From the practices listed above, as we study Eastern religions, you will see that they have chosen to embrace Hinduism, Eastern mysticism and paganism. Next week, when we cover Eastern religions, you will learn that Hinduism is reported as its foundation.
The New Age Movement has the belief of a coming spiritual and political utopia—the Age of Aquarius. Instead of the Gentile Age ending, they have the old Christian Age ending and a New Age beginning—an age of peace and harmony. They even speak of uniting planets —a vision for a unified global community. Politically this includes globalism, global socialism and “One-World Government.” Pay attention and listen for those words “One World Government,” you will hear it said almost everyday. This is a sure sign that we are in the last days.
The New Age Movement focuses on the mystical, subjective and the personal (on spiritual experiences and subjective religious encounters) rather than on the logical creeds, and doctrinal teaching and beliefs.
If you have a New Ager friend encourage her/him to read what the Bible says about Jesus and clarify the meanings of scriptural terms (such as “Christ”) that New Age writers commonly redefine.
The Bible again warns us in Hebrews 13:9 Amp.: “Do not be carried away by diverse and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be established and strengthened by grace and not by foods [rules of diet and ritualistic meals], which bring no benefit or spiritual growth to those who observe them.”
All of the aforementioned cults or religions require each member to do something or some works in order to attain salvation and/or oneness with God. The Bible clearly tells us in Gal. 2:16: “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” The works of the law spoken of in this verse as it relates to other cults or religions, means the requirements of those cults or religions will not justify their members.
Moreover, these cults and religions have all failed to recognize Jesus as a member of the Trinity and God the Son, have negated any chance for salvation because in Acts 4:12 Amp.: “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation]”
I would like to close this message with a quote from one of my favorite apologists, Dr. Ravi Zacharias taken from his 2012 book, Why Jesus?
“Everything that the New Spiritualist say they are seeking is actually found in Jesus. No, not the Jesus of popular television marketing. Not the Jesus of the New Ager’s imagination. And not the Jesus of all talk and no walk, who is heard but never seen. The Jesus I am talking about is the Ultimate Reality who became flesh to bring us grace and truth that we might become the children of God.”
“Our destiny is in a relationship to a person, not in a pilgrimage to a place. Our purpose is in communion with the living God, not in union with an impersonal idea or nameless Higher Power …”
“In promising sublimity and divinity to each of us, its proponents have actually made us less than we were meant to be. God alone knows how to humble us without humiliating us and how to exalt us without flattering us. And how he affects this is the grand truth of the Christian message.”
Next week, we will examine the beliefs of Hinduism, Transcendental Meditation, and Buddhism.
Praise the Lord! Saints, let’s give the Lord a praise offering for His teaching on the Beliefs of Christian Science, Unity School of Christianity, Scientology and New Age.
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