The history, the record, the evidence

How is Christianity different than other religions? It is vastly different on many levels. How? Most world religions essentially rely on the testimony of one single individual having claimed to have some kind of revelation from God. Islam and Mormonism, for example, both have the testimony of one man claiming to have had a talk with an angel. The followers basically have to believe the word of one man. Other religions, such as Hinduism, rely on subjective mystical feelings derived from mystical practices developed in obscurity... but Christianity relies on the testimony hundreds of witnesses to the events surrounding the Person of Jesus Christ. Most importantly, the resurrection, the pivotal event in human history. It relies on real history, and real events witnessed by significant number of people - 100s. People willing to die if they had to for believing it - and many did. And the 66 books of the Bible from different authors from different eras all tell the same unfolding, consistent, overarching story.

Likewise, the gospel message itself sharply distinguishes the Christian message from that of other religions. The "gospel" refers to news heralded about a great historical event, such as the ascension of a new sovereign ... news that changed and made a difference in the listeners’ condition. So, unlike other belief systems which, without exception, require some kind of moralistic human attainment or resume of good works to reach God, the gospel, rather, is news of what God has done to reach us: Divine accomplishment. It is not moral advice about what we must do to please and reach God but what God has done to love and reach us - the news of redemption - how God has set captives and prisoners free. An unconditional divine rescue vs a list of requirements or conditions we must meet before God will have us. God indeed has conditions but, knowing our weakness, in love, Jesus met the conditions for us.

Fri, 05/15/2015 - 13:46 -- john_hendryx

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