How is Christianity different from other religions?
It’s been said that “all religions basically teach the same thing. They all blend beautifully together. It’s not that one’s true, one’s not. They’re all true.” Although that may make us feel nice, it really isn’t true. Religions of the world do not blend beautifully together. Rather, they contradict one another immensely. Let’s take a look at three topics and look at various religious viewpoints on them. You will begin to see how Christianity is different from other religions—and how all religions differ in important doctrine, for that matter.
Different Viewpoints of Religions
Existence of a Personal God
When it comes to the existence of a personal God, Buddhists deny it altogether. While Hindus believe that God is formless and abstract, taking the form of a trinity as well as millions of lesser gods.
In contrast, Christians follow the Bible’s teaching that God is a personal deity. He created man in His own image (see Genesis 1:26), He loves us (see 1 John 4:10), and He wants a relationship with us (see John 14:23).
The Path to Salvation
Buddhists believe that salvation comes through self effort alone because there is no personal God to help and guide you. Hindus believe that one can achieve salvation through devotion, works, and self control. And Muslims insist that one earns it, and pays for their own sins. Muslims also believe you can never be certain if you have achieved salvation or not.
Again, we see that Christianity is different from other religions. Christianity follows the Bible, which teaches that Jesus died for the sins of humanity and rose again. He is the pathway to salvation (see John 3:16). And salvation is a free gift from God; you cannot obtain salvation through works, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9 NKJV). Christians have the assurance of Heaven; the Bible promises believers that they will be in Heaven when they die.
Beliefs About Jesus Christ
Buddhism follows the idea that Jesus Christ was a good teacher, but less important than Buddha (who Buddhists believe is a teacher, not a savior). Hinduism teaches that Jesus was just one of many incarnations, or sons of God. It also teaches that He was not the one and only Son of God. Hindus believe that Jesus was no more divine than any other man and that He didn’t die for the sins of the world. Muslims will say He was only a man, but a prophet equal to Adam, Noah, or Abraham—all of whom are below Muhammad in importance. And the Quran teaches that Jesus didn’t die for the sins of humanity. In fact, they teach that Judas Iscariot died on a cross and Jesus lived a long life. They also reject the pre-existence of Jesus, His death, and His resurrection.
Christianity teaches that Jesus was God in flesh (see 1 Timothy 3:16) and the one and only Son of God (see John 3:16). He is part of the Trinity, which is made up of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (see Matthew 28:19). The Bible reveals that Jesus is the Savior who died for our sins and was resurrected (see Romans 4:25). Through His sacrifice, salvation is offered to all who put their faith in Him (see John 3:16). A Christian’s goal is to develop a close, life-changing relationship with Jesus.
You see, to say that all religions teach the same thing just isn’t true. Christianity is different from other religions.
Overview of Christianity
One of the most unique differences between Christianity and other religions is perspective on salvation. Where others say “Do!”—do this and maybe you’ll get to Heaven—Christianity says “Done!” When Jesus Christ hung on the cross, He said, “It is finished” (see John 19:30).
It’s completed. We don’t have to do a bunch of things to earn God’s approval. Jesus did all the heavy lifting at the cross and resurrection. Our part is only to turn from our sin and receive this free gift of salvation.
In sum, you were designed to have a relationship with God, but sin separates all humanity from Him (see Romans 3:23, 5:12, 6:23). But the Good News is this: “‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life’” (John 3:16 NKJV). Jesus is the way to salvation. The Bible says there is salvation in no one else (see Acts 4:12). If you will turn from your sin and follow Him, you can be forgiven and know that you will go to Heaven when you die.
