An overview of common world religions, as well as animism, secular humanism and communism. Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Roman Catholicism, Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormonism are mentioned
Asli amil baba in Karachi Pakistan and best astrologer Black magic specialist
World Religions, including Secular humanism, Communism, and Animism
1. World Religions and Missions
Robert D. Patton
Missionary to Suriname,
South America
2. To effectively present the
gospel…
We must understand the beliefs of
the individual – His world view
This world view is the filter
through which he interprets all of
life, and especially religious
meanings
3. A number of world views
Monotheism – only one God
Christianity
Judaism
Islam
Polytheism – many gods
Hinduism
Older religions – Romans, Greeks, etc.
4. World views
Monism or pantheism
Buddhism
Hinduism
Animism or folk religion
Probably 40% of all people in the
world believe in folk religion though
they may list their belief as Christian,
Hindu, Islam, etc.
6. Toward a Biblical Worldview
Worldview = the assumptions we
hold as to the basic makeup of the
universe
Some believe that demons never
do anything to a “good Christian”
so it is better to ignore them.
This is not from the Bible - we
must resist, stand against, etc.
7. ―Western‖ world-view
Although some are atheists and deny any
supernatural, the majority have this worldview:
The supernatural - God, angels &
demons, - Religion and mysticism
separated from
The natural - science –
Faulty conclusion: No contact above. Therefore the
supernatural can be basically ignored.
This is a faulty worldview
8. Modernism is built on
Rationalism
Empiricism
Market-driven economy
Science & technology
9. Modernism came from the
―enlightenment‖
The enlightenment separated
Science and materialism - public truth
Religion and faith - private faith &
personal choice
There was no place for spirits, etc
– superstition
10. Results of modernism
There was colonialism which assumed
the superiority of Western culture, and
also cultural evolution advancing from
primitive to polytheistic to monotheistic
to science
Assumed - magic was the thought of
pre-logical thinking that will die out
with science. No need to study it
11. Missions leaders worked with
the same assumptions
They debated the religious leaders
of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, etc
comparing it to Christianity
Missionaries also assumed and
taught the split world view
Science answers questions on earth
.Religion answers those of heaven
12. Missions leaders worked with
the same assumptions
The middle region was ignored
Converts were reluctant to discuss them
with missionaries
The old ways were continued in secret
Thus there was a great deal of
syncretism – combining outward
Christianity with an underlying
animistic world view
13. We realize that we must
rethink our attitudes
We must not assume that Western ways
are necessarily Christian
New beliefs must replace the old ones -
but we must be careful that it is not the
foreignness that keeps people from
getting saved
We must neither reject old ways
automatically, or accept them
uncritically when there is sin & leads to
cultural relativism
14. Critical contextualization:
Study the local culture
phenomenologically.
Understand clearly the old ways
We must also study our own culture.
Our own world-view is difficult for us
to comprehend. Like others sin, we
see their problems more clearly than
our own
15. We must study…
What the scripture says.
Note - the church’s purpose is
missions - to call others to Christ
We must be theologians & cross-
cultural evangelists
Reality testing - what really is.
We must avoid ethnocentric judgment
16. We must study…
Critical evaluation in terms of
culture and the Bible
.Some may need to be rejected, or
given a Christian meaning
Our goal must be transformation of
lives to what Christ wants
Remember God loves variety – and
made the world so…
17. Remember…
Worldviews are implicit assumptions of
reality - rarely examined or questioned
Satan also uses social structures to
inhibit persons from salvation –
structure of society, persecution, etc
Bush-Negro family structure is very anti-
Biblical in its matriarchal structure
Their folk religion is strongly opposed to
Biblical Christianity
18. Dimensions of religion
Beliefs: For most people, this is
reality - we need to know these
clearly
Feelings - powerful, pervasive
walls protecting beliefs. They are
important too
Values - these are basic
Dimensions of religion: All the
above are important
19. There is often a scale of
transcendence
Things on this earth
Seen
Unseen - spirits, gods, restricted to earth
Other worlds unseen: There may be a
high god - often all-powerful but
distant and not interested. Rarely
placated or offerings made to him (like
deism)
20. Often there is a pantheon of lesser
gods without eternal existence
There may be multiple other lesser
beings as well - like angels and
demons. They may come to earth,
go back into “heaven”
Often felt to have other beings on
earth, and limited to certain areas.
They may ask pardon of trees they
chop down, or animals they kill
21. Half-Gods, etc
Some emperors were considered divine
Some were supposed to be the marriage
of a god and a human
Some are human with some relationship
to spirits or live spiritual lives
Some believe that people have spirits
or souls apart from the bodies; others
that they have multiple souls
22. Ancestor ―worship‖
Ancestors are believed to have a part in
the society, and must be treated as such
- food, telling them when you leave, etc.
They can bless or curse the entire family
Witches - usually those with antisocial
behavior may be accused - sending their
spirits on trips
There may be belief in subhumans
(trolls,etc)
23. Other world views…
Many believe that animals and
plants have spirits that interact in
the world. Nature is seen as alive
.Mana - the power in everything
that can be given, removed,
strengthened, etc
24. Other world views…
Life-force surrounding things - this
is more local
.You can attack the individual with
curses
There is a reason for everything -
spiritual or influence of other
25. Other world views…
Mechanical other-worldly forces
Fate or fortune -
numbers, horoscopes, etc
Cosmic moral order - with results
depending on your good deeds or
evil deeds - karma
31. Hinduism
Books – Upanishads, Puranas,
Bhagavad Gita, and many other
scriptures
Diverse belief system – no single
creed and no final truth
Pagan background with forces of
nature personified as gods and
goddesses- give offerings
32. Hinduism divided into
Popular Hinduism – worship of
gods through offerings, rituals and
prayers
Philosophic Hinduism – these few
understand ancient texts, meditate
and practice yoga
33. Hinduism – Non-reality
The physical material world is an
illusion – called Maya
Personality & thinking and feeling
cause suffering
Karma holds you bound
Comment – no wonder science
never developed!
34. Hindu Monism – Reality
Brahman-Atman
Impersonal spiritual cosmos
Absorption into the One
Loss of personal identity
Peace, fulfillment, bliss
The goal is to transcend maya to
reality
35. Thus…
God and the cosmos are one
We are God
In saving the world, we are saving
ourselves, so to speak
The state of enlightenment is
called, moksa, samadhi, kayvala
In Buddhism – Nirvana
Zen – satori
36. In the west, different names
for the same thing
Cosmic consciousness
Unified field of Creative consciousness
Absolute Bliss
One with Self
37. Yoga – yoke with God
Astanga yoga – 8 steps to God
Hatha yoga – first 5 steps –
isometrics and breathing exercises
to make you unaware of the
physical world
Raja yoga – last 3 steps
39. Raja yoga
1. Concentration – on a mantra,
often a name for a Hindu god
2. Dhyana – continuous meditation
on the mantra
3. Samhadi – Absorption into the
universe – like a drop of water in
the ocean
40. What is God?
Tozer stated that no people rise
greater than their religion
Here there is no difference
between a person and dirt, or
animals. Then what is God?
Humans become the same level as
nature, and impersonal as well
41. Loss of personality
No love or compassion, because
these are personal. Thus no
hospitals, etc.
The monk is really a parasite who
does nothing, and lives off begging
There is no basis for morality
There is no basis for human will
and freedom of choice = Karma,
which is fatalism…
43. Reincarnation
Part of karma – you can come back as
a lower form
Therefore you do not kill cows or rats
All who believe in reincarnation deny
a personal intelligent creator
44. Christianity vs. Hinduism
Christians believe in a personal creator
Christians believe in the atonement of
Jesus Christ, freeing us from sin
Christians believe in the resurrection of
Jesus Christ, and the resurrection of the
body – as a real person
45. Hinduism
In India, there are distinct castes which
you may not come out of. A high caste
Brahman will not associate with a Dalit,
or untouchable, and in fact may wash
the road behind one. One who had a
Dalit eat a meal was totally ostracized
by the entire community.
Christianity appeals especially to the
Dalits
46. Worldview – India & USA
American worldview
Empiricism – the world is
real, and can meet our
needs and give us
position, worth
Real world is absolute,
true categories. Those
who cannot distinguish
dreams and reality are
mentally ill
Indian worldview
Maya – the world is
subjective, not objective.
Real meaning is within
Meaning is relative.
Morals are relative.
Dreams are a part of
reality of the person
47. Worldview – India & USA
American worldview
Naturalism – the real world
is natural and can be
investigated by the senses.
Spiritual experiences are
subjective and personal –
This is the world of science
Linear time: We live & die.
Religious prepare for
heaven; secular enjoy life
today
Indian worldview
No sharp distinction
between natural and
supernatural. All are
blurred together
Cyclical time – The
universe repeats itself
countless times. People
are reborn many times
48. Worldview – India & USA
American worldview
Order and immutability –
the universe is orderly
with set rules
Knowledge: the human
mind can understand and
control the universe
around. Often judged by
knowledge rather than
life
Indian worldview
Unpredictability – a
beggar can be a king; a
lion can be a god.
Wisdom – intuitive true
understanding of reality.
Wisdom comes with
sudden insight radically
changing the person, so
that he has peace and
can be released from
cyclical rebirths
49. Worldview – India & USA
American worldview
Particularized and
categorized world. They
can be ordered and
placed in order
Basic equality of things in
a same category
Indian worldview
Unity of all things with
gods, saints, people, etc.
OK to worship saints as
they are higher on the
scale than humans
Hierarchy: all persons
and things are ranked –
and this is good (caste,
etc) Spiritual insight
best, then metaphysical
wisdom, then offerings,
then wealth
50. Worldview – India & USA
American worldview
Individualism. Freedom
of choice rather than
restriction. Free
enterprise and capitalism
rather than communism
or socialism. Democracy
& choose your own
leaders
Indian worldview
Specialization and inter-
dependency. Each
person has his own role
in society. Diversity and
cooperation
51. Hinduism & avatars
These are godlike personalities who
come to help mankind to escape from
karma and the wheel of life and
eventually find release, samsara…
One of the most popular is Krisna
54. Hinduism in Suriname
We see the multiple temples, and the
multiple gods which they worship
They are actually worshipping demons
They will sometimes devote their
children to demons to gain power,
money, etc
The demons will drink milk, etc from
their Hindu Pandits…
55. What does the average Hindu
understand?
I once went to a Hindu wedding.
The two individuals heard the
Pandit saying things in what I
assume may have been a sacred
language, and occasionally
throwing objects into a fire. The
others were sitting talking to each
other, oblivious of the ceremony.
56. Many Hindus have idols at
home
We have seen “god-houses” in
front of some Hindu homes. They
apparently have idols which they
worship with flowers, food, etc.
They often have a number of flags
(often red) on bamboo poles
planted there by the Pandits
57. Hinduism in practice
I have seen a snake and Kali
painted on the entrance gate of a
home. Sometimes idols will be on
the wall – such as frogs
I have seen idols of the monkey
god Hanuman on the top of Hindu
temples
62. Transcendental Meditation
This is basically a form of Hinduism
adapted to US or western culture
Initially you must bring 6 flowers,
3 fruit and a white handkerchief
You come in a darkened room with
incense and candles
Before a picture of Guru Dev, a
priest will give a Puja – a Hindu
Sanskrit song
63. Transcendental Meditation
You are given a mantra, which is
the name of a Hindu god. When
you meditate, you try to come one
with him.
Doing so, you are really opening
yourself to demons
64. Initiation puja includes
Whosoever remembers the lotus-eyed Lord
gains inner and outer purity. To Lord
Naryan, to Lotus-born Brahman the creator,
to Vaishistha, to Shakti, to Shankaracharya
the emancipator, hailed as Krishna, to the
Lord I bow down and down again. At
whose door the whole galaxy of gods pray
for perfection day and night.[46]
65. It is expensive
n 2009, fees in the US were reduced for a
one-hour-a-day, four-day course to $1,500
for the general public and $750 for college
students.[62][63] Fees in the UK were also
reduced, and a tiered fee structure
introduced, ranging from £290 to £590 for
adults, and £190 to £290 for students,
depending on income.[64]
66. Save money
Around 1995, Dr. Deepak Chopra created
the primordial sound meditation, that
is very similar to Maharishi's TM.
Unfortunately Maharishi's and
Chopra's techniques are very
expensive ($2500.00 and $325.00).
68. Save money…
By the way, the original TM, that was
taught by Maharishi in 1958, was also
based on a single mantra (around 1968
the TM organization started to prescribe
different "mantras").
69. Transcendental Meditation
I Tim. 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh
expressly, that in the latter times
some shall depart from the faith,
giving heed to seducing spirits, and
doctrines of devils.
70. Transcendental Meditation is
demonic worship
I Cor. 10:19-20 What say I then?
That the idol is any thing, or that
which is offered in sacrifice to idols is
any thing? But I say that the things
which the Gentiles sacrifice, they
sacrifice to devils (demons) and not
to God: and I would not that ye
should have fellowship with devils…
71. TM is dangerous
Any time you allow your mind to go
blank, you can open yourself to
demonic deception. Meditating on the
name of a false god (demon) is even
more dangerous!
72. Hinduism in practice
There is a great deal of the
demonic in Hinduism
It is no wonder that there is great
opposition to true Christianity
79. Popular Hinduism
The temple is the place the gods stay
- not primarily worship. The priests
carry the offerings of the people
They often worship one of the 10
incarnations of Vishnu – especially
Krishna or Rama
83. Popular Hinduism
Women’s situation is a little better
now that suttee and the selling of
young girls as temple prostitutes is
basically gone.
William Carey worked against suttee
Amy Carmichael rescued many girls
from being temple prostitutes
91. Folk Hinduism makes even
human offerings
Children were thrown into the Ganges
River as an offering
Other locations, babies were killed
previously in Suriname
Sometimes children have been
dedicated to the gods
92. Many Hindus have been
oppressed by evil spirits
Being freed from demonic oppression is
one of the ways that many are coming
to Christ
93. There is persecution of
Christians
There are radical fundamentalist
movements in Hinduism to totally
eradicate Christianity and Christians
Recently a burial was interrupted and
the body thrown into a tractor – they
said that the body would contaminate
Hindu soil
94. Persecution
Persecution is especially heavy now in
Orissa state, but also in other areas
A number of pastors have been killed
A missionary doctor and two sons were
burned to death while sleeping in their
car – the doctor worked with lepers
95. Gandhi against conversions
Mohandes Gandhi stated that
conversion to Christianity is changing
their nationality.
The accusation is ―forced conversions‖
by which they mean anyone that finds a
benefit to convert (especially seen with
the untouchables)
98. Christian response to
Hinduism
God – if God is God, and impersonal,
then impersonal is greater than the
personal – but we always give more
attention to the personal
God of the Bible is personal – He thinks,
does, has emotions, etc. No idol can
represent God, and Christians are
forbidden to worship idols
99. Christian response to
Hinduism
The material world is real. God is
present in creation but apart from it.
Don’t confuse God and his creation
(Romans 1 – worship the creature
instead of the creator)
Time is not cyclical – God created the
world at a specific time and will
consumate it also
100. Christian response to
Hinduism
The incarnation of Jesus Christ occurred
within historical time, as well as His
crucifixion and resurrection
101. Christian response to
Hinduism
People are created in God’s image
The human body will be resurrected
physically and has eternal worth
There is no rebirth – Heb. 9: [27] And
as it is appointed unto men once to die,
but after this the judgment:
102. Christian response to
Hinduism
All men are resurrected: Jn. 5: [28]
Marvel not at this: for the hour is
coming, in the which all that are in the
graves shall hear his voice,[29] And
shall come forth; they that have done
good, unto the resurrection of life; and
they that have done evil, unto the
resurrection of damnation.
103. Christian response to
Hinduism
Sin is not ignorance of the union with
Brahman, but is rebellion against a holy
personal God.
Romans 3:23 All have sinned and come
short of the glory of God.
104. Christian response to
Hinduism
Salvation for the Hindu:
Yoga & meditation under a guru
Good works (karma marga)
The way of knowledge (jnana marga)
The way of love and devotion (bhakti
marga)
105. Christian response to
Hinduism
Salvation is through a personal relationship
by faith with Jesus Christ throughout
eternity. Salvation is NOT by good works.
Religious deeds cannot save: Eph 2: [8]
For by grace are ye saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of
God:[9] Not of works, lest any man should
boast.
106. Witnessing to Hindus
Short personal testimony of faith in Jesus
Christ
Pray for the Holy Spirit to work
Share that Jesus Christ is God’s revelation
of Himself to mankind
Follow Jesus – no other deities
Emphasize salvation by faith without works
107. Hare Krishna – Krishna
Consciousness: A Hindu Sect
They believe that anyone can chant the
magic words and block the power of
Kali, the God of destruction
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna
Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
111. History of Buddhism
In contrast to Hinduism, there is a
founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha
Gautama, known as the Buddha
Although precise dates are not clear,
and the history is mixed with much
tradition, there is a basic history which
can be used
112. Buddhism
Sidhartha Gautama, 564-483 B.C.)
was a wealthy Hindu saw the
suffering of the world, left his wife
and son, and became an ascetic.
After 6 years, he became enlightened
and was “the enlightened one”
Gautama was born into a wealthy
family. His mother died after his
birth
113. Traditions of Gautama
His mother’s conception was considered
miraculous – saw a 6 tusk elephant
come into her side
Many miracles are traditionally
attributed to Gautama, though they are
probably not historical
115. Sidhartha Gautama
His father wanted him to be a great
king, but hid suffering from him
When he finally started seeing his
people at age 29, he met old age,
suffering and death
He tried asceticism, and nearly died –
almost drown washing himself
116. Buddha – the ascetic and then
the enlightened one
117. Siddhartha Gautama
During his wanderings, he was recognized,
and offered a kingdom. Others wanted him
to become a general
He found that neither wealth or asceticism
was proper, but sought out a middle way
He had many followers. One tried to
assassinate him 3 times
119. Buddhism
613,000,000 worldwide
1,000,000 in USA
Buddhists are trying to convert those in
the USA
It is a major force in the New Age
Movement
121. Buddhism: Four noble
truths:
1. Life is suffering (dukkha)
2. Suffering is caused by desire
(samudaja)
3. The cessation of desire causes the
cessation of suffering (nirodha)
4. The cessation of desire comes
from the “middle way” between
sensuality and asceticism
122. Buddhism – the 8 fold path
to achieve the middle way…
Right view – understanding the 4
noble truths
Right resolve – determining to follow
them
Right speech – action to avoid desire
Right action – action to avoid desire
123. Buddhism: the 8 fold path
to achieve the middle way
Right livelihood
Right effort – emptying the mind
Right concentration – mind & body
control
Right ecstacy – cessation of all
sense experiences and obtaining
universal knowledge
124. Buddhism
Become free from Karma – the law
of good and bad deeds which is an
impersonal law of monal causation
Obtain Nirvana – like blowing out a
candle – nothing…
125. Buddhism
Nothing in life is permanent
(annica)
Individual souls do not really exist
(anatta)
129. Buddhism
Theravada – “salvation” limited to
monks alone – Thailand, Burma, Sri
Lanka, Laos, Cambodia 38%
Mahayana – “salvation” open to all true
seekers –
Nepal, China, Tibet, Japan, Vietnam, Kor
ea – and the west 56%
Tantrismor Lamism, 6%
Tibet, Nepal, Mongolia
139. Hinduism vs. Buddhism
Wheel of life
Karma
Maya (illusion)
Atman (individual
soul)
Rebirth by
reincarnation
Wheel of life
Karma
Maya
No atman
Rebirth without
reincarnation
140. Hinduism vs. Buddhism
Moksha (realization)
Pantheistic
Caste system
Asceticism
Nirvana (oblivion)
Atheistic-
pantheistic
Caste system
The middle way
141. Buddhism
Sidhartha Gautama wanted to reform
Hinduism which had thousands of
gods. He was an atheist in fact.
But now Buddhism has many idols.
The golden pagoda has 3500 idols of
Buddha
144. Buddhism
Each man is an island to himself. To
help him is to interfere with his karma
Christianity gives the true worth of a
soul made in the image of God, and
worth saving…
Religion is man reaching toward God,
but Christianity is God reaching down
to man
145. Buddhism vs. Christianity
God shows that this will happen in
Romans 1:18 ff. Man who rejects God
will make idols
God shows the foolishness of idolatry
in Jeremiah 10:3-15
147. Romans 1
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from
heaven against all ungodliness and
unrighteousness of men, who hold the
truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of
God is manifest in them; for God hath
shewed [it] unto them.
148. Romans 1
20 For the invisible things of him from the
creation of the world are clearly seen, being
understood by the things that are made,
[even] his eternal power and Godhead; so
that they are without excuse:21 Because
that, when they knew God, they glorified
[him] not as God, neither were thankful; but
became vain in their imaginations, and their
foolish heart was darkened.
149. Romans 1
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they
became fools,23 And changed the glory of
the uncorruptible God into an image made
like to corruptible man, and to birds, and
fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.24
Wherefore God also gave them up to
uncleanness through the lusts of their own
hearts, to dishonour their own bodies
between themselves:
150. Romans 1
. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile
affections: for even their women did change
the atural use into that which is against
nature:27 And likewise also the men, leaving
the natural use of the woman, burned in their
lust one toward another; men with men
working that which is unseemly, and receiving
in themselves that recompence of their error
which was meet.
151. Romans 1
28 And even as they did not like to retain
God in [their] knowledge, God gave them
over to a reprobate mind, to do those things
which are not convenient;29 Being filled with
all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness,
covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy,
murder, debate, deceit, malignity;
whisperers,
152. Romans 1
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud,
boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient
to parents,31 Without understanding,
covenantbreakers, without natural affection,
implacable, unmerciful:32 Who knowing the
judgment of God, that they which commit such
things are worthy of death, not only do the
same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
153. Jeremiah 10:3-15
3 For the customs of the people [are] vain: for
[one] cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work
of the hands of the workman, with the axe.4
They deck it with silver and with gold; they
fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it
move not.5 They [are] upright as the palm
tree, but speak not: they must needs be
borne, because they cannot go.
154. Jeremiah 10:3-15
5b Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do
evil, neither also [is it] in them to do good.
6 Forasmuch as [there is] none like unto thee,
O LORD; thou [art] great, and thy name [is]
great in might.7 Who would not fear thee, O
King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain:
forasmuch as among all the wise [men] of the
nations, and in all their kingdoms, [there is]
none like unto thee.
155. Jeremiah 10:3-15
8 But they are altogether brutish and foolish:
the stock [is] a doctrine of vanities.9 Silver
spread into plates is brought from Tarshish,
and gold from Uphaz, the work of the
workman, and of the hands of the founder:
blue and purple [is] their clothing: they [are]
all the work of cunning [men].
156. Jeremiah 10:3-15
10 But the LORD [is] the true God, he [is] the
living God, and an everlasting king: at his
wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations
shall not be able to abide his indignation.11
Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that
have not made the heavens and the earth,
[even] they shall perish from the earth, and
from under these heavens.
157. Jeremiah 10:3-15
12 He hath made the earth by his power, he
hath established the world by his wisdom, and
hath stretched out the heavens by his
discretion.13 When he uttereth his voice,
[there is] a multitude of waters in the
heavens, and he causeth the vapours to
ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh
lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the
wind out of his treasures.
158. Jeremiah 10:3-15
14 Every man is brutish in [his] knowledge:
every founder is confounded by the graven
image: for his molten image [is] falsehood,
and [there is] no breath in them.15 They [are]
vanity, [and] the work of errors: in the time of
their visitation they shall perish.
161. Practical Buddhism in
Cambodia
Cambodians are definitely weaker in their
adherence to Buddhism than their Asian
neighbors.
Thailand is firmly fixed on Buddhism’s path as
well as animism. Cambodians are also very
Buddhist.
At present, Cambodians are more open to the
gospel than other Buddhist nations in the area.
Several generations of war and conflict and the
resulting poverty have brought greater openness
to the gospel. Many are willing to listen to the
gospel.
164. Practical Buddhism in
Cambodia
Though persecution is alive and well for those
that believe, it is less severe than in some
Buddhist countries, especially those
influenced by Communism (China, Laos, and
Vietnam) or military dictatorships
(Myanmar/Burma).
Thailand has open religious freedom, but
Thais are more hardened against the
gospel—even with centuries of Christian
mission influence.
165. Practical Buddhism
Most Buddhists here do not believe anything like
what the books say they do! One might get the
impression that Buddhists here are deeply
committed to Buddhism from the many Buddhist
temples dotting the countryside and seemingly
on every block in the cities. Monks are
everywhere. It is true that belief in
reincarnation, karma, and nirvana are firmly held.
But where does their true devotion lie? How is
most of their religious energy spent? What types
of beliefs influence every day living?
168. Karma…
Certainly the belief in karma is a strong
motivator to follow the Buddhist path. Karma
teaches that one’s circumstances in this life
are the direct result of good and bad deeds
committed in one’s previous life. Of course,
no one wants to return in their next life as an
animal, slave, poor person, etc. when they
could return as a prince or wealthy merchant.
169. Nirvana – basically
unobtainable
Almost no one considers the possibility of ever
achieving nirvana, that state of non-existence so
coveted by truly committed Buddhists. Nirvana is a
state that no Buddhist seems to understand or be
able to describe. Life is to be understood simply as
endless suffering. To end this endless cycle of
suffering, one must follow the Four Noble Truths and
the Eight-Fold Path of Buddhism. If one is
successful, he will cease to exist and become one
with the universe. Most people desire merely to
return in the next life to better circumstances.
170. Folk religion in Buddhism
I believe that most religions have folk religion
as well. We have seen this in the Muslims and
Hindus in Suriname.
The next section will show this vividly in terms
of Cambodia
171. Practical Buddhism
It is widely believed that our spirits will go to
hell after death and suffer torment. Once a
certain amount of the sin debt is paid, the
person will then be reincarnated. Some
believe that good people will go to heaven for
a while before returning to the earth in
another form. Forms of reincarnation might
include animals, ghosts, gods, and humans.
Human life is most coveted, for only a human
can achieve non-existence (nirvana).
173. Ancestor Worship in Buddhism
Ancestor worship, which is not central to Buddhist
doctrine, has become a central part of Folk
Buddhism. Every year Pachum Bun is celebrated.
During this festival, Buddhists must go to the
temples and give money and rice to the monks in
exchange for blessings and prayers to help their
ancestors be released from hell. If money and rice is
given and prayers are offered, it is believed that the
spirits of the ancestors are set free until the end of
the festival, only to return once again to hell until
their debt is paid.
174. Ancestor worship in Buddhism
People are fearful that if they do not
worship their ancestors, these spirits
will one day curse their lives and cause
great suffering.
Parents also have power over their
children after their death before they
are reincarnated. The same is true for
grandparents, etc.
176. Ancestor worship in Buddhism
Parents are perceived as ―gods‖ and
actually referred to as such (in
teaching, anyway). The parent gave
the child life and sustained them and
raised them. Thus, they earned much
merit that must be acknowledged by
the children.
177. Inconsistency in belief
. Buddhism is not the focus of most
Cambodians. Even though all of the
festivals, including weddings and
funerals have Buddhist trappings, most
Cambodians believe much more
strongly in the spirit world. Belief in the
spirits should be contradictory to
Buddhist thought, but to the average
Buddhist, these two very different forms
of religion just work together in ways
not to be understood.
178. Inconsistency in belief
. As a matter of fact, even many
monks are heavily involved in
spiritism. What is most important
to ask of those that you are trying
to reach in a Buddhist country is
not “What does Buddhism teach?”
but rather “What do people really
believe?”
179. Syncretic religion except…
Buddhism accommodates all other
religions except, of course, true
Christianity.
Buddhists can add any god or spirit to
their belief system, as long as Buddhism
is not denounced.
It becomes very important, then, to press
upon them the exclusivity of Christ.
181. Tattoos
Throughout Cambodian history, the primary
reason for getting tattoos etched in the skin was
to bring the owner of the tattoo protection in
battle. For those with tattoos, bullets would miss
their mark; swords will not cut, etc.
All soldiers in Cambodia, no matter their station,
had these tattoos and many do today. Tattoos
are not merely pictures. Tattoos are filled with
spiritual significance, and, when received,
supposedly communicate spiritual power to the
owner.
182. Tattoos
Another popular reason for getting tattoos is
their ability to cause attraction and
admiration. They increase the likeability of
an individual, especially in reference to the
opposite gender.
For some seeking spiritual power or influence
over others, tattoos are attractive. They
cause others to respect or fear them. Others
just get tattoos because others have them. It
seems that all sorcerers are tattooed heavily
as well
184. Tattoos
The tatooist must be a spiritually powerful
individual. His work is extremely difficult to
accomplish and it is done is an entirely
spiritual manner. Those who come to him
worship the spirits upon entry. The
tattooist’s shrine is full of idols:
Buddhas, Vishnus, hermit
spirits, symbols, incense, bones, etc. There
are spiritual laws that govern the diet and
manner of practice that the man must
maintain.
185. Tattoos
For instance, they cannot put a curse on the
individual. They do not sacrifice animals.
Drums are played throughout the process.
Those who receive a tattoo receive spells and
instructions to maintain the power of the
tattoo. These tattooists are honored in their
practice but not in every day life as
authorities in other matters. However, monks
may do this also.
186. Tatoos
Tattoos are usually symbols, ancient
Pali writing (the language of the
Buddhist writings and that used by
monks in rituals), drawings of the
Buddha, Vishnu (a Hindu deity), a
mythological bird or snake, or
sometimes human beings.
188. Amulets & Charms
One object highly regarded for its influence is a
kind of belt charmed by a sorcerer or holy man.
Nearly all Cambodians wear these. The chief
reason for this item is protection—protection
from the spirits--from harm, sickness, poor
business, etc. These are worn about the waist
and are made from nylon. Attached to the nylon
are flattened metal pieces with Pali writing and
other symbols which are rolled up and then put
on the belt. Of course, all such items are paid
for.
189. Amulets & Charms
Elaborate rules are given for how to
maintain the power of the belt. For
example, when entering the rest room, the
belt must be taken off a certain way and
hung in a certain fashion. To forget to do
this would negate the power of the belt.
190. Amulets…
Amulets, or objects of spiritual significance,
hung from a necklace, are also revered.
These too are obtained for protection from
evil workings of the spirits. Some hang
Buddha figurines or Vishnu on these.
Buddha figurines are to influence the
wearer to do good works. Others put
animal horns, though these are considered
less powerful.
192. Amulets…
Some may have a bone from an
ancestor. In Thailand, amulets are
extremely popular and large amounts of
money spent of ancient or artistic
amulets or amulets blessed by well-
respected monks.
194. Amulets…
At least in Cambodia, the amulet known to have
the most power is a human baby fetus. The
method of obtaining this is varied. Some insist
that this is done through murdering a pregnant
woman. Others insist that the woman be asked
permission to have it taken from her by knife, not
telling the woman that it meant death for her
and the child.
195. This amulet contains the
powder of a chosen baby who
died (amulet enlarged greatly)
197. Amulets…
Yet others claim that it is done ―above board‖ by
the woman’s consent and that she does not die
in the process. It appears that if the woman
does not give consent than the fetus has no
power. It is then grilled and dried then hung
from the necklace. This amulet gives the power
to know whom and when a person plans to harm
you, even premonition of evil that will happen to
you.
198. Building rituals
Before a house can be built, a monk or sorcerer
must first come to the property and give counsel
as to the place to build the house—the exact
place. Why? Every house built has its own spirit.
Also, the land has a spirit. If the house were built
in the wrong spot, a spirit would be angry and
cause evil to the house owner. Somehow too, the
rituals are meant to trick the spirits into thinking
different ways.
200. Building rituals
The night before building begins a monk or
sorcerer must be invited to a party held in the
home to perform certain rites. While the poles are
being put in the next day, a tattooed cloth must be
placed in order to hang from the ceiling. ALL
Khmai homes have one (until Jesus came here!)
202. Spirit houses
Within the house is found either a Buddha statue or
the bones of the grandparents. Buddhism encourages
the bones to be brought to the Wat, so many have a
Buddha within instead.
The purpose of the house is to worship the spirit of
the ancestors. Buddhism teaches that ancestral spirits
need to be placated. There is an annual festival
devoted to this. The more money given to the temple
in honor of the ancestors and other deeds greatly
raise the chances that spirits will do good deeds
towards the doer.
203. Spirit houses
Four times each month, Khmais are to leave
a flower and fruit offering at the spirit house.
Every day prayers are offered to the spirits of
the ancestors and/or Buddha. These prayers
are accompanied by incense burning.
Buddhism no where teaches the worship of
Buddha’s image. As a matter of fact, the
Buddha does not exist because he achieved
nirvana!
204. Territorial spirits
Just as every house has a spirit, so does
every area. The village has a spirit, the
forest nearby has one, the river does, etc. It
is most important to be in favor with the spirit
of your area. If you travel outside the
territory of your spirit it is wise to offer
worship at its altar there or at least have an
amulet or belt for protection.
205. Territorial spirits
This spirit can be represented by idols such
as a stone, skull, amulet, animal figure, etc.
Every Buddhist pagoda/wat has an altar to
the territorial spirit. Altars are often found
underneath great trees or on small hills.
207. Holy men
The Monks are sought for in all Buddhist ceremonies
and generally hold the respect of the people. There
is an ever growing number of monks in the
monkhood for natural reasons—saving up money,
learning English or computer skills (especially in
Phnom Penh), showing respect for one’s parents,
earning merit for one’s parents, and others. Most of
these are ―short-term‖ monks. The older and more
seasoned men command great respect. These
monks are the ones most appealed to in matters
dealing with spirits. They can tattoo, bless charms,
cast out demons, give holy water, etc.
208. Sorcerers
Sorcerers are those whose main occupation is
knowing how to placate and manipulate, even
trick, the spirits. These are most often
appealed to for blessings and receiving of
powers in amulets, giving herbal medicines,
and directing those suffering how to placate
the offended spirits. Sometimes these are
involved in animal sacrifices. Sorcerers also
are involved in exorcisms. Many go to them
for cures even after given treatment or
prescriptions from a doctor!
209. Sorcerers
Monks who throw rice at possessed
individuals in a certain manner can perform
exorcisms. Sorcerers or monks may splash
individuals with holy water also. The
Sorcerer may just go to the house and
discover the reason why a spirit is angered
and give a remedy.
210. Sorcerers
Sorcerers are also paid to curse people. Those
angry or seeking revenge will appeal to them for
assistance. I am told that many Khmais do this
for revenge. These men are said to be able at
times to cause foreign object to appear in the
stomachs of the cursed. Other sorcerers who are
aiding the cursed then draw out the foreign
object which is usually a piece of buffalo skin,
nail, or a needle.
211. Importance of cultural
understanding…
Understanding our audience is of utmost
importance. Though we cannot assume that
every person believes the same way, we can
assume that many, if not most, of our hearers in
Cambodia will be listening to the gospel through
this theological grid. It reveals the necessity to
spending time with people introducing to them
the nature of the One True God.
212. Importance of cultural
understanding…
There is no Creator in Buddhism. Buddhism
leaves room for an unlimited number of gods. If
a person does not understand Divine revelation
about who God is, there is no possibility of them
grasping the gospel. The cross and the
resurrection, heaven and hell, etc. have no real
meaning apart from the person of God the
Creator and the promise of a Savior.
213. The power of the gospel
The Biblical teachings of the Kingdom of God
and the kingdom of Satan take on much more
significance in this context. The realities of
spiritual powers become a daily reality rather
than theory. Missionaries must be aware of this
and be intimate with passages of Scripture on these
issues.
214. The power of the Gospel
. New believers will need much help
understanding the importance of the
Holy Spirit indwelling them and how it
relates to these matters. As we grow in
these ways, we begin to realize that the
Bible was written in such a context and
addresses these issues often
215. We need a proper background
In both Hinduism and Buddhism,
understanding God as the creator is
vital. They need to understand that He
is a person – and not an impersonal
force. He is a God of love, who
interacts with His creation.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning, God
created the heavens and the earth.
216. Other important concepts
We automatically assume the reality of
the created world, but this needs to be
communicated to the Hindu and
Buddhist
217. Bridge to suffering
Our suffering as Christians is only
temporary – the seen. But the future is
without suffering, because Jesus Christ
has won the victory over the cause
of suffering, which is really sin
Sin is rebellion against a personal creator,
and Jesus has restored the relationship
218. Victory over sin and suffering
[17] For our light affliction, which is but
for a moment, worketh for us a far
more exceeding and eternal weight of
glory;[18] While we look not at the
things which are seen, but at the things
which are not seen: for the things
which are seen are temporal; but the
things which are not seen are eternal.
219. Jesus gives worth to life
Romans 5: [6] For when we were yet
without strength, in due time Christ
died for the ungodly.[7] For scarcely for
a righteous man will one die: yet
peradventure for a good man some
would even dare to die.
220. Jesus gives worth to life
Romans 5: [8] But God commendeth
his love toward us, in that, while we
were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
[9] Much more then, being now
justified by his blood, we shall be saved
from wrath through him.
221. The moral law and karma
Karma is impersonal – they try to earn merit
with good deeds
Jesus gives us His merit: Romans 8: [1]
There is therefore now no condemnation to
them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not
after the flesh, but after the Spirit.[2] For the
law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath
made me free from the law of sin and death.
222. Suggestions for witnessing
Avoid terms like new birth, regeneration
Talk about endless freedom from
suffering, guilt and sin
Talk about new power to live a holy life
Talk about Jesus’ gift of unlimited and
unearned merit
223. Buddhism
Be careful to avoid syncretism
Share your testimony
Freedom from guilt
Assurance of heaven without pain
Personal relationship with Christ
Pray – do not witness in your own
strength
224. Radical Buddhism is
persecuting Christians
Where the Buddhists predominate,
there are places where they try to
eliminate Christians and Christianity
225. China – some have Buddhism,
Confucianism & Taoism
226. Many Chines have all three
religions
Confucianism
Taoism
Buddhism
They view them as complementary, and
not as conflicting
227. Confucianism
Not confined to China
Also in Japan, Korea and Vietnam
It is an ethical and moral system as
much as a religion
229. Confucius
Chinese sage 551 BC – 479 BC
Initially many of his ideas were not
accepted
He was expelled from various states
His ideas were best outlined in Analects
230. Summary of Confucianism
In Confucianism, human beings are
teachable, improvable and perfectible
through personal and communal
endeavour especially including self-
cultivation and self-creation.
A main idea of Confucianism is the
cultivation of virtue and the
development of moral perfection.
232. Analects of Confucius
Often very condensed sayings,
conversations,
His disciples later codified and
organized his thoughts
Rites were very important
People need to know their place and
role in society -
233. Rites and rituals
Gives balance between extremes
Politeness, harmony
One must learn to control himself
They developed a civil service system
where one could rise to importance and
honor the entire family
234. Confucianism and society
Confucianism has been used as a kind
of "state religion", with
authoritarianism, legitimism,
paternalism and submission to authority
used as political tools to rule China.
235. Confucianism and the roles of
people
Relationships, and the differing duties arising
from the different status one held in relation
to others. Individuals are held to simultaneous
stand in different degrees of relationship with
different people, namely, as a junior in
relation to their parents and elders, and as a
senior in relation to their children, younger
siblings, students, and others.
236. Confucianism and the roles of
people
While juniors are considered in Confucianism
to owe strong duties of reverence and service
to their seniors, seniors also have duties of
benevolence and concern toward juniors. This
theme consistently manifests itself in many
aspects of East Asian culture even to this day,
with extensive filial duties on the part of
children toward parents and elders, and great
concern of parents toward their children.
237. Loyalty
Loyal is the equivalent of filial piety on
a different plane, between ruler and
minister. Like filial piety, however,
loyalty was often subverted by the
autocratic regimes of China
We can see how this can support a
totalitarian regime
238. Ruler and those ruled
If the ruler lacks rén, Confucianism holds, it
will be difficult if not impossible for his
subjects to behave humanely. Rén is the
basis of Confucian political theory: it
presupposes an autocratic ruler, exhorted to
refrain from acting inhumanely towards his
subjects. An inhumane ruler runs the risk of
losing the "Mandate of Heaven", the right to
rule.
239. Ruler and those ruled
A ruler lacking such a mandate need not be
obeyed. But a ruler who reigns humanely and
takes care of the people is to be obeyed
strictly, for the benevolence of his dominion
shows that he has been mandated by heaven.
Confucius himself had little to say on the will of
the people, but his leading follower Mencius did
state that the people's opinion on certain
weighty matters should be considered
240. Five fundamental relationships
The Five Bonds
Ruler to Ruled
Father to Son
Husband to Wife
Elder Brother to Younger Brother
Friend to Friend
241. Relationships are important
Specific duties were prescribed to each of the
participants in these sets of relationships.
Such duties were also extended to the dead,
where the living stood as sons to their
deceased family. This led to the veneration of
ancestors. The only relationship where respect
for elders wasn't stressed was the Friend to
Friend relationship. In all other relationships,
high reverence was held for elders.
242. Filial piety
The idea of Filial piety influenced the Chinese
legal system: a criminal would be punished
more harshly if the culprit had committed the
crime against a parent, while fathers often
exercised enormous power over their children.
Now filial piety is also built into law. People
have responsibility to provide for their elder
parents according to law.
243. The ideal man
They were to:
cultivate themselves morally;
show filial piety and loyalty where these
are due;
cultivate humanity, or benevolence.
The ―small man‖ is petty, interested in
only materialism, greedy
246. Difficult to know how many
participate
Often Chinese will have 3 religions, or
mix with Chinese folk religion
Estimates from 20,000,000 to
400,000,000!
The number has declined since
communism
248. The essence of Taoism
Taoism refers to a variety of related
philosophical and religious traditions with
the word Tao meaning– path or way.
Three Jewels of the Tao:
compassion,
moderation,
humility,
249. The essence of Taoism
Taoist thought focuses on nature,
the relationship between humanity and
the cosmos (天人相应),
health and longevity,
wu wei (action through inaction),
These produce harmony with the
Universe.[
251. Tao is almost indefinable
In reading descriptions, it is like a flow
of basic energy
A basic concept is that of effortless
effort – that the master aligns himself
with this flow ―qi‖ accomplishes things
without effort
252. Pu – the state when you follow
wu wei (effortless effort)
It is believed to be the true nature of the
mind, unburdened by knowledge or
experiences.
In the state of pu, there is no right or
wrong, beautiful or ugly. There is only pure
experience, or awareness, free from learned
labels and definitions. It is this state of being
that is the goal of following wu wei.
255. Islam
Rapidly growing religion
Dominates in 52 countries
Total population of Islam – about
1,000,000,000 – 1/6 world population
Although we think of the middle
East, only 20% are there. The largest
Muslim country is Indonesia
258. Islam
Rapidly growing in Europe – now the
second largest religion in Europe
However, only a small percentage of
missionaries have been working with
Muslims
259. Islam
It is tied with 7th century Arabian
culture, and is a deification of that
culture.
You cannot separate the culture
and the religion – they are tied
together in politics, family structure,
food, clothing, religious rites, etc.
260. Islam – submit
Islam = submission of body and soul to
Allah
Muslim = those who submit
263. Islam
Culture – the authority was in the
Sheik, who had absolute authority
Therefore, democracy is basically
incompatible with Islam. You can
expect a ―strong man‖
There is no concept of personal
rights or civil rights per se
264. Contact with the West
Some western ideas have been
implemented in some places
Veil not always worn
Law of apostacy not always enforced
Western goods bought
Some places polygamy is reduced or
even against the law
265. Conflict with western
civilization
Western racial problems
Colonialism
―peace-keeping‖ wars
Moral degeneracy
N.B. – Conflict is mostly where the west
has abandoned Jesus’ teachings
266. Islam
Very difficult to win
More difficult to remain faithful and
grow
Opposition from family
Ridicule from friends
Social and economic pressures
267. Main areas of theologic
problems
The innate sinfulness of man
The Sonship of Jesus Christ
The doctrine of the trinity
Jesus’ death and resurrection
268. Further inconsistencies
They believe that there were 124,000
prophets, all sinless
This actually contradicts the Qur’an,
where God tells one or another prophet
to confess and repent of his sins
To them, a prophet is an authentic
messenger of God to bring God’s true
revelation
269. Signs of respect to a Muslim
Take off shoes when entering a home
Shake hands both coming and going
Never sit cross-legged in a chair (don’t
show bottom of feet)
Be careful of petting dog (unclean)
No alcohol, pork, certain seafood
Be careful how you handle the Bible;
not on the floor
270. Signs of respect
Avoid
Being free with the opposite sex
Joking about sacred things
Religious jewelry
Pictures of Jesus
271. How to witness
A devout life with deeds of love and
service – especially schools and
medicine
Sharing common interests
Disaster relief
Teaching English
Selling literature, especially Bible
correspondence courses
272. Witness to Muslims
Where permitted, public evangelistic
meetings with much prayer and printed
invitations
Radio & TV may penetrate as well
Be sure to relate the convert to
Jesus, and not just to yourself
273. Islam
Background information:
Just before Mohammed, Arabia was animistic
with worship of stones. The tribe of Mohammed
had the black stone put in the Ka’ba
Sabianism was dominant, worshipping the
heavenly bodies, with a lunar calendar and the
moon as the male deity. They fasted with the
appearance of the crescent moon
274. Allah
Allah was originally the name of the moon
god for Mohammed’s tribe, represented by
the black stone which was believed came
from heaven.
The sun was female, married the moon,
and produced three daughters of Allah,
which were the top of 360 idols.
Mohammed later destroyed all idols but the
black stone
275. Muslims and the Ka’ba
Believe it was first built by Adam, but
destroyed by the flood
Rebuilt by Abraham and Ishmael
277. Mohammed – 570-632 AD
His father died before he was born, and his
mother died when he was six
He was reared by uncle, became a camel
driver at age 25 met a wealthy 40 year old
woman, Khadijah, and lived happily. He lived
only with her, but had at least 9 wives after
her death.
He apparently heard about Jesus both from
the Bible and extra-Biblical sources
278. Muhammed’s call
Age 40, while meditating, the angel
Gabriel came and gave a revelation
from God.
First messages – one God there; repent
from idolatry before the day of
judgment
About 40 people initially accepted his
teaching
279. Opposition grew
He started sending groups of leaders to
Yathrib (Medina), and finally fled with
Abu Bakr on June 20, 622
This is the Hijra – the beginning of
Islam
In Medina, he plundered rich caravans
and had military success.
280. Successful re-entry in Mecca
With 10,000 soldiers, he entered Mecca
without a fight, cleared the Ka’ba of
idols, and made decree for an annual
pilgrimage there – the Hajj
282. Five pillars of Islam
The creed – there is no God but Allah
and Muhammed is his prophet‖
Prayers in Arabic 5 times per day
Alms to the poor
Fasting, esp. Ramadan, with no food,
drink or sex from sunrise to sunset for
one month
Hajj once in a lifetime
283. Some benefits of Islam
No idolatry
No burying live baby girls
Uniting Arabian tribes
Civil brotherhood among Muslims
Some rights of women were improved
284. Qur’an
Believed to be the very words of God
Muhammed did not write them, but
followers memorized them
Caliph Uthman ordered their assembly –
114 suras (chapters) a little more than
the New Testament
Some memorized the entire book
285. Qur’an
Used in Arabic in the services
Private believers may have bilingual
editions
Some read the entire Qur’an during
Ramadan
It reads as poetry in Arabic
286. The spread of Islam
Abu Bakr consolidated the Arabian tribes and
won a number of victories
There was rapid spread over 100 years –
taking over the Persian empire, much of the
Byzantine, north Africa, Spain, and were
finally stopped at Tours in France by Charles
Martel – 732
90% became Muslim. Countries slowly lost
their advanced civilization
289. Initially Islam brought
advances
Golden era – great advances in
medicine, science & art
1300-1600 Ottoman empire expanded,
as did the Moghul empire in India with
expansion to East Indies and Philippines
294. 20-21st century advances
Initially the Arabian slave traders were
hated. However, colonialism stopped
the slave trade, and colonialism
replaced the hatred for the slavers
Much expansion in Africa, and also in
Europe and to a lesser degree in
America
296. Ahamdiyya movement
Very anti-Christian, using anti-Christian
western critics to argue their point
Black Muslims initially were political, but
later more orthodox Muslims
297. Sunni & Shi’a groups
Shi’a say that Muhammed’s son-in-law,
Ali was supposed to be his follower, but
Uthman suppressed 3 sections of the
Qur’an which showed that Uthman was
not legitimate.
Ali was assassinated, and there was a
struggle between two successors
leading to the split
298. Shi’as have Imam
Imam is a successor to Muhammed and
an infallible guide – at least 12 so far.
The last, the Madhi, disappeared in
878, but they believe that he is still
alive, will return at the end of the age,
and convert the world to Islam
Sunnis have a caliph
90% are Sunni; 10% Shi’a
301. The Hadith
These traditions of what Muhammed
said were brought together and cover
virtually every action of life, including
the most intimate
To the Shi’a, the authorized interpreters
of the law are called Mudtahids
302. Qur’an and the Bible
Muslims accept 4 books as inspired:
Taurat (Law) given to Moses
Zabur (Psalms) given to David
Injil (Gospel) given to Jesus
Qur’an given to Muhammed
303. Qur’an and the Bible
In Surah 5:44 it implies that the Jewish
scriptures are still valid and unaltered
[5.44] because they were required to guard
(part) of the Book of Allah, and they were
witnesses thereof; therefore fear not the
people and fear Me, and do not take a small
price for My communications; and whoever
did not judge by what Allah revealed, those
are they that are the unbelievers.
304. Qur’an and the Bible
Surah 5:68 – Christians must obey the
book: [5.68] Say: O followers of the
Book! you follow no good till you keep
up the Taurat and the Injeel and that
which is revealed to you from your
Lord; and surely that which has been
revealed to you from your Lord shall
make many of them increase in
inordinacy and unbelief; grieve not
therefore for the unbelieving people.
305. Qur’an and the Bible
The Qur’an is sent to guard the scriptures
[5.48] And We have revealed to you the
Book with the truth, verifying what is before
it of the Book and a guardian over it,
therefore judge between them by what
Allah has revealed, and do not follow their
low desires (to turn away) from the truth
that has come to you; you differed;
306. Qur’an and the Bible
[5.48] for every one of you did We
appoint a law and a way, and if Allah
had pleased He would have made you
(all) a single people, but that He might
try you in what He gave you, therefore
strive with one another to hasten to
virtuous deeds; to Allah is your return,
of all (of you), so He will let you know
that in which you differed;
307. Qur’an and the Bible
On the other hand:….
Surah [5.51] O you who believe! do
not take the Jews and the Christians for
friends; they are friends of each other;
and whoever amongst you takes them
for a friend, then surely he is one of
them; surely Allah does not guide the
unjust people.
308. Qur’an and the Bible
Surah 3:78 the Muslim must believe the
scriptures
[3.78] Most surely there is a party
amongst those who distort the Book
with their tongue that you may consider
it to be (a part) of the Book, and they
say, It is from Allah, while it is not from
Allah, and they tell a lie against Allah
whilst they know.
309. Qur’an conflicts with the Bible
Jesus spoke to men from his cradle (Surah
[19.23] And the throes (of childbirth)
compelled her to betake herself to the trunk
of a palm tree. She said: Oh, would that I
had died before this, and had been a thing
quite forgotten![19.24] Then (the child)
called out to her from beneath her: Grieve
not, surely your Lord has made a stream to
flow beneath you;
310. Qur’an and the Bible
Jesus was not crucified, but one who
resembled him: Surah 4:157. But Jesus
himself predicted his death, all the
disciples saw it; he had marks on his
hands and feet, Jesus prayed for his
persecutors, and this was the purpose
of his coming and his death
311. Qur’an and the Bible
[4.157] And their saying: Surely we have
killed the Messiah, Isa son of Marium, the
apostle of Allah; and they did not kill him nor
did they crucify him, but it appeared to them
so (like Isa) and most surely those who differ
therein are only in a doubt about it; they
have no knowledge respecting it, but only
follow a conjecture, and they killed him not
for sure.
312. Jesus did not die according to
the Qur’an
[4.158] Nay! Allah took him up to
Himself; and Allah is Mighty, Wise.
313. Qur’an conflicts with the Bible
Qur’an states one of Noah’s sons drowned
(Surah [11.42] And it moved on with them
amid waves like mountains; and Nuh called
out to his son, and he was aloof: O my son!
embark with us and be not with the
unbelievers.[11.43] He said: I will betake
myself for refuge to a mountain that shall
protect me from the water. Nuh said: There
is no protector today from Allah's punishment
but He Who has mercy; and a wave
intervened between them, so he was of the
drowned.
314. Qur’an conflicts with the Bible
Because they called Isaac his only son,
the Arabs believe that it was Ishmael
who was offered but God sent a
substitute, although the Qur’an
mentions Isaac a few verses later, and
does not say which son. (when
discussing, focus on the main point, a
substitute)
315. Conflict with supposed
Christian teaching
Christ is the son of God – they think that
Christians believe that God had intercourse
with Mary:
The trinity – that Christians believe in three
Gods, one of which is Mary: Surah 5:116, 79
Answer with Jesus words in Mark 12:29:
Here, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord
316. Qur’an suggests Christians
believe in three gods
[5.116] And when Allah will say: O Isa son of
Marium! did you say to men, Take me and my
mother for two gods besides Allah he will say:
Glory be to Thee, it did not befit me that I
should say what I had no right to (say); if I
had said it, Thou wouldst indeed have known
it; Thou knowest what is in my mind, and I do
not know what is in Thy mind, surely Thou art
the great Knower of the unseen things.
317. Assertion that the Bible
predicts Muhammed
Surah 61.6] And when Isa son of Marium
said: O children of Israel! surely I am the
apostle of Allah to you, verifying that which
is before me of the Taurat and giving the
good news of an Apostle who will come
after me, his name being Ahmad, but when
he came to them with clear arguments they
said: This is clear magic.
318. Assertion that the Bible
predicts Muhammed
They claim this for John 14-16
concerning the coming of the Holy Spirit
(name resembles a name given to
Muhammed), as well as Deut. 18:15-18
319. They believe that the Bible
has been corrupted
In fact, the Qur’an does not state that the
scriptures were corrupted, but that some
Jews and Christians denied and perverted
that truth, and that the Jews had changed
some scriptures. Surah [2.75] Do you then
hope that they would believe in you, and a
party from among them indeed used to hear
the Word of Allah, then altered it after they
had understood it, and they know (this).
320. They believe that the Bible
has been corrupted
They believe that the 4 gospels were not
from the mouth of Jesus directly as speech
from God like the Qur’an
321. The Jews alter the Bible
according to the Qur’an
[4.46] We have heard and we obey,
and hearken, and unzurna it would
have been better for them and more
upright; but Allah has cursed them on
account of their unbelief, so they do not
believe but a little.
322. The Jews alter the Bible
according to the Qur’an
[4.46] Of those who are Jews (there
are those who) alter words from their
places and say: We have heard and we
disobey and: Hear, may you not be
made to hear! and: Raina, distorting
(the word) with their tongues and
taunting about religion; and if they had
said (instead): a little.
323. Answers to Muslims re Bible
No true believer would dare tamper with the
Bible. Gal. 1: [8] But though we, or an angel
from heaven, preach any other gospel unto
you than that which we have preached unto
you, let him be accursed.[9] As we said
before, so say I now again, If any man
preach any other gospel unto you than that
ye have received, let him be accursed.
324. Revelation 22:18-19 Don’t
tamper with the Bible
[18] For I testify unto every man that heareth
the words of the prophecy of this book, If any
man shall add unto these things, God shall
add unto him the plagues that are written in
this book:[19] And if any man shall take away
from the words of the book of this prophecy,
God shall take away his part out of the book
of life, and out of the holy city, and from the
things which are written in this book.
325. Answers to Muslims re Bible
The Bible had spread to many different
lands in different translations long
before Muhammed was born and these
are the same as the texts we have now
326. Answers to Bible tampering
charge by Muslims
There are many manuscripts before the
birth of Muhammed today, and they are
essentially the same as ones after his birth
Translations are not different Bibles
The Qur’an basically believes in the truth of
the scriptures
327. The truth of scriptures
Its own testimony that it is God’s word
The wonder of its unity in diversity
The power to reveal God and change
the lives of the readers
Its scientific and literary accuracy
328. Muslim concept of God
All powerful and the only truly active
force in the universe. However, the
God of the Bible
Cannot do anything to violate His own
nature = He cannot lie
Has given us free will, but acts upon our
will to accomplish His own purposes
329. Muslim concept of God
Omnipresent – same as Christianity, but
not the concept that God can live in a
person. He is more distant
Omniscient – God knows everything.
However the God of the Bible knows
our inner thoughts, and He promises to
forget the sins of those He forgives
330. God is Holy
Quite a difference – for the Muslim,
holy is used only once, and means
really wholeness, completeness
No concept of moral righteousness and
purity. He is said to create from Adam
one group for heaven, and one for hell
331. God’s Justice
Christian – we face a righteous God who will
be faithful to His own Word
Muslim – no such thing as an absolute
principle to which God must adhere. Right or
wrong is what Allah commands at a particular
time, and it can change.
There are 225 commands in the Qur’an which
have been cancelled. They feel that binding
God to any principle makes Him less than
God
332. God Forgives Sins
But God of the Bible forgives sins and
gives the GIFT of salvation – not earned
Forgiveness extends to changing the
heart of the believer and restoring a
proper relationship with God
Only an outside power can save us from
the power of sin
333. The love of God
Muslim concept – God is too far away to have
a feeling for man. They feel that love comes
from a sense of need – and God needs
nothing
Also – the existence of pain and suffering
Also – man is insignificant in the vast universe
Christian – God loves because it is His nature
to love, and His love extends to sinners
334. Muslim belief of sin
Adam & Eve forgot God’s command. It was
satan’s fault
Their sin did nothing to others, and they can
reform as Adam did
The muslim looks at man as good but
imperfect. The prophets are to remind us
not to sin, and man can avoid sin. Muslims
do not see sin as a major problem…
know what to do, and do it…
335. Muslim concept of Jesus
The Qur’an accepts the virgin birth &
sinlessness – a direct creation of God
like Adam.
He is given special titles showing his
unique relationship to Allah
He is considered a man, a prophet and
an intercessor.
Allah gave him a book as a boy
336. Muslim concept of Jesus
His teaching confirmed previous
revelation
He told of an apostle who comes after
him
His ministry was to the people of Israel
His message was a word of truth
He healed and raised the dead
337. Muslim teaching re
Muhammed
Nothing about a miraculous birth
Although they believe he did miracles,
this is denied in the Qur’an
Muhammed’s teachings came from
visions – later compiled in the Qur’an
and also the Hadith – traditions
Muhammed’s ministry was enforced by
the sword – Jihad
338. Their deaths
Muslims believe that God changed Jesus and
they only thought they killed him, but God
raised him to heaven, where he lives today.
The Qur’an talks about Jesus’ death, but they
say this is in the future. He will return 40
years on the earth, marry and have children,
die, and be raised in the general resurrection
339. The death of Muhammed
Muhammed was sick several days, and
then died. He left no instructions for a
replacement. Abu Bakr took over the
prayers, and was chosen as the first
khalifah
340. The prophets and sinlessness
The Qur’an agrees that prophets
sinned.
The Qur’an also supports that Jesus
was sinless.
341. Conversion
Muslim – simply a heart-felt repetition
of the creed is enough
Christian – you must receive Christ in
you as your new life – later shown by
baptism
342. The value of the individual
Jesus is unique – He placed the highest value
on all mankind
The value of something is what you are
willing to pay for it. Jesus paid for our
salvation with His own life.
Muslims & children
Don’t kill children
Care for orphans (Muhammed was one)
Jesus placed great value on children
343. Woman and the Qur’an
Men are superior to women. You can beat
them, but rod no thicker than your thumb
Legalized polygamy – but you must treat your
women the same – in material things
Some places are opposing polygamy now
They allow ―temporary wives‖ also
Wives veiled – sometimes a burka
Only men could divorce – after saying it three
times…
344. Women and the Qur’an
Women get ½ inheritance of men
Woman’s testimony = ½ a man
Majority of women were illiterate
Jesus made basically no difference in
treating men and women
345. Qur’an and brotherhood
Brotherhood of all believers – but don’t
make friends of Jews or Christians
Still many consider non-Muslims
unclean
Jesus standard was higher than that of
the Pharisees – love even your enemies
346. Jesus & Qur’an & apostates
Surah 4:89 – kill apostates [4.89] They
desire that you should disbelieve as they
have disbelieved, so that you might be (all)
alike; therefore take not from among them
friends until they fly (their homes) in Allah's
way; but if they turn back, then seize them
and kill them wherever you find them, and
take not from among them a friend or a
helper.
347. Jesus & Qur’an & apostates
Jesus prayed for Peter knowing he would
deny him. He showed love even to Judas,
who betrayed Him.
God loves all; Jesus died for all; each
individual is priceless
348. Jesus death
Surah 4:157 states that the Jews did not kill
Jesus, but God protected him. However, it
says ―we have slain the Messiah, Jesus, the
son of Mary, the apostle of God‖
Problems – They claim Jesus did not claim to
be God. Then why would the Jews kill him?
Further, if they called him the messiah, they
would have followed him, not killed him. So
the teaching is inconsistent…
349. Jesus atonement
Denied by Islam – first, he didn’t die,
and second, no need for atonement
God has decreed the fate of all men
from the beginning, and they cannot
change it.
God does not truly love man.
However, each man’s deeds are
weighed in the balance…
350. Christian predictions about
Muhammed
Surah 61:6 says that Jesus predicted
Muhammed. ―Ahmed‖
Deut. 18:15-19, which refer to Jesus
Jn. 14-16, where they believe that parakletos
(the comforter) was originally periklutos –
which means praise, as does Ahmed
Hundreds of copies written long before
Muhammed all had parakletos (comforter)
351. Answers
Muslims claim brothers = Muslims
But brother is used in Deut. 17 referring
to kings, who were Jews, and Samuel
anointed Saul, a Jew
Peter in Acts 3:22-23 shows that the
reference is to Christ
352. Answers
The comforter was to comfort the
disciples on Jesus’ death. How would
someone born 500+years later comfort
them?
Jesus called the comforter a ―spirit
whom the world shall not see.‖
The spirit was to be in the disciples
The spirit would come ―not many days
hence‖
353. The gospel of Barnabas
Two are there – one rejected in 496 of
which no copies have been found
One written in Italian found in 1709
Many faults
Calls Barnabas one of the disciples
Accuses Paul of being deceived & refuted him
Quotes Jesus as saying he is not worthy to
untie the sandals of the messiah – instead of
John the Baptist
354. Gospel of Barnabas
Historical & geographic blunders
Year of Jubilee every 100 years
Wine stored in barrels, which had not yet
been invented
Wearing stockings – done by Italians,
never by Jews in Palestine
Had Jesus arrive in Nazareth by sea
Pilatus governor at Jesus birth rather than
at his death…
355. Epistle of Barnabas
The Muslims were interested because it
claims that Jesus did not die, and that
he predicted Muhammed
But it is clearly a fraud and not related
to the earlier book
356. Jesus predictions vs. Qur’an
Many of Jesus predictions have already
been fulfilled
Jesus predicted many times that He
would return personally on earth in glory
Muslims claim he will return to live as a
man 40 years, become a muslim, make
children, and die to arise on the
judgment day to be judged as all men
357. Jesus and Qur’an – the future
Both predict a judgment time unknown,
with good in heaven and evil in hell
Qur’an looks at paradise strictly in
materialistic terms – food, drink, sex
358. Folk religion dominates also in
Islam
What magic must he use
What demons must he placate?
What fetishes must he use
We have seen obvious demonic
involvement
His world is dominated by the evil eye,
sorcery & curses, sickness and death
359. Jihad
Used to talk about physical war against
apostates
Used to talk about control of desires
The most severe persecutions against
Christians now occur in communist and
Muslim lands
360. Roman Catholicism
About 620,000,000 people worldwide;
50,000,000 in the USA
Dominant figure in the middle ages in
politics, art, literature, education
Many of the central beliefs of the faith –
virgin birth, trinity, sinlessness of Christ,
atonement, deity of Christ
361. Problem is what is added
Church built on Peter, who was the first
pope
Purgatory after death to clean from sin
Prayer to Mary and dead saints
Images to kneel to
Confession to a priest, who absolves
Mass as a saving sacrament
362. Added…
Veneration of Mary
Holy Water
Canonization of dead saints
Rosary
Celibacy in the priesthood
Tradition of the church = the Bible
363. The Pope
Based on Mt. 16:18 [18] And I say also unto
thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I
will build my church; and the gates of hell
shall not prevail against it.
The wrong Rock – not Peter but Christ
We are commissioned to preach the gospel –
those who receive it are forgiven of their sins
365. Traditions of Mary
Mother of God & Queen of heaven
Immaculate conception – born without sin
– contradicted in Luke 1: 46] And Mary
said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
[47] And my spirit hath rejoiced in God
my Saviour.
Assumption (raised directly to heaven)
367. Traditions of Mary
Perpetual virginity – no: Mt. 1:19-20, 24-
25; [24] Then Joseph being raised from
sleep did as the angel of the Lord had
bidden him, and took unto him his
wife:[25] And knew her not till she had
brought forth her firstborn son: and he
called his name JESUS.
368. Traditions of Mary
Perpetual virginity – Mt. 13:[55] Is not
this the carpenter's son? is not his mother
called Mary? and his brethren, James,
and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?[56]
And his sisters, are they not all with us?
Whence then hath this man all these
things?
370. Traditions of Mary
Co-redeemer & co-mediator with Christ –
I Tim. 2:5 [5] For there is one God, and
one mediator between God and men, the
man Christ Jesus;
Jn. 14:6 [6] Jesus saith unto him, I am
the way, the truth, and the life: no man
cometh unto the Father, but by me.
371. Doctrine of Purgatory
Sale of indulgences to shorten the time
in Purgatory
Saying masses & prayers for the dead
Further the Catholic church believes
that you must be subject to the Pope
and come through the church for
salvation.
372. False ―Christian‖ and Non-
Christian cults
Christian cults:
Jehovah’s Witnesses – Jesus is Michael, the
archangel
Mormons – Jesus is the son of Elohim, a
man who had sex with Mary, and the
brother of Lucifer
Christian science – Jesus is a divine idea
Etc…
373. Oriental Cults
Some type of Hinduism or Buddhism
Hare Krisna
Divine Light
Transcendental meditation
Hindu pantheism, we are part of an
impersonal universe, the world is an
illusion, we must get rid of the illusion
and be part of the impersonal universe
374. New Age combines
Western secular Humanism
No personal God or creator
Evolution
Man is supreme
Man is basically good
Humans have potential to become god
375. New Age…
Eastern Hindu Mysticism
Pantheism
We are one with nature
We are part of the impersonal cosmos
Yoga, TM
Reincarnation
378. Jehovah’s Witnesses
Largest publisher in the free world –
44 million books & 550 million magazines
in a single year!
Plan to have every home visited 1-2
times per year in the USA
Started by Charles Taze Russell, taken
over in 1917 by Joseph Rutherford
385. Jehovah’s Witnesses
God’s theocratic government – all other
governments are satanic
No Christmas because they deny the
incarnation, and no Easter because they deny
the bodily resurrection
Under Knorr, they developed a strong
missionary outreach
They continue to grow under Franz &
Henschel
386. Jehovah’s Witnesses
The organization is the prophet of God
The organization is God’s sole channel of
the truth
To reject the organization is to reject God
Only the organization can properly
interpret the Bible
The Watchtower has God’s truth directed
through the organization
390. Jehovah’s Witness teaching
denies:
The trinity
The bodily resurrection of Christ
The deity of Christ
The visible return of Christ
The person of God the Holy Spirit
The promise of heaven to all believers
The necessity of the new birth for all
believers
391. Jehovah’s Witnesses deny:
The Lord’s supper for all believers (not
144,000)
Eternal security of believers
Eternal conscious punishment of the
lost
392. False teachings of the JW
Jesus is a created being, actually
Michael the Archangel
Jesus is just a spirit being
Jesus was not resurrected bodily, but as
a spirit being
Jesus returned invisibly in 1914
Jesus was only a man on earth
393. False teachings of JW
Hell is simply the grave
The Holy Spirit is simply an active force
Heaven is only for 144,000
The majority of JW’s will remain on earth
Salvation is found only through the organization
Salvation is maintained through working hard for
the organization
Satan is the author of the trinity
Do not worship Jesus, just honor him
394. Ways to witness to Jehovah’s
Witnesses
One method is to attack the power of
the Watchtower by demonstrating that
it is a false prophet. There are some
books which duplicate the prophecies of
the witnesses, which are patently false
395. Ways to Witness
Another method is to ask if Jesus is
really an angel
The 5 references in the Bible do NOT
show that Jesus is Michael the arkangel
Then go to Hebrews 1, which contrasts
the Son with angels in a very clear way.
Then – who is Jesus? Is the
Watchtower truly God’s organization?
396. Witness to Jehovah’s Witness
Couple the various verses concerning
Jesus and Jehovah
Isaiah 44:6 [6] Thus saith the LORD
the King of Israel, and his redeemer the
LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am
the last; and beside me there is no God.
397. Witness to Jehovah’s Witness
Revelation 2:8 [8] And unto the angel
of the church in Smyrna write; These
things saith the first and the last, which
was dead, and is alive;
398. Witness to Jehovah’s Witness
Revelation Revelation 1:[17] And when
I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And
he laid his right hand upon me, saying
unto me, Fear not; I am the first and
the last:[18] I am he that liveth, and
was dead; and, behold, I am alive for
evermore, Amen; and have the keys of
hell and of death.
400. Mormon church
One of the wealthiest churches around
– profits $3,000,000 per day! Value is
in the billions
They claim to be the fastest growing
church, although not true in the USA –
most growth is overseas
402. Mormonism
The law of eternal progression:
―As man is, God once was; and as God
is, man may become‖
They believe that there are a vast
number of planets scattered through
the universe ruled by men-gods who
were once like us. And so we work to
become a god and have our own planet
403. Mormon teaching…
One god & goddess made a spirit child
called Elohim, who was later born to
human parents and given a human
body. In obedience to Mormon
teaching, he proved himself worthy and
was elevated to godhead like his father.
He lived with his wives on a planet near
the star Kolob, making billions of spirit
children.
404. Then
The head of the mormon Gods decided to build
planet earth where the spirit children would be
sent to take mortal bodies and learn good and
evil. Lucifer, one of Elohim’s sons, wanted to be
the savior of the new world, but planned to force
everyone to become gods. The Mormon Jesus
wanted to give man the choice like on other
planets. They voted and chose Jesus. However,
Lucifer rebelled with 1/3 of the spirit children,
who became demons, and were denied the
possibility of having bodies of flesh & bone.