Question: Aren't all religions basically the same?

Answer: I remember being asked this question by a foreign student from Cameroon, Africa. He was studying English here in America. He not only posed the question, but also proceeded to answer his own question by identifying the similarities of various religions. When he was finished, I asked him if he was going to buy a car during his stay in the states. He told me that he had no plans to buy a car, and looked rather confused about the question.

I next asked the student, "If you had 30,000 dollars and were buying a car what would you get?" He told me he would like to get a good used Mercedes Benz. I then offered him a1972 Ford Pinto for the same price, stating, "Aren't all cars basically the same?" Before he could answer, I expounded the similarities between the Mercedes Benz and the '72 Pinto. The Mercedes has four wheels the Pinto has four wheels. The Mercedes has a transmission; the Pinto also has a transmission. The Mercedes has a radiator, and so does the Pinto. I went on and on comparing the basic similarities of the two automobiles.

The issue became clear. When we shop for cars we do not compare similarities, but differences. We are willing to pay more for the Mercedes not because it is similar to all other cars, but rather because it is vastly different. The same is true when evaluating religions. There are many similarities—a moral code, a notable leader, a holy book, prayer, religious ceremonies, a method of obtaining paradise, and such. But if one wants to seek God, and a pure and true religion, then one must look at the differences. I have studied the world religions and I have found some unique and important differences in Christianity.

First, and of primary importance, we must consider the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only leader within the world's religions who claimed to be God Himself. Mohammed did not claim to be God nor do Muslims worship him as God. Buddha did not claim to be God. Now, it is easy to claim to be God, but the historical record of Christ as contained in the Bible gives objective evidence confirming that what Jesus claimed was indeed true.

Secondly, Christianity offers eternal life and forgiveness of sins freely, the gift of God. One doesn't have to work off his sins, nor try to earn salvation. The message of Christianity is in this sense unique. God Himself took on human form in the person of Jesus Christ. He died a substitute death, a death that we deserved because of our sin. He rose from the dead demonstrating His power over death. All who turn from their sin, trusting in Jesus, receive forgiveness of sin and the free gift of eternal life. No other religion makes such claims. I encourage you to find a New Testament and read the gospel accounts of this unique life.

Copyright © Bill Busshaus 2001.
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