Psalm 96:5,
“He is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are idols.”
Multiculturalism is a big buzz word. As defined, multiculturalism is the existence, and acceptance, or promotion of multiple cultural traditions within a single jurisdiction… (italics mine)
To view multiple cultures firsthand, I can just visit my local Costco. On a single Saturday in one locale, I’m fascinated by the multiple cultures represented. I don’t live in a major US city. But I’m finding my hometown is more diverse than ever!
A recent Costco visit sparked my thinking about the world’s religions. To be honest, I began pondering the eternity of the people I was shopping beside. I wanted to know more about what they believe.
Wikipedia tells us there are roughly 4200 religions in the world. However, out of the 4200, there are only five major religions.
In a nutshell, I’ve listed what they believe. For more detail, click here. I found this site to be quite interesting.
- Hinduism acknowledges multiple gods and goddesses. Hindus believe their position in this present life was determined by their actions in a previous life. A Hindu’s goal is to become free from the law of karma…to be free from continuous reincarnations. Only the soul matters which will one day be free of the cycle of rebirths and be at rest.
- Buddhists do not worship any gods or God. People outside of Buddhism often think that Buddhists worship the Buddha. Most Buddhists believe a person has countless rebirths, which inevitably include suffering. A Buddhist seeks to end these rebirths. Buddhists follow a list of religious principles and very dedicated meditation. When a Buddhist meditates it is not the same as praying or focusing on a god, it is more of a self-discipline.
- New Age followers believe they are God. New Age promotes the development of the person’s own power or divinity. When referring to God, a follower of New Age is not talking about a transcendent, personal God who created the universe, but is referring to a higher consciousness within themselves.
- Muslims believe in a powerful but unknowable God. Though a Muslim honors several prophets, Muhammad is considered the last prophet and his words and lifestyle are that person’s authority. To be a Muslim, one has to follow five religious duties: 1. Repeat a creed about Allah and Muhammad; 2. Recite certain prayers in Arabic five times a day; 3. Give to the needy; 4. One month each year, fast from food, drink, sex and smoking from sunrise to sunset; 5. Pilgrimage once in one’s lifetime to worship at a shrine in Mecca. At death — based on one’s faithfulness to these duties — a Muslim hopes to enter Paradise. If not, they will be eternally punished in hell.
- Christians believe in a God who is loving, approachable and personal. It is a relationship that carries over into the next life.
The world’s five major religions are each unique. Without a doubt, you and I are encountering people who practice these religions almost daily. But did you notice,
only one religion affirms there is a personal, loving God who can be known in this life?
More Next Post –
Last Luncheon of the Season – Thursday, April 6th
Breaking Up with the Labels we Wear –
(Such as: Insecurity, Unworthy, Loneliness, etc. See video !)
Tuesday is the last day to Pre-Register
