So What's the Difference - Mormonism
While not intended to be inclusive, the following chart provides a basic summary for comparison and discussion.
Biblical
Worldview Mormons / Latter Day Saints
Authority The Bible, the Word of God Book of Mormon (direct quotation of
The only infallible source of truth 86% of the King James Bible, plus)
Teaching of Joseph Smith - the
supreme authority. No closed canon,
God speaks through leaders today.
Only source of Bible, Word of God Bible is a resource, but not primary.
truth 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16
Romans 1:16
John 1:1-5,14
Matthew 4:4
Core Beliefs 1 Corinthians 15:1-3 Jesus Gods (there has been an eternal
was crucified, died, buried succession of gods.)
& rose from the dead. Joseph Smith & successors are
Ephesians 4:4-6 - one Body God's mouthpiece.
(church composed of all Keep the commandments.
believers), one Spirit, one Temple / Missionary service
hope of your calling (heaven),
one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
one God & Father of us all.
Salvation by Faith in Jesus Alone General (for mankind) - faith in
John 3:16; 14:6 Jesus for forgiveness of Adam's Ephesians 2:8-9 sin which all inherit.
Romans chapter 3, 10:9,17 Individual - works of personal service
thru Latter Day Saints Church
Life of faith Loving God & Others (Luke 9:27) Works / "valiant service" of the Latter
characterized by Living for Jesus (the walk) & Day Saints Church.
imitators of His life
Ephesians chapters 4 thru 6 Blacks not permitted in church until
Colossians 3:1-4:6 1978.
Telling others of Jesus 2 Cor. 5 Polygamy practiced.
Afterlife belief Millennial kingdom - Jesus will 3 Realms:
return & reign for 1,000 year as Celestial - highest level for the faithful
promised. Revelation 20:4 where they become gods.
Heaven, paradise, the New Terrestrial - place of second chance for
Jerusalem - eternal the unfaithful and backslidden. Will
Philippians 3:20-21, Revelation never see the current God the Father.
chapter 21 & 22. Telestial - for the wicked after they've
Hell - place of eternal suffering been cleansed in hell. Will never see
for those who rejected God & Jesus or the current God the Father.
Jesus. Revelation 20:10-15
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
So What's the Difference - Jehovah's Witnesses
While not intended to be inclusive, the following chart provides a basic summary for comparison and discussion.
Biblical
Worldview Jehovah Witnesses
Authority The Bible, the Word of God Watchtower Society & its
The only infallible source of truth publications only.
Only source of Bible, Word of God Watchtower & its publications
truth 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16 Cannot understand Bible by
Romans 1:16 yourself.
John 1:1-5,14 Use New World Translation -
Matthew 4:4 an edited version of the
King James Bible.
Core Beliefs 1 Corinthians 15:1-3 Jesus Jehovah (One God the Almighty)
was crucified, died, buried Jesus (Mighty - incarnation of the
& rose from the dead. archangel Michael).
Ephesians 4:4-6 - one Body Jesus did not rise bodily from the
(church composed of all dead.
believers), one Spirit, one No hell, hard works earn Paradise.
hope of your calling (heaven),
one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
one God & Father of us all.
Salvation by Faith in Jesus Alone Works / good living - Jesus created
John 3:16, 14:6 the opportunity for the individual to
Ephesians 2:8-9 to work for their salvation.
Romans chapter 3, 10:9,17
Life of faith Loving God & Others (Luke 9:27) Devotion / work for Jehovah
characterized by Living for Jesus (the walk) & Attend 5 meetings a week at the
imitators of His life kingdom hall
Ephesians chapters 4 thru 6 Share beliefs with those who will listen.
Colossians 3:1-4:6
Telling others of Jesus 2 Cor. 5 .
Afterlife belief Millennial kingdom - Jesus will Heaven for the original 144,000 who
return & reign for 1,000 year as believed & followed.
promised. Revelation 20:4 Paradise for those who believed &
Heaven, paradise, the New followed after 1935.
Jerusalem - eternal For all who did not become a
Philippians 3:20-21, Revelation Jehovah Witness - they will be
chapter 21 & 22. annihilated & cease to exist.
Hell - place of eternal suffering There is no hell / eternal suffering.
for those who rejected God &
Jesus. Revelation 20:10-15
While not intended to be inclusive, the following chart provides a basic summary for comparison and discussion.
Biblical
Worldview Jehovah Witnesses
Authority The Bible, the Word of God Watchtower Society & its
The only infallible source of truth publications only.
Only source of Bible, Word of God Watchtower & its publications
truth 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16 Cannot understand Bible by
Romans 1:16 yourself.
John 1:1-5,14 Use New World Translation -
Matthew 4:4 an edited version of the
King James Bible.
Core Beliefs 1 Corinthians 15:1-3 Jesus Jehovah (One God the Almighty)
was crucified, died, buried Jesus (Mighty - incarnation of the
& rose from the dead. archangel Michael).
Ephesians 4:4-6 - one Body Jesus did not rise bodily from the
(church composed of all dead.
believers), one Spirit, one No hell, hard works earn Paradise.
hope of your calling (heaven),
one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
one God & Father of us all.
Salvation by Faith in Jesus Alone Works / good living - Jesus created
John 3:16, 14:6 the opportunity for the individual to
Ephesians 2:8-9 to work for their salvation.
Romans chapter 3, 10:9,17
Life of faith Loving God & Others (Luke 9:27) Devotion / work for Jehovah
characterized by Living for Jesus (the walk) & Attend 5 meetings a week at the
imitators of His life kingdom hall
Ephesians chapters 4 thru 6 Share beliefs with those who will listen.
Colossians 3:1-4:6
Telling others of Jesus 2 Cor. 5 .
Afterlife belief Millennial kingdom - Jesus will Heaven for the original 144,000 who
return & reign for 1,000 year as believed & followed.
promised. Revelation 20:4 Paradise for those who believed &
Heaven, paradise, the New followed after 1935.
Jerusalem - eternal For all who did not become a
Philippians 3:20-21, Revelation Jehovah Witness - they will be
chapter 21 & 22. annihilated & cease to exist.
Hell - place of eternal suffering There is no hell / eternal suffering.
for those who rejected God &
Jesus. Revelation 20:10-15
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
So What's the Difference - Buddhism
While not intended to be inclusive, the following chart provides a basic summary for comparison and discussion.
Biblical
Worldview Buddhism
Authority The Bible, the Word of God Founded by Guatama,who
The only infallible source of truth of whom it was predicted if he
would see 4 things (sickness
old age, death & a monk who
renounced that world) that he
would discover the way of
salvation for all mankind.
Become known as Buddha or
Enlightened One.
Only source of Bible, Word of God Came out of consideration
truth 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16 of teachings of Hinduism, but
Romans 1:16 denied that man has a soul,
John 1:1-5,14 rejected the caste system, &
Matthew 4:4 taught Enlightenment is open
to all including women.
Core Beliefs 1 Corinthians 15:1-3 Jesus Nirvana - highest level of God-
was crucified, died, buried consciousness, the blowing out
& rose from the dead. of the flame of desire & the
Ephesians 4:4-6 - one Body negation of suffering.
(church composed of all Eight-fold path - Middle Way -
believers), one Spirit, one right: viewpoint, aspiration,
hope of your calling (heaven), speech,behavior, occupation,
one Lord, one faith, one baptism, effort, mindfulness & meditation.
one God & Father of us all.
Salvation by Faith in Jesus Alone Belief that Life is real.
John 3:16, 14:6 Reincarnation until achieve
Ephesians 2:8-9 Nirvana eventually.
Romans chapter 3, 10:9,17 In the meantime, self-effort.
Life of faith Loving God & Others (Luke 9:27) Denying desires to end suffering.
characterized by Living for Jesus (the walk) & Karma - gain merits or demerits
imitators of His life according to how one lives life,
Ephesians chapters 4 thru 6
Colossians 3:1-4:6
Telling others of Jesus 2 Cor. 5 .
Afterlife belief Millennial kingdom - Jesus will Achieving Nirvana - god-like
return & reign for 1,000 year as qualities.
promised. Revelation 20:4
Heaven, paradise, the New
Jerusalem - eternal
Philippians 3:20-21, Revelation
chapter 21 & 22.
Hell - place of eternal suffering
for those who rejected God &
Jesus. Revelation 20:10-15
While not intended to be inclusive, the following chart provides a basic summary for comparison and discussion.
Biblical
Worldview Buddhism
Authority The Bible, the Word of God Founded by Guatama,who
The only infallible source of truth of whom it was predicted if he
would see 4 things (sickness
old age, death & a monk who
renounced that world) that he
would discover the way of
salvation for all mankind.
Become known as Buddha or
Enlightened One.
Only source of Bible, Word of God Came out of consideration
truth 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16 of teachings of Hinduism, but
Romans 1:16 denied that man has a soul,
John 1:1-5,14 rejected the caste system, &
Matthew 4:4 taught Enlightenment is open
to all including women.
Core Beliefs 1 Corinthians 15:1-3 Jesus Nirvana - highest level of God-
was crucified, died, buried consciousness, the blowing out
& rose from the dead. of the flame of desire & the
Ephesians 4:4-6 - one Body negation of suffering.
(church composed of all Eight-fold path - Middle Way -
believers), one Spirit, one right: viewpoint, aspiration,
hope of your calling (heaven), speech,behavior, occupation,
one Lord, one faith, one baptism, effort, mindfulness & meditation.
one God & Father of us all.
Salvation by Faith in Jesus Alone Belief that Life is real.
John 3:16, 14:6 Reincarnation until achieve
Ephesians 2:8-9 Nirvana eventually.
Romans chapter 3, 10:9,17 In the meantime, self-effort.
Life of faith Loving God & Others (Luke 9:27) Denying desires to end suffering.
characterized by Living for Jesus (the walk) & Karma - gain merits or demerits
imitators of His life according to how one lives life,
Ephesians chapters 4 thru 6
Colossians 3:1-4:6
Telling others of Jesus 2 Cor. 5 .
Afterlife belief Millennial kingdom - Jesus will Achieving Nirvana - god-like
return & reign for 1,000 year as qualities.
promised. Revelation 20:4
Heaven, paradise, the New
Jerusalem - eternal
Philippians 3:20-21, Revelation
chapter 21 & 22.
Hell - place of eternal suffering
for those who rejected God &
Jesus. Revelation 20:10-15
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
So What's the Difference - Hinduism
While not intended to be inclusive, the following chart provides a basic summary for comparison and discussion.
Biblical
Worldview Hinduism
Authority The Bible, the Word of God Ancient writings & many religions that
The only infallible source of truth blend and interact with one another.
View on Bible Only source of truth Biblical faith is acceptable, just as all
2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16 other religious beliefs and paths are
Romans 1:16 different paths leading to the one reality,
John 1:1-5,14 God. Pantheism - all is God
Matthew 4:4 However, reject Jesus as the only way.
Core Beliefs 1 Corinthians 15:1-3 Jesus Life is unreal and characterized by pain
was crucified, died, buried & suffering.
& rose from the dead. Can choose from as many as 330 million ,
Ephesians 4:4-6 - one Body gods,goddesses, or demigods to
(church composed of all passionately worship,though most
believers), one Spirit, one choose either Vishnu or Shiva.
hope of your calling (heaven), "How many births are passed, I cannot
one Lord, one faith, one baptism, cannot tell. How many yet to come,
one God & Father of us all. I cannot say: But this alone I know
that pain & grief embitter all the way."
Salvation by Faith in Jesus Alone Through innumerable Reincarnations until
John 3:16, 14:6 union with the Impersonal Absolute.
Ephesians 2:8-6 Three paths to moksha - works
Romans chapter 3, 10:9,17 knowledge or passionate devotion.
Life of faith Loving God & Others (Luke 9:27) Depends on your caste and what path
characterized by Living for Jesus (the walk) & you pursue.
imitators of His life Samsara - the thousand or millions of
Ephesians chapters 4 thru 6 lives all full of suffering to be endured
Colossians 3:1-4:6 to reach moksha - liberation from
Telling others of Jesus 2 Cor. 5 suffering. Involves karma & works.
Afterlife belief Millennial kingdom - Jesus will Union with Brahma - the ultimate
return & reign for 1,000 year as Impersonal One.
promised. Revelation 20:4
Heaven, paradise, the New
Jerusalem - eternal
Philippians 3:20-21, Revelation
chapter 21 & 22.
Hell - place of eternal suffering
for those who rejected God &
Jesus. Revelation 20:10-15
While not intended to be inclusive, the following chart provides a basic summary for comparison and discussion.
Biblical
Worldview Hinduism
Authority The Bible, the Word of God Ancient writings & many religions that
The only infallible source of truth blend and interact with one another.
View on Bible Only source of truth Biblical faith is acceptable, just as all
2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16 other religious beliefs and paths are
Romans 1:16 different paths leading to the one reality,
John 1:1-5,14 God. Pantheism - all is God
Matthew 4:4 However, reject Jesus as the only way.
Core Beliefs 1 Corinthians 15:1-3 Jesus Life is unreal and characterized by pain
was crucified, died, buried & suffering.
& rose from the dead. Can choose from as many as 330 million ,
Ephesians 4:4-6 - one Body gods,goddesses, or demigods to
(church composed of all passionately worship,though most
believers), one Spirit, one choose either Vishnu or Shiva.
hope of your calling (heaven), "How many births are passed, I cannot
one Lord, one faith, one baptism, cannot tell. How many yet to come,
one God & Father of us all. I cannot say: But this alone I know
that pain & grief embitter all the way."
Salvation by Faith in Jesus Alone Through innumerable Reincarnations until
John 3:16, 14:6 union with the Impersonal Absolute.
Ephesians 2:8-6 Three paths to moksha - works
Romans chapter 3, 10:9,17 knowledge or passionate devotion.
Life of faith Loving God & Others (Luke 9:27) Depends on your caste and what path
characterized by Living for Jesus (the walk) & you pursue.
imitators of His life Samsara - the thousand or millions of
Ephesians chapters 4 thru 6 lives all full of suffering to be endured
Colossians 3:1-4:6 to reach moksha - liberation from
Telling others of Jesus 2 Cor. 5 suffering. Involves karma & works.
Afterlife belief Millennial kingdom - Jesus will Union with Brahma - the ultimate
return & reign for 1,000 year as Impersonal One.
promised. Revelation 20:4
Heaven, paradise, the New
Jerusalem - eternal
Philippians 3:20-21, Revelation
chapter 21 & 22.
Hell - place of eternal suffering
for those who rejected God &
Jesus. Revelation 20:10-15
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