Alternative Religion Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam

Do we care? "It is easy to say we believe a rope to be strong and sound as long as we are using it merely to wrap a box with it. But suppose you have to hang by that rope over a precipice. You would really want to first discover just how trustworthy that rope is” - CS Lewis

Hinduism Hindu Religion rooted in Indus Valley Civilization. ~3300 BC(claim 8500 BC)

Hindu Dharma Hindu dharma has no founder, the word Sanatana implies that it always existed. Acceptance of different modes of worship. Hindu dharma is also called Sanatana Dharma or Eternal Dharma.

Essential Elements Harmony of religions Hindus do not seek to convert. Doctrine of Karma Non Violence Unity of Existence Dharma Humanism Atman Reality Moksha Authority

Concept of God The truth (Ultimate Reality) is one, Sages call it by different names Supreme Reality - Brahman has two aspects, transcendent (impersonal) and immanent (personal). Hindu Deities represent various perceptions of a one God. Hindus believe in monotheistic polytheism, rather than polytheism.

Hindu Trinity Brahma VishnuShiva Represents three manifestations of the supreme reality. Creation + Preservation+ Dissolution

Four Ends of Hindu Life Based on the principle of progressive evolution of soul. Basis of individual and social life of a Hindu. Dharma Artha (Wealth) Kama Moksha

Buddhism Founded about 566 BC in India by Gautama Sidhartha, the Buddha or "Enlightened One", it is one of the Heterodox schools of Hindu philosophy. Major Scriptures : The Tripitaka, Anguttra- Nikaya, Dhammapada, Sutta-Nipata, Samyutta-Nikaya, etc. Life’s goal is Nirvana - the end of change, neither existence nor non-existence. No creator or God, thus no union with Him.

Buddhism: Four Noble Truths The Truth of Suffering The Truth of Origin (Samudaya) of Suffering The Truth of Cessation (Nirodha) of Suffering The Truth of the Path (Marga) To Ending Suffering

Buddhism : Philosophy Rejects ritualistic aspects of the Vedas, but does not deny the higher teachings of the Upanishads. Rejects caste system. Believes in theory of karma and rebirth, but holds that atman (individual spirit) does not transmigrate from one birth to another. Holds that Self and World are both unreal

Islam - History Centers around one Person Muhammed. Born around 570 AD At the age of 40, he began to have religious visions. Died around 632 AD These are now recorded in the Quran as divine scripture.

Islam – Basic Tenants Pillar 1: Faith - There is no god worthy of worship except God and Muhammad is His messenger. Pillar 2: Prayer - Salat is the name for the obligatory prayers which are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper and God. Pillar 3: Zakat - One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. Pillar 4: Fast - Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from first light until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations. Pillar 5: Haj - The pilgrimage to Mecca.

Islam- Articles of Faith God. Angels - Angels exist and interact with human lives. Scripture - There are four inspired books. All but the Qur'an have been corrupted by Jews and Christians. Prophets - God has spoken through numerous prophets throughout time. Last Days - On the last day there will be a time of resurrection and judgment.

Summary Philosophically, you can believe anything, so long as you do not claim it to be true. Morally, you can practice anything, so long as you do not claim it to be a 'better' way. Religiously, you can hold to anything, so long as you do not bring Jesus Christ into it. How does one, to a mood such as this, communicate the message of Jesus Christ, in which Truth and absoluteness are not only assumed, but sustained?“ - Ravi Zacharias