Increasingly, Adventist young people are becoming aware of the great religious systems of the world. As their youth leader, you are likely to be asked questions about key elements of these religions, including backgrounds of the founders, significant beliefs and practices, special festivals and rituals and their sacred writings.
Here are a few primary facts, some clues for sharing with others, and a bibliography for further study.
Buddhism
Buddhism is one of the oldest of the world religions practiced today, and it is claimed by 250 million people. The founder was a man named Siddhartha Gautama, who was born near the present-day border between Nepal and India in the sixth or fifth century BC. He was given the title Buddha, which means, the Enlightened One. Buddhists follow a clear “path” in order to become free from suffering and desire, ultimately to “nirvana,” a release from desire and reincarnation.
Hinduism
The Hindu religion practiced today by most of the people in India, has over 330 million gods, but Hindus believe each person has his or her own special god. They believe in a higher spiritual goal of freedom from the cycle of death and suffering in this world, and that they will be reborn someday, according to their “karma,” which is a kind of fate. The Bhagavad-Gita is the single most influential Hindu text.
Islam
Followers of the religion of Islam and the prophet Muhammad (who lived from 570-632 AD) are known as Muslims. They worship on Friday, usually in a mosque. They believe in one God, Allah, and are committed to doing well in their lifetime in order to be judged positively by Allah. They pray often during the day, facing their most holy city, Mecca, which all Muslims hope to visit during their lifetime on a pilgrimage known as a Hajj. Most Muslims observe a holy month, Ramadan. The “Bible” of Islam is called the Quran (also spelled Koran).
Judaism
Being Jewish is both a nationality and a religion. Some Jews are very conservative in their faith. Others are not religious at all. History is very conservative in their faith. History is very important — from Abraham to Exodus, through the Old Testament, to the horrible persecutions, including the Holocaust in World War II. Worship takes place in a synagogue. Sabbath is a very special day, as are a number of holidays and feast days. The Jews are still looking for a Messiah who will come and finally put things right.
Roman Catholicism
A billion people in the world today are Roman Catholic Christians. They trace the beginning of their church structure to Peter’s ministry in Rome. The leader of the church is known as the Pope. Local ministers are priests, respectfully called “Father.” Catholics are baptized as infants, and attend “mass” on Sunday. They pray to Jesus and to “saints,” especially Jesus’ mother, Mary. Both the Bible and the teachings of the church throughout its history are highly respected.
Sharing Your Faith With Members of Other Religions
- Discover common points of faith, such as, your belief in God, in God’s communication, humanity, and in the idea that God wants us to be happy here and to have eternal life.
- Express genuine interest in traditions. Talk about the historical and spiritual significance of holidays. Find ways you can join their celebrations. Share Christian traditions with them.
- Ask for the best spiritual advice. Listen to words from their scriptures. Affirm your belief that “every good and perfect gift is from above,” (James 1:17). Share your favorite Bible verses.
- Share your love for Jesus. Express your admiration for His life and your appreciation for his words.
- Focus on grace. This is probably the biggest difference between your religious systems, as well as the most attractive feature of Christianity. Let Jesus’ amazing, unconditional love be a drawing point (John 12:32).
- "Speak to them, as you have opportunity, upon points of doctrine on which you can agree." Ellen White, Gospel Workers, 119, 120.
- More Great Discussion on World Religions:
- Christopher Blake, editor, A Reason To Believe (Hagerstown, MD: Review&Herald, 1993).
“From: ABZ’s of Adventist Youth Ministry”
© 2000 John Hancock Center for Youth and Family Ministry
Permission to copy for use in the local congregation or group.
