Great Religions

In the wake of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C., some Americans' anger and frustration boiled into a cauldron of resentment against Arabs in general and Muslims in particular. On Internet message boards, one frequently offered suggestion was that the United States should "just bomb them" or "nuke them," with "them" presumably referring to Afghanistan and any other nations one might suspect of harboring terrorists.

Of more immediate significance were threats and slurs directed at people in America whose physical features suggested they might be Islamic. In an attempt to stifle such eruptions of hatred, President Bush and other leaders rightly called on Americans to allow their government to exact retribution, and meanwhile to avoid venting anger upon their fellow Americans who may look or act differently from themselves.

Islam was frequently described as one of the world's great religions.

Is it? What constitutes a "great religion"? Is there more than one road to salvation? Are Jews okay because they worship the LORD as He revealed Himself to them in the Old Testament?

The two components of a great religion are its effect on society and its effect on the individual practitioner. When I think of religions that are good for society, modern Mormonism--stripped of certain of its original tenets, including encouraging polygamy--comes to mind. In my observation and experience, Mormons as a group are great workers, neighbors, business associates, and citizens. Unfortunately, Mormons have also distorted the Scriptures and superseded them with their own strange writings. So while Mormons are great for the health of society, their rejection of Jesus Christ precludes salvation for the individual (John 3:5, John 14:6, Romans 10:9-10, Acts 4:12). Thus, Mormonism is not a great religion.

What about Judaism? Along with the Apostle Paul (Romans 9:1-5), I appreciate the heritage passed on by the Jews, the Christians' spiritual ancestors, yet grieve that so many Jews do not acknowledge Jesus and receive Him as their Messiah. Can a Jew go to heaven? Certainly! The criterion for salvation for Jews is the same as for Gentiles--receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Whenever I meet a Jewish believer I am reminded of Jesus' greeting to Nathanael, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!"

Islam, like Judaism, is not a great religion. As with the Mormons, its faithful adherents live by a strict moral code that prohibits most anti-social behavior. Yet because Islam also rejects the Lordship of Jesus, it is not a great religion. No matter how admirable a person's lifestyle, without Jesus he is lost (see above references).

What, then, should be the attitude of a Christian toward Muslims? or toward Jews, Mormons, or other non-believers?

First, the Bible repeatedly warns that we are not to mistreat "the alien among [us]." Such a person is a creature of God, made in Him image. And who knows whether or not such a person, who is as lost as every Christian once was, is a future brother or sister in Christ?

Second, we are to live as Christ did, so that others "may see [our] good works and glorify [our] Father in heaven." By our love, the world is to learn that God has sent Jesus into the world as Redeemer and Lord. While Judaism and Islam both teach the value of good works, to both groups the selfless love of God is a foreign concept. When we exhibit selfless love, we encourage unbelievers to seek God.

Finally, we must always, always be humble about our relationship with God. Christians do not receive what they deserve. They receive what God, in His infinite love and mercy determined to give them, even before He created the universe. Jesus taught that "whoever exalts himself will be abased, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 14:11). He spoke these words of warning, not to unbelievers, but to believers.

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