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Comparative Religions and Denominations
Comparative religion refers to the study that analyzes the differences and similarities of concepts, myths, themes and rituals among the religions in the world. It also refers to man’s ideas about the spiritual, the sacred and the divine.
1,699 Questions
What time of year does the pilgrimage happen?
This would depend on the pilgrims religion. For instance.....
A Muslim ( being a person of the Islamic faith), will make a pilgrimage (called Hajj) to Mecca (Makkah) at least once in their lifetime, as long as they are physically and financially able too. The annual Hajj begins in the month of Dhul Hijjan, which is the 12th month in the Islamic (Luna) calender year. A pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the "5 pillars of Islam".
What is the difference buddhism and christianity?
The main difference is that Christians believe in Jesus as God and as humanity's only salvation. Buddhists don't have a theology-- Buddha is not necessarily God. Buddhists see that there are many paths to salvation/enlightenment.
What are the differences between Seventh Day Adventists and Christian Jews?
In certain ways, they are similar. However, there are lots of key differences, like the belief in Jesus Christ! But, the similarities lie in the fact that they both observe the original Sabbath of God, and that they both use Kosher laws to choose what is clean and unclean to eat.
The other similarities are the same that lie between any Christian denomination and Judaism
Does testament mean an agreement?
# Something that serves as tangible proof or evidence: The spacious plan of the city is a testament to the foresight of its founders. # A statement of belief; a credo: my political testament. # Law. A written document providing for the disposition of a person's property after death; a will. # Testament Bible. Either of the two main divisions of the Bible. # Archaic. A covenant between humans and God. Taken from Answers.com As far as Christianity is concerned, the most important meaning is #5 - a Covenant with God. It is also important to note that the "New Testament" (I will write my laws into their hearts and put them in their minds and they shall be my people and I shall be their God and they shall NOT teach every man his brother and every man his neighbor saying know the Lord, for ALL shall know me from the least to the greatest... for ye have an unction from the Holy One and ye know all things... and Christ shall reign over the house of Israel for a thousand years) is NOT in effect during Mathew, Mark, Luke, John, and the first 13 chapters of Acts. These are OLD Testament books. Old Testament Law and the keeping of it was still being taught in M,M,L,& J by Christ and afterwards by the Apostles in the first part of Acts. The period we live in now is called the "Dispensation of the Grace of God" and was committed to the Apostle Paul. It is not Old or New Testament. It is a "mystery hid in God from the foundation of the world" according to Paul and it is a free gift. We don't have to do a thing but believe on Christ to get salvation and it doesn't matter who you are either. That is something unique to Paul's Epistles - Romans through Philemon. PAUL is our designated by God leader now - not the Apostles or even Christ himself. We are commanded to follow Christ by following Paul, his chosen Apostle at this time. The Old Testament, (keeping the written Law for God's favor) which was "to none but unto the Jew only" was phased out in Acts and the Dispensation of the Grace of God was phased in. The New Testament will not happen until Christ returns to rapture us out and claim his throne to reign over the house of Israel for a thousand years - Hebrews through Revelation. When the New Testament does get here there will be no need for a written Law and there will be no excuses. Everyone will know it by "unction" and keep it instinctively - unlike the Old Testament when people had to study it and live up to it in spite of human limitations. No one ever did it either so God let them give blood sacrifices instead of die themselves for their own transgressions.
How does Confucianism differ from Taoism?
Taoism is all about man's relationship with nature, whereas, Confucianism is all about man's relationship with his fellow man.
Taoism is polytheistic, whereas Confucianism is monotheistic.
Is religious group the Seventh-day Adventists the same as Jehovah's Witnesses?
Seventh-day Adventist are definitely Christian.
According to their Baptismal Vow and their list of Fundamental Beliefs, Seventh-day Adventists state the Holy Scriptures are their rule of faith. This is also in conjunction with holding that Ellen G White was "the Lord's Messenger", whose writings are, "a continuing and authoritative source of truth. . . ." per Covenant #8 of their Baptismal Vow or #18 of their list of Fundamental Beliefs.
According to their own internal survey an overwhelming majority of Adventists believe Ellen G. White had the gift of Prophecy. Although never claiming the title of Prophet personally, Ellen G White stated the title of Prophet was limited compared to the scope of her role in the Church.
Although it is frequently stated that members are not required to hold Ellen G White in veneration as a "messenger of the Lord" Ellen G White's writings own writings suggest acceptance of her gift as a test of fellowship in the church. In Pages 328-9, of Testimonies to the Church Volume One, Ellen G White wrote about those who argued or fought against the visions she received that,
"the church may know that they are not right."
Adventists as a group:In addition to the some of the primary beliefs of Orthodox Christianity, Adventists also believe--- Christians are required to observe the Sabbath given to the Israelites in Exodus Chapter 20.
- Worship on Sunday (Lord's Day) is "The Mark of the Beast" and Sabbath Observance is indicative of the Seal of God.
- The anti-Christ is the Catholic Church (as an institution) headed by the Papacy.
- The last days include religious persecution against Sabbath keepers including the institution of National Sunday Laws.
- Soul Sleep (dead are asleep in the grave until the resurrection)
- Reject the teaching of an eternal hell.
- In the ultimate and total annihilation of the Satan, his angels and the wicked in the lake of fire.
- Investigative Judgment / Physical Heavenly Sanctuary
- That Christ's death on the cross while necessary only covered our sins.
- -24. Christ's Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary:
There is a sanctuary in heaven, the true tabernacle which the Lord set up and not man. In it Christ ministers on our behalf, making available to believers the benefits of His atoning sacrifice offered once for all on the cross.
- The final cleansing of sins began in 1844 and is currently happening in a physical Heavenly Sanctuary and will continue until just before the Second Coming.
- The investigative judgment reveals to heavenly intelligences who among the dead are asleep in Christ and therefore, in Him, are deemed worthy to have part in the first resurrection. It also makes manifest who among the living are abiding in Christ, keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and in Him, therefore, are ready for translation into His everlasting kingdom. This judgment vindicates the justice of God in saving those who believe in Jesus. It declares that those who have remained loyal to God shall receive the kingdom. The completion of this ministry of Christ will mark the close of human probation before the Second Advent.
- Ellen G. White was an inspired writer given special revelations from God for his church during these last days.
- Her writings are on par to those Prophets in the Bible.
- Dietary health laws still apply.
- When using the term "the Law" or "Law of God" are speaking EXCLUSIVELY of the 10 Commandments as opposed the Law in its entirety as recorded by Moses in the first 5 Books of the Old Testament.
- Do NOT keep a weekly Sabbath.
- Believe Jesus is ALREADY invisibly "present" in Kingdom power since 1914.
- Completely reject the trinity as non-biblical.
- Believe the dead are asleep in the grave until the resurrection.
- Believe that the last days are already upon us.
- Believe that the anti-Christ is all of apostate Christendom
Seventh-Day Adventists are not known for going from house-to-house. Jehovah's Witnesses involve every member in training for their trademark ministry; from youth to those 90+ years old; every week of their life.
Yes, the second largest group of Protestants in the US , after Baptists. (Though very technically, Methodism started as a revival movement in the Anglican Church, not really a part of the Protestant Reformation)
AnswerYes.What is the difference between the baptist church and the church of christ?
Also, keep in mind that the Church of Christ believes that the Lord's supper should be taken every Sunday as the Bible gives example to. Acts 20:7 KJV
"And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight."
Church of Christ also believes that instruments should be outside of the church.
- Ephesians 5:19 KJV
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;& Colossians 3:16 KJV
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Whether it is okay or not for isntruments to be inside the church is not clearly stated in the Bible. However, you will find that the Church of Christ will not fill in blanks where the Bible has blanks. It is simply better to be safe than sorry.
and also, that women should be silent to men in the church (basically, this means that when a male is present, he should lead prayer or the sermon. women may lead Sunday school classes for children or their own study groups with other women and/or children, but women do not pray or preach aloud in the church service)"Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law" (1 Corinthians 14:34).
What do both Judaism and Christianity believe in?
Both religions believe in the idea of one God (though the concept of God is viewed very differently within the two religions).
Both religions share the Hebrew Bible, though the Christian version, called the Old Testament, is only read in translation and the early church changed the order of the books. Jews keep the Hebrew Bible in its original order.
Both religions teach a philosophy of treating others with kindness (though the early and medieval Christians were not very kind to Jews.)
What makes the Lutherans different?
Catholics believe the pope is the vicar of Christ on earth, Lutherans do not.
Catholics believe they are saved by faith and good works. Lutherans believe they are saved by faith alone.
Catholics believe in Purgatory, Lutherans do not.
What religions reject gay people?
Because marriage is between a man and a woman. There is no such thing as Adam and sSeve; it was Adam and Eve. Also when two people of the same sex get together they cannot reproduce. Marriage is not just about love; God also created it to reproduce within the right context.
Because we think that Jesus didn't want that. Just think would Jesus do that?
Answer 2:
Religions don't reject gays as individuals; they reject the act of sodomy which the Scriptures deem as sinful (see Romans 1:26,27). Leviticus 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Leviticus 20:13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. Romans 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Is Catholicism the right religion to believe?
Yes, as it is revealed by God: Catholicism is "right" because it is the Church that Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit founded and guaranteed to be with it until the end of time.
Because Jesus chose Peter, and his successors to be His Vicars on earth and send the apostles, and their successors out into the world to bring Him to the world, and the world to Him. Because I trust that God doesn't make mistakes, and that what He said He would do, He will do.
I was baptized in a Methodist Church, my mother's family church, then I was brought up in a Lutheran Church - the "compromise" church of my Catholic father and Methodist mother. Then in seventh grade Confirmation class, I paid attention and realized that Martin Luther was one seriously misled individual. I joined the Episcopal Church, and was subsequently confirmed in that church. But as I prayed, and studied, and I realized that all those churches that I had been brought up in and educated in had been formed by men many centuries after Jesus died. I read the Scriptures, and prayed; and it became rather clear that Jesus only founded one Church, that He guaranteed that the one Church would be IT until the end of time and It only would he remain with and guard from all error.
Because I trust Jesus Christ a lot more than I trust Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Martin Luther, John Calvin, or any of the other individuals who thought they knew better than the Holy Spirit. Because I can read about this ONE religion in the Bible from It's start back then, and go up the road to a Church for Mass - to the very same religion that it is talking about, the same religion that Paul preached and that Peter wrote about.
That is why I know that the Catholic religion is right, because God would not lie to me, but men would for whatever reasons they may have, and when it comes to my eternal salvation, and that of my family; and to the love of my Blessed Lord, I am going to trust His Word, not those of dissatisfied people that lived fifteen centuries after He walked this earth.
Another PerspectiveSince all the major religions of the world are taught and driven by people, no one can say which one is right. Each teaches that it is the one true religion. Each teaches that it has the best route to God, that it knows what God wants and it knows what people need to do to live a life that pleases God.
There is no one with the ability to answer your very leading question because it has no answer. You must decide for yourself what is the "right" religion for you by studying its doctrines to see how they synchronize with your own world view.
What are the main differences between Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox?
AnswerIn the beginning of Christianity, there was only one Church. As Christianity began to spread to the four corners of the known world, it was decided that there needed to be a "central" location from which to teach and congregate as well as a place for the office handed down from Jesus. "The keys to the kingdom". It was decided that Rome should be that location. However, that was not a unanimous decision. Almost half of the Church leaders thought that Constantinople should be where we should establish the "Physical" Church. Due to this argument, the now referred to "Orthodox Catholics" split off and denounced Papal authority. This was the first split from the Church Jesus established, but certainly not the last.
Orthodox do not make the cross with their left hand, it is with their right .
Do Jehovah's Witnesses invite everyone into their church?
Yes. I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses. and we welcome any one wanting to learn about Jehovah. A LITTLE FURTHER Also, at our meetings, there is never a collection plate or any other call for money. Since there is no paid clergy, all meetings are conducted voluntarily by unpaid persons. If you visit a Kingdom Hall, you will be welcomed, and made to feel at home, no matter of your race, social status, language, etc. Back-up Absolutely! Whatever Kingdom Hall you go, you will be treated wonderfully!! == I tell you anybody who is anybody is invited to meetings no matter who you are or where you come from. It's open to all. I attend their meetings and I must say what was said above is so true. They treat you like their family and show a lot of love. Before when I was younger and didnt undertand much about them I use to find going there to be lame but when I really started to seek the truth and accepted a bible study I really got enlightened. When you come to have an appreciation for the truth it is like life to you. It can never be boring and it's never like learning the same thing over and over it's like getting new spiritual food every time you attend the meetings. You can participate and share your experiences. Other places you have to sit down for two three hours and listen to what they want you to know. I've started to read my Bible more since every sentence they make there is always a scripture to follow. I encourage anyone who is truly seeking the truth about Jehovah to attend their meetings or accept a bible study. It really helped me and I know it will help you too. Additonal: We turn nobody away no matter what your background as long as you have a yearning to learn the truth we encourage that. And when you step through that door, to us you are family and we have a strong appreciation for anyone who wants to learn the truth. We try to invite as many people as possible to come to our meetings so that they can learn more.
Who is the god of sun light and truth?
There is no real god called the god of "sun light and truth", but there is one God, the God who created the Universe and Everything in it, and he is the Son, the Light and the Truth.
AnswerThe most prominent deities in the pantheons of the gods were solar deities. Among these were Osiris, Vishnu, Mithra, Apollo, Hercules, Adonis, Bacchus, and Baal. St. Augustine believed that Samson and the sun god Hercules were one. Jesus is also equated with the Sun. His birthday was assigned to Dec 25, the birth of the new sun (Winter Solstice).
AnswerJesus is indeed connected with the sun in that He is its creator. He did a good job of creating our sun too, since it is just the right distance from the earth (He did a great job with that as well) and is stable, unlike so many other suns we know about which have flares which regularly would destroy all life on this planet if placed where our sun is.
The placement of the commemoration of Jesus' birth on December 25th does not in any way prove the alleged connection. We also know His actual birth date was not then.
Another Answer:
In Greek mythology, Apollo was the God of sun, light, and truth.
What are the doctrinal differences between the Southern Baptist and Free Will Baptist churches?
A very good question for a beginning denominational lesson.
I can answer this based on my area and the books and lessons I have learned. In
each region in America there are likely slight curves or differences even in the same denomination. However the Southern Baptist are the largest and most active of all the baptists. This is not to say that the FWB don't do lots of Godly work, they do. (I'm a Freewill myself.) Furthermore the SB churches are more consolidated than the FWB church is.
You can find more differences among FWB than you can the Southern Baptists, laymen and clergy alike. In my area of eastern US including KY, VA, OH and IN there are FWB churches that are affiliated with an association. (A group of FWB united in doctrine and bylaws that cover a larger area.) The largest FWB association by far is the National FWB association and they stress tithing just as the Southern baptists do. The John-Thomas association has ministers who don't believe the bible commands the church to tithe 10 percent, but "to give cheerfully according to your ability of your money and time. God is mainly concerned with your desire to serve Him, not your ability to put 10 percent in the plate." ( I'm telling you the differences, you read and make your own decision.) Furthermore, the FWB churches are louder in their worship and less predictable in the order of things. You will see Freewill worship in a style more like a Pentecostal church except they don't practice speaking in unknown tongues or "being slain in the spirit." In some areas you may find a FWB Pentecostal or and independent church that calls themselves FWB but practice unknown tongues or being "slain in spirit".
The FWB in my area are all part of either the John-Thomas or the National Association and do not practice these relatively new ideas of Pentecost. Nevertheless the FWB do believe in shouting, running, crying, and praising God by lifting up holy hands. Most of this happens during the singing. When the preaching comes you see a more quiet, attentive ear. Although some preaching gets folks stirred up and you may hear clapping, shouting and praising but generally we do not interrupt the preaching unless guided that way by the preacher himself. Ex: "Get up church and praise Him! Let folks know you are not ashamed." Or something like that. Other services are quieter and more like a teaching service than a worship. FWB believe that saved men can willingly turn their back on God's grace and walk no more with God and be condemned to Hell if they remain that way at death. We believe that a saved person can tempt God by sinning continually to the point of apostasy and thus never be able to return to His grace.
All other Baptist including SB believe in eternal security and once you have been saved you can never fall away back into sin. (I never could understand this because all men are liable to sin and fall into sin even after salvation. God can and is willing to deliver us if we call on him. However some folks go deeper into sin after fervently serving God, but "If a righteous man turn from his righteousness to do wickedly, all the righteousness he hath done will not be remembered. HE WILL DIE IN HIS SIN" look that up. Ezekiel 3:20-21
The Southern Baptist, Regular Baptist and Primitive Baptist put less stress on baptism of water than the FWB. However all agree that the water doesn't have any ability or power to save or wash away sin. Only the Blood of Christ and our faith in that can do that.
SB services will generally include contemporary singing and the whole congregation quietly paying attention. the deacon will come by for the offering and then the preacher will preach his sermon that he has prepared. FWB generally don't prepare a drawn out sermon but preach as they have studied the bible and as they feel led of the Holy Spirit. But I have heard our minister preach a sermon and use the same general message again at another FWB church or after a while use it again. But from memory, not notes.
These are some differences. I love God's people no matter what denomination as long as they live and teach and preach the Holy Bible not some new thing. The old is sufficient. God Bless u.
The main doctrinal differences belong in two major categories. The first has to do with basic theology. Free Will Baptists are Arminian, Southern Baptists tend toward Calvinism. The main point is that Free Will Baptists believe that a person who has accepted Jesus as their Savior can, willfully and knowingly, divorce themselves from faith in Jesus Christ. This condition is known as apostasy. The person who has willingly entered into apostasy, a renunciation of faith in Christ, is forever lost and cannot be renewed again to faith. Southern Baptists, in general, do not believe that a true believer in Christ will, or sometimes can, renounce their faith in Christ.
Secondly, in the area of church ordinances, Free Will Baptists believe in three ordinances; Believer's Baptism, Lord's Supper, and Washing the Saints' Feet. Southern Baptist only believe in two ordinances; Believer's Baptism and Lord's Supper.
Is judaism the one true religion?
According the Judaism, the Jewish faith is the only correct faith for the Jewish people. Judaism also sets general guidelines for other acceptable faiths, but does not claim that Judaism is "more right" or "more proper" for non-Jews than any religion that meets the guidelines.
Of course, any non-Jew would quickly say that Judaism is not the one true religion since his religion would naturally be the one true religion to him. Additionally, Atheists would not answer the question since they believe that all religions are false.
What are two Protestant denominations?
Protestantism is one of the major groupings within Christianity. It has been defined as "any of several church denominations denying the universal authority of the Pope and affirming the Reformation principles of justification by faith alone, the priesthood of all believers, and the primacy of the Bible as the only source of revealed truth" and, more broadly, to mean Christianity outside "of a Catholic or Eastern church".[1] It is a movement that began in Germany in the early 16th century as a reaction against medieval Roman Catholic doctrines and practices, especially in regards to salvation, justification, and ecclesiology. The doctrines of the various Protestant denominations vary, but most include the Ten Commandments, justification by grace through faith alone, known as Sola Gratia and Sola Fide respectively, the priesthood of all believers, and the Bible as the supreme authority in matters of faith and morals, known as Sola Scriptura Latin for "by scripture alone".
In the 16th century, the followers of Martin Luther established the evangelical (Lutheran) churches of Germany and Scandinavia. Reformed churches in Hungary, Scotland, Switzerland and France were established by John Calvin and other reformers such as Huldrych Zwingli. In addition, John Knox established a Calvinist communion in the Church of Scotland and also the Reformed Church in Hungary. The Church of England became independent of papal authority and influenced by some Reformation principles. There were also reformation movements throughout continental Europe known as the Radical Reformation which gave rise to the Anabaptist, Moravian, and other pietistic movements.
Where did the Jews worship in the temple?
well the Jews worshiped INSIDE of a temple. that temple was located in Jerusalem, the capital of Israel. did u know the first temple was built by King Solomon? it was then destroyed by the Babylonians.
What makes a religion true? Truth is a very tricky word & there are many different aspects to even one religion. The two prominent religions of today (Islam & Christianity) are based on Holy Books, which contain scientific errors, cruelty, stupidity, and out right insanity. So I suppose one could say they're false in that sense. However, they also preach love, peace, respect, etc. These philosophies work well for our society, so maybe they're true in that sense. But overall, it's hard to pin point what true religion is when they all have different perspectives on how to live & what happens after you die.
Different ways of life work for different people, depending on your environment. If you're into religion, you just need to learn as much as possible about it & find which one works best for you. Or you could just ignore all of them together & stick to the scientific explanations of the world.
Answer 2: Yes, yes it does.
Does Hinduism have a religious book?
Yes. Ramayana and Mahabharata are the two important holy books of Hinduism. Bhagavad Gita [The technical part of Book 6 of the Mahabharata is also the world famous one].
All vedas are holy books but unfortunately most of them are not available now.
Geeta is also a holy book.
How are Christianity and Paganism similar?
Christianity is an Abrahamic faith and Hinduism a has Dravidic origins. As a result the cultural memes present ar e different. Both are deity related (have a god system for instructing humanity) and believe the deity created thee Universe, belive that being "good" is essentially the better path, have religious texts and a priesthood. Common points of comparison are:
Hinduism
- Believes in reincarnation porwntiallly leacing to a paradise which is temporary
- Believes in a single god represented in several avatars
- Can't eat meat (So that they don't risk eating a reincarnated family member)
- Believes in heaven/hell in the afterlife which is an ultimate goal or condition
- Believes in one god represented (by many Christians) as 3 aspects
- Have no eating restrictions although many foods are not eaten by cultural edicts
What is the difference between Gandhi and Buddha?
I know the difference between the two Buddha's but forgive me, for I do not remember the name of the type of Buddhism that uses each. (I believe one began with an M and the other a T) First off, there was a divide among the people if Buddha was a god or just a teacher. Those who thought he was a god went their own separate way to practice their religion based on Buddha (Siddartha Gautama) as a god. While the other group practiced his teachings as a great teacher and not a god. Therefore, the meditating Buddha represents the Buddhists who believed he was a teacher and Lord Buddha was a god.
What prayer does the Jewish and Christian faith share?
I would say that they shouldn't. Christians are praying to a trinity, and therefore Idolatry in Jewish views. Any prayers that a Jew would pray to G-d should be pure and accepting to G-d and not contaminated by the Christian idolatry. If a Christian is praying to his view of G-d(s), the Jew should remain quiet out of respect for the individual, but not for his prayer. The Jew should not take part in any part of the prayer at all especially the ending of the prayer where the Christians say amen.
Some might argue that the Jew could just as easy pray his own prayer at the same time as the Christian, however would this really be accepting to G-d? Prayer is sacred, and that it why we take such great strides to keep it that way (like no tallit in the bathroom). Sit quietly and allow the Christian to finish praying, then do your prayers as you normally would.
