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Why do other religions integrate Jesus into there religions

Rev. Dr. Cecil W Thorn, ThD

If Jesus’ claim to be the Messiah or God incarnate were a hoax, it would be difficult to explain why so many other religions incorporate him into their beliefs. While these religions often interpret Jesus differently than Christianity, they still regard him as a significant figure. The fact that he holds such a central place across religious traditions suggests that his life, teachings, and legacy have had an enduring impact on human spirituality and history.

Reasons Why Other Religions Incorporate Jesus:

  1. Influence of His Teachings: Jesus’ teachings on love, compassion, justice, and forgiveness resonate with universal values that transcend specific religious boundaries.
  2. Historical Significance: As a major historical figure, Jesus has influenced the cultural and philosophical development of many societies.
  3. Respect for Prophets and Teachers: Many religions incorporate Jesus as part of their broader tradition of respecting prophets, sages, or enlightened beings.
  4. Adaptation of Ideas: Some religions have adapted aspects of Jesus’ message to fit within their own religious framework, even if they do not accept him as the divine Son of God.

Here is a list of various religions and how they incorporate Jesus:

1. Islam

  • Title for Jesus: Isa (Jesus in Arabic) is considered one of the greatest prophets, but not divine.
  • How Jesus is Incorporated:
    • Prophet and Messenger: In Islam, Jesus (Isa) is a revered prophet who preached monotheism and was sent to guide the Children of Israel.
    • Virgin Birth: Muslims believe in the virgin birth of Jesus, but do not see him as the Son of God.
    • Miracles: Jesus performed many miracles, such as healing the sick and raising the dead, by God’s permission.
    • Role in End Times: Muslims believe Jesus will return before the Day of Judgment to restore justice, fight the Antichrist, and establish peace.
    • Rejection of Crucifixion: Islam teaches that Jesus was not crucified but was taken up to heaven by God, with another person possibly being substituted on the cross.

2. Judaism

  • Title for Jesus: Yeshua, viewed as a historical figure but not the Messiah.
  • How Jesus is Incorporated:
    • Teacher or Rabbi: In modern Jewish thought, Jesus is often seen as a teacher or reformer who lived during the Second Temple period.
    • Not the Messiah: Traditional Judaism rejects the idea that Jesus was the promised Messiah, as they believe the Messianic age has not yet come.
    • Influence on Christianity: Some Jewish scholars acknowledge that Jesus influenced Christian ethics, which were shaped by Jewish law and prophetic teachings.

3. Baha’i Faith

  • Title for Jesus: A Manifestation of God.
  • How Jesus is Incorporated:
    • One of Many Manifestations: In the Baha’i faith, Jesus is viewed as one of several divine manifestations, alongside other figures like Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Krishna, and Muhammad. Each of these figures brought a message from God appropriate to their time.
    • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Baha’is believe that Jesus’ role as a savior is real, but his message was completed by later figures, including the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh, who they see as the latest Manifestations.
    • Spiritual Teachings: Baha’is respect and honor the moral teachings of Jesus, particularly those about love and unity.

4. Hinduism

  • Title for Jesus: Some view Jesus as a saint, guru, or even an avatar.
  • How Jesus is Incorporated:
    • Divine Teacher (Guru): Some Hindus view Jesus as a wise spiritual teacher or guru who embodied divine qualities like love and compassion.
    • Avatar: A minority of Hindus interpret Jesus as an avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu, similar to how Krishna or Rama are understood as divine incarnations. However, this is not a mainstream view.
    • Jesus and Karma: Certain Hindu schools compare Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice to the concept of karma and dharma, emphasizing his role in spiritual liberation.

5. Buddhism

  • Title for Jesus: Viewed as a bodhisattva or an enlightened teacher.
  • How Jesus is Incorporated:
    • Bodhisattva: In some Buddhist traditions, Jesus is seen as a bodhisattva, a being who has attained enlightenment and seeks to help others reach it. This aligns with the compassionate aspect of Jesus’ teachings.
    • Moral Teacher: Buddhists admire Jesus’ ethical teachings on love, nonviolence, and self-sacrifice, which parallel many of their own values.
    • Jesus and Nirvana: Some Buddhists appreciate how Jesus lived a life focused on inner peace and helping others, which aligns with the goal of nirvana—liberation from suffering.

6. New Age Spirituality

  • Title for Jesus: An enlightened being or spiritual master.
  • How Jesus is Incorporated:
    • Spiritual Teacher: In New Age beliefs, Jesus is often regarded as a spiritually enlightened master who came to show humanity how to reach higher consciousness or inner divinity.
    • Christ Consciousness: Some New Age followers adopt the concept of “Christ Consciousness,” which refers to the idea that everyone can attain a state of spiritual awakening and enlightenment similar to that which Jesus exemplified.
    • Universal Love: Jesus’ teachings about love, compassion, and peace are central themes in many New Age interpretations of his message.

7. Christian Science

  • Title for Jesus: The Savior, but with a metaphysical interpretation.
  • How Jesus is Incorporated:
    • Divine Healer: Christian Science teaches that Jesus’ healing ministry demonstrates the power of divine Mind (God) over the physical world. His healings are seen as the result of understanding spiritual laws.
    • Not God Incarnate: While Jesus is highly revered in Christian Science, they distinguish between Jesus (the man) and Christ (the divine idea or Principle that he manifested). They do not believe Jesus is God incarnate in the traditional Trinitarian sense.

8. Unitarian Universalism

  • Title for Jesus: A moral teacher, not divine.
  • How Jesus is Incorporated:
    • Moral Example: Unitarian Universalists (UU) regard Jesus as a great moral teacher who set an example of compassion, justice, and love.
    • Not God or Savior: UU generally rejects the traditional Christian belief in Jesus’ divinity or atoning death, but they value his ethical teachings as applicable for modern life.

9. Jehovah’s Witnesses

  • Title for Jesus: The Son of God, but distinct from God the Father.
  • How Jesus is Incorporated:
    • Archangel Michael: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus was the Archangel Michael in heaven before his earthly life and became the Messiah as a perfect human being.
    • Not Part of the Trinity: They reject the Trinity, believing that Jesus is a distinct and separate being from God the Father, though he is the Savior.
    • Mediator and King: Jesus plays a central role as the mediator between God and humans and will soon reign as King during God’s Kingdom on earth.

Here are some additional religions and how they incorporate Jesus:

10. Sikhism

  • Title for Jesus: A saint or holy man.
  • How Jesus is Incorporated:
    • Respect for Jesus: Sikhism views Jesus as a highly respected holy man or saint who exemplified virtues such as love, truth, and humility. However, Sikhs do not see him as God or divine.
    • Unity of God: Sikhism teaches that God is one, formless, and beyond incarnation, so Jesus is seen more as an enlightened teacher whose life reflects divine qualities rather than as an incarnation of God.
    • Common Ethical Teachings: Sikh teachings about selfless service, compassion, and equality resonate with the moral teachings of Jesus.

11. Ahmadiyya Islam

  • Title for Jesus: A prophet, with an extended role in Islamic history.
  • How Jesus is Incorporated:
    • Prophet and Messiah: The Ahmadiyya Muslim community believes that Jesus (Isa) was a prophet and the Messiah, but they differ from mainstream Islam in their belief about his death. They teach that Jesus survived the crucifixion, traveled east, and lived out the rest of his life in Kashmir, India.
    • Return of Jesus: Like mainstream Muslims, Ahmadis believe that Jesus will return before the Day of Judgment, but they believe he will return as a spiritual guide rather than a physical ruler.

12. Rastafarianism

  • Title for Jesus: A prophet or divine figure.
  • How Jesus is Incorporated:
    • Black Messiah: In Rastafarianism, Jesus is often viewed as a black African messiah or a symbol of resistance against oppression. Some Rastafarians see him as a precursor to Haile Selassie, the Ethiopian emperor who they believe is the true messiah.
    • Spiritual Influence: Jesus is acknowledged for his teachings on love and justice, and his life is often compared to that of Haile Selassie, who they believe fulfills messianic prophecies.

13. Theosophy

  • Title for Jesus: A great spiritual teacher and Master.
  • How Jesus is Incorporated:
    • One of the Ascended Masters: In Theosophy, Jesus is considered one of the “Ascended Masters,” enlightened spiritual beings who guide humanity toward spiritual evolution.
    • Christ Principle: Theosophists believe that the “Christ Principle” is a universal spiritual force that can be manifested by different figures across time. Jesus was one who fully manifested this principle.
    • Connection to Other Religions: Theosophy views Jesus as one among many spiritual figures like Buddha, Krishna, and others who embody divine wisdom.

14. Manichaeism (Ancient Religion)

  • Title for Jesus: An important prophet of light.
  • How Jesus was Incorporated:
    • Jesus as a Prophet: In Manichaeism, an ancient religion that blended elements of Christianity, Zoroastrianism, and Buddhism, Jesus was viewed as a prophet who revealed divine wisdom and light.
    • Dualistic View: Jesus was seen as a figure who represented the force of light, in a dualistic struggle between good (light) and evil (darkness).
    • Spiritual Savior: Jesus’ role was more spiritual than physical; he was a guide for liberating the soul from the material world of darkness.

15. Mormonism (Latter-day Saint Movement)

  • Title for Jesus: The Son of God, the Savior of the world.
  • How Jesus is Incorporated:
    • Divine Savior: Mormons (Latter-day Saints) believe in Jesus Christ as the literal Son of God, born of Mary. He is central to their faith as the Savior who atoned for humanity’s sins through his death and resurrection.
    • Pre-Mortal Existence: They teach that Jesus existed in a pre-mortal state as the first-born spirit child of Heavenly Father, and that he played a central role in the creation of the world.
    • Appearing in the Americas: The Book of Mormon teaches that after his resurrection, Jesus appeared to the ancient peoples of the Americas and delivered his teachings to them as well.

16. Anthroposophy

  • Title for Jesus: The embodiment of the Christ Being.
  • How Jesus is Incorporated:
    • Christ Being: In Anthroposophy, a spiritual movement founded by Rudolf Steiner, Jesus is seen as the physical incarnation of the cosmic Christ, an overarching spiritual being. Jesus’ role was to embody the Christ and bring spiritual transformation to humanity.
    • Spiritual Evolution: Anthroposophy teaches that Jesus’ life and resurrection initiated a new era of spiritual evolution for humanity, connecting people with higher spiritual realms.
    • Two Jesus Children: Steiner also proposed the idea of two distinct Jesus children, one associated with King Solomon’s lineage and another with Nathan’s lineage, who later unified into one individual who became Christ.

17. Gnosticism (Ancient and Modern)

  • Title for Jesus: A divine revealer of knowledge.
  • How Jesus is Incorporated:
    • Revealer of Secret Knowledge (Gnosis): Gnosticism, an ancient religious movement, viewed Jesus as a divine figure who brought secret knowledge (gnosis) that could liberate the soul from the material world, which was seen as corrupt or evil.
    • Christ Spirit: Gnostics often distinguished between the human Jesus and the Christ Spirit, which descended upon Jesus at his baptism and left him before the crucifixion.
    • Salvation Through Knowledge: Salvation, according to Gnosticism, is not through faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection, but through receiving divine knowledge about the true nature of reality and the self.

18. Zoroastrianism

  • Title for Jesus: Not officially recognized, but sometimes acknowledged.
  • How Jesus is Incorporated:
    • Prophet-Like Figure: While Zoroastrianism does not officially incorporate Jesus, some Zoroastrians respect Jesus as a moral teacher and compare his teachings of good versus evil to their own prophet, Zoroaster.
    • Moral Parallels: Certain Zoroastrian concepts of light versus darkness, good versus evil, and the eventual triumph of good over evil have been compared to Jesus’ teachings on the Kingdom of God.

19. Falun Gong (Falun Dafa)

  • Title for Jesus: A holy person, though not central to their teachings.
  • How Jesus is Incorporated:
    • Spiritual Figure: In Falun Gong, a modern spiritual movement, Jesus is respected as a great spiritual figure, though not central to their practice.
    • Moral Influence: Falun Gong practitioners honor many figures from various religious traditions, including Jesus, for his moral teachings and self-sacrifice.

These religions and spiritual movements further illustrate how Jesus is revered across various traditions, often in ways that differ from the traditional Christian understanding but still highlight his significance as a spiritual leader or moral example.

These show how Jesus’ legacy transcends Christianity and influences a wide range of spiritual and religious traditions, each interpreting his life and message in ways that align with their own beliefs.

MY THOUGHTS

The influence of Jesus also extends into interfaith discussions and comparative religion studies, where his life and teachings are examined alongside those of other spiritual leaders. Various religious traditions, often engage with Jesus’ teachings to explore common ethical principles and spiritual insights. This cross-religious dialogue underscores the enduring relevance of Jesus’ message and his ability to inspire and challenge diverse faith communities. By transcending the boundaries of Christianity, Jesus’ legacy continues to foster dialogue and understanding among different religious traditions.

Scripture teaches that Jesus is the exclusive path to receiving forgiveness for sins and obtaining eternal life. According to the Bible, faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to access God’s grace, enter the Kingdom of Heaven, and secure salvation. This foundational belief underscores the significance of Jesus as the mediator between humanity and God, offering redemption and eternal life through his sacrificial death and resurrection.

  1. John 14:6 (ESV): “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
  2. Acts 4:12 (ESV): “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
  3. 1 John 5:11-12 (ESV): “And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”

These verses collectively emphasize that Jesus is the unique and essential means for obtaining salvation and eternal life according to Christian doctrine.

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Jesus replaces the Ten Commandments with the Sermon on the Mount

Rev. Cecil Thorn

Introduction

The Sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew chapters 5 through 7, stands as one of the most significant and comprehensive teachings of Jesus. Delivered early in His ministry, this sermon encapsulates the heart of His message, offering a radical redefinition of righteousness and challenging both religious and societal norms of the time. Jesus addresses a wide range of topics, from the nature of true blessedness in the Beatitudes to the inner workings of the human heart regarding anger, lust, and love for enemies.

In this discourse, Jesus moves beyond the mere letter of the Law to its deeper, spiritual intent, calling His followers to a life of authentic discipleship. He emphasizes the importance of inner purity, genuine faith, and unwavering trust in God, while also laying out ethical guidelines that continue to resonate today. The Sermon on the Mount is not just a moral code but a blueprint for living a life aligned with the kingdom of God—a life marked by humility, mercy, and a relentless pursuit of righteousness.

As we delve into the Sermon on the Mount, we find a portrait of the kingdom that Jesus came to establish, one that turns the world’s values upside down and invites us into a transformative relationship with God and others. This sermon invites us to examine our hearts, align our lives with God’s will, and live in a way that reflects the light of Christ in a world often shrouded in darkness.

The Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 5-7, is one of Jesus’ most well-known teachings, encompassing a wide range of ethical, moral, and spiritual instructions. Here’s a breakdown with comments:

1. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12)

  • Verses 3-6:
    • “Blessed are the poor in spirit…” – Jesus starts by blessing those who recognize their spiritual poverty and need for God. This humility is the gateway to the kingdom of heaven.
    • “Blessed are those who mourn…” – Mourning here can be seen as both literal (those who grieve) and spiritual (those who mourn over sin). Comfort is promised.
    • “Blessed are the meek…” – Meekness is often misunderstood as weakness, but it refers to controlled strength, a gentle spirit that submits to God.
    • “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…” – Jesus blesses those who have a deep longing for justice, righteousness, and God’s will to be done.
  • Verses 7-12:
    • “Blessed are the merciful…” – Mercy involves compassion and forgiveness, and those who show it will receive mercy from God.
    • “Blessed are the pure in heart…” – Purity of heart refers to sincerity and integrity, not just outward righteousness but an inner devotion to God.
    • “Blessed are the peacemakers…” – Peacemakers actively seek reconciliation and harmony, reflecting God’s heart for unity.
    • “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake…” – Jesus acknowledges the reality of persecution for living out kingdom values but assures a reward in heaven.

2. Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16)

  • “You are the salt of the earth…” – Salt preserves and flavors. Christians are called to preserve godliness in the world and add value through their presence.
  • “You are the light of the world…” – Light dispels darkness. Believers are to shine brightly, reflecting Christ’s love and truth to others.

3. Jesus and the Law (Matthew 5:17-20)

  • “I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them…” – Jesus affirms the validity of the Old Testament law but emphasizes its true spirit and intent. He calls for a righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees, who focused on external adherence.

4. Teachings on Anger, Lust, and Divorce (Matthew 5:21-32)

  • Anger (Verses 21-26): Jesus equates anger and contempt with murder, teaching that reconciliation is more important than religious rituals.
  • Lust (Verses 27-30): He intensifies the commandment against adultery, addressing not just the act but the lustful thoughts that lead to it. Radical steps are encouraged to avoid sin.
  • Divorce (Verses 31-32): Jesus upholds the sanctity of marriage, allowing divorce only in cases of sexual immorality, challenging the casual attitudes of his time.

5. Teachings on Oaths, Retaliation, and Love for Enemies (Matthew 5:33-48)

  • Oaths (Verses 33-37): Jesus teaches that one’s word should be sufficient without needing to swear oaths. Integrity should be the norm.
  • Retaliation (Verses 38-42): The principle of “an eye for an eye” is replaced with a call to non-retaliation and going the extra mile, reflecting God’s grace.
  • Love for Enemies (Verses 43-48): Jesus radically calls for loving enemies and praying for those who persecute you, challenging the natural human response of hatred.

6. Giving, Prayer, and Fasting (Matthew 6:1-18)

  • Giving to the Needy (Verses 1-4): Jesus warns against performing righteous acts to be seen by others. True charity is done in secret, known only to God.
  • The Lord’s Prayer (Verses 5-15): Jesus provides a model prayer that emphasizes reverence for God, dependence on Him for daily needs, forgiveness, and spiritual protection.
  • Fasting (Verses 16-18): Like giving and praying, fasting should be done without seeking attention, focusing on spiritual growth.

7. Treasures in Heaven and Trusting God (Matthew 6:19-34)

  • Treasures in Heaven (Verses 19-21): Jesus contrasts earthly and heavenly treasures, urging believers to invest in what is eternal.
  • The Eye as the Lamp (Verses 22-23): A metaphor about spiritual perception – if our focus is on God, our whole life will be illuminated; if it’s on material things, we’ll be in darkness.
  • Do Not Worry (Verses 25-34): Jesus reassures His followers to trust in God’s provision, emphasizing that worry cannot add anything to our lives. Instead, seek God’s kingdom first.

8. Judging Others and the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:1-12)

  • Judging Others (Verses 1-6): Jesus warns against hypocritical judgment, encouraging self-reflection before correcting others. The “log in your eye” illustrates the need for humility.
  • Ask, Seek, Knock (Verses 7-11): A call to persistent prayer, with the assurance that God, as a good Father, will respond.
  • The Golden Rule (Verse 12): “Do to others what you would have them do to you” sums up the Law and the Prophets, emphasizing empathy and active love.

9. Warnings and Encouragements (Matthew 7:13-27)

  • The Narrow and Wide Gates (Verses 13-14): Jesus describes the path to life as narrow and difficult, while the path to destruction is broad and easy. Discipleship requires commitment.
  • True and False Prophets (Verses 15-20): Jesus warns against false prophets, teaching that their true nature is revealed by their “fruit” – their actions and teachings.
  • True and False Disciples (Verses 21-23): Not everyone who claims to follow Jesus will enter the kingdom; only those who do the Father’s will. It’s a call to authentic discipleship.
  • The Wise and Foolish Builders (Verses 24-27): Jesus concludes with a parable contrasting those who hear His words and act on them (wise) with those who don’t (foolish). Building on the solid foundation of Jesus’ teaching leads to stability in life’s storms.

Conclusion

The Sermon on the Mount is a profound and challenging call to live a life that reflects the values of God’s kingdom. Jesus redefines righteousness, focusing on the heart’s condition rather than mere external compliance. His teachings demand introspection, genuine love, and a deep trust in God’s provision and justice.

Website: https://hidingplaceministry.org

Contact Me: [email protected]g

Copyright Notice © 2024 Rev. Dr. Cecil W Thorn, ThD Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy of this work authored by Rev. Dr. Cecil W Thorn, ThD, to distribute, display, and reproduce the work, in its entirety, including verbatim copies, provided that no fee is charged for the copies or distribution. This permission is granted for non-commercial distribution only.

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